Biochemical constituents and the role of African wild medlar (Vangueria infausta) in human nutrition: a review

Abstract

Abstract This publication presents the biochemical components, the botanical characteristics, and the significance of African medlar to human nutrition and developments on the fruits’ uses in biotechnology and the food industry. African wild medlar ( Vangueria infausta subsp infausta) is one of the multitudes of underutilised wild edible indigenous fruit trees that grows naturally throughout Southern Africa. Available literature shows that almost every part of the tree, have known nutritional or medicinal benefits. In-depth literature search using keywords ( Vangueria infausta subsp infausta, African wild medlar, biochemical constituents, underutilised crops of Africa, human nutrition and recommended daily intake) was used to source credible literature accessible from online sources such as Scopus, ResearchGate, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The degree of relevance to each item linked to the review were used as an inclusion and exclusion criteria for suitable literature and for data analysis purposes. The results of the study reveal that fresh or processed African wild medlar fruit is consumable. The fruit contains significant levels of vitamins, phenols, macro and micro-nutrients, that humans require in both large and small amounts. Due to its richness in biochemical constituents such as flavonoids, phenols, proteins, vitamin C and zinc, African medlar fruit has a potential to meet the human recommended daily intake (RDI), thus can be considered a potential functional food crop. Rural communities in Southern Africa use African medlar fruit as a raw material for value-added products including jam, juice, alcohol-based products, and medication. Therefore, commercialization of this crop could play a pivotal role in accelerating the sustainable development goals SDG 1 (no poverty), subsequently addressing SDG 2 (Zero hunger). The study unearthed a need for further research, in particular empirical studies and highlights a great potential for government interest in entrepreneurial projects of commercialisation and agro-processing of African medlar fruit tree.