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Khoisan food plants: Taxa with potential for future economic exploitation
Abstract
The information presented in this paper is based on a broad literature review of knowledge of all plants used as sources of food and water by the Khoisan people, namely, the Hottentots or Khoi-Khoin and the San or Bushmen (Schapera 1963, Bruwer 1972), who inhabit the arid and semi-arid areas of Namibia, Botswana and southern Angola (mean annual rainfall 50–700 mm). The literature survey is supplemented by nutritional data, most of which has not been previously published.
... However the vitamin C content of the bulk fruit pulp varied from 1623mgkg -1 in one tree to 4991mgkg -1 in another [20]. Proximate analysis of ripe fruit shows an average of 8.7% moisture with 2.7% protein, 0.2% fat, 73.7% carbohydrate, 8.9% fibers and 5.8% ash [32]. The pulp sweetness is provided by fructose, sucrose and glucose contents. ...
... A lot of studies have shown that Adansonia digitata L fruit pulp is rich in vitamins and minerals [3,17,35,38] and contains a high amount of both the soluble and insoluble dietary fiber [3,17,35,38,32,39]. The vitamin C content present in the fruit is what contributes to its overall antioxidant capacity (lamienet al.), and is a good source of polyphenols, including certain flavonoids [1,40] and tannins [41]. ...
... Seed pulp is sometimes known as monkey bread and is eaten and traded in the different regions [15]. The seeds have an energy value of 1803 kJ/100g approximately 50% higher than leaves, moisture 8.1%, protein 33.7%, and fat 30.6%, carbohydrates 4.8%, fibre 16.9% and ash 5.9% [32]. The vitamin C content of the baobab seeds has not been researched extensively but they are known to contain high levels of lysine, thiamine, Ca and Fe [45]. ...
A Review Article on Adansonia dijitata (baobab)
... (16) This appears to result from inaccuracies due to the applied methodology as carbohydrates were determined by an indirect method, namely the difference method. Also, the reported protein range for S. innocua was remarkably wide, namely from 0.3 g/100 g dw (22) to 12.8 g/100 g dw, (33) where outlier values may be due to small sample sizes in the studies. All authors used the Kjeldahl analysis with a conversion factor of 6.25 for protein determination; hence, the methodology cannot be the cause of the observed variation in data. ...
... Reported energy values range from 1315.4 kJ/100 g (33) to 2083.6 kJ/100 g (34) for all the four species. The differences in values between studies and from species to species could result from different coefficients used to compute energy values. ...
... The differences in values between studies and from species to species could result from different coefficients used to compute energy values. In a comparative study, S. spinosa ranked superior to other indigenous fruits; the energy value for S. spinosa was 1923 kJ/100 g, which was higher than for ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), with an energy value of 1588 kJ/100 g, and baobab (Adansonia digitata), with an energy value of 1480 kJ/100 g. (16) Generally, the crude fiber content ranged from 2.5 g/100 g dw (22) to 22.2 g/100 g dw (33) for monkey orange species reviewed. The fiber content of S. spinosa (17.6 g/100 g dw) was similar to that of S. innocua (17.9 g/100 g dw), as reported by Saka and Msonthi. ...
Monkey orange (Strychnos spp.) is a widely distributed fruit species in Southern Africa commonly consumed by the local population. It has potential to improve the nutritional status of rural populations, being a precious food source in areas with periodic shortages, since it is rich in vitamin C, zinc and iron. To improve the availability of this food outside its production season, processing and preservation techniques used at household level need upgrading as they are unreliable and their effects on nutritional quality are unknown. Based on this review, we recommend better indigenous fruit production as a sustainable solution to malnutrition in rural areas in transition countries.
... The woody epicarp or pod contains the internal fruit pulp (endocarp) which is split in small floury, dehydrated and powdery slides [12]. The dry baobab fruit pulp has a slightly tart, refreshing taste and is very nutritious, with particularly high values for carbohydrates, energy, calcium, potassium (very high), thiamine, nicotinic acid and vitamin C (very high) [13]. The baobab fruit pulp is dry, acidulous and mealy, and rich in mucilage, pectins, tartrate and free tartaric acids. ...
... Pulp sweetness is provided by fructose, sucrose and glucose contents. Fruit pulp is also acidic and that was due to the presence of organic acids including citric, tartaric, malic, succinic as well as ascorbic acid [13]. When eaten raw, the pulp is a rich source of calcium and vitamins B and C [16]. ...
This study was conducted in North and West Kordofan States, Sudan during 2019 - 2022. The aim of the study was to identify the uses, harvesting and consumption of baobab leaves, pulps and seeds in the study area. Ten villages were selected from both states, then 404 households were chosen from total number data of 2425. Data was collected used a questionnaire then analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS version 22. The study results revealed that the respondents used baobab for many purposes for instance food, medicine and economic purposes. Consistent with 82.7% of the respondents used leaves and fruits and 92% of them used them as salad. Concerning the pulp, 80.8% of respondents used it as juice. The seeds were used in forms of coffee and snacks as stated by 33.3 and 66.7% of respondents, respectively. According to all respondents, leaves were harvested and consumed in early raining season. The majority of respondents stated that they consumed the pulps widely in fasting (Ramadan) month, wedding and festivals. The pulps have been harvested once and more than five times according to 29.5 and 28.2% of respondents, respectively. The quantities of harvested pulps during the season were estimated as more than 20 kg as said by 27.9% of respondents and 35.6% of them collected the leaves more than six times and their quantities were more than 2 kg according to 55.2% of them. The study results showed that the 24-hour recall pulp and leaves quantity eaten, were <250 g/day and 251-500 g/day as stated by 60.4% and 53.9% of respondents. As well as the form of consumption of pulp was drink or juice according to 99.2% of them. According to 53.9% of respondents the 24-hour recall leaves was 251-500 g/day. The study findings revealed that the respondents were consumed fruits and leaves 2-4 times a week due to 43.6 and 32.8%, respectively. The preference of respondents indicated that 56 and 96.5% of them like leaves and pulps very much, respectively whereas 81.4% of them dislike seeds. The study concluded that the baobab parts have many uses and benefits for the household. The study recommended more investigations about nutritional status of the households in the study area.
... The woody epicarp or pod contains the internal fruit pulp (endocarp) which is split in small floury, dehydrated and powdery slides [12]. The dry baobab fruit pulp has a slightly tart, refreshing taste and is very nutritious, with particularly high values for carbohydrates, energy, calcium, potassium (very high), thiamine, nicotinic acid and vitamin C (very high) [13]. The baobab fruit pulp is dry, acidulous and mealy, and rich in mucilage, pectins, tartrate and free tartaric acids. ...
... Pulp sweetness is provided by fructose, sucrose and glucose contents. Fruit pulp is also acidic and that was due to the presence of organic acids including citric, tartaric, malic, succinic as well as ascorbic acid [13]. When eaten raw, the pulp is a rich source of calcium and vitamins B and C [16]. ...
This study was conducted in North and West Kordofan States, Sudan during 2019-2022. The aim of the study was to identify the uses, harvesting and consumption of baobab leaves, pulps and seeds in the study area. Ten villages were selected from both states, then 404 households were chosen from total number data of 2425. Data was collected used a questionnaire then analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS version 22. The study results revealed that the respondents used baobab for many purposes for instance food, medicine and economic purposes. Consistent with 82.7% of the respondents used leaves and fruits and 92% of them used them as salad. Concerning the pulp, 80.8% of respondents used it as juice. The seeds were used in forms of coffee and snacks as stated by 33.3 and 66.7% of respondents, respectively. According to all respondents, leaves were harvested and consumed in early raining season. The majority of 21 respondents stated that they consumed the pulps widely in fasting (Ramadan) month, wedding and festivals. The pulps have been harvested once and more than five times according to 29.5 and 28.2% of respondents, respectively. The quantities of harvested pulps during the season were estimated as more than 20 kg as said by 27.9% of respondents and 35.6% of them collected the leaves more than six times and their quantities were more than 2 kg according to 55.2% of them. The study results showed that the 24-hour recall pulp and leaves quantity eaten, were <250 g/day and 251-500 g/day as stated by 60.4% and 53.9% of respondents. As well as the form of consumption of pulp was drink or juice according to 99.2% of them. According to 53.9% of respondents the 24-hour recall leaves was 251-500 g/day. The study findings revealed that the respondents were consumed fruits and leaves 2-4 times a week due to 43.6 and 32.8%, respectively. The preference of respondents indicated that 56 and 96.5% of them like leaves and pulps very much, respectively whereas 81.4% of them dislike seeds. The study concluded that the baobab parts have many uses and benefits for the household. The study recommended more investigations about nutritional status of the households in the study area.
... In an attempt to domesticate and improve indigenous fruit trees in southern Africa, Mateke (2000) reported the nutritional composition of selected fruit trees. The chemical and nutrient composition of some fruits compiled from different sources (Arnold et al. 1985;Wehmeyer 1986;Saka and Msonthi 1994;Keya et al. 2000;Akinnifesi et al. 2008c) has shown that many of these are rich in these contents. Most of the data generated in these systems are commodity based. ...
