Wild Edible Vegetables Research Articles

Gender vulnerability and coping strategies to changing provisioning ecosystem services in Bongo and Kassena-Nankana West districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana

ABSTRACT Ecosystems provide a wide variety of life-sustaining services but are currently facing severe degradation due to changing land use and cover. Women are presumed to be more affected by declines in provisioning ecosystem services (PES). These claims have not been empirically proven across all contexts and have been contested by recent studies. Few studies in Ghana have attempted to examine this gendered environmental change phenomenon. Underpinned by the vulnerability theory, this paper employed an eclectic methodological approach to examine gender differences in vulnerability and coping with changing PES in Ghana. The findings reveal that both males and females depend highly on agricultural and woodland ecosystems for their livelihood needs. The deterioration in the total areas of the major ecosystems has resulted in significant declines in vital PES such as wild edible fruits and vegetables, medicinal plants and building materials for both men and women over the past decade. The study further reveals that the decreases in fuelwood supply affect women more than men because the former group mostly cooks food in their households, using fuelwood. As adaptation mechanisms, male farmers mostly planted trees on their farms to reclaim unfertile land and conserve forests, while female farmers engage in fruits and vegetable trade in the markets, as well as used non-indigenous spices to enhance the taste of food. Both males and females have also resorted to relying on orthodox medicines contrary to the past. To increase ecosystem resilience, the mainstreaming of ecosystem integrity adaptation practices into national adaptation plans is paramount.

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible vegetables used in agri-foods and traditional medicine in the Ogun Waterside Nigeria

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible vegetables used in agri-foods and traditional medicine in the Ogun Waterside Nigeria

Studies on the Nutritional, Minerals, Mineral Ratio, Anti-nutritional, Molar Ratio and Antioxidant Compositions of Four Selected Leafy Wild Vegetables in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study investigated the nutritional, mineral Anti-nutritional factors, molar ratios and antioxidants compositions in the leaves of four selected wild edible vegetables (Piper guinensis, Piper umbelatum, Celosia argentia and Jatropha tajorensis) collected in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The proximate, minerals and anti-nutrient compositions of the samples were determined using standard procedures. Also antioxidant activity of the samples were detected using standard assays such as 1, 1, diphenyl-2-2 picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP).The mineral ratio, molar ratio and Mineral Safety Index were calculated from mineral results. The results of the proximate compositions for the four wild vegetables for moisture content, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein and carbohydrate ranged from 11.16 - 12.15%, 2.76-4.03%, 4.07 -7.31%, 13.33-16.73%, 7.36 – 10.09%, and 52.09 -58.22% respectively,. The results of the mineral composition revealed high content of K, moderate content of Ca, P, and low contents of Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and very low concentrations of Pb and Ni. Cd was absent in all the samples investigated. Zn/Cu and Fe/Cu ratios indicated low copper load. Antinutrients factors in the vegetable were low with the exception of phytate which can be reduced to non-toxic level through boiling or cooking. The calculated mole ratio for [Phy][Zn], [Ca]/[Phy], [Phy]/[Fe] and [Ca][Phy]/[Zn] conformed with the standard values. The results of the antioxidant properties showed that the wild vegetables are good natural antioxidant sources. The assessment of the vegetables showed that they are rich sources of crude protein, crude fiber and carbohydrate with high energy calories. The mineral ratios and mineral safety index suggested that the minerals could not pose any mineral load to human body. Hence, the vegetables could be explored as supplement diet for man. The vegetables could provide the needed nutrition health benefit and also help in addressing the problem of food security in Nigeria.

Wild edible vegetables of ethnic communities of Mizoram (Northeast India): an ethnobotanical study in thrust of marketing potential

