Acacia Senegal Research Articles

Nephroprotective effects of Acacia senegal against aflatoxicosis via targeting inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common environmental pollutant that poses a major hazard to both humans and animals. Acacia senegal (Gum) is well-known for having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds. Our study aimed to scout the nephroprotective effects of Acacia gum (Gum) against AFB1-induced renal damage. Four groups of rats were designed: Control, Gum (7.5 mg/kg), AFB1 (200 µg/kg b.w) and AFB1-Gum, rats were co-treated with both Gum and AFB1. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was done to determine the phytochemical constituents in Gum. AFB1 triggered profound alterations in kidney function parameters (urea, creatinine, uric acid, and alkaline phosphatase) and renal histological architecture. Additionally, AFB1 exposure evoked up-regulation of mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor kB p65 (NF-κB/P65) in renal tissue. The oxidative distress and apoptotic cascade are also instigated by AFB1 intoxication as depicted in down-regulated protein expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1) along with upregulation of cytochrome c (Cyto c), and cleaved Caspase3 (Casp3–17 and 19) in renal tissue. In conclusion, current study obviously confirms the alleviating effects of Gum supplementation against AFB1-induced renal dysfunction, oxidative harm, inflammation, and cell death. These mitigating effects are suggested to be attributed to Gum's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our results recommend Gum supplementation as add-on agents to food that might aid in protection from AFB1-induced nephrotoxicity.

Surface modified Acacia Senegal Gum based spherical hydrogel; fabrication, characterization, and kinetically optimized waste water treatment with remarkable adsorption efficiency

Acacia Senegal Gum hydrogel (HASG) with swollen dimension less than 50 μm were fabricated, and chemically modified with versatile diethylenetriamine (d-amine) to tailor the surface properties for environmental remediation.Negatively charged metal ions, for example, chromate (Cr(III)), dichromate (Cr(VI)), and arsenate (As(V)) were removed from aqueous media by using modified hydrogels (m-HASG). The FT-IR spectra revealed some new peaks due to d-amine treatment. The zeta potential measurements confirm a positively charged surface of HASG upon d-amine modification at ambient conditions. The absorption studies revealed that 0.05 g feed of m-(HASG) possesses 69.8, 99.3, and 40.00% cleaning potential against As(V), Cr(VI), and Cr(III), respectively with 2 h contact time in deionized water. Almost comparable adsorption efficiency was achieved by the prepared hydrogels towards the targeted analytes dissolved in real water samples. Adsorption isotherms, for example, Langmuir, Freundlich and modified Freundlich isotherms were applied to the collected data. Briefly, Modified Freundlich isotherm manifested comparatively agreeable line for the all adsorbents pollutants with highest R2 figure.In addition, maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) with 217, 256, and 271 mg g−1 numerical values were obtained against As(V), Cr(VI), and Cr(III), respectively. In real water samples, 217, 256, and 271 mg g−1 adsorption capacity was represented by m-(HASG).In brief, m-(HASG) is a brilliant material for environmental application as cleaner candidate towards toxic metal ions.

Acacia senegal Budmunchiamines as a Potential Adjuvant for Rejuvenating Phenicol Activities towards Escherichia coli-Resistant Strains.

The continuous emergence of bacterial resistance alters the activities of different antibiotic families and requires appropriate strategies to solve therapeutic impasses. Medicinal plants are an attractive source for researching alternative and original therapeutic molecules. In this study, the fractionation of natural extracts from A. senegal and the determination of antibacterial activities are associated with molecular networking and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data used to characterize active molecule(s). The activities of the combinations, which included various fractions plus an antibiotic, were investigated using the "chessboard" test. Bio-guided fractionation allowed the authors to obtain individually active or synergistic fractions with chloramphenicol activity. An LC-MS/MS analysis of the fraction of interest and molecular array reorganization showed that most identified compounds are Budmunchiamines (macrocyclic alkaloids). This study describes an interesting source of bioactive secondary metabolites structurally related to Budmunchiamines that are able to rejuvenate a significant chloramphenicol activity in strains that produce an AcrB efflux pump. They will pave the way for researching new active molecules for restoring the activity of antibiotics that are substrates of efflux pumps in enterobacterial-resistant strains.