... Data on chemical composition of fruits and kernels (Table 3.10) of some indigenous fruit trees from different resources (Shone 1979;Arnold et al. 1985;Wehmeyer 1986;Saka and Msonthi 1994;Keya et al. 2000;Chadare et al. 2009;De Caluwe et al. 2009 show that many indigenous fruits are important sources of proteins, carbohydrates and water. Some are important sources of energy. ...
Africa faces intricate challenges including severe shortage of food, fuelwood and fodder primarily due to increasing human and livestock population and subsistence agriculture. Deforestation, declining soil fertility and soil erosion are the crucial indicators of land degradation. Most of the dry regions experience food shortage due to low crop yields in the nutrient-depleted soils. Farmers are forced to extend cultivation to marginal and erosion-prone soil clearing the forests. Continuous cultivation has replaced the traditional shifting cultivation and fallow systems, which have been practised to regenerate soil fertility in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Following the inception of the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) in 1987, traditional agroforestry systems have been carefully documented through the diagnosis and design phase in the late 1980s, and new agroforestry innovations were tested at research stations and on farms mostly in tropical countries across the world. Many improved agroforestry options are now being disseminated and used by resource-poor farmers in SSA. In this chapter, both traditional and improved agroforestry systems in SSA, which form a basis of food security for resource-poor farmers, have been described briefly.
... Monkey orange pulp has a typical sweet-sour flavor (Amarteifio & Mosase, 2006), which contributes to consumer acceptance. Moreover, the fruit has plenty of fibre (4 g/100 g) and a high micronutrient content: iron 70-140 mg/100 g, (Arnold, Wells, & Wehmeyer, 1985;Malaisse & Parent, 1985), and vitamin C 34 mg/100 g content (Arnold et al., 1985). Micronutrients have physiological importance to human health for their role in growth, bone formation, enzyme activity and energy metabolism, among several others (Martínez-Ballesta et al., 2010;Pereira et al., 2018). ...
... Monkey orange pulp has a typical sweet-sour flavor (Amarteifio & Mosase, 2006), which contributes to consumer acceptance. Moreover, the fruit has plenty of fibre (4 g/100 g) and a high micronutrient content: iron 70-140 mg/100 g, (Arnold, Wells, & Wehmeyer, 1985;Malaisse & Parent, 1985), and vitamin C 34 mg/100 g content (Arnold et al., 1985). Micronutrients have physiological importance to human health for their role in growth, bone formation, enzyme activity and energy metabolism, among several others (Martínez-Ballesta et al., 2010;Pereira et al., 2018). ...
This paper studied the nutritional impact of the use of juice from Strychnos cocculoides (monkey orange) in a maize-based porridge. Monkey orange juice is traditionally used to supplement maize porridge - a staple breakfast cereal especially for vulnerable groups. Monkey orange fruits contain high amounts of micronutrients and phenolic compounds and are widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The valuable components can be efficiently extracted by traditional and pectinase maceration techniques. The bioaccessibility of minerals and main phenolic compounds in maize porridge (5 g maize meal) supplemented by monkey orange juice (100 ml) were assessed after in-vitro digestion together with the kinetics of starch degradation. Caffeic and protocatechuic acids exceeded 100%, and chlorogenic acid 81% bioaccessibility after simulated intestinal digestion. Rutin was undetected after the simulated intestinal phase due to precipitation in the pellet. In-vitro bioaccessibility of minerals ranged from 12 to 62% in monkey orange enriched porridge. A 50–70% decrease of starch hydrolysis was observed at the end of the simulated intestinal digestion of monkey orange maize porridge confirming the known potential of phenolic compounds to decrease the glycaemic index of starch-rich foods. Consequently monkey orange juice appeared a suitable ingredient to enrich staple maize porridge thanks to its micronutrients and health benefit potential. Similar relationships of other fruits and starchy foods warrant study as a means to improve the nutritional quality of the diets of malnourished populations.
... The vernacular name for baobab means "fruit with many seeds" [4]. The seeds are eaten raw or roasted and have a pleasant nutty flavor [5]. Murray et al. [6] reported that baobab seed flour is an important source of energy and protein. ...
... Result of chemical composition of alcohol extracted baobab protein concentrate is shown in Table 1. The percentage yield of baobab protein concentrate was 51.74%, this agrees with the findings of Arnold et al. [5] that the nutritious seeds have high values for proteins, fats (oils), fibre and most minerals. The result indicates that the protein concentrate contains 8.16% moisture, 90.36% protein, 1% crude-fibre and very low/insignificant levels of fat, ash and carbohydrate of 0.13%, 0.20% and 0.13% respectively. ...
This study investigated the characteristics of baobab protein concentrate prepared using alcohol extraction method. Baobab fruit and the seeds were washed out, cleaned to remove dirt, sundried for three days and finally ground in an electric mill, sieved and stored. The flour was defatted with hexane under constant magnetic stirring for 3hrs. The slurry was vacuum filtered through filter paper and the residue was used for subsequent extraction. The result obtained showed that alcohol extraction method significantly (p<0.05) affected the chemical composition and functional properties of the baobab protein isolate. Result of functional properties shows that the alcohol extracted baobab protein concentrate displayed higher solubility index and emulsifying capacity. Baobab protein concentrate can be considered as potential functional food ingredient.
... Bauhinia grains have been found to be good sources of protein and oil similar to soya bean and peanuts. Depending on species, the protein and fat contents of Bauhinia grains are in the ranges of 27-38 and 14-29%, respectively (Arnold et al. 1985;Vijayakumari et al. 1997;Anhwange et al. 2004;Amonsou et al. 2014). Some indigenous Southern African Bauhinia species, such as B. galpinii and B. petersiana, grow well in semiarid and arid soils (Arnold et al. 1985;Fanie and Venter 1996) and thus may be better alternative sources of proteins compared with soya and peanuts. ...
... Depending on species, the protein and fat contents of Bauhinia grains are in the ranges of 27-38 and 14-29%, respectively (Arnold et al. 1985;Vijayakumari et al. 1997;Anhwange et al. 2004;Amonsou et al. 2014). Some indigenous Southern African Bauhinia species, such as B. galpinii and B. petersiana, grow well in semiarid and arid soils (Arnold et al. 1985;Fanie and Venter 1996) and thus may be better alternative sources of proteins compared with soya and peanuts. However, in comparison with soya, the Bauhinia grains are much underutilized. ...
There is a growing demand for alternative protein sources for industrial applications. Bauhinia are underutilized protein-rich oilseed legumes primarily grown as ornamental plants. In this study, the composition and structure of proteins extracted from two Bauhinia species, B. galpinii and B. petersiana, were determined in comparison with soya bean. Albumin and globulin (75%) were the major storage proteins of Bauhinia. Albumin content of B. galpinii was substantially high (28%), about twice those of soya and B. petersiana. Bauhinia grains were good sources of lysine (approximately 4 g/100 g of protein). By SDS-PAGE, Bauhinia proteins showed three major protein bands ranging from 17,000 to 76,000 for both species. Only one subunit (17,000) of the basic glycinin (11S) seemed to be present in Bauhinia compared with soya. Bauhinia proteins had more β-sheet conformation (42%) than a-helix (22%). Bauhinia grains may provide a new opportunity of protein for industrial applications.
... The concentration of minerals is important to know, but next to that it is also necessary to know their bioavailability since if the minerals are not absorbed in the gut, the nutritional value is nil. Compounds such as oxalic acid or phytic (2002), Glew et al. (1997Glew et al. ( , 2004, Wehmeyer (1967), Arnold et al. (1985), Bille and Steppich (2003) The values are given in mg 100 g -1 (fresh fruit) a sample from north central Namibia b sample from north west Namibia Taylor (1985) The values are given in mg 100 g -1 Phytochem Rev 123 acid may bind minerals and form insoluble complexes that are not absorbed and this area is not well covered on marula. According to Gous et al. (1988) the relatively low sugar and high potassium content of Marula juice can further add to health benefits since potassium is an essential nutrient to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. ...
... Marula nut has higher lipid/oil content than Baobab, Adansonia digitata Carissa edulis and Hibiscus esculentus nuts as shown in Table 4. Shone (1979) and Von Teichman (1983) reported 5.7/100 g of lipids found in the nut of Marula and Glew et al. (1997) found 19.5/100 g dry weight of lipids in the nut. The lipid content of marula nut varied from 50 to 85 % of dry weight according to (Eromosele et al. 1991;Leakey 1999;Arnold et al. 1985). According to Glew et al. (2004), the fatty acid composition and content of the Marula seed (daniya seed) was high (47.0 % of dry weight) with the major fatty acid being monoenoic oleic acid (18:1 n-9) accounting for 63 % of the total fatty acid content (47/100 g dry weight). ...
