Possible use of manihot sculenta leaves as food

Several nutritional problems are seen in developing countries, and a countless number of people are affected by chronic undernutrition. Plants such as Cassava (Manihot esculenta) work as a staple food source for over 800 million people around the world. The aerial part of cassava can be used in animal feed, and in human food in the preparation of typical dishes of the Northern (Amazonian region) and Northeastern regions of Brazil. Besides the presence of cyanide compounds, cassava leaves may represent a source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals; it has a low cost of production, and it is widely adapted to Brazilian conditions. For these reasons, this study aims to review the main aspects of this vegetal waist and evaluate its potential as a safe food source. Databases such as MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scielo and Google Scholar were consulted. Cassava leaves stand out for being a good protein source but contain toxic cyanogenic compounds. Nevertheless, that are efficient techniques that can reduce the amount of these compounds making than a food alternative for the low-income population in several countries. Cassava leaves can also be used as a therapeutic approach for hypertension, diarrhea, fever, spasms, and fever. However, for this use to be safe, further studies are required to show the adequate detoxification of these leaves making them safe for human consumption.