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Promoting African indigenous vegetables and its medical nutrition properties: A mini-narrative review based on Ukwani communities of Delta State Nigeria

Ishiekwene IC

Friends Laboratory, Obiaruku, Delta State Nigeria

E-mail : bhuvaneswari.bibleraaj@uhsm.nhs.uk

Dada TE

School of Agriculture and Wine Science, Charles Sturt University Orange NSW Australia

Odoko J

Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Delta State Nigeria

Department of Community Health, Bayelsa State College of Technology, Otuogidi-Ogbia Nigeria

Nwose EU

Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Delta State Nigeria

School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University Orange NSW Australia

DOI: 10.15761/IFNM.1000256

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Abstract

So much have been written on leafy vegetables including the African indigenous varieties, but optimum consumption is yet to be achieved. In the previous papers on food choices, it was recommended that some indigenous foods need to be incorporated as alternatives into food menu plans for the intended local population. This paper provides a narrative mini-review of the literature on some leafy vegetables consumed in Nigeria. Edible vegetable leaves such as water leaf (Talinum triangulare), fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis hook f.), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), Moringa oleifera, mint leaf, lemon grass, Amaranthus hybridus are cheap source of macro and micro nutrients including fibres, minerals, and vitamins amongst others. Yet, less than half of these indigenous vegetables are appreciated and commonly consumed. They have medicinal properties ability to act as a natural source of therapeutic agents. For instance, food fibres are now getting increased attention for their impact on health such as diabetes and cholesterol management. However, the indigenous vegetables that contribute to rural and urban people’s diets in Nigeria, especially Ndokwa communities of Delta, have yet to be catalogued in a referenceable format. The aim is to catalogue the local names and production practice as a supplementary to the previous paper on food choices, especially because these selected indigeonus vegetable crops still need to be promoted for their contribution to healthy dietary habit. The nutritional values and traditional medicine usage forms are also briefly highlighted.

Key words

African edible leaves, health benefits, indigenous vegetables, nutritional values

Introduction

Vegetable is often referred to as leafy or soft edible fruits which may be cooked in stew or eaten raw as a salad in Sub-Saharan Africa [1]. Some of these edible portions may be leafy for example bitter leaf, water leaf, fluted pumpkin, Moringa oleifera, mint leaf, lemmon grass, Amaranthus hybridus. African leafy vegetables help to meet the daily requirements of nutrients. The population of the rural region of sub-Saharan Africa identified as necessarily needing to increase vegetables in their diet [2]. Vegetables play an important role in human diet and nutrition as they contain both macro and micro nutrients including food fibres, various vitamins such as A, C and K; as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc to human health development [3-6].

Leaf vegetables are affordable and quick to cook; rich in several nutrients particularly vitamin C and B- carotene, which is essential for human health. Consumption of vegetables in daily diet has been strongly associated with stress management and reduction in risk for the major diseases [4,6]. For instance, potassium-rich vegetables can reduce blood pressure [7-9], it is therefore imperative to advance this knowledge.

The wide range of leafy vegetables is consumed differently among households and this is influenced by various factors [10]. It is arguable that leafy vegetables alone have the potential to maintain optimum health status. However, traditional vegetables have the potential to contribute to the reduction of malnutrition among the rural region population by supplementing the diet and food diversification which are readily available in the field [11]. The intake of these indigenous vegetables in sub-Saharan Africa has been suboptimal relative to recommended dietary allowance (RDA) [2,12,13]. Hence, the need for research to advance the discourse and knowledge of indigenous leafy vegetables.

Water leaf (Talinum triangulare)

Local names and production practices

Talinum triangulare belongs to the family of Portulacaceae, is a short-lived perennial succulent shrub, which are sensitive to cold conditions. In Nigeria, the local name is bologi, which is pronounced ‘gbologi’, in Ukwani dialect of Delta state. It can grow wild on its own without cultivation (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Water leaf plants in the backyard lawn

Nutritional values

Talinum triangulare is known for its flavour, softness and taste. It is rich in fibre, protein and has various vitamins necessary for human healthy diet [14]; and it is a good source of some important minerals such as magnesium and potassium; as well as antioxidant vitamins [15].

Traditional medicine usage forms

Waterleaf has proven to have a very strong amount of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties [15]. There is also the potentials for management of metabolic syndrome including diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension [16-19]. In Nigeria soup made from waterleaf is eaten as a remedy for hypertension [14], which can be attributed to its high content of potassium [15].

Consumption

This vegetable is very appreciated and commonly consumed.

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis)

Local names and production practice

Fluted pumpkin is known in Nigeria as eweroko (Yoruba), ikong-ubong (Efik/Ibibio), ugu (Igbo) and offi (Ukwani). It is also known by different local names in other parts of Africa such as pondokoko or Gonugbe (Sierra Leone) and krobonko (Ghana); T. occidentalis is mostly cultivated in West Africa [20]. This vegetable crop is a perennial plant in the family of Cucurbitaceae widely cultivated for its nutritious and palatable leaves; and it is commonly grown as outdoor domestic food plant.