This review critically evaluated literature on proximate composition and nutritional value of Marula in comparison with other tropical and indigenous fruits in order to identify areas for future research. It was found that nutrients content and processing methods of Marula fruit varied greatly from study to study and according to place of origin, soil, climate, handling, analytical methods used and time that lapsed after harvesting before analysis took place. Marula fruit pulp is reported to have vitamin C content higher than that of most fruits, ranging from 62 mg/100 g to over 400 mg/100 g. Additionally, Marula fruit is reported to have an antioxidant capacity of between 8 and 25 mM, (ascorbic acid equivalents) and a total phenolic content ranging from 7.5 to 24 mg/g dry weight gallic acid equivalent. Marula kernels are also a good source of protein, oil, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium and their oil is used in food preparations. Marula fruits could play a vital role in terms of nutrition to rural community who rely on the usage of the fruits, as they do not have easy access to other sources of nutrients. Recommendation given for future research includes improving Marula fruits juice extraction and yields, investigating the effect of processing and storage on the retention of nutrients such as vitamin C and its antioxidant capacity in processed and unprocessed Marula products and further identifying Marula fruits flavor compounds and their effect on processing and storage.
... Seed oils are important sources of nutritional oils, industrial and pharmaceutical importance [41]. Significant potassium and measurable copper were recorded by Arnold et al. (1985) and potassium by Odetokun (1996) [40,44,55]. ...
... Seed oils are important sources of nutritional oils, industrial and pharmaceutical importance [41]. Significant potassium and measurable copper were recorded by Arnold et al. (1985) and potassium by Odetokun (1996) [40,44,55]. ...
Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) is commonly known as baobab tree native to Africa. Baobab is a multi-purpose tree which offers protection and provides food, clothing and medicine as well as raw material for many useful items. The fruit pulp, seeds, leaves, flowers, roots, and bark of baobab are edible and they have been studied by scientists for their useful properties. The fruit pulp have very high vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, fibers, potassium, proteins and lipids content, which can be used in seasoning as an appetizer and also make juices. Seeds contain appreciable quantities of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, sodium, iron, manganese, whereas they have high levels of lysine, thiamine, calcium and iron. Baobab has numerous biological properties including antimicrobial, anti-malarial, diarrhoea, anaemia, asthma, antiviral, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities amongst others. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of flavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. The review summarizes the information on various aspects of traditional information, taxonomic description, medicinal properties and importantly nutritional value.
... Na and Fe are also important in biological systems, mainly as electrolytes and as heme for Fe in blood cells; their levels ranged between 0 and 40 mg/100 g DM, and 49 and 202 ppm, respectively. Arnold et al. (1985), and Osman (2004) reported a high variation in the Fe content of A. Digitata, 1.1 and 10.4 mg/100 g DM, respectively. ...
... The high variability in mineral and metal contents in the baobab pulp has been largely highlighted (Nour et al., 1980;Arnold et al., 1985;Sena et al., 1998;Osman, 2004). It may be associated, at least in part, with the soil type and origin of samples. ...
The fruit of baobab (Adansonia sp.) is well known in Africa both for its medicinal properties and social uses. It is a very promising tropical fruit although it has been little investigated and exploited in Madagascar. One of the major challenges, in Africa, in the last years has been to establish the baobab as a commercial crop with an economic value. In order to know if Malagasy baobab fruits have the same potential, we proposed to study biochemical characteristics of its fruit pulp. To achieve this objective, five endemic baobab species from Madagascar and one from Côte d'Ivoire were studied. Contents in vitamin C, polyphenols, lipids, proteins and minerals were evaluated. The biochemical composition of the fruit pulp of Madagascar species was studied and compared to that of a Sudano-Sahelian species (Adansonia digitata). Results showed high variability in biochemical characteristics and mineral content between the five Malagasy species and the Sudano-Sahelian species. These data revealed that the composition and the interesting nutritional potential of the baobab pulp may be of high interest to Malagasy consumers, which would contribute to rank it as a commercial crop. (Résumé d'auteur)
... Moisture content of fruit pulp was 11.6 g 100 g −1 on product fresh weight basis. Proximate composition was found to be (g 100 g −1 d.w.): crude protein 5.3, fiber 13.7, fat 3.6, carbohydrates 74.9, and ash 4.9 (Arnold, Wells, and Wehmeyer 1985; Chadare et al. 2009). Fruit pulp is acidic due to the presence of organic acids, including citric, tartaric, malic, succinic, and ascorbic acids. ...
... Siyanzyundu, in Binga district, Zimbabwe is a communal farming area in a very arid and marginal agro-ecological zone in the country. The baobab tree does very well in the area due to its adaptation to hot, dry areas (Arnold et al. 1985). Table 2 shows the importance of the baobab tree as a food resource for the community in Siyanzyundu in relation to other fruit bearing trees. ...
We evaluated processing technology, composition, and socioeconomic significance of mutandabota, a food product made by mixing cow's or goat's milk with dry baobab fruit pulp. Mutandabota production is a gendered activity dominated by women. Nutrient content was (g 100 g(-1) w.b) protein 4.8 ± 1, fat 2.8 ± 0.9, fiber 1.1 ± 0.4, ash 0.9 ± 0.2, carbohydrates 20 ± 1.7, moisture 70.4 ± 3.7, and vitamin C 80 ± 25 mg/100g. Microbiological load (log cfu ml(-1)) was high, 4.7 ± 1.2 mesophilic bacteria, 5.3 ± 2.1 lactic acid bacteria, and 5.0 ± 1.3 yeasts and molds. The pH of milk was 6.7 and the final pH of mutandabota was 3.5 ± 0.1. Mutandabota is a major source of proteins and vitamin C. Its microbiological quality needs evaluation.
... Previous reports show that A. horridus occurs in small, severely fragmented subpopulations and is potentially threatened by habitat loss due to mining, agricultural expansion and urbanization [26], and such species are of conservation concern [28,29]. The fruits of A. horridus are regarded as an important food source in Namibia [30][31][32]. Mansfeld et al. [33] argued that A. horridus is an incipiently cultivated plant with great promise for cultivation in arid areas as a source of food, fodder and herbal medicines. Research by Van Wyk [34,35] and Van Wyk and Wink [36] revealed that the roots of A. horridus have commercial potential as traditional medicines while seed oil have commercial potential in the production of food products and cosmetics. ...
Acanthosicyos horridus Welw. ex Hook. f. is a perennial shrub collected from the wild for its edible fruits and is also used as a traditional medicine. This study is aimed at evaluating the chemical properties and ethnomedicinal uses of A. horridus. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. This study revealed that the fruit and root infusions and/or decoctions of A. horridus are used as traditional medicine for arteriosclerosis, chest pains, gastro-intestinal disorders, kidney problems, nausea and sexually transmitted infections. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include cucurbitacins, fatty acids and sterols. Some of the compounds identified from the species have applications in food industry and health promoting products.
... Its fruit pulp has very high vitamin C content, and can be used in seasoning, as an appetizer and to make juices, its seeds contain appreciable quantities of crude protein, digestible carbohydrates and oil; whereas they have high levels of lysine, thiamine, calcium and iron (Caluwé et al., 2010). The dry baobab fruit pulp has a slightly amount of tart, refreshing taste and is very nutritious, with particularly high values for carbohydrates, energy, calcium, very high potassium, thiamine and vitamin C (Arnold et al., 1985). The high calcium contents of the fruit pulp make baobab fruits attractive as a natural source of calcium supplementation for pregnant and lactating women, as well as for children and the elderly (Osman, 2004). ...
Objective:
Infertility is the inability of sexually active couples without using birth control to get pregnant after one year of uninterrupted sexual intercourse. Cotton Seed Extract (CSE) has been linked to male infertility by causing oxidative damage to the testes due to the action of its active component, Gossypol. Adansonia digitata has been known to have many medically useful properties, including antioxidant effects. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of Adansonia digitata on Cottonseed extract-induced testicular damage.
Methods:
Forty (40) Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups of five rats per group (n=5). Group 1 served as the control and received 0.5 ml of phosphate buffer orally; Group 2 received 800 mg/kg b.wt A. digitata orally; Group 3 received 300 mg/kg b.wt Vitamin E only orally; Group 4 received 60 mg/kg b.wt CSE intraperitoneally; Group 5 received 20 mg/kg b.wt CSE intraperitoneally; Group 6 received 60 mg/kg b.wt CSE intraperitoneally and 800 mg/kg b.wt A. digitata orally; Group 7 received 20 mg/kg b.wt CSE intraperitoneally and 800 mg/kg b.wt A. digitata orally; Group 8 received 60 mg/kg b.wt CSE intraperitoneally and 300 mg/kg Vit. E orally. It was administered for 21 days. The testes and epididymis were dissected following abdominal incision. The epididymis was used for semen analysis while the testes was processed for histological analysis and biochemical assay. All the data was analyzed by ANOVA, using the SPSS version 17.0 software. A p<0.05 was considered significant.
