Valorization of angolan native plants: Nutritional composition, phenolic profile and bioactive potential of Commelina africana, Dombeya rotundifolia and Lablab purpureus leaves

Commelina africana L., Dombeya rotundifolia (Hochst.) Planch. and Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet are wild edible plants (WEPs) native to Africa, traditionally used in rural Angolan communities. This study characterizes their nutritional, chemical, and bioactive properties, with carbohydrates and proteins predominating as macronutrients across all species. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were most abundant in D. rotundifolia and C. africana. Phenolic profiling revealed that C. africana was mainly characterized by p-coumaroyl malic acid and caffeoyl shikimic acid, whereas D. rotundifolia contained majorly flavan-3-ols, including epicatechin and B-type procyanidin oligomers. In contrast, L. purpureus exhibited the highest total phenolic content overall. The hydroethanolic extract of D. rotundifolia exhibited the highest efficacy against foodborne and clinical bacteria and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. This integrated characterization demonstrates that these underutilized WEPs offer substantial dual nutritional and bioactive value, supporting their traditional use and potential for nutraceuticals and food applications.

Palavras-chave

Angola biodiversity Bioactive properties Phenolic compounds Phytochemical characterization Wild edible plants

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/36911

Citação

Bastos, Claudete; Liberal, Angela; Da Silveira, Tayse F.F.; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Pereira, Carla; Mandim, Filipa; Moldao, Margarida; Catarino, Luis; Barros, Lillian (2026). Valorization of angolan native plants: Nutritional composition, phenolic profile and bioactive potential of Commelina africana, Dombeya rotundifolia and Lablab purpureus leaves. South African Journal of Botany. ISSN 0254-6299. 194, p. 273-285