Nutritional values

Vegetables are known for their antioxidant properties as well as phenolic compounds; and T occidentalis is no exception [21,22]. The leaves of fluted pumpkin has nutritive value (Figure 2), especially rich in minerals such as Ca, P, Fe contents being of higher percentage relative to other commonly used leafy vegetables [20,23]. While it may not be a reliable source of protein, the fibre content is quite moderate and the nutrient value underpins it usage forms [24].

Figure 2. Some nutritional values and of fluted pumpkin leaf

Medical uses

Consumption of fluted pumpkin has the potential to protect human being from oxidative stress and its attendant health implications [20]. Based on mineral contents, the very high level of potassium in pumpkin leaf is speculated to possibly mitigate hypertensive [8,9]. Further, high iron content perhaps contributes to boosting blood production and can be used to treat anaemia. Also, the zinc content adds to the antioxidant potential [25], which may be benefical to e.g. diabetes management [17-19,26].

Consumption

This vegetable is very appreciated and commonly consumed.

Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina)

Local names and production practices

Bitterleaf plant is domestically grown almost universally, especially in the African tropical areas such as Nigeria. It is a shrub or small tree that can regenerate naturally (Figure 3). They grow well under full humid and sunlight environmental conditions. It is normally found along lakes and rivers, wood land, forest margins, and open grass land in the wild or it is cultivated [27]. The various local names in Nigeria include etidot (Efik/Ibibio), onugbu (Igbo and Ukwani), and Ewuro (Yoruba).

Figure 3. Bitter leaf tree in the backyard

Nutritional usage and values

V. amygdalina leaves are used in Nigeria as spices in the very famous bitter-leaf soup. Extracts are rich in various phenolic and phytochemical compounds [28]. A recent report indicates that the nutritional values are comparable to mint leaf [29] – described next in the text. It has been reported to be exceptionally richest in folic acids and vitamin C relative to all other vegetables [2].

Traditional/medical uses

V. amygdalina is used in traditional herbal medicine. The versatile traditional uses of this vegetable is known to include alleviating malnutrition that may be due to micronutrient deficiencies [2]. It is also reported to be useful in the treatments for diabetes [26,30-32] and lowers cholesterol [33], as well as useful in treatment of infections [28].

Consumption

This vegetable is very appreciated and commonly consumed.

Mint leaf (Ocimum gratissimum)

Local names and production practices

Mint leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) called scent leaf is locally known in Nigeria as efinrin nla (Yoruba), alulu-nta (Ukwani) and dadoya (Hausa). It is cultivated in domestic vegetable gardens and has capacity to regenerate (Figure 4), as well as grow wildly.

Figure 4. Mint leaf garden patch in apparently regenerating state

Nutritional values

Mint leaf has a high amount of antioxidant, helps to add flavour when cooking and also involve in cutting down of sodium intake. In terms of proximate composition of nutritional contents, mint is comparable to bitter leaf [29]. It is commonly used in tea and is a spice in African cuisines.

Traditional/medicine uses

Mint leaf is traditionally associated with aromatherapy due to menthol and mint essential oil [34]. It has been used to manage several diseases including cold, cough, and asthma [35]. It is reported to be potentially for anticancer [36,37], and it is used in diabetes treatment [38].

Consumption

This vegetable is appreciated, but not commonly consumed.

Green amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus)

Local names and production practices

Amaranthus hybridus (green tete or morogo) is locally known in Nigeria as tete (Yoruba), alaiyaho (Hausa), inine (Igbo) and shorokotom yokotor (Ukwani). It grows wild in the farms, but can also be cultivated.

Nutritional values

Amaranthus is highly nutritious, both the grain amaranth and the leaves are utilized for human and animal food. In a study that compared the proximate composition of ten vegetables in Southern Nigeria, the amaranth was reported to be the healthiest in fat content; whilst being comparable to bitterleaf, mintleaf and waterleaf in fibres [39]. A. hybridus has great potential for allevating micronutrient malnutrition, due to its iron and antioxidant properties (Table 1) [40]. In the farms of the Ndokwa communities of Delta State Nigeria, this leafy vegetable is naturally growing, thus a free source of micronutrient food.

Table 1. Some micronutrient composition of A. hybridus leaf

  

Micronutrient

Composition

Minerals

(ppm)

Iron

150

Manganese

75

Zinc

54

Vitamins

(ug/mL)

A (B-carotene)

107

B2 (riboflavin)

31

C (ascorbate)

4487

E (tocopherol)

647

Traditional medicine usage forms

Table 1 shows the micronutrient composition of A. hybridus leaf. It is noteworthy that the zinc plays a role in fertility and its potential for diabetes management has been reported [41].

Consumption

This vegetable is appreciated, but not commonly consumed.