Results:
CSE administration caused significant (p<0.05) decrease in sperm count, found in the group treated with CSE only. However, the Administration of A. digitata caused significant increase (p<0.05) in sperm count, G6PDH, LDH, GPx and SOD; however, MDA levels were decreased. Histological observations showed a decrease in the number of Spermatogonia and differentiating cells in the testes of rats treated with CSE.
Conclusions:
The results obtained revealed the antioxidant ability of A. digitata in counter-acting the testicular damage caused by CSE administration.
... Assogbadjo et al. stated that baobab seeds contain higher protein and crude lipid than all the remaining parts of the tree [15]. High protein content was reported in baobab seeds; 28.7% -36.3% [16][17][18], while lower values of protein 15.12% -18.4% were reported by Lockett et al. and Osman respectively [19,20]. Generally, weaning foods eaten in developing nations contain high levels of carbohydrate with very low proteins due to expensive cost of animal protein foods. ...
... Fruit pulp is probably the most important food stuff portion. Analysis of ripe fru it showed an average of 8 -7% moisture, 2.7% protein, 0.2% fats, 73,7% carbohydrates, 8.9% fibers and 5.8% ash [3]. The total lipid content was found to be 155 mg/g of dry weigh and that significant Linoleic acid was present [4]. ...
Abs tract Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is considered one of t he most important forest trees w hich grow extensively in semi-arid Afri ca. It provides food, fibres, medicines and used as water store during e mergency. T he African Baobab's fruit has twice as much c alcium as milk, rich in anti-oxidants, iron and potassium, and contains six-fold vitamin C of an orange. A part from the se desirable nutritional attributes, Tabaldi squash has rece ntly gained great popularity as an indigenous local drink for its availability, ease of preparation, little cost and freeness from harmful che micals. However, the demand a nd acceptability of the consumers to Ta baldi squash is often negatively affected by the formation of a precipitate both at the bottom and top of Baobab fruit-based drink, which is a common phenome non appearing immediately after its preparation. This study was an attempt to find out an appropriate treatment that can help eliminate the precipitated layer, which usually occurs in a concentrated Baobab squash. To realize that goal Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) and gum Arabic were additively used at different concentrations as stabilising agents. Our results revealed that 0.1% of CMC and 0.2% of gum Arabic were the best concentrations to eliminate or reduce the volume of a precipitate without affecting the product quality. From the taste point of view, the results obtained from organoleptic tests obviously showed that the consumer prefers untreated squash. More work is needed to innovate adequate techniques for up-grading the quality of Tabaldi squash not only at the local consumption level but also at the industry level. Index Terms: Baobab/Tabaldi, Adansonia digitata, squash, quality.
(PDF) Towards Quality Up-grading of the Concentrated Tabaldi (Adansonia digitata L.). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335340274_Towards_Quality_Up-grading_of_the_Concentrated_Tabaldi_Adansonia_digitata_L [accessed Feb 25 2021].
... Fruit pulp is probably the most important food stuff portion. Analysis of ripe fru it showed an average of 8 -7% moisture, 2.7% protein, 0.2% fats, 73,7% carbohydrates, 8.9% fibers and 5.8% ash [3]. The total lipid content was found to be 155 mg/g of dry weigh and that significant Linoleic acid was present [4]. ...
... Many botanical and anthropological studies have documented edible forest products gathered by forest dwellers and non-forest dwellers alike (forexample Arnold et al 1985, FAO 1983, Gura 1986, Malaisse and Parent 1985. Agroforestry systems also integrate woody species to landscapes, and allow for a sustainable and diversified production, and social, economic and environmental benefits (Leakey, 1996). ...
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute immensely to food security, poverty alleviation, economic development, and household and national income generation among many other benefits. This paper gives a synopsis of ntfps in Nigeria, their diversity and diverse uses, with specific examples of the economic potentials of Moringa oleifera, Lonchocarpus cyanescens, Vitellaria paradoxa, Acacia senegal and Dacryodes edulis. The paper highlights the challenges facing the economic utilization of ntfps in Nigeria and solutions were suggested
... Population specific dietary data is, however, notoriously difficult to summarize. It ranges from enumeration of food species targeted (Marlowe, 2010), to tallying the number of food units acquired during foraging or consumption (Berbesque, Marlowe, & Crittenden, 2011;Hawkes et al., 1989;O'dea et al., 1991), to estimating whole weights of raw meat or plant foods provisioned to camp Marlowe et al., 2014;Tanaka, 1976Tanaka, , 1980 to quantitative nutritional chemistry of wild food samples (Arnold, Wells, & Wehmeyer, 1985;Miller, James, & Maggiore, 1993;Murray, Schoeninger, Bunn, Pickering, & Marlett, 2001;. Surprisingly few studies have integrated all of these lines of evidence to provide a comprehensive understanding of forager diet composition, incorporating the nutritional chemistry (i.e., chemical composition of foods), raw weights of food back to camp, and estimated production and consumption patterns (see Altman, 1984;Crittenden, 2009;Hill, Hawkes, Hurtado, & Kaplan, 1984;Hurtado & Hill, 1990;Kuhnlein, Soueida, & Receveur, 1996;Lee, 1969;Wilmsen, 1982). ...
Diet composition and food choice are not only central to the daily lives of all living people, but are consistently linked with turning points in human evolutionary history. As such, scholars from a wide range of fields have taken great interest in the role that subsistence has played in both human cultural and biological evolution. Central to this discussion is the diet composition and nutrition of contemporary hunters and gatherers, who are frequently conscripted as model populations for ancestral human nutrition. Research among the world's few remaining foraging populations is experiencing a resurgence, as they are making the final transition away from diets composed of wild foods, to those dominated by domesticated cultigens and/or processed foods. In an effort to glean as much information as possible, before such populations are no longer hunting and gathering, researchers interested in the evolution of human nutrition are rapidly collecting and accessing new and more data. Methods of scientific inquiry are in the midst of rapid change and scholars are able to revisit long-standing questions using state of the art analyses. Here, using the most relevant findings from studies in ethnography, nutrition, human physiology, and microbiomes, we provide a brief summary of the study of the evolution of human nutrition as it has specifically pertained to data coming from living hunter-gatherers. In doing so, we hope to bridge the disciplines that are currently invested in research on nutrition and health among foraging populations.
... The Khoisans roast the fruit and then strain the flesh. The leaves are cooked as spinach or mixed with maize meal (Arnold et al., 1985). In the Kalahari area of South Africa, game animals eat the bitter fruit and in time of scarcity, are fed to cattle and are even eaten by the bushman (Burkill, 1985). ...
The main constraint of people in the developing world to modern medicine is poverty. This has led individuals to ancient times where uses of plants as a cure for various ailments are cheaper and easy to assess. People in the developing countries or rural areas rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care, majority of which use plants or their active principles. Another world wide problem is increase resistance of pathogens to commercial drugs; this has also necessitated a search for new antimicrobial substances from other sources, including plants. The plant Cucumis metuliferus and other plants of the family Cucurbitaceae have been reported to have medicinal value; this review is aimed at revealing some of the diseases or ailments that are treated with the plant Cucumis metuliferus.
... There are more than 350 oil bearing crops identified, among which are sunflower, safflower, soybean, cottonseed, rapeseed and peanut oils, which are considered as potential alternative fuels for Diesel engines [17] . Even though, marula oil is traditionally used in cosmetics, in food as cooking oil and as a meat preservative and to treat leather against spoilage, so far no published results have shown marula oil's suitability as biodiesel and lubricant for compression ignition engines. ...
Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) seed oil was extracted and characterized for its physico-chemical properties and fatty acid compositions, respectively, by using standardized laboratory methods of the Association of Official and Analytical Chemist (AOAC). The fuel and lubrication properties of marula oil were also determined by using the ASTM methods, and the oil was evaluated in terms of its antiwear, viscometrics, volatility, stability, environmental compatibility properties and energy content. It was found that the high percentage of mono-unsaturated oleic acid (73.6%) provided the oiliness that makes marula oil a natural alternative to genetically modify high oleic acid sunflower oil used in biodiesel production. The aggregate properties of seed oiliness as exemplified by the high oleic acid content, high saponification value (178.6 mg/KOH) and viscosity (41 mm 2 /s) makes marula oil to be prospective based oil for engine crank case biolubricants with antiwear and friction reduction properties. However, the higher oil viscosity exhibited by marula seed oil in comparison to diesel could pose some durability problems to compression ignition engines, when used directly as fuel. Nonetheless, the reduction of oil viscosity would be required by heating, blending with diesel fuel, or by transesterification to forestall the risk of engine failure resulting from the use of unmodified marula oil. The flash point of marula oil (235℃) is somewhat close to that of monograde SAE 40 mineral oil (240℃), and appreciably higher than that of diesel fuel (52℃). The high flash point makes the seed oil less flammable and ensures safer handling and transportation. While, the low pour point (-13.7℃) ensures the oil usability for engines at cold start and under low load conditions. The oxidation stability of marula oil is ascribed to the traces of natural antioxidants presented in the oil and improves the oil's shelf life, notwithstanding the high peroxide value (4.58 mequiv/kg), and linolenic acid content (0.3%), which ought to have been the culprit for lipolytic hydrolysis and rancidity. Furthermore, marula seed oil is more biodegradable and environmentally friendly than oils derived from petroleum crude. The closely related cetane number (47.8) and heating values (38.2 mJ/kg) of marula oil to diesel fuel would undeniably sustain the combustion efficiency of diesel fuel and also supply a comparable engine performance output in compression ignition engines. The candidacy of marula seed oil, as a bioenergy resource for alternative fuel, fuel additives and lubricants, will no doubt expand the energy supply mix, conserve fossil fuel reserves and mitigate environmental contamination.