Moisture Desorption and Adsorption Chareteristics of Gum Arabic from Acacia senegal and A. seyal

The objective of this paper was to study the moisture isothermscharacteristics of gum Arabic produced by Acacia senegal and A. seyal.The equilibrium moisture content of the gum was determined by thestandard static gravimetric methods using various saturated salts solutionsin closed desiccators to provide a range of RH of 0 to 96%. Gum sampleswere placed in these desiccators, and kept inside the oven at specifiedtemperature (30, 40, 50 and 60°C) until equilibrium moisture content wasobtained. Desorption and adsorption isotherms of gum Arabic exhibitedsigmoid curves and indicated clear hysteresis effect. The statisticalanalysis indicated that the relationship between equilibrium moisturecontent and RH could be well explained by third-order polynomialfunctions. Equilibrium moisture content increased with increase in RHbut decreased with increase in temperature

Effects of Soil Types and Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Humus on Growth and Survival of some Tree Seedlings in the Nursery

This study aimed to assess the effects of various soil types andorganic growing media on the growth of some tree seedlings. It wasconducted in the nursery of the Faculty of Forestry, University ofKhartoum, Shambat, during March-November 2006. Soil growing growthmedia consisted of sand, silt and clay, while the organic matter consistedof decomposed mango humus. Seeds of Tamarindus indica L., Albizialebbeck (L.) Benth. and Acacia senegal (L.) Wild. were directly sown inpolyethylene bags (10x20 cm). Seedlings shoot height, diameter, shootand root biomasses of all the species were positively significantly affectedby clay and silt media. Root growth was significantly greater in sand thanother media. Mango humus had negatively (P < 0.05) affected seedlings'growth of all the tested species. Nonetheless, seedlings' survival rate wasfar better in the sand than in the other media. Silt and clay can be used assuitable growing media; pure sand may be used if production of seedlingswith well developed root system is envisaged. However, type and sourceof organic matter should be cautiously chosen before it can be confidentlyused as a suitable growing medium

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants traditionally used against erectile dysfunction in Tabora region, Tanzania

Background: Globally, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a public health concern that upsets men's psychosocial well-being. Despite using indigenous knowledge to manage various disorders in Tanzania, there is a lack of data on the medicinal plants (MPs) used to manage ED. Therefore, this study was aimed at documenting MPs traditionally used by traditional healers (THs) to manage ED in Tabora region, Tanzania. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from June to October 2020. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 38 THs in 9 wards, explicitly asking about MPs used against ED, parts used, methods of preparation, and routes of administration. The collected information was analyzed by computing percentage frequencies and familiarity index. Results: Thirty-four plant species belonging to 21 families and 32 genera were documented to be used to manage ED. Family Fabaceae (26%) dominated the species used in the treatments. Abrus precatorius L. (59%), Senegalia senegal (L.) Wild., Ricinus communis L. (with 57% each), Coffea arabica L., and Flueggea virosa (Willd.) Voigt. (56% each) were the most cited MPs. Tree (52%) and root (60%) were the most utilized growth form and plant part, respectively. Decoction (34%) and oral (97%) were the most used methods of preparing and administering the remedies, respectively. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the region has diverse MPs for treating ED. Most MPs used by THs to treat ED are yet to be tested; thus, further research is required to authenticate the efficacy of the herbal remedies and to formulate low-cost contemporary drugs. Keywords: Ethnomedicine, herbal remedies, impotence, Traditional medicine, Tanzania

Nutrient‐charged biochars increased nutrient‐use efficiency in a cotton–maize rotation in Burkina Faso

AbstractSoil nutrient depletion, low crop nutrient‐use efficiency, and limited access to fertilizers are serious issues leading to poor yield in agroecosystems of Burkina Faso. Blending biochars with organic or inorganic nutrients could slow down nutrient release, which can enhance fertilizer‐use efficiency. This study investigates whether charging biochar with nutrients and Acacia gum (Acacia senegal L.) coating can improve nutrient‐use efficiency in a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) rotation system using low application rates (<5 t ha−1). The experiment was conducted in western Burkina Faso during three cropping seasons (2018–2020) with five treatments: T0, control; T1, conventional practice with compost and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) application; T2, microdose (planting hole application) of NPK; T3. nutrient‐charged biochar activated with dissolved NPK; T4, nutrient‐charged biochar activated with dissolved NPK and coated with Acacia gum. Biochar‐based fertilizers significantly increased soil organic C content, as well as bioavailable P and calcium (Ca), without significantly improving crop yields, compared to conventional practice and microdose of NPK. When nutrient‐charged biochar was coated with Acacia gum, N‐use efficiency (NUE; N recovered in grain/N fertilized) was improved compared to uncoated nutrient‐charged biochar, although the difference was not significant. Despite no significant effects on crop yields during three cropping seasons, the use of coated biochar‐based fertilizer may be a technically effective solution to improve NUE in the long term in agroecosystems characterized by nutrient‐impoverished soils under a constraining South‐Sudanese climate.

