Nutritional values, bioactive compounds, and biological activities of some edible indigenous plants from Thailand: A review

Thai edible indigenous vegetables are used as traditional food and folklore medicines. This review aims to integrate consumption culture and functional health impact of eight edible plants, that are, Gnetum gnemon var. tenerum, Gymnema inodorum (Lour) Decne, Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth, Melientha suavis Pierre, Sauropus androgynus, Glochidion wallichianum, Piper sarmentosum Roxb, and Basella alba L., which are commonly consumed by local Thai people. Reviews of all eight mentioned plants demonstrated essential pharmacological activity, including antioxidant activity, and health functions, such as antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory usage; they also help prevent neurotransmitters from degrading. However, comprehensive animal tests and clinical trials are needed to further clarify the results to increase utilization and safety as well as commercialization of these plants.