... marketing of Irvingia gabonenesis-a wild fruit is particularly important in this period in southern Nigeria where traders even import this wild fruits from Cameroon. Many more wild products have potential economic values, which are yet unexploited (Arnold et al., 1985; Rasoanaivo, 1990). Although these wild and semi-wild food resources make a significant contribution to rural livelihoods and to the national economies of many countries, the magnitude of the income derived from them and particularly wild food plants is not well known, due to a lack of systematic and rigorous data collection at country level (FAO, 2000). ...
This study examined the impediments, opportunities and strategies to enhance trade of wild and semiwild food plants (WSWFPs) in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Uganda. Semi-structured questionnaire was administered face-to-face to sixty six (66) traders of WSWFPs in the formal markets: five (5) mobile hawkers and eleven (11) home-based/roadside traders. As a result of their small number, all traders that were found selling WSWFPs were interviewed. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics in excel spreadsheet and MINITAB statistical package. A number of challenges including high perishability, market dues, inaccurate consumers’ perceptions, seasonal shortfalls and unreliable supply, unorganized markets, little or no value addition, limited market information, and the inexistence of market promotional activities affected the trade in WSWFPs. However, the growing market demands, increasing focus of most service providers in creating awareness on WSWFPs, ever-changing perception on nutritional values of WSWFPs by the public, current government emphasis on value addition of traded agricultural products, little or no capital requirement for starting up trade in WSWFPs, and absence of restrictive regulations on sale of WSWFPs were regarded as good opportunities that could be exploited to enhance trade in WSWFPs. Key strategies for improved marketing WSWFPs included among other things, training gatherers and traders on value adding activities prior to sale, deliberate investment in promotional and awareness campaigns to expose the hidden benefits of WSWFPs, scrapping market dues levied on traders selling WSWFPs, helping gatherers and sellers to organise themselves to form viable supply and market groups, linking gatherers and sellers to good markets, as well as providing them with available market information. There is thus, a need for concerted efforts to implement some of these feasible marketing strategies to improve on the markets of WSWFPs in the kingdom. Key words: Wild edibles, wild food, semi-cultivated food, marketing wild food, Uganda.
... marketing of Irvingia gabonenesis-a wild fruit is particularly important in this period in southern Nigeria where traders even import this wild fruits from Cameroon. Many more wild products have potential economic values, which are yet unexploited (Arnold et al., 1985;Rasoanaivo, 1990). Although these wild and semi-wild food resources make a significant contribution to rural livelihoods and to the national economies of many countries, the magnitude of the income derived from them and particularly wild food plants is not well known, due to a lack of systematic and rigorous data collection at country level (FAO, 2000). ...
... The energy value of the kernel is approximately 2 699-2 703 kJ per 100 g kernel[16]. There are more than 350 oil bearing crops identified, among which are sunflower, safflower, soybean, cottonseed, rapeseed and peanut oils, which are considered as potential alternative fuels for Diesel engines[17]. Even though, marula oil is traditionally used in cosmetics, in food as cooking oil and as a meat preservative and to treat leather against spoilage, so far no published results have shown marula oil' s suitability as biodiesel and lubricant for compression ignition engines. ...
Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) seed oil was extracted and characterized for its physico-chemical properties and fatty acid compositions, respectively, by using standardized laboratory methods of the Association of Official and Analytical Chemist (AOAC). The fuel and lubrication properties of marula oil were also determined by using the ASTM methods, and the oil was evaluated in terms of its antiwear, viscometrics, volatility, stability, environmental compatibility properties and energy content. It was found that the high percentage of mono-unsaturated oleic acid (73.6%) provided the oiliness that makes marula oil a natural alternative to genetically modify high oleic acid sunflower oil used in biodiesel production. The aggregate properties of seed oiliness as exemplified by the high oleic acid content, high saponification value (178.6 mg/KOH) and viscosity (41 mm2/s) makes marula oil to be prospective based oil for engine crank case biolubricants with antiwear and friction reduction properties. However, the higher oil viscosity exhibited by marula seed oil in comparison to diesel could pose some durability problems to compression ignition engines, when used directly as fuel. Nonetheless, the reduction of oil viscosity would be required by heating, blending with diesel fuel, or by transesterification to forestall the risk of engine failure resulting from the use of unmodified marula oil. The flash point of marula oil (235°C) is somewhat close to that of monograde SAE 40 mineral oil (240°C), and appreciably higher than that of diesel fuel (52°C). The high flash point makes the seed oil less flammable and ensures safer handling and transportation. While, the low pour point (-13.7°C) ensures the oil usability for engines at cold start and under low load conditions. The oxidation stability of marula oil is ascribed to the traces of natural antioxidants presented in the oil and improves the oil's shelf life, notwithstanding the high peroxide value (4.58 mequiv/kg), and linolenic acid content (0.3%), which ought to have been the culprit for lipolytic hydrolysis and rancidity. Furthermore, marula seed oil is more biodegradable and environmentally friendly than oils derived from petroleum crude. The closely related cetane number (47.8) and heating values (38.2 mJ/kg) of marula oil to diesel fuel would undeniably sustain the combustion efficiency of diesel fuel and also supply a comparable engine performance output in compression ignition engines. The candidacy of marula seed oil, as a bioenergy resource for alternative fuel, fuel additives and lubricants, will no doubt expand the energy supply mix, conserve fossil fuel reserves and mitigate environmental contamination.
... The seed oil may be extracted for local use (Ketshajwang et al. 1998). According to previous studies, it was found that dried seeds of B. petersiana were found to contain, per 100 g material, water 0.8 g, proteins 22.9 g, fat 13.1 g, carbohydrates, 40.2 g, fiber 13.0 g, calcium 13.0 mg, iron 3.9 mg, thiamin 0.6 mg and riboflavin 0.2 mg (Arnold et al. 1985). We previously reported the effects of cooking on nutrient and antinutrients composition of the seeds of B. petersiana (Sigauke et al. 2013; Vengesai et al. 2014). ...
Phytochemical constituents and effect of processing on antioxidant activity of the seeds of Bauhinia petersiana were investigated. Phytochemical screening of raw seeds was done on ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts. Antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts of the raw and processed seeds were determined using in vitro tests involving inhibition of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anions and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, cardenolides, proteins, terpenoids, carbohydrates and anthraquinones were variedly distributed in different extracts of the seeds. The raw, boiled and roasted seeds contained similar amounts of total phenolics and tannins, however, flavonoids were higher in the roasted seeds. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of raw and processed seeds was similar to that of ascorbic acid, catechin and butylated hydroxyanisole. Reducing power increased when samples were roasted. Superoxide and H2O2 scavenging activity of raw and processed seeds were similar to that of ascorbic acid. Practical Applications: The ground roasted seeds of Bauhiniapetersiana have, since time immemorial, been used as a coffee substitute by communities in Zimbabwe. Our research findings indicate that roasting of the seeds of B.petersiana resulted in increased antioxidant potential through in vitro model. These results mean that the seeds of B.petersiana could be a useful source of natural antioxidant if utilized as roasted ground coffee, compared to the raw or boiled seeds. The analyzed seeds also contained a range of phytochemicals including terpenoids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, amino acids, saponins, alkaloids and phenolic compounds; hence, it would be a useful natural source of various phytochemicals that have health benefits. These research findings would be useful in promoting commercial production of coffee or other products from the wild coffee bean.
... Today, the most known product of the marula fruits is Amarula cream, an alcoholic beverage produced from the fruit pulp by Distell Corporation in South Africa which is sold in more than 60 countries world-wide (Ham et al. 2008). The marula oil, extracted from its kernels has a high nutritional value (Arnold et al. 1985); is 10 times more stable to oxidation compared to olive oil (Burger et al. 1987;Glew et al. 2004), has antioxidant action (Burger et al. 1987;Wynberg et al. 2002), and free radical scavenging properties and moisturizing properties (Houghton 1999;Gruenwald 2006;Borochov-Neori et al. 2008). ...
Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. (marula) is one of the most important indigenous fruit tree species in southern Africa, where it plays a significant role in the diet, tradition and culture of many indigenous people. The species has in the past decade been the subject of domestication to enhance its wider scale cultivation and conservation to preserve its genetic diversity. In this study, we report on the performance of 21 geographic populations of marula (20 of S. birrea ssp. caffra and one of S. birrea ssp. birrea) planted in Mangochi, Malawi (14�80S, 35�14’E and 469 m elevation). The trial was assessed for tree height, bole height, root collar diameter (RCD), diameter at breast height (DBH), crown width and depth, and fruiting at 7 years after out-planting. There were significant differences between the populations for most of the traits. Differences between the top and bottom ranked populations were often up to three-fold, reflecting wide genetic variation in the germplasm. The Marracuene population from Mozambique, was ranked top for height, RCD, DBH, crown width and crown depth. Only eight populations had fruits of which Marracuene population had the highest fruit yield. Although the average fruit load per tree ranged from one to 274 among the fruiting populations, tree-to-tree variation in fruit production was very wide ranging from one to 1,228 fruits per tree. Phenotypic correlations among the growth and crown size (height, RCD, DBH and crown depth) traits were large, positive and significant (P<0.001). Correlations between fruit yield and growth and crown size traits although significant and positive, were mostly moderate. The implication of this large genetic variation in growth and fruit production detected among the marula populations is discussed in relation to conservation, breeding and choice of seed source for planting.
... Spider plant is used as a vegetable where the tender shoots and leaves are boiled and eaten as herb, tasty relish, stew or side dish (Chweya and Mnzava, 1997). The vegetable is a rich source of protein, and the leaves contain over and above the normal recommended adult daily allowance of vitamins A and C and the minerals calcium and iron (Arnold et al., 1985). Boiling the leaves reduces vitamin C content by up to 81% and drying can reduce vitamin C content further by 95% (Mathooko and Imungi, 1994). ...
A field experiment was conducted from April to November 2009 at Horticulture Research and
Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya to assess the effects of different levels (0, 100,
150 and 200 kg Nha-1) of Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilizer on spider plant with a
view to determine the optimal rate that would maximize the growth and yield of the crop.
Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times.
Growth, yield and physiological data were taken and later subjected to analysis of variance
(ANOVA) and the significant means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test
(DMRT) at P ≤ 0.05. The results showed that application of CAN fertilizer significantly
(P<0.05) influenced all growth and physiological parameters measured. Plants subjected to
highest rate (200 kg Nha-1) of Calcium ammonium nitrate exhibited about 85% increase in
plant height and between 80% to 100% increase in number of branches compared to the
control. The same treatment enhanced chlorophyll concentration by between 42% to 62%
and stomatal conductance by between 67% to 81% when compared to control. Yield from
150 and 200 kg Nha-1 treatments was higher by about 61% compared to control. The findings
suggested that application of 150 kg Nha-1 from CAN is therefore preferred in maximising
yield and hence recommended for production of spider plant.
Keywords: CAN, chlorophyll, Cleome gynandra, stomatal conductance and yield.
... Baobab contains a number of substances usually employed for the treatment of numerous diseases in the African traditional medicine and for that reason it is also named "the small pharmacy" (Obizoba and Anyika, 1994). The dry baobab fruit pulp has a slightly tart, refreshing taste and is very nutritious, with particularly high values for carbohydrates, energy, calcium, potassium (very high), thiamine, nicotinic acid and vitamin C (very high) (Arnold et al., 1985). The fruit pulp has very high vitamin C content; almost ten times that of oranges. ...
This study was carried out to assess the antidiabetic properties of
Adansoniadigitata fruit pulp by evaluating the effect of its methanolic
extract (MAD) on cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low Density
Lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides. Forty eight male wistar/albino rats
weighing 160 to 240 g were randomly distributed into six treatment groups
[Group1, Normal control, each given only 0.2 ml distilled water daily for 4
weeks; Group 2, diabetes control rats, induced with 150 mg/kg b.w., i.p.
administration of alloxan and thereafter given 0.2 ml distilled water
throughout the study period; Groups 3, 4 and 5, diabetic (i.p., 150 mg/kg
b.w. alloxan) rats were given single oral dose of MAD (100, 200 and 300
mg/kg b.w. respectively) for 4 weeks; Group 6, diabetic rats (i.p., 150
mg/kg b.w. alloxan) were treated with 84 mg/kg b.w. of Chloropropamide,
once daily for 4 weeks]. The serum concentration of cholesterol, HDL, LDL
and triglycerides of all the animals in each group were determined after the
14th and 28th treatment. There was significant (P<0.001) reduction of
serum cholesterol, LDL and Triglycerides when compared with the diabetic
control rats. These reductions were dose dependent and compared well
with values obtained in the standard drug control group. Significant
(P<0.001) increase in HDL were seen in the MAD experimental groups but
differed significantly (P<0.001) with reduction seen in chloropropamide
group.
... Bauhinia consists of about 300 species (Filho 2009). Bauhinia grains are protein-rich oilseeds (Arnold et al. 1985;Anhwange et al. 2005) similar to soya bean (Amonsou et al. 2011) and peanuts (Venkatachalam and Sathe 2006). Up to 33 % protein and 29 % lipid have been reported for B. monandra (Anhwange et al. 2005). ...
Bauhinia is a leguminous plant species found in almost every part of the world, including southern Africa. In this study, grain composition and protein body microstructure of two indigenous southern African Bauhinia species, B. galpinii and B. petersiana were determined. Protein (38 g/100 g) and fat (23 g/100 g) were the major constituents of Bauhinia. Bauhinia grains also contained substantial amounts of zinc (6 mg/100 g) and iron (3 mg/100 g) when compared to FAO/WHO standards. The parenchyma cells of Bauhinia showed spherical protein bodies with globoids inclusions and these were surrounded by lipids. However, the protein bodies of B. petersiana were smaller in size (7 ± 3 μm) than those of B. galpinii (13 ± 4 μm). The microstructure of protein bodies in Bauhinia is very similar to that of soya, suggesting that the processing technology developed for soya protein may be adopted for Bauhinia.
... The methods of preparation, drying and storage should be investigated to minimise the loss of nutrients in the process (Rodin, 1985;Waithaka and Chweya, 1991) and minimise contamination with bacteria and fungiwhich were found at high levels in dried leaf cakes in Botswana by Mpuchane and Gashe (1 ee8). Arnold et al., 1985: Wehmeyer, 1986Chweya and Mnzava, 1997 RESEARCH NEEDS Various authors have identified gaps in existing research . ...
The leaves of wild growing herbs consumed as spinaches are an important component of most rural Namibian diets A large number of species are utilised in this way, but Cleome gynandra' Amaranthus thunbergii and A. dinteri are the most well known and widely used species. Little research has been done on this subject. This paper summarises the information available in the literature and identifies research needs in Namibia' A project to conserve and evaluate local germplasm and investigate the feasibility of cultivation of these species, will be embarked uPon.
... However, a marked variation was observed in amounts of fruit production from year to year, which is most probably linked to inter-annual climatic fluctuations very frequent in the African savanna regions (Arnold et al., 1985;Shackleton, 2002;Hall et al., 2002;NRC, 2008). Fruit mass also vary considerably from tree to tree and from ecozone to the other (Hall et al., 2002;Leaky et al., 2005). ...
This study investigated distribution, fruit production and regeneration of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.)
Hochst, at Rashad District in the Nuba mountains, Sudan. Data were collected from samples
demarcated along transects in 2005. The inventory showed that S. birrea populations constituted half
(60 trees ha-1) of the total tree density (120 trees ha-1), denoting a gregarious nature of the stands of this
species. S. birrea had 1:1 male to female ratio. A female tree yielded 31350 fruits on the average, which
corresponded to a yield of 14.7 tons of fruits ha-1 annually. Natural regeneration was scanty as there
was only 210 seedlings ha-1. Seedlings survival rate was even poorer as only 10% of them survived after
a lapse of one year. Protection of seeds and seedlings from damage by animals, fire and other factors
can greatly improve natural regeneration of S. birrea. The findings of this study will support the
baseline information necessary to put this species under proper management prescriptions to exploit
its potentials in the northern savanna region.
... The fruit of baobab tree is used as natural ingredient in phyto-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical and herbal industry. Arnold et al. (1985) reported that with an average of 8.7% moisture the pulp contains about 74% carbohydrates, 3% proteins, 9% fibers, 6% ash and only 0.2% fat. The content of protein is approximately 56% (Nour et al., 1980). ...
The livelihood of the majority of rural population in the dry land Africa depends on forest and woodlands as a prime source of agricultural, fuel wood, as well as for non- timber forest products. The baobab tree Adansonia digitata is an important plant species for the rural inhabitants of western Sudan. The tree has edible fruit which is very rich in vitamin C also it has a number of other uses that include the use of leaves as vegetable, the seeds are use for preparing soft drink, the bark produced fiber which are used for rope making, the tree is a shelter for livestock and naturally hollow trunk are used for water storage. The baobab tree is adapted to the harsh and dry environment of western Sudan which makes it suitable for cultivation in environment characterized by sever drought, land degradation and over exploitation of the limited natural resources. Despite its well- recognized potential and high prices in the local market little attention has been given to this valuable fruit tree. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the significant importance of A. digitata by providing information on its botanical, distribution, cultivation and uses with the aim to promote its domestication and commercialization of this species for regional and international market.