Characterization and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Sahelian Agroforestry Parklands of Chad

Agroforestry parklands are agroforestry systems which farmers created by preserving useful species on their farms. These species are those whose flowers, fruits, seeds, barks or leaves can be processed into useful products. Parklands are thus the result of human intervention in natural vegetation dynamics and their diversity results from ecological factors affecting the neighborhood and the management of trees. The purpose of this work is to characterize and assess the carbon potential of Chad sahelian agroforestry parklands. A total survey area of 90 hectares of parklands of which 30 ha per site were explorated. Compass and GPS were used to establish transects of 50 m in length over 20 m in width and the community sampling units were established (20 sampling plots/ha). In each plot, plants were identified and enumerated. Diameter of plants was measured at 1.30 m aboveground for trees and at 0.30 m for shrublets. The dendrometric parameters measures effectuated throughout transects follow standard forestry methods. The result revealed that three types of agroforestry parklands exist in sahelian zone of Chad among which <i>Hyphaene thebaica</i>, <i>Balanites aegyptiaca</i> and mixed <i>Acacia senegal</i> - <i>A. nilotica</i> parklands. Their structure varies according to the specific flora and dominant species. Floristic survey showed a total of 4801 trees recorded and distributed in 22 species, 17 genera and 14 families. The ecological services of the Chad sahelian parklands fluctuate from 20.25 tCO₂/ha in <i>Balanites aegyptiaca</i> parkland to 77.36tCO₂/ha in <i>Hyphaene thebaica</i> parkland, confirming the heterogenous carbon sequestration potential of the parklands. These informations will help to develop the REDD+ mechanisms in the area.

Effect of Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal) addition on antioxidant properties and oxidative stability of roselle juice

Gum Arabic (GA) is the dried exudate obtained from the tree of Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal that possess a prebiotic effect on humans. Meanwhile, roselle is a popular juice that is rich in antioxidants. However, as a complex polysaccharide, the addition of GA in roselle juice may affect the antioxidant properties of the final product. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of different types of GA (Acacia senegal or Acacia seyal) addition, at different concentrations (0%, 2%, 4% and 6%) on the antioxidant properties and antioxidant stability of roselle juice during storage. The most accepted formulation of juice for each GA type along with the control sample (0% GA) was analysed for their oxidative stability during five weeks of chill storage (4±1oC). Results showed that the addition of GA increased or at least maintained the vitamin C and total phenolic content (TPC) in the range of 11.35±1.26-25.18±1.70 mg/100 mL and 21.04±1.55-45.08±4.76 mg GAE/100 mL, respectively. Nevertheless, the addition of more than 2% of GA significantly reduced (p&lt;0.05) about 7% to 25% of total anthocyanin content. Variation of results was shown by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging activity (DPPH) assay. For storage study, all juices (0% GA, 4% A. senegal and 2% A. seyal) exhibited fluctuation in trend for all the antioxidant properties except for TPC which remained stable. In conclusion, overall findings showed the addition of GA may increase or at least maintain the antioxidant properties of the juices except for anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay). Meanwhile, the addition of GA had a variation that resulted in the oxidative stability of juices during storage

Variation in Acacia senegal Seed size and Germination Collected from Different Regions of Rajasthan

Acacia senegal is common in Rajasthan and its seeds are used in Panchkutta vegetable. It is good for fencing and also on bunds fencing. Seeds from different locations were collected and their seed size and other parameters were studied. Its germination in laboratory with different treatments as well as with different concentrations of Growth regulators was studied. Results shows that seed size varies with different locations even in same districts also. However there is no correlation with germination behavior. Phenological study and reproductive biology of seeds need to be studied in details.

