Articles
Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and nutritional insights into Lippia javanica and Vangueria infausta as beverage crops among the Batswana in South Africa
Article number
1466_39
Pages
319 – 328
Language
English
Abstract
Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng. and Vangueria infausta Burch. are widely used as herbal infusions and fruit-based beverages, respectively, yet scientific evidence supporting their traditional use is still fragmented.
This study presents an integrated ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and nutritional assessment of these two species as traditional beverage crops.
Ethnobotanical data were collected from 96 participants across 10 communities in two districts of North West Province, South Africa.
Quantification of total phenolics and flavonoids was complemented by untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) profiling.
Nutritional analyses focused on β-carotene, vitamin C, and mineral composition using high-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.
We recorded a consistent use of L. javanica leaves as aromatic herbal infusions with perceived medicinal benefits, while V. infausta fruit was mainly used as refreshing beverages and to enhance fermented drink flavour.
Both plants showed comparable phenolic contents (L. javanica: 35.2 mg GAE g‑1; V. infausta: 34.9 mg GAE g‑1). LC-MS profiling identified bioactive compounds such as dinatin and kaempferide in L. javanica, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside and isomaltose in V. infausta. Nutritionally, L. javanica was rich in iron, while V. infausta contained high vitamin C levels; both contributed β-carotene and antioxidant compounds.
The findings support indigenous knowledge and highlight the two plants as underutilised functional beverage crops with potential for food security, value addition, and sustainable utilisation.
This study presents an integrated ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and nutritional assessment of these two species as traditional beverage crops.
Ethnobotanical data were collected from 96 participants across 10 communities in two districts of North West Province, South Africa.
Quantification of total phenolics and flavonoids was complemented by untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) profiling.
Nutritional analyses focused on β-carotene, vitamin C, and mineral composition using high-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.
We recorded a consistent use of L. javanica leaves as aromatic herbal infusions with perceived medicinal benefits, while V. infausta fruit was mainly used as refreshing beverages and to enhance fermented drink flavour.
Both plants showed comparable phenolic contents (L. javanica: 35.2 mg GAE g‑1; V. infausta: 34.9 mg GAE g‑1). LC-MS profiling identified bioactive compounds such as dinatin and kaempferide in L. javanica, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside and isomaltose in V. infausta. Nutritionally, L. javanica was rich in iron, while V. infausta contained high vitamin C levels; both contributed β-carotene and antioxidant compounds.
The findings support indigenous knowledge and highlight the two plants as underutilised functional beverage crops with potential for food security, value addition, and sustainable utilisation.
Publication
Authors
K.I. Nko, J.L. Mwinga, J.A. Asong, S.O. Amoo, A.O. Aremu
Keywords
biodiversity, herbal tea, indigenous plants, nutrition security, phenolics
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