Edible and medicinal uses of mangroves in Indonesia with a systematic review on blue food potential and health benefits

Abstract

Mangrove forests are vital ecosystems at the intersection of land and sea that provide food resources, supporting the food security and livelihoods of coastal communities in tropical and subtropical areas. This systematic review investigated the food and medicinal potential of mangrove species in Indonesia, with relevant global insights incorporated to enrich the context. The review also examines how environmental degradation affects the productivity of these resources and identifies the key knowledge gaps related to sustainable use and management practices. A comprehensive search revealed 31 articles that met the screening criteria. The findings highlight Nypa fruticans and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza as the most frequently utilized mangrove species for food, with their leaves, fruits, and plant sap being consumed directly or processed into products such as syrup, flour, and fermented beverages. These mangrove-derived foods hold not only nutritional importance but also cultural and traditional value for local communities. In addition to their role as food sources, several mangrove species possess notable medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities, indicating their dual potential in nutrition and healthcare. Despite their ecological and socioeconomic value, mangrove resources face productivity threats from environmental degradation and unsustainable practices. This review identifies key knowledge gaps, particularly the limited research on underutilized mangrove species with food or medicinal value. This review underscores the role of mangrove-derived foods and medicines in advancing sustainable development by supporting coastal food security, promoting health, and contributing to the achievement of global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Future research and policy interventions that integrate food security objectives into mangrove conservation and rehabilitation efforts are needed. Strengthening sustainable mangrove management and increasing awareness of their benefits will be key to guaranteeing the long-term resilience of coastal communities in the face of climate and environmental change.

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