Effect of Simulated Drought and Rainfall Fluctuation on Seedling Growth of Two Savannah Trees Species in Sudan: An Experimental Exploration

Climate change scenarios project that several regions, especially in dryland areas of sub-Saharan Africa, will undergo increasing aridity and, subsequently, expanding land degradation. The study aims to investigate the effect of two drying treatments on establishing and growing Hashab (Acacia senegal) and Boabab (Adansonia digitata) in nursery conditions. Through a 2×2 factorial experiment, seedlings grown in a mixture of silt and sand soil (2:3) were treated by irrigation intervals of one or two liters every three days for 14 weeks to simulate rainfall fluctuation patterns. Seedling germination rate, leaf number, stem height, and diameter were measured weekly; taproot length, shoot, and root dry weights were also assessed. The results showed that neither drying treatment significantly affected A. senegal and A. digitata seedling growth parameters. However, an interaction effect was found in the height and diameter for A. senegal and shoot dry weight for A. digitata. The study concluded that A. senegal and A. digitata seem tolerant to drying treatment. Therefore, the two species are recommended for afforestation programs in areas with relatively harsher conditions. Also, exposing the seedlings of these studied species to similar, extended periods of simulated drought (e.g., 6 – 12 months) is recommended for future studies.

Phytochemical Content, Antibacterial Activity, and Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Effects of Traditional Medicinal Plants against Respiratory Tract Bacterial Pathogens.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are frequent ailments among humans and are a high burden on public health. This study aimed to determine the in vitro antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects of indigenous medicinal plants used in the treatment of RTIs, namely, Senna petersiana, Gardenia volkensii, Acacia senegal, and Clerodendrum glabrum. Dried leaves were extracted using various organic solvents. Antibacterial activity was quantified using the microbroth dilution assay. Protein denaturation assays were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. The cytotoxicity of the extracts towards THP-1 macrophages was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Antioxidant activity was determined using free radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing power. Total polyphenolics were quantified. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the acetone plant extracts. Nonpolar extracts had noteworthy antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium smegmatis where MIC values ranged between 0.16 and 0.63 mg/mL. At 100 μg/mL, A. senegal, G. volkensii, and S. petersiana had a nonsignificant effect on the viability of the THP-1 macrophages. The LC-MS analysis of the leaf extracts of S. petersiana detected Columnidin, Hercynine, L-Lysine citrate, and Gamma-Linolenate. A pentacyclic triterpenoid, cochalate, was detected in G. volkensii. Two flavonoids 7-hydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-chroman-5-olate and (3R)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-hydroxy-4-oxo-chroman-5-olate were detected in the C. glabrum extract. The findings from this study indicated that the leaves of the selected plant extracts possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activity. Therefore, they may serve as good candidates for further pharmaceutical investigations.

Estimating Ecological Characteristics and Carbon Stock in Uneven-Aged Plantations of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Acacia senegal&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L. in the Savannah Woodlands of Sudan

The aim of this study was to assess Acacia senegal trees’ characteristics as well as evaluate the carbon stock under a variety of ages in the El Demokeya forest in Sudan, where the Gum Arabic belt is located. 12 sample plots, in 2021 were randomly distributed to represent the entire area of the forest prior to the required measurements. The sample was designed as squire plots with one hectare. In each sample plot, all trees were counted, their height (m), and Diameters Breast Height (DBH in cm), respectively. The results showed the highest number of trees per ha at age 20 years old and the lowest number at age 47 years, while the highest values of DBH and volume were found at age 47 years old. As a result, the maximum and minimum values of the aboveground biomass were found in the age 47 years old and 16 years, accounting for 19.87 tons and 1.9 tons respectively. Thus, the amount of carbon stock was 11.92 tons/ha in the 35-years-old and 1.19 tons/ha in the 21-year stands. Furthermore, the average carbon stock in all plots was estimated as 18.70 tons/ha and hence the total carbon stock in the El Demokeya forest is equal to 620.11 tons. Conclusively, the characteristics of trees, amount of aboveground biomass and carbon stock in the El Demokeya forest varied among the uneven-aged plantation groups. The study recommends and encourages the protection of A. senegal in order to increase the carbon sink as well as protect the environment in the era of climatic changes.

