LAUSR

Plant foods play a key role in the maintenance of human life as they supply the needed nutritional elements that boost the immune system [Fonge et al., 2016; Das et al., 2017]. Vegetables are food resources that are considered as healthy foods worldwide [Souza et al., 2016; Das et al., 2017]. Among all vegetables, green leafy vegetables are available all year round, at relatively low cost, and are widely used as basic ingredients in traditional dishes and nutrition therapy [Fonge et al., 2016; Souza et al., 2016; Das et al., 2017]. In the Republic of Benin, a biodiversity inventory revealed 187 plant species used as indigenous leafy vegetables with Amaranthus cruentus (Amaranthaceae), Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae), and Solanum macrocarpon (Solanaceae) being among the priority species [Dansi et al., 2008]. These species are essential