Nutraceutical potential of Mesembryanthemum forsskaolii Hochst. ex Bioss.: Insights into its nutritional composition, phytochemical contents, and antioxidant activity

Mesembryanthemum forsskaolii Hochst. ex Bioss is a resilient succulent plant in the Aizoaceae family. This plant has been recognized for its nutritional and metabolic benefits, but its potential remains underexplored. The aim of this research is to analyze the nutritional composition, phytochemical content, and antioxidant potential of M. forsskaolii. The protein content, total sugars, macro-, and micronutrients were estimated in seeds, leaves, and stems of the studied plant. To investigate the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity, GC-MS analysis, determination of total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) tests, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assays were conducted. The soluble protein (147.55 mg g−1 DW), total protein (341.23 mg g−1 DW), total carbohydrate (0.258 mg mL−1), and nitrogen (26.152 mg g−1) contents of M. forsskaolii seeds were the highest. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several compounds, such as β-sitosterol, phthalic acid, and phytol, which have potential antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Seeds showed the greatest presence of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, indicating high antioxidant activity in FRAP and TAC tests. The ABTS and DPPH scavenging assays showed that the antioxidant activity increased proportionally with concentration in all plant parts. However, seeds consistently demonstrated the greatest capacity. This study provides a detailed analysis on the dietary protein, carbohydrates, essential nutrients, and antioxidants that can be obtained from M. forsskaolii, highlighting its potential as a valuable source of nutrition and phytochemicals.