Water abstraction of invasive Prosopis juliflora and native Senegalia senegal trees: A comparative study in the Great Rift Valley Area, Ethiopia

Besides direct water abstraction, natural water scarcity in semi-arid and arid regions may be further exacerbated by human-assisted changes in vegetation composition, including the invasion by non-native plant species. Water abstraction by the invasive tree Prosopis juliflora and by the native Senegalia senegal was compared in the dry Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia. Transpiration rates were quantified using the heat ratio method on six trees each of P. julifora and S. senegal, growing adjacent to each other in the same environment. Water use for P. juliflora trees ranges from 1 to 26 L/day (an average of 4.74 ± 1.97), and that of S. senegal trees from 1 to 38 L/day (an average of 5.48 ± 5.29 during two study years). For both species, soil heat, latent heat, and soil moisture status influenced the rates of sap flow of trees; in addition, water use by P. juliflora trees was related to vapor pressure deficit; the higher the vapor pressure deficit, the higher the water abstraction by P. juliflora. Stand densities of pure P. juliflora and S. senegal were 1200–1600 trees and 400–600 trees per ha, respectively. At the stand scale, P. juliflora consumed approximately 6636 L/day/ha (transpiration: 242 mm per year) and S. senegal stands consumed 2723 L/day/ha (transpiration: 87 mm per year). That is, P. juliflora stands consumed three times more water than S. senegal stands, because of two reasons: (1) P. juliflora stands are denser than S. senegal stands, and denser stands consume more water than less dense stands, and (2) P. juliflora is evergreen and uses water all year-round, while S. senegal sheds its leaves during the peak dry seasons. Our findings suggest that, compared to S. senegal, P. juliflora invasion results in severe impacts on groundwater resources of the drylands of Ethiopia, with direct and indirect consequences to ecosystem services and rural livelihoods.

Determinant of farmers’ participation and biodiversity status in the program of agroforestry rehabilitation in Sudan

Abstract. Hemida M, Mulyana B, Vityi A. 2022. Determinant of farmers’ participation and biodiversity status in the program of agroforestry rehabilitation in Sudan. Biodiversitas 23: 5638-5645. The agroforestry Rehabilitation Program (ARP) was launched in Nabag Reserve Forest (NRF), Sudan, to rehabilitate the forest cover and improve livelihoods for communities around the forest. To enhance the efficacy of such rehabilitation programs, it is crucial to understand the impact of various factors on community perception of participation in forest rehabilitation. The objectives of this study were to (i) examine the factors that influence farmers’ perceptions of their involvement in the program and (ii) assess the biodiversity of trees and crop species in the program. Data was gathered through a survey that included personal interviews with 200 farmers who participated in the program. A total of 250 circular sample plots were established randomly to achieve the second objective. The results showed that extension services, farming experience, family members, educational level, land size, and gum Arabic production positively influence farmers’ perceptions. The study findings identified nine tree species and five crop species in NRF. The dominant tree species were Acacia senegal and Balanites aegyptiaca which represented 62.8% and 12.4 % of the total species, respectively. At the same time, groundnut and watermelon were identified as favorite crops cultivated by farmers. Furthermore, the non-rehabilitated area has shown better value in richness, heterogeneity, and evenness than the rehabilitated areas.

Effect of Arabic Gum (Acacia senegal) on Paracetamol-Induced Chronic Nephrotoxicity in Albino Rats

Effect of Arabic Gum (Acacia senegal) on Paracetamol-Induced Chronic Nephrotoxicity in Albino Rats

Gum arabic – A versatile natural gum: A review on production, processing, properties and applications

Gum arabic (GA) is the oldest gum known for its diverse application for more than 5000 years. The gum is produced from some species of Acacia , mainly growing/planted in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Sudan is the leading producer and exporter of GA in the world. GA is a mixture of potassium, magnesium and calcium salts of polysaccharide acid and is easily soluble in water. As it possesses a unique biochemical structure and properties, it finds application as a stabilizer, emulsifier, bulking agent, thickener, carrier, glazing and firming agent, humectant and antioxidant. GA is biocompatible and biodegradable, and its source is renewable. The people worldwide are now again feeling the necessity of using natural additives in products of human consumption, due to severe adverse effects of using synthetic additives. Such a shift in the human mindset has created additional demand for natural products like GA. This gum is produced in resource-constrained areas, where people are poor and need the creation of good livelihood options for improvement in their economic conditions. Apart from GA production, Acacia senegal trees help improve soil health and restrict climate change as well as expansion of desert in arid and semi-arid regions. Increasing production of GA by motivating farmers in arid and semi-arid regions to establish Acacia senegal plantations ; creating infrastructure for processing and value addition in the regions of GA production; and finding new application areas of GA are urgent needs of this vital sector. This consolidated review on GA covers the current research work on GA production, properties, processing, application and marketing, unlike several specific reviews considering the need of those who want to initiate research work/already working for this sector. • Gum arabic is a commercially important exudate gum from Acacia senegal trees. • It supports livelihood of resource constrained gum gatherers across the world. • Gum inducer method can be used for sustainable tapping with least damage to trees. • Gum arabic production, processing, properties and applications are discussed. • Biocompatibility of this gum makes it safe for food and medical applications.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Soil under Gum Arabic Tree (Acacia senegal L.) Wild Plantation in Sahel Zone of Jigawa State, Nigeria

