@article{10.37349/eff.2026.1010161,
abstract = {The intricate relationship between humans and plants is fundamental to understanding indigenous communities’ reliance on natural resources. This review critically examines the increasing global recognition of the significance of edible wild plants (EWPs), especially in low-income communities and during periods of food insecurity. This study provides a vital and comprehensive perspective for shaping policies and practices that ensure the sustained availability and utilization of these essential resources in an ever-changing world. It achieves this by combining ethnobotanical knowledge with an understanding of the biofunctional properties of EWPs. Published studies from 2007–2025 were retrieved from Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Mendeley using a structured screening process involving identification, eligibility assessment, and full-text review. Articles were included if written in English, focused on EWPs in sub-Saharan Africa, and reported nutritional, medicinal, or socio-economic data. Studies lacking empirical evidence or addressing only cultivated crops were excluded. Data were extracted using predefined criteria, and study heterogeneity was addressed through thematic synthesis rather than quantitative pooling. The review shows that EWPs are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and function as important supplements or alternatives to conventional plant-based diets, providing both nutritional and medicinal benefits. Among EWPs, fruits, leaves, and seeds are widely used for both consumption and medicinal purposes, often consumed raw. Despite their significance, EWPs face imminent threats such as agricultural expansion, logging, illegal exploitation, and deforestation in Nigeria and various parts of the world, endangering these invaluable resources. Urgency is imperative in adopting sustainable practices for the utilization of EWPs, emphasizing their pivotal role in ensuring nutritional security and preserving biological diversity. This review underscores the critical need for immediate action to safeguard these resources, promoting their sustainable utilization for the benefit of humanity and the environment.},
author = {Okpomor, Oghogho Endurance and Nwankwo, Chibuzo Stanley and Mbachiantim, James Tivwuhe and Balogun, Adenike Aduke and Okoyeuzu, Chigozie Francis and Eze, John Ikechukwu and Eze, Chinazom Martina and Omah, Esther Chinelo and Ossai, Ochonogor Samuel and Iorver, Seember Jacintha and Abebe, Teshome Ayele and Agbaji, Michael Uba},
doi = {10.37349/eff.2026.1010161},
journal = {Exploration of Foods and Foodomics},
elocation-id = {1010161},
title = {Ethnobotany and biofunctional properties of selected edible wild plants in Nigeria: a comprehensive review},
url = {https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/eff/Article/1010161},
volume = {4},
year = {2026}
}