Nutritional and medicinal values of common green leafy vegetables consumed in Delta State, Nigeria: a review

Abstract

Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) play an important role in human nutrition. In sub-Saharan African countries, GLVs are a vital source of essential micronutrients, and their consumption has long been a part of the cultural heritage of African households. In Nigeria, GLVs are either cooked as a stew or consumed raw and used as a main or a supporting dish. These GLVs have great nutritional and medicinal value. It is hypothesized that providing knowledge about the botanical description, nutritional and medicinal benefits to consumers could improve consumption, but much of existing knowledge is poorly documented and inaccessible. This paper aims to address this gap by collating information on some consumed in Delta State, Nigeria: African jointfir (Gnetum africanum, locally known as Ukazi), jute mallow, (Corchorus olitorius, locally known as Malafiya), and cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz), giant yellow mulberry (Myrianthus arboreus), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and bush buck, (Gongronema latifolium, locally known as Utazi) leaves.

African Jointfir (Gnetum africanum) and Editan (Lasianthera africana) leaf alkaloid extracts exert antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities in fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster)

“…African Jointfir ( Gnetum africanum ) belongs to the class of vegetables. It is widely consumed in so many African nations, most especially in Nigeria, specifically in the south‐eastern part of the nation, where it is usually called “Okazi.” It is highly cherished for its medicinal property and nutritional value (Cole et al, 2022 ; Dada et al, 2021 ; Okerulu & Onyema, 2015 ). According to reports, this vegetable is high in alkaloids (Ilodibia et al, 2015 ; Verma, 2020 ) and it has long been used to treat a variety of illnesses like diabetes, fever, and ulcer (Aborisade et al, 2017 ).…”

“…Previous studies validated the anti‐inflammatory, hypolipidemic, antioxidative, and hyperglycemic properties of this vegetable (Ilodibia et al, 2015 ; Ogboye et al, 2018 ; Okezie et al, 2017 ). The leaves of African Jointfir is rich in iron, iodine, calcium, and a good source of protein (Dada et al, 2021 ).…”

Relationship between traffic density, metal accumulation, pollution status, and human health problems in adjoining soils and vegetables within the South-South Region of Nigeria

“…However; the impact related to road transport in an area is directly proportional to the traffic density (Chen et al, 2010). Worldwide, human beings depend on vegetable as a good source of vitamins, essential metals, nutrients and antioxidants (Ali et al, 2020;Dada et al, 2021). As at 2005, literature has shown that there were almost 8.0 billion of cars on the roads globally and the number is expected to be higher now (Mavrin et al, 2020).…”

Health risk assessment for selected heavy metals in Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) leaf retailed in markets within Lokoja metropolis

“…Currently, green leafy vegetables are the most popular plants consume globally because of their valuable nutrients (Ali et al, 2020). According to Dada et al (2021) leafy vegetables are rich sources of vitamins A, C, K, carotenes, iron, calcium, zinc, potassium folic acid and other antioxidants, which are indispensable in human diets. Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) is one of the most extensively cultivated and commercial green leafy vegetables with wide acceptance in many Nigerian communities (Nwosu et al, 2012) Scientists and dieticians attributed the wide preference to its ease of cultivation, palatability, affordability, availability and nutritious constituents (Ishiekwene and Dada, 2019).…”