Acacia senegal (L), a nitrogen fixing tree and a drought resistant species with potentials to improve infertile soils was planted in Sahel zone of Jigawa State, Nigeria for the production of gum arabic. However, information on the soil physico-chemical properties under plantation in Nigeria is scanty, hence the objective of this paper was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of soil under gum arabic tree (Acacia senegal L) wild plantation in Sahel zone of Jigawa State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from four 30 x 30m plots in the plantation and another plot in open land (control). Three replicate soil samples were taken from 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-60 cm soil depths, analysed for micro and macronutrients using standard methods. Soil texture of the plantation is loamy sand but with slight textural differentiation under the open land. Mean soil bulk density ranged from 1.6 g/cm3 in the plantation to 1.8g/cm3 in the open woodland. The high values of soil bulk density might be ascribed to loss of organic matter as a result of soil erosion and animal grazing which are common occurrences. Results obtained indicated that the ECEC decreased as the soil depth increased and is low in values while the CEC of soils range from 5.57 to 5.97. The physicochemical properties of soils under the plantation were significantly different at P &lt; 0.05 compared with the control an indication that Acacia senegal can gradually improves soil quality and productivity especially in Sahel zone of the northern part of Nigeria.

Evaluation of gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) as a natural prebiotic to improve growth performance and health status of broiler chickens.

Gum Arabic (GA) is a natural product containing soluble fiber that is indigestible in the gastrointestinal tract and has been used as a traditional medicine to treat many diseases such as intestinal inflammation, kidney disease, and liver disorders, which may be reflected in the improved performance of broiler chickens when used. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of GA on the performance, immune system, visceral organs, functional tests, and histological changes of the ileum, liver, and kidneys of broilers. A total of 432 1-day-old male broilers were allocated to six dietary treatments (0.0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0% GA) for 35days. Performance, internal organs, and blood biochemical indices were measured. Morphology and histometry of the intestine were also performed. Meanwhile, tissues of the ileum, liver, and kidney were examined and evaluated microscopically to observe histological changes. All levels of GA (0.12 to 1.0%) had a positive effect on growth performance and feed conversion ratio. In addition, GA had no effect on the relative weight of lymphoid and visceral organs, except for a linear response in the bursa and liver. The levels of GA (0.12 and 0.25%) showed the potential to decrease serum uric acid, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase. The remarkable increase in small intestinal morphology of chickens fed GA and an increase in all histometric values of the ileum. All histological changes in the intestine, liver, and kidneys improved in chickens fed the basal diet containing 0.12 to 0.50% GA. These results provide useful evidence for the potential use of GA powder (Acacia senegal) as a natural prebiotic to improve performance and intestinal, liver, and kidney health in broiler chickens.

Protective Activity of a Polyherbal Formulation in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression

A previous study reported on the immunostimulatory activity of a polyherbal formulation (PHF). However, its potential in immunosuppression is unknown. This murine study evaluates the protective activity of aqueous extract of the PHF in cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression. The PHF consists of Acacia polyacantha, Acacia senegal, Adansonia digitata, Allium sativum and Bauhinia rufescens. The study was conducted on 20 rats in four groups: normal saline group, negative control, treatment control group, and experiment group. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH)-IgG, serum IFN-γ, and IL-4 were measured using digital Vernier calliper and sandwich ELISA, respectively. Histology of liver, thymus, and bone marrow was examined. No significant difference was observed between treatment control and experimental groups in DTH response (p &gt; 0.05). No significant difference prevailed in the mean concentration of KLH-IgG from PHF treatment group to CP treatment group in the experiment (p = 0.48). Also, the serum IFN-γ level in the PHF-treatment group was not statistically different from the CP-treatment group (p = 0.293). The serum level of IL-4 in the PHF-treatment group was also not significantly different from that of the CP-treatment group (p = 0.139). The histology of PHF treated group showed similar features to that of normal and treatment controls. The formulation has demonstrated good protective ability in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed rats.