Nutritional Composition and Phytochemical Properties of Underutilized Indigenous Edible Plants (Momordica balsamina and Hypoxis hemerocallidea) from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Food and nutrition insecurities remain major challenges in rural communities, highlighting the need to identify affordable and nutrient-dense indigenous food resources. Therefore, this study evaluated the nutritional composition, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical characteristics of Momordica balsamina and Hypoxis hemerocallidea collected from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In this study, proximate composition, mineral content, antioxidant activity, FT-IR spectroscopy, and LC-MS analyses were conducted using standard analytical procedures. Results showed that M. balsamina contained significantly (p < 0.05) higher crude protein, fibre, ash, potassium, calcium, magnesium, total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and DPPH radical scavenging activity than H. hemerocallidea. In contrast, H. hemerocallidea exhibited higher carbohydrate and food energy content, indicating its value as an energy-rich indigenous food source. Both species demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with DPPH inhibition exceeding 80%, confirming the presence of bioactive phytochemicals indicating antioxidant potential. FT-IR analysis identified several functional groups associated with phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes, while LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of hypoxoside in H. hemerocallidea and suggested that detected ions are consistent with reported M. balsamina compounds without claiming confirmation of novel phytochemicals in the absence of MS/MS fragmentation and structural validation. These findings highlight the nutritional and nutraceutical potential of both plant species and support their promotion as affordable indigenous food resources capable of contributing to food, nutrition, and health security in rural communities.