Moringa oleifera

Local names and production practices

Moringa oleifera belongs to Moringaceae and is commonly referred to as miracle tree, horseradish [42] or drumstick tree grown as a medicinal and food source. In Nigeria, it is famously called okwe or okwe-oyibo in Igbo and Ukwani. It grows wildly as a tree at both farming and living areas, though almost extinguished in the latter (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Moringa oleifera tree

Nutritional values

M. oleifera is rated as high valued food source to promote good health and also act as traditional treatment for various diseases [43]. The leaves of the plant can be cooked, powdered or used raw and still preserve its nutritional value. Moringa oleifera leaves have been reported to contain more vitamin C than lemon and orange [44]. These leaves are rich in bioactive compounds including antioxidants [43].

Medical values

Moringa oleifera leaf has been investigated as alternative therapeutic agent in several diseases including stress, infection and diabetes [45,46]; as well as high cholesterol, hypertension, liver problems and wound management [42,43,47-49]. Interestingly, its usage for managmenet of these health conditions is only beginning to gain acceptance [46], which makes this narrative review imperative to advance the knowledge.

Consumption

This vegetable is not appreciated and hardly consumed in Delta State.

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemon grass is a native plant in the family Poaceae, also known as non-native plants. In Ukwani community of Delta State Nigeria, it is called atta-okuku and atta-oyibo and used to cook chicken culinary. It grows naturally, but also cultivated e.g. as a cash-crop in other countries.

Nutritional values

The nutritional values of lemon grass are comparable with pumpkin leaf (Figure 6) and chives (Figure 7). In particular, lemon grass is indicated to contain about fourteen times the amount of manganese in chives [50]. Indeed, lemon grass is used in tea as herbal infusion [7,50,51].

Figure 6. Food fibre values of lemon grass relative to pumpkin leaf [7,51]

Figure 7. Some mineral contents’ value of lemon grass relative to chives [50]

Traditional medicine usage forms

Lemon grass grass has long been used in traditional medicine for treatment of several diseases including diabetes and high cholesterol [52,53]. The medicinal usefulness of lemongrass has recently been reviewed [54]. What is added in this narrative is a brief indication of its fibre values in terms of carbohydrate/fibre and fat/fibre ratios. For instance, there is evidence from literature that the fat/fibre ratio of lemon grass may be healthier relative to pumpkin leaf (Figure 6). Therefore, considering spicy delicacy for an individual controlling cholesterol and weight management, lemon grass is serving this purpose.

Consumption

This vegetable is appreciated, but not commonly consumed.

Conclusion

In Nigeria, as in most other tropical countries of Africa where the daily diet is dominated by starchy staple foods, vegetables are the cheapest and most readily available sources of micronutrients. Many of the local vegetable materials are under-exploited because of inadequate knowledge of their nutritional values regarding health benefits. This minireview provides seven of such indigenous leafy vegetables. Only three of them (<50%) are well appreciated and commonly consumed and one (≈14%) is not appreciated or eaten in our research performance community. There are still others like usually eaten by the Ukwani people that are now apparently forgotten, which would be covered later.

Acknowledgement

IIC is a botanist and his affiliated pathology laboratory is an institutional support base of NEU’s diabetes research. DTE has participated in this review work as preliminary to her PhD work, while JO hopes to scale up the diabetes work. Pictures of leafy vegetables presented in this manuscript are original photos produced by IIC and NEU. Authors are grateful to Dr Phillip Bwititi for helping to review the manuscript.

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Editorial Information

Editor-in-Chief

Renee Dufault
Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute

Article Type

Review Article

Publication history

Received date: May 13, 2019
Accepted date: June 03, 2019
Published date: June 06, 2019

Copyright

© 2019 Ishiekwene IC. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Citation

Ishiekwene IC, Dada TE, Odoko J, Nwose EU (2019) Promoting African indigenous vegetables and its medical nutrition properties: A mini-narrative review based on Ukwani communities of Delta State Nigeria. Integr Food Nutr Metab 6: DOI: 10.15761/IFNM.1000256

Corresponding author

Uba Nwose

School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University Orange NSW Australia

E-mail : bhuvaneswari.bibleraaj@uhsm.nhs.uk

Figure 1. Water leaf plants in the backyard lawn

Figure 2. Some nutritional values and of fluted pumpkin leaf

Figure 3. Bitter leaf tree in the backyard

Figure 4. Mint leaf garden patch in apparently regenerating state

Figure 5. Moringa oleifera tree

Figure 6. Food fibre values of lemon grass relative to pumpkin leaf [7,51]

Figure 7. Some mineral contents’ value of lemon grass relative to chives [50]

Table 1. Some micronutrient composition of A. hybridus leaf

  

Micronutrient

Composition

Minerals

(ppm)

Iron

150

Manganese

75

Zinc

54

Vitamins

(ug/mL)

A (B-carotene)

107

B2 (riboflavin)

31

C (ascorbate)

4487

E (tocopherol)

647