BackgroundAssessment of wild edible vegetables (WEVs) from the ethnobotanical approach is a significant key to understanding indigenous knowledge systems. The available literature has revealed a tremendous decline in knowledge of WEVs over the last few decades. The main purpose of this study was to document and analyse the traditional knowledge of WEVs among the two major ethnic groups of Mizoram regarding their use and the diversity associated with the importance of traditional medicines. Secondly, a market survey will be conducted to determine the status of available WEVs.MethodsThis study conducted an ethnobotanical survey among 72 informants through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires besides direct field observations. The documented data were quantitatively analysed using various ethnobotanical indices, including Informant’s consensus factor (ICF), Fidelity level value (Fl), and Direct matrix ranking (DMR). A marketing survey was conducted in the Bara Bazar, Mizoram's most prominent local market. A total of 38 vendor informants were interviewed to observe and collect the price of commonly sold WEVs.ResultsA total of 70 WEVs, distributed in 58 genera under 36 families, were documented and identified. Of these, 33 WEVs were of medicinal importance. Leafy vegetables were documented as the most frequently consumed parts (55.71%). The majority (44.29%) of the plants documented were consumed in fried form. The highest level of agreement among informants for food used categories was observed for plants combined with dry fish (ICF = 1). The Informant’s consensus factor (ICF) of disease categories ranges from 0.75 to 1, with the highest being reported for convulsion (ICF = 1), sleep inducer (ICF = 1), and antiseptic (ICF = 1). Picria fel-terrae was the most preferred plant for hypertension treatment (100% FL). Direct matrix ranking (DMR) indicated that Dysoxylum excelsum was highly utilized by the inhabitant for multipurpose species (DMR = 64). Jaccard similarity index (JI) between the two ethnic groups was revealed at 1.26. Forty-seven WEVs were found to be commercialized in the Bara Bazar market, Aizawl, with a price range from 0.1 to 2.4 USD. Ensete superbum was reported as near threatened per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.ConclusionThis work highlighted the importance and rich diversity of WEVs in Mizoram, which are presently used among different age groups for food and medicine. Informants have good knowledge of WEVs, which was shared to a great extent among the inhabitants; this legacy of traditional culture must be conserved. This study further suggests a priority setting for conserving multipurpose WEVs in human-inhabited sites, investigating the recorded species' nutritional properties and pharmacological activities.

Consumption Pattern of Wild Edible Green Leafy Vegetables Found in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the consumption pattern of wild edible green leafy vegetables found in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State using a descriptive survey research design. The sample size for this study was two hundred and eleven (211) respondents. A four-likert scale structured questionnaire containing twenty-four (24) items was used for data collection. Data were analysed using mean scores and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that ”Yarin,” “Worowo,” “Gbure,” and “Ebolo" are major wild edible green leafy vegetables found in the study area, and their consumption is quite low. The finding showed that wild edible green leafy vegetables have benefits such as alleviating malnutrition at no cost and can be a good source of income. The findings also showed that urbanisation's preference for cultivated vegetables over wild edible green leafy vegetables, as well as uncultured ideas like ignorance and poverty and well-researched information about cultivated leafy vegetables, are among the factors influencing the intake of wild edible green leafy vegetables. The findings of this study asserted that wild edible green leafy vegetables, when compared with cultivated ones, can alleviate malnutrition, prevent micronutrient deficiency, and equally serve as a source of income at little or no cost. Therefore, it was recommended that there is a need to explore, analyse, and document that wild green edible leafy vegetables are nutritious, health-promoting, and easy to cultivate, and bring out substantial yields even under difficult climatic and edaphic conditions.

Effects of brining and standardized drying on the composition, shelf stability, microbial safety and antioxidant status of four wild edible vegetables

Wild edible vegetables (WEVs) are integral for sustained nutrition and livelihood of forest-dwelling tribal communities.

The diversity and traditional knowledge of wild edible vegetables in Aceh, Indonesia

The diversity and traditional knowledge of wild edible vegetables in Aceh, Indonesia

Non-Timber Forest Products of Koppal District, Karnataka: Indigenous Use

The purpose of this study is to evaluate non-timber forest products in the Koppal districts of Karnataka. The report found the involvement of the local inhabitants in the collection of various NTFPs and the result is structured on a survey conducted from 2020 to 2023, resulting in the documentation of a total 114 species under 48 families and 94 genera identified as NTFPs, Among these trees were dominated with 50(44.24%), followed by shrubs 19(16.18%), herbs 30(27%), and climbers 14(12.38%), which were used in different categories by the locals, such as medicinal, wild edible fruit and vegetables, fodder, and domestic purposes. In different category of utility leaf were used most with 48(48%), followed by fruits 37(33%), seed 11(10%), whole plant 9(8%), stem 8(7%), shoot & flower 7(4%), root 6(5.3%) & dye & latex 1(0.88%).

Exploration and Documentation of Wild Edible Vegetables Used for Health Benefit By Rural People of Motala Taluka of Buldhana District, Maharashtra (India).