Baobab (Adansonia digitata L., Malvaceae) is a multi-purpose tree species native to Africa. Its fruit pulp has very high vitamin C content (ffi ten times that of orange), and can be used in seasoning, as an appetizer and to make juices. Seeds contain appreciable quantities of crude protein, digestible carbohydrates and oil, whereas they have high levels of lysine, thiamine, Ca and Fe. They can be eaten fresh or dried, ground into flour and thus added to soups and stews. Processing eliminates a number of anti-nutritional factors present in the seed. Baobab leaves are superior in nutritional quality to fruit pulp, and contain significant levels of vitamin A. The leaves are a staple for many populations in Africa, and are eaten fresh or dried. Several plant parts have interesting anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and baobab has been used extensively since ancient times in traditional medicine.
Boscia albitrunca is a medium-sized tree widely used as herbal medicine in Southern Africa. The current study critically reviewed the botany, medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of B. albitrunca. Literature on botany, medicinal uses, phytochemical, and biological activities of B. albitrunca was collected from multiple internet sources including Elsevier, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, BMC, Science Direct, and Scopus. Complementary information was gathered from pre-electronic sources such as books, book chapters, theses, scientific reports, and journal articles obtained from the university library. This study revealed that the species is used as herbal medicine in 75.0% of the countries in Southern Africa where the species is indigenous. The bark, leaves, and roots of B. albitrunca are mainly used as herbal medicines for constipation, epilepsy, hemorrhoids, headache, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, skin diseases, syphilis, and as ethnoveterinary medicine. Ethnopharmacological research identified phenolic compounds, alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, and triterpernoids from leaves of B. albitrunca. The crude extracts of the species and the compound martynoside isolated from B. albitrunca exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activities. B. albitrunca should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.
Perennial vegetables are a neglected and underutilized class of crops with potential to address 21st century challenges. They represent 33–56% of cultivated vegetable species, and occupy 6% of world vegetable cropland. Despite their distinct relevance to climate change mitigation and nutritional security, perennial vegetables receive little attention in the scientific literature. Compared to widely grown and marketed vegetable crops, many perennial vegetables show higher levels of key nutrients needed to address deficiencies. Trees with edible leaves are the group of vegetables with the highest levels of these key nutrients. Individual “multi-nutrient” species are identified with very high levels of multiple nutrients for addressing deficiencies. This paper reports on the synthesis and meta-analysis of a heretofore fragmented global literature on 613 cultivated perennial vegetables, representing 107 botanical families from every inhabited continent, in order to characterize the extent and potential of this class of crops. Carbon sequestration potential from new adoption of perennial vegetables is estimated at 22.7–280.6 MMT CO2-eq/yr on 4.6–26.4 Mha by 2050.
https://www.kew.org/sites/default/files/2019-04/Sustainable%20Wild%20Plants%20updated.pdf
Baobab (Adansonia digitata L., Malvaceae) is a multi-purpose tree species native to Africa. Its fruit pulp has very high vitamin C content (ffi ten times that of orange), and can be used in seasoning, as an appetizer and to make juices. Seeds contain appreciable quantities of crude protein, digestible carbohydrates and oil, whereas they have high levels of lysine, thiamine, Ca and Fe. They can be eaten fresh or dried, ground into flour and thus added to soups and stews. Processing eliminates a number of anti-nutritional factors present in the seed. Baobab leaves are superior in nutritional quality to fruit pulp, and contain significant levels of vitamin A. The leaves are a staple for many populations in Africa, and are eaten fresh or dried. Several plant parts have interesting anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and baobab has been used extensively since ancient times in traditional medicine.
Key words: Baobab, Adansonia digitata L., traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, anti-nutritional factors
One key feature of rural African society concerns the dynamic flexibility of household livelihood strategies which Richards (1992) has conceptualised as an ‘adaptive and continuous performance’. Adaptability is essential for rural African households are required to respond to environmental, social, political and economic changes both within and between years. This paper explores the adaptive performance surrounding collecting activities (gathering, hunting and fishing) among rural Jola households in The Gambia, West Africa. Investigation of medium term change shows that collecting from the bush (forest, fallow, semi-cultivated land, sea and river) has increased significantly during the last two decades while examination of short-term change demonstrates that the amount of bush products collected varies seasonally and is closely integrated with agricultural activities and the social world. It is thus necessary to conceptualise rural change as a process, or performance, occurring at various rates (weekly, seasonally, between years) and spatial scales (individual, household, community, international), where there is a ‘sequential coupling’ of parallel activities in response to unpredictable events. Change to one aspect of rural West African life results in alterations to other aspects. Models and theories of rural change should therefore stress the interconnective and cyclical nature of productive, consumptive and reproductive spheres. The seasonally mobile and porous flexibility of rural performances in The Gambia illustrate the shortcomings of a development discourse based on a dichotomised model of rural livelihoods and a linear theory of progress.
Kiwano’s natural distribution is found in the tropical and subtropical sub-Saharan regions of Africa, stretching from Senegal to Somalia and South Africa. It has also been recorded in Yemen. The crop is commercially grown as an export crop in Kenya, New Zealand, France and Israel. It has become naturalized in Australia, and is reported as adventive in Croatia.
Momordica species have been used as both food and medicine in the regions in which it grows, for centuries in ancient traditional Indian, Chinese, and African pharmacopoeia as anthelmintic, laxative, digestive stimulant, and to enhance appetite. Usefulness of various Momordica species as anthelmintic, vermifuge, cathartic, hypoglycemic, aphrodisiac, antipyretic and in the treatment of burns, bilious disorders, diabetes, cataract, hypertension, leprosy, jaundice, snake bite, hemorrhoids, and piles has been mentioned. However, traditional knowledge related to the use of these species by indigenous tribes is not yet fully documented in the published literature. The leaves and young fruits are cooked and eaten as vegetable in India, Cameroon, Sudan, and Southern Africa. Leaf and fruit extracts of bitter gourd are used in the preparation of tea and is a popular health drink in Japan. Tender clippings of bitter gourd and teasel gourd are used extensively as leafy vegetable in parts of India and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. The fruits of the sweet gourd are esteemed as the fruit from Heaven for its ability to promote longevity, vitality, and health. Fruits of spine gourd contain aliphatic compounds which act as appetizer and astringent. Use of M. sahyadrica tuber paste as detergent and toilet soap holds promise in the cosmetic and health care industry. Bitter gourd has a relatively high nutritional value compared to other Cucurbits, due mainly to the iron and ascorbic acid content. Momordica is noted for acids with conjugated double bonds and high levels of antioxidant activity were noticed in balsam apple. M. dioica have medium protein value, fat, and phenolic compounds, and have maximum calorie value when compared to eight traditional wild vegetables of Indo-Persian region and could be a good supplement for nutrients such as fiber, potassium, zinc, lipid, protein, and carbohydrates. Sweet gourd contains β-carotene and lycopene at very high levels, with those of lycopene being up to 308 μg/g in the seed membrane, about 10-fold higher than in other lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables. Nutritional supplementation trials in Vietnam have shown that children fed with ‘xoi gac’ (rice cooked with fruit pulp of M. cochinchinensis, popularly called gac) have significantly higher plasma β-carotene, compared to those who received synthetic β-carotene powder or none. This chapter focuses on the nutritional composition as well as medicinal and therapeutic properties of Asiatic Momordica species.
In this study three baobab fruit pulp sam ples were obtained from three different locations (Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur) and subjected to physicochemical analysis. In addition, Kordofan baobab which is available and highly acceptable by consumers was used to produce different types of spray dried powders. The three baobab samples showed the same protein, fat, Ca, P and color levels, but significantly (p≤ 0.05) different fiber, total sugars, ascorbic acid, K and Fe contents. Spray drying significantly (p≤ 0.05) elevated fat, total sugars, K and P contents as well as bulk density and pH, while significantly (p≤ 0.05) reduced moisture, protein, fiber, ash, ascorbic acid, Na, Ca and Fe contents. On the other hand color, reducing and non reducing sugars were not affected. Solubility of the sprayed powder was significantly (p≤ 0.05) reduced as a result of treatment with gum Arabic, sugar and Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC). The spray dried powder obtained from the pure extract of the pulp showed significantly (p≤ 0.05) better reconstitution properties (wetability, dispersibility and solubility) in comparison to those prepared by addition of CMC or gum Arabic. The overall quality of the reconstituted drink prepared from the sprayed powder that produced from the pure 12% TSS extract (Ext pure) proved to be significantly (p≤0.05) better than that of the other products.
