Traditional leafy vegetables in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review of nutritional composition, phytochemical profiles, sustainable food systems, and implications for human health

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Traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs) are important components of indigenous food systems in sub-Saharan Africa and possess considerable potential to contribute to food and nutrition security, public health, and sustainable agricultural development. Despite their nutritional, medicinal, and cultural significance, the consumption and utilisation of TLVs have declined because of urbanisation, dietary transitions, changing food preferences, and the erosion of indigenous knowledge systems. This systematic review synthesises evidence published between 1990 and 2026 on the nutritional composition, phytochemical profiles, ethnomedicinal significance, and contributions of TLVs to sustainable food systems. A systematic search of Web of Science and Scopus was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Of the 321 records identified, 154 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The evidence demonstrates that TLVs are rich sources of protein, dietary fibre, and essential minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, as well as vitamins A and C. Several species, notably Amaranthus spinosus, Cleome gynandra, Vigna unguiculata, Solanum retroflexum , and Corchorus olitorius , exhibited high nutritional value. Traditional leafy vegetables were also found to contain significant concentrations of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and antioxidants, which contribute to their potential as functional foods. Beyond their nutritional benefits, TLVs support dietary diversification, biodiversity conservation, climate-resilient agriculture, livelihood improvement, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems. Considerable variability in reported nutrient and phytochemical concentrations was observed among studies because of differences in species, geographical origin, environmental conditions, cultivation practises, analytical methodologies, and reporting units. Furthermore, important knowledge gaps remain regarding nutrient bioavailability, the clinical validation of health benefits, and the standardisation of compositional analyses. Future research should prioritise methodological harmonisation, comprehensive nutrient profiling, and translational studies that link nutritional composition to health outcomes. Strengthening the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into research, policy, and commercialization initiatives may enhance the contribution of traditional leafy vegetables to sustainable food systems, nutrition security, and public health in sub-Saharan Africa.