Wild edible plants denote species that are collected from their wild natural habits and used as food for human consumption. Present study concerns an exploration of such wild edibles from Motala taluka region. About 44 different wild vegetables contributed to 28 families scored during the study. These seasonal and annual vegetables make part of the regular diet of local peoples. Maximum vegetables belonged to Amaranthaceae (9.09%) family followed by Fabaceae (6.81%), Caesalpiniaceae (6.81%), Malvaceae (4.54%), Rutaceae (4.54%), Liliaceae (4.54%), Asclepiadaceae (4.54%), Asteraceae (4.54%) and Tiliaceae (4.54%). While the remaining 18 families i.e. Araceae, Basellaceae, Capparidaceae, Apocynaceae, Ehretiaceae, Poaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Ebenaceae, Gentianaceae, Moraceae, Periplocaceae, Sapotaceae, Moringaceae, Cactaceae, Portulacaceae, Anacardiaceae, Zygophyllaceae and Rhamnaceae contribute only 2.27 %. The present study will provide visibility to these wild nutritional crops and encourage their further evaluation for possible nutritional profits.

Light Intensity and Growth Media Influence Growth, Nutrition, and Phytochemical Content in Trachyandra divaricata Kunth

Trachyandra divaricata (Sandkool) is one of the most abundant wild edible inflorescence vegetables in South Africa. The dearth of literature on its edibility, nutrient composition, and conservation has contributed to its underutilisation. This study investigated mineral and proximate content, phytochemical compositions, and growth response of T. divaricata to light intensity and soilless media. Treatments comprised four media (LECA clay, silica sand, peat, and vermiculite) which were subjected to different shade levels (no shade, 20, 40, 60, and 80%) created from a factory-made 20% density net by doubling (40%), tripling (60%), and quadrupling (80%). All treatments were irrigated with a standard nutrient solution. The results showed that the treatments impacted the yield of T. divaricata significantly in terms of biomass and flower buds, especially in plants cultivated in peat under normal greenhouse lighting (no shade). Conversely, plants developed significantly more specific leaf size and total chlorophyll content under shade levels (20, 40, 60, and 80%) in different growth media, even though the values were comparable among treatments. The highest Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Mn levels were consistently recorded in flowers of T. divaricata grown in LECA clay under 80% shade level, while other minerals varied in tested treatments. The peat medium under 20% shade optimised the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) content of the flowers, whereas both fat and protein contents were greatly enhanced by peat and vermiculite, respectively, under the 80% shade. Consistently, the lowest phytochemical contents were recorded in LECA clay subjected to 80% shade, whereas the highest polyphenols and DPPH antioxidants were produced by silica sand medium treated with 20% shade. Both TEAC and FRAP antioxidants were improved significantly in LECA clay under no shade and the 60% shade level. However, both 20% and 60% shade levels enhanced the flavonol content significantly. On the basis of these findings, T. divaricata is a promising inflorescent vegetable that may be considered for domestication and further research due to its potential pharmacological and nutraceutical values.

Medicinally Wild Edible Vegetables and Fruits of Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Medicinally Wild Edible Vegetables and Fruits of Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Proximate and phytochemical analysis of selected wild edible green leafy vegetables in Batticaloa

Plant-derived natural products provide many novel bioactive molecules that are available in the market today as medicines or food. Wild Green Leafy Vegetables (WGLVs) have essential nutrients which are necessary for a healthy life. Three WGLVs such as <em>Allmania nodiflora</em>, <em>Borreria hispida, </em>and <em>Rivea ornata </em>were selected for the proximate and phytochemical analysis based on the market survey. Selected dry WGLVs were used to investigate proximate such as moisture, ash, fat, and fiber and phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and saponins analysis by using standard methods. The results were shown as follows: moisture 71.7±0.95- 80.3±2.84%, ash 8.84±0.69 - 11.05±0.21 %, fat 1.36±0.48 - 2.56±0.28 % and fiber 6.85±0.46 - 8.04±0.11 %. The qualitative screening of water, ethanol, and acetone extracts revealed that select WGLVs contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and saponin. <em>Rivea ornata </em>lacked quinones, while anthraquinones were only found in the water extract of <em>Borreria hispida</em>, and none of the three WGLVs were found to contain glycosides.

Potassium Application Enhanced Plant Growth, Mineral Composition, Proximate and Phytochemical Content in Trachyandra divaricata Kunth (Sandkool).

