The
Brachystelma genus (family: Apocynaceae) consists of geophytes that are traditionally utilised among rural communities, especially in East Africa, southern Africa, West Africa, and northern and western India. Apart from being used as a food source, they are indicated as treatment for ailments such as colds, chest pains, and wounds. This review provides a critical appraisal on the ethnobotanical uses, nutritional value, phytochemical profiles, and biological activities of
Brachystelma species. In addition, we assessed the potential of micropropagation as a means of ensuring the sustainability of
Brachystelma species. An inventory of 34
Brachystelma species was reported as a source of wild food and traditional medicine (e.g., respiratory-related conditions, pains, and inflammation) across 13 countries, predominantly in Africa and Asia.
Brachystelma circinnatum and
Brachystelma foetidum were the most popular plants based on the high number of citations. Limited data for the nutritional content was only available for
Brachystelma edulis and
Brachystelma naorojii, as well as phytochemical profiles (based on qualitative and quantitative techniques) for five
Brachystelma species. Likewise, a few
Brachystelma species have evidence of biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effects. Extensive studies on
Brachystelma togoense have resulted in the isolation of four compounds with therapeutic potential for managing different health conditions. As a means of contributing to the sustainability of
Brachystelma species, micropropagation protocols have been devised for
Brachystelma glabrum, Brachystelma pygmaeum,
Brachystelma ngomense, and
Brachystelma pulchellum. Nevertheless, continuous optimisation is required to enhance the efficiency of the micropropagation protocols for these aforementioned
Brachystelma species. Despite the large number of
Brachystelma with anecdotal evidence as food and medicine, a significant number currently lack empirical data on their nutritional and phytochemical profiles, as well as their biological activities. The need for new propagation protocols to mitigate the declining wild populations and ensure their sustainability remains pertinent. This is important should the potential of
Brachystelma species as novel food and medicinal products be achieved.
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