Nutrient composition and phytochemical screening of selected wild edible plants in the Sedie Muja District, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are a food source in low-profit countries such as Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to examine the proximate, mineral values and phytochemicals screening of selected WEPs in the Sedie Muja District, Ethiopia. WEPs growing in their natural environment were selected for analysis. Statistical evaluation was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) model 20. Group means were compared using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study evaluated various nutritional components of these chosen plant species. Phytochemical screening of Allophylus abyssinicus (Hochst.) Radlk. fruit, Rosa abyssinica R.Br. ex Lindl. fruit, Rumex nervosus Jacq. young stem, Rhus glutinosa, (Hochst. ex A.Rich.). fruit and Rhus vulgaris Meikle fruit were carried out using methanolic extracts. The highest moisture content and crude protein content were reported in the fruits of Rhus glutinosa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) and Rosa abyssinica R.Br. ex Lindl. which were 16 ± 0.00 g/100 g and 19.00 ± 0.01 g/100 g, respectively. The fruits of Allophylus abyssinicus (Hochst.) Radlk. had the highest fiber content (48.00 ± 0.5 g/100 g), while the fruits of Rosa abyssinica R.Br. ex Lindl. had the highest amount of caloric value (258.6 ± 0.5 kcal/100 g). The highest Ca content was detected in the young shoot of the Rumex nervous Jacq. (952.95 ± 1.51 mg/100 g). The fruits of Rhus glutinosa (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) had the highest iron content (390 ± 0.00 mg/100 g). Rhus glutinosa Hochst. ex A. Rich fruit and Rhus vulgaris Meikle fruit were positive in all phytochemicals tested. Allophylus abyssinicus, Rosa abyssinica, Rumex nervosus, Rhus glutinosa, and Rhus vulgaris have dietary value and phytochemical compounds that can be used as food supplementation for the community. Five Ethiopian wild plants are valuable food sources because they provide a variety of nutrients, including fiber, protein, and important minerals. The abundance of healthy natural chemicals found in these plants suggests that they may offer health benefits beyond simple sustenance. Integrating these wild edibles can help communities combat food insecurity and improve overall dietary health.