Wild leafy vegetables are commonly included in the diet of people in rural homesteads. Among various wild edible vegetables in South Africa, Trachyandra divaricata (Sandkool) is one of the most abundant but underutilized due to the dearth of literature on its cultivation and nutritional value. In the present study, the effect of potassium application and pruning on growth dynamics, mineral composition, and proximate and phytochemical content in T.&amp;nbsp;divaricata were evaluated. Treatments consisted of three potassium concentrations (0.0072, 0.0144, and 0.0216 M) supplemented in the form of potassium sulphate (K2SO4) with four pruning levels (unpruned, 5, 10, and 15 cm) applied in each treatment. The potassium doses were added to the nutrient solution, while the control treatment was sustained and irrigated with nutrient solution only. The results revealed a significant increase in flower bud yield, height, total dry and wet weight of shoots and roots, as well as ash and neutral detergent fibre in plants irrigated with 0.0072 M of K2SO4 without pruning. Conversely, chlorophyll content and Ca were comparable among treatments, while the highest yield of Na, P, N, and Zn was recorded in treatment 100 mL of K2SO4 with 10 cm pruning. Likewise, the highest antioxidant value (Polyphenols, Flavonol and DPPH) was obtained from plants irrigated with 0.0072 M of K2SO4 with 10 cm pruning. Based on these findings, T. divaricata is a promising leafy vegetable as a minimum dose (0.0072 M) of K with moderate pruning optimised its productivity in terms of growth, biomass parameters, nutritional content, and antioxidant potential. Due to its rich nutritional value, the plant should be domesticated and studied further for its potential nutraceutical benefits.

Exploring the Simultaneous Effect of Total Ion Concentration and K:Ca:Mg Ratio of the Nutrient Solution on the Growth and Nutritional Value of Hydroponically Grown Cichorium spinosum L.

Nutrient-efficient plants and agricultural systems could tackle issues resulting from conventional agriculture. Spiny chicory (Cichorium spinosum L.), a very adaptive, wild edible vegetable, is gaining commercial interest as a functional food. Floating-raft hydroponics is a method commonly used for the commercial cultivation of leafy vegetables due to numerous advantages compared to soil cultivation. In this paper, the simultaneous effects of different potassium, calcium and magnesium ratios and different electrical conductivity (EC) levels on the growth and mineral composition of hydroponically grown C. spinosum were investigated. Four nutrient solutions (NS) were compared, two NS with low EC (L, 2.4 dS/m) and two with high EC (H, 3.6 dS/m) with K:Ca:Mg ratios of either 50:40:10 or 40:50:10. The results showed no interactions between the two factors. No significant effects were observed on the fresh and dry weight, leaf number and leaf area. High EC levels increased the K content and decreased the Mn and Zn content in the leaf tissues. The 40:50:10 ratio led to increased Ca content in plant tissues. The Nitrate-N was only affected by the EC level and was increased under H conditions, whereas the total-N was not affected.

Wild Edible Vegetables Used for Health Benefit by Rural People of Gondia District in Maharashtra State, India

The population outburst resulted into an inadequate accessibility of food resources such as cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruits to the individual. Documentation and spreading responsiveness of utilization of wild edible plants in the regular family diet may be a solution to overcome this alarming problem. Wild edible vegetables play an important contribution to the livelihood of the households who gather and consume them. As per the traditional knowledge, these wild edible vegetables or plants play a significant task in the sustenance of forest people residing in forested areas. A scientific study of edible wild plants is important for pin pointing the potential sources which could be even utilized at the time of scarcity and cultivated as well as a source of food for the budding population.

A study of wild vegetables: proximate and mineral analysis of selected wild edible vegetables of Parachinar, district Kurram KP, Pakistan

A study of wild vegetables: proximate and mineral analysis of selected wild edible vegetables of Parachinar, district Kurram KP, Pakistan

Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic Composition, and Hormone Content of Wild Edible Vegetables

Wild edible plants have been used since antiquity as folk medicine and as preservatives in foods. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activities, phenolic compounds, and hormone contents of 12 species of edible wild plants belonging to 9 families, which are consumed as vegetables by the local people at Ergan Mountain in Erzincan in Turkey. Polygonum cognatum and Malva neglecta were determined to have more antioxidant enzyme activity, more phenolic compounds, and higher hormone content than the other species. The highest catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) values for P. cognatum were determined as 45.12, 94.83, 36.76, and 1218.35 EU g−1, respectively. The highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (AxPOD) content for M. neglecta were determined as 97.53 EU g−1 and 81.93 EU g−1, respectively. P. cognatum is the species in which the highest levels of the hormones indolacetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), salicylic acid (SA), cytokinin, zeatin and jasmonic acid were detected. The highest levels of caftaric acid (CA), catechin (CAE), ferulic acid (FA), malvidin-3-o-glucoside (MG), myricetin (MYR), rutin (RT), trans-coumaric acid (TPCA), tyrosol (TY), and vanilic acid (VA) compounds were found in M. neglecta. It was determined that Falcaria vulgaris species had the highest levels of ferulic acid (FA) and quercetin (QUE) phenolics. The results show that edible wild vegetables consumed and studied by the people of the region are an important source of natural antioxidants. The possibilities of using these wild plants as functional foods should be investigated.