Cleome belongs to the Capparaceae family and is indigenous to South Africa. Throughout Africa, the tender leaves or young shoots, and often the flowers, are boiled and consumed as a potherb, tasty relish, stew or side dish. Fresh leaves are used as ingredients in other mashed foods, and dried leaves are ground and incorporated in weaning foods. The leaves are rather bitter, and for this reason are cooked with other leafy vegetables such as cowpea (Vigna spp.), amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) and blackjack (Solanum nigrum L.). The vegetable is a rich source of nutrients, especially vitamins (A and C) and minerals (Calcium and Iron). Boiling the leaves may reduce vitamin C content by up to 81%, while drying reduces the vitamin content by 95%. In several African countries, the vegetable is an important food in rural areas (where more than 80% of the total population of most of these countries occurs). In some countries, only this leafy vegetable is available during the relish-gap period, and, therefore, plays a significant role in household food security during drought. Leaves may be crushed to make a concoction that is drunk to cure diseases such as scurvy. In other communities, leaves are boiled and marinated in sour milk for 2-3 days and eaten as a nutritious meal, which is believed to improve eyesight, provide energy and cure marasmus. It is a highly recommended meal for pregnant and lactating women.
First and only fully comprehensive account of all eight species of Adansonia Contains much new information Highly interesting for scientists, academics and laypeople This is the only comprehensive account of all eight species in the genus Adansonia. It describes the historical background from the late Roman period to the present. It covers the extraordinary variety of economic uses of baobabs, famous trees, folk traditions and mythology, art associations, life cycle, natural history, cultivation, conservation, distribution and ecology, and phytogeography. There are also appendices on vernacular names, gazetteer, economics, nutrition and forest mensuration. This book fills a gap in the botanical literature. It deals with a genus that has fascinated and intrigued scientists and lay persons for centuries. It will appeal to scientists and academics as well as tropical horticulturalists, conservationists and general interest readers. It includes all the available scientific information about each of the eight species, and contains a good deal of original research on the history, ethnobotany and biology of the genus. There is even a chapter devoted to areas where further research is required. © 2008 Springer Science + Business Media, B.V. All rights reserved.
Species of Momordica are being grown in wild and/or cultivated forms all over the tropical part of the world. Their cultivation is restricted to specialized geographical pockets in different agrogeographical regions mainly by tribals and poor farming communities. The wild species offer great resources for breeding of cultivated bitter gourd for desirable edible/qualitative traits, tolerance of abiotic stresses, and resistance to several insect pests. The identification and incorporation of resistance to economically important pests such as fruit fly and various foliar pathogens is important for bitter gourd production. Genes for resistance to several crop-limiting pests and pathogens are, however, not found in the cultivated M. charantia var. charantia. Observations on in situ conservation in forest habitats indicate the possibility of setting up genetic reserves for various Momordica species in India. Besides, the indigenous traditional knowledge related to the cultivation and uses of these traditional vegetables are also at the risk of getting lost at household and community level. Considering their potential nutraceutical values, these traditional vegetables could contribute in a major way to the food security and balanced diets of rural households and possibly urban households as well. However, further research on other aspects such as nutritional profile and bioavailability, genetic improvement, and better cultivation practices is necessary.
Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) seed oil was extracted and characterized for its physico-chemical properties and fatty acid compositions, respectively, by using standardized laboratory methods of the Association of Official and Analytical Chemist (AOAC). The fuel and lubrication properties of marula oil were also determined by using the ASTM methods, and the oil was evaluated in terms of its antiwcar, viscometrics, volatility, stability, environmental compatibility properties and energy content. It was found that the high percentage of mono-unsaturated oleic acid (73.6%) provided the oilincss that makes marula oil a natural alternative to genetically modify high oleic acid sunflower oil used in biodicscl production. The aggregate properties of seed oiliness as exemplified by the high oleic acid content, high saponification value (178.6 mg/KOH) and
viscosity (41 mm^/s) makes marula oil to be prospective based oil for engine crank case biolubricants with antiwear and friction reduction properties. However, the higher oil viscosity exhibited by marula seed oil in comparison to diesel could pose some durability problems to compression ignition engines, when used directly as fuel. Nonetheless, the reduction of oil viscosity would be required by heating, blending with diesel fuel, or by transesterification to forestall the risk of engine failure resulting from the use of unmodified marula oil. The flash point of marula oil (235"C) is somewhat close to that of monograde SAE 40 mineral oil 240"C), and appreciably higher than that of diesel fuel (52°C). The high flash point makes the seed oil less flammable and ensures safer handling and transportation. While, the low pour point (-13.7°C) ensures the oil usability for engines at cold start and under low load conditions. The oxidation stability of marula oil is ascribed to the traces of natural antioxidants presented in the oil and improves the oil's shelf life, notwithstanding the high peroxide value (4.58 mequiv/kg), and linolenic acid content (0.3%), which ought to have been the culprit for lipolytic hydrolysis and rancidity. Furthermore, marula seed oil is more biodegradable and environmentally friendly than oils derived from petroleum crude. The closely related cetane number (47.8) and heating values (38.2 mJ/kg) of marula oil to diesel fuel would undeniably sustain the combustion efficiency of diesel fuel and also supply a comparable engine performance output in compression ignition engines. The candidacy of marula seed oil, as a bioenergy resource for alternative fuel, fuel additives and lubricants, will no doubt expand the energy supply mix, conserve fossil fuel reserves and mitigate environmental contamination.
The potentials of neglected and under-utilized plant species (NUS) to enhance food security and safety has been highlighted in recent years. NUS have the potential to fight malnutrition and improve human health particularly in Africa. Despite their potentials, there is still a huge knowledge gap as to their potential effect when used to fortify foods. This research was conducted to evaluate the suitability of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp for yoghurt production using different mixtures of milk and A. digitata fruit pulp powder in ratios of 4:1, 3:2, 2:3, 1:4 and 5:0. Proximate and mineral content analysis was conducted using the AOAC method. Sensorial analysis was done and the outcome informed the choice of samples analysed for volatile compounds profile by GC-MS analysis of the chloroform extract. The proximate composition of the yoghurt samples increased with the addition of A. digitata pulp powder and the results showed that the ratio of 2:3 had highest lipid content (5.5%) and fiber, 1:4 had highest protein content (5.65%) while commercial yoghurt had trace ash and no fiber. Calcium content was highest in the mixture; 2:3 and 4:1 (0.5 mg/kg), 2:3 had highest magnesium content (0.8 mg/kg) and potassium content was highest in 4:1 (1250 mg/kg) respectively. Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis revealed that 2:3 mixture had eleven (11) volatile metabolites, 1:4 had (9) while plain powder also had (9) volatile metabolites. This study shows that incorporation of A. digitata fruit pulp increased the bioavailability of nutrients, minerals and a volatile metabolite with medicinal properties. The fortification of yoghurt in the ratio of 2:3 A. digitatato milk is suitable and could lead to reduction in yoghurt price and create job.
A checklist of Cyperaceae recorded as having economic, ethnobotanical and horticultural importance is presented. Data have been obtained from the literature and herbarium material. Forty-five genera and 502 species/infraspecific taxa are included.
A probiotic dairy product was developed on the basis of a traditional dish called mutandabota to enable resource-poor populations in southern Africa to benefit from a functional food. Mutandabota is widely consumed in rural southern Africa, making it an ideal food matrix to carry probiotics. First, a process to produce probiotic mutandabota was designed. Raw cow milk was boiled and subsequently cooled to ambient temperature (25°C). Next, dry pulp from the fruit of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) was added to the milk at a concentration of 4% (wt/vol). This mixture was inoculated with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba and left to ferment for 24 h, while the growth of the bacterial culture was monitored. Final ingredients were then added to produce probiotic mutandabota that had 14% (wt/vol) baobab fruit pulp and 7% (wt/vol) sugar in cow milk. The pH of probiotic mutandabota was pH 3.5, which ensures that the product is microbiologically safe. The viable plate count of L. rhamnosus yoba increased from 5.8 ± 0.3 log cfu/mL at the point of inoculation to 8.8 ± 0.4 log cfu/mL at the moment of consumption, thereby meeting the criterion to have a viable count of the probiotic bacterium in excess of 6 log cfu/mL of a product. Baobab fruit pulp at 4% promoted growth of L. rhamnosus yoba with a maximal specific growth rate (μmax) of 0.6 ± 0.2/h at 30°C. The developed technology, though specific for this particular product, has potential to be applied for the delivery of probiotics through a variety of indigenous foods in different regions of the world. Upon consumption, probiotic mutandabota is expected to improve the population's intestinal health, which is especially relevant for vulnerable target groups such as children and elderly people.
Limited work done on edible, indigenous plants to date, mainly concerns seasonal species. To develop a more reliable guide on food-plant sources for survival conditions in the field, a study directed at a survey of non-seasonal plants is conducted in the Kalahari. Descriptions of six edible non-seasonal plants for the Kalahari are given.
von Leonhard Schultze. Includes bibliographical references (p. [709]-713) and index.
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Berkeley, 1965.
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