Ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal uses of wild edible plants and comparative analysis of plant species for potential food and medicinal applications

Wild edible plants (WEPs) represent a vital biocultural resource for enhancing food security and primary healthcare in arid regions. This study investigates the ethnobotanical knowledge and nutritional potential of WEPs in the Cholistan rangeland, Pakistan. Through ethnobotanical surveys with 320 respondents across 12 sampling locations (29°08′–29°24′ N, 71°95′–71°73′ E), we documented 21 dual-purpose (food-medicine) species. Quantitative indices, including Use Value (UV: 0.19–0.6), Fidelity Level (FL: 29–66%), and Relative Importance (RI: 0.58–3.4), and the Combination Use Diversity Index (CUDI: 0.12–0.78), were employed to assess their cultural significance. Biochemical analysis of seven key species, Salvadora oleoides, Prosopis cineraria, Panicum antidotale, Chenopodium album, Cenchrus ciliaris, Caralluma edulis , and Vachellia nilotica, was conducted to evaluate proximate composition, mineral content, and antioxidant activity (TPC, DPPH, FRAP). Results indicate a sophisticated traditional knowledge system, with species like Acacia jacquemontii (UV=0.6) and Cenchrus ciliaris (FL=66%) holding high cultural value. Nutritional profiling revealed P. antidotale and C. album as rich protein sources (27.58 ± 2.84 and 25.42 ± 2.09 g/100 g), respectively ( p < 0.05), while C. album accumulated high potassium (851.3 ± 51.5 mg/100 g) and calcium (150.8 ± 8.34 mg/100 g). V. nilotica and S. oleoides showed exceptional trace element concentrations (Zn: 106.7 ± 6.43 mg/100 g; Fe: 246 ± 19.52 mg/100 g). Phytochemical analysis demonstrated complementary antioxidant mechanisms, with V. nilotica excelling in FRAP (1245.33 ± 62.02 mg/100 g) and C. edulis in DPPH scavenging (818.16 ± 46.01 mg/100 g). The strong correlation between cultural importance and biochemical profiles (r = 0.82, p < 0.01) validates traditional knowledge and underscores the role of WEPs in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to zero hunger, good health, and climate resilience. This research advocates for the conservation of both biological diversity and associated traditional knowledge as strategic assets for sustainable development in arid ecosystems.