Ethnobotanical uses of wild edible plants of Mucaba municipality, Angola

The forests and savannahs of Mucaba municipality in northern Angola hold enormous potential for plant-based non-timber forest products (NTFPs), including wild food plants (WFPs). Mucaba communities have accumulated a wealth of traditional knowledge on the use of wild edible plants over their long history. However, few studies have highlighted this unique and globally attractive culture. The ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 9 villages in Mucaba Municipality in September and October 2020. A total of 65 local informants were interviewed (35 women and 30 men), and their traditional knowledge of wild edible plants was documented. A total of 46 wild edible plants, belonging to 25 families and 30 genera were documented. These plants are consumed as wild edible vegetables, seasonal fruits, spice substitutes for tea, and forest alcoholic drinks. The traditional knowledge of wild edible plants held by the villagers of Mucaba is rich but is in danger of being lost among the younger generation. Therefore, the diversified cultivation of these local plants would allow their sustainable use and conservation especially of the endangered species in this part of Angola.

Evaluation of mineral, proximate compositions and anti-oxidant activities of some wild edible vegetables of District Kurram Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study was conducted to determine the mineral contents and some nutritional properties of five local wild vegetable; Allium griffithianum Boiss, Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M.Johnst., Caralluma tuberculata (N.E.Br.) D. C. H. Plowes, Chaerophyllum reflexum Aitch, and Stellaria media (L.) Vill., from district Kurram KP, Pakistan which are associated with folk knowledge in the region. This research is the first scientific report on the nutritional composition of the above mentioned species. Among five wild species, the Buglossoides arvensis had the highest carbohydrates content (71.99 ± 0.5%) and high lipid contents (4.8 ± 0.2%). Besides that, it has the highest total energy (349.024 kcal/100 g). Stellaria media was found to have the maximum ash (22.77 ± 0.1%) and lipids (4.87 ± 0.06%). Chaerophyllum reflexum showed the highest protein content (10.5 ±0.4%) and high total energy (332.68 ± 0.3 kcal/100 g). Mineral analysis showed that the local wild vegetables contained considerable amount of minerals; Calcium (2.20 ± 0.5-1506 ± 0.06 µg/g), Potassium (3.018 ± 1.7-1272.06 ± 0.005 µg/g), Phosphorous (2.98 ± 0.01-180.01 ± 0.1 µg/g), Chromium (0.98 ± 0.6-42.9 ± 0.5 µg/g), Cobalt (0.18 ±0.005-7.7 ± 0.2 µg/g), Sodium (0.78 ± 0.5-205.53 ± 0.4 µg/g) and Copper (5.5 ± 0.4-35.06 ± 0.7 µg/g). These data suggest that wild plants from district Kurram could be useful for nutrition or other applications. For instance, Caralluma tuberculata contains the highest number of mineral elements, which has been traditionally used as an anti-diabetic, blood purifier and for weight loss.

Utilization of wild vegetables in Dapoli Taluka of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra

Wild plants make an important contribution to the life of rural communities. These plants have been used as a source of food, fodder, shelter, clothing, medicine and a veriety of useful commodities from ancient time. Rural communities include wild edibles in their daily food intake and sales from the surplus add to their income. Importance of wild edible vegetables in food security has not been given sufficient attention in India. The present investigations were carried out with the objective to explore, identify, document and study the ethno-botany with respect to food value of wild edible plants consumed by local communities in Dapoli Taluka of Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. In the study, total 29 species of wild vegetables belonging to 21 families were documented. Life forms indicated that herbs were dominating (48.29%) followed by shrubs (24.13%), climbers (17.24%) and trees (10.34%). Average consumption of wild vegetables by respondents in study area was found as 51.43 days in a year. Per family utilization of wild vegetables for one time food was reported as 369.31 g. However Clerodendrum serratum was most demanding vegetable preferred and consumed by local people. In a year, amount saved on purchase of vegetables was calculated Rs 1,126.70 per family.