Senegalia insuavis (Lace) Pedley: A nutraceutical wild food of Northeast India

Manipur, located in the northeastern region of India, is home to diverse plant species traditionally used for food and medicine. Among them, Senegalia insuavis (Lace) Pedley, locally known as “Khang,” is a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable of considerable ethnomedicinal importance. Consumed widely across northeastern India, the plant provides essential macro and micronutrients, fiber and bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Traditionally, its leaves, bark and roots are used to treat fever, digestive ailments, respiratory disorders, wounds and inflammatory conditions. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, saponins, quercetin derivatives and labdanolic acid, which contribute to its therapeutic value. Despite its widespread use, S. insuavis is frequently misidentified as S. pennata due to morphological similarities. However, it can be distinguished by its characteristic foul odour and distinct vegetative traits. Present study consolidates current ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge on S. insuavis, identifying research gaps and emphasizing its dietary, therapeutic and ecological significance. Thereby, promoting accurate identification, sustainable cultivation and value addition of this underexplored species can enhance food and nutritional security while supporting biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods.