Overview:

The African continent harbours many native species with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential. This systematic review examines the nutritional and medicinal potential of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) in South Africa. It highlights how these crops, despite their rich nutrient profile and cultural significance, remain largely overlooked in mainstream agriculture. The study evaluates their dietary benefits, their role in addressing malnutrition, and their potential contribution to sustainable food systems. Additionally, it explored how these crops could serve as herbal medicines and functional foods, improving health outcomes for vulnerable groups.

Findings:

The article provides a list of Neglected and Underutilised Functional Medicinal Crops that have been identified as having potential for development. The list includes a wide range of crops, such as:

• Cyclopia spp (Honeybush tea), which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• Athrixia phylicoides (Bush tea), which has been found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Sutherlandia frutescens (Cancer bush), which has been found to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties
• Moringa oleifera (Drumstick tree), which has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties
• Amaranthus spp (Amaranth), which has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• Solanum torvum (Pea eggplant), which has been found to have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties
• Chenopodium quinoa (Quinoa), which has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

The list also includes other crops such as: Root and tuber crops, Leafy vegetables, Cereals and Legumes.

These crops have been found to have a range of nutritional and medicinal properties, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and anti-cancer properties. The article suggests that these crops have the potential to be developed into functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, and could provide a range of health benefits.

Conclusions:

Finally, despite the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties that make them ideal for commercialisation and their potential contribution to sustainable and healthy diets, unsustainable harvesting and utilisation of wild populations threatens several species, which are now endangered and facing extinction. Therefore:

• Sustainable conservation and cultivation practices are urgently needed to mitigate further population declines in the wild.
• There is a need to develop their value chains; for which Research, Development and Innovation should focus on all aspects of their value chain to unlock their commercial potential and develop new inclusive value chains.
• Transdisciplinary approaches are needed to ensure that these new value chains are well-supported by public and private sectors, inclusive and equitable.