Acacia Senegal Research Articles

Anti-ulcerogenic activity of Gum Arabic in gastric mucosal injury induced by ethanol in male albino rats

The present study was performed to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic activity of Acacia senegal (Gum Arabic) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: group 1 served as a control; group 2 consisted of rats that received 15% of gum in drinking water for 2 weeks; group 3 comprised ulcerated animals administered 5 mL of ethanol/kg body weight by gavage; and group 4 consisted of rats received 15% of gum in drinking water for 2 weeks before ethanol administration. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-B1), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and albumin were assayed in addition to histological study. The results revealed that ethanol decreased SOD, GPx, and PGE2 in tissue and serum total protein and albumin, while increased MDA in tissue, serum TNF-α, IL-B1, PGE2, ALT, AST, and ALP. Histological findings showed less edema and leucocytes infiltration compared with ulcer group. Furthermore, gum administration elevated PGE2, SOD, and GPx and significantly reduced MDA, TNF-α, and IL-B2. In conclusion, Gum Arabic can enhance gastric protection and sustain the integrity of the gastric mucosa. Novelty The selected dose of Gum Arabic has the ability to decrease the pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma and gastric tissue, thus enhancing gastric protection and maintaining the integrity of the gastric mucosa. Gum Arabic can compensate for the loss of antioxidants.

Sympatric species of African acacias provide forage to honeybees throughout the year in the Sudan savanna

The survey was conducted from January to December, 2016 and 2017 respectively, in Bauchi state, Nigeria. In the first year, weekly visits were made to determine the beginning and end of the flowering of each species; while in the second year visits were made at irregular intervals to confirm the observations made in the previous year. The relative importance of the species, as forage for honeybees, was subjectively assessed through the frequency and intensity of visit by foragers. The species was rated “very important” if foragers were abundant on it throughout the dehiscent phase of the flowers. On the other hand, if a substantial number of foragers foraged continuously on the species, this species was ranked “important” and a species on which foraging was sporadic and by a relatively smaller number of foragers was adjudged “less important.” Period of bloom ranged from six weeks in Vachellia sieberiana to 19 weeks in V. hockii. Senegalia senegal, V. seyal, and S. ataxacantha were ranked very important; V. nilotica, V. hockii and Faidherbia albida important; and V. sieberiana and V. polyacantha less important. It was observed that the complete overlap of the flowering periods of the various species provided forage to honeybees, and other foragers, throughout the year.

Behavioral and physiological assessments to evaluate the effect of Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal in albino mice

Background: Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal (family Leguminosae) are the sources of Gum Arabic that is widely used in food-processing and pharmaceutical industries. The neuropharmacological activities of A. senegal and A. seyal remain unexplored. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the neuropharmacological activities of A. senegal and A. seyal. Materials and Methods: Behavior, variations in selected blood parameters, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and lipid peroxidation level were studied in normal Albino mice that received A. senegal and A. seyal extracts. Results: The results revealed a significant decrease in the body weight of mice after the treatment with the extract of A. senegal and A. seyal compared to the control group. The locomotor activity in the treated mice decreased as well. In forced swimming test (FST), the treated mice showed a marked reduction in immobility respective to increase in the dose. The anxiety reflex test (FRT) revealed an increase in the percentage of time spent in the open arms of the maze. The treatment resulted in a notable decrease in motion balance and function. The active avoidance test revealed a dose-dependent reduction in avoidance. The study provided the evidence that A. senegal and A. seyal contributed to reduction in plasma cholesterol and glucose levels in treated mice, with no marked variations in hemoglobin level. Estimation of AChE resulted in minor decline in the activity in the treated group of mice. A. senegal was safer than A. seyal, but exerted toxicity at high dose. Conclusions: Low doses of A. senegal have the potential to be used for the development of the treatment for neurological disorders.

Avian and Habitat Diversity in the Semi-Arid Lands of Baringo South, Kenya

Semi-arid wooded-shrublands are important and critical habitats that provide breeding and feeding grounds for a variety of bird species, some of which are endangered, vulnerable or threatened with extinction. Habitat type and size influence abundance and diversity of birds globally and particularly in developing countries that are characterized by rapid human population growth and haphazard urban, agricultural and industrial development. The objective of this study was to assess avian and habitat diversity at Chemeron, a semi-arid land in the northern rangelands of Kenya. The study was guided by four questions: What kind of Habitat types are present at Chemeron study area? What kind of birds are found at Chemeron area? What is the conservation status of birds found at Chemeron area? What are the functional feeding guilds of birds that are found in the study area? How does the habitat type influence bird species abundance and diversity at Chemeron? Four 2-km long transects radiating from a central point within the study area were selected for a ground survey of birds that was conducted on foot. The surveys were conducted between 06:30 and 09:30 and 16:00 and 18:00 from October 2019 to April 2020. Bird species were observed and identified to the species level using high-resolution binoculars, field guidebooks and available taxonomic keys. Our surveys documented two main habitat types: Acacia-Balanites-Boscia woodlands dominated by Acacia senegal, Acacia mellifera, Acacia nilotica, Boscia angustifolia, and Balanites aegyptica. The second kind of habitat consisted of the invasive Acalypha fruticosa and Indigofera arrecta with Acacia reficiens-Acacia brevispica overstorey. A total of 53 bird species were sighted and identified the vulnerable Yellow necked spurfowl (Francolinus leucoscepus). Seventy-nine percent of the birds were sighted as singles or in pairs except for the gregarious white browed sparrow weaver (Plocepasser mahali), Apus caffer, Numida meleagris, Streptopelia senegalensis, Dinemellia dinemelli and Corythaxoides leucogaster. Significant differences in the various species diversity indices among the six transects were observed (p < 0.05). Approximately 60% of the birds belong to the insectivorous and omnivorous feeding guild. Charcoal burning and uncontrolled harvesting of wood are the major threats to the avian habitats in the study area. The high diversity of bird species in the study area can be attributed to the varied diversity of habitats that provide feeding, nesting, refuge and breeding grounds for the birds. From the foregoing findings, we can conclude that the ASALs of Baringo South offer ample habitat for a large number of bird species including the vulnerable Yellow necked spurfowl. The variations in various bird diversity indices can be attributed to the observed heterogeneity of habitats in the study area. We recommend wise use of rangeland resources and protection of critical avian habitats within the ASALs. Efforts should be geared towards livelihoods diversification and empowerment of the Lake Bogoria communities. This will reduce the pressure on the wooded shrublands that is widespread in the study area.

Efficacy of acacia Senegal on peristomal skin problems in children with colostomy

Efficacy of acacia Senegal on peristomal skin problems in children with colostomy

Nutritional and Structural Evaluation of Sweitenia Mycrophylla Exudate Gum: A Potential Excipient and Food Additive

Nutritional and structural analysis of S. mycrophylla were investigated using standard methods. Elemental analysis of the purified S. mycrophylla gum sample revealed the content of potassium, sodium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron and zinc to be 600.0 ± 1.52 mg/g, 300.23 ± 0.2 mg/g, 0.31 ± 0.00 mg/g, 410.33 ±1.0 mg/g, 149.6 ± 4.60, 8.7±0.00 mg/g and 61.1±0.22 mg/g respectively. Gum had high content of potassium, sodium, magnesium and zinc and lower concentration of calcium, manganese and iron. Proximate analysis shows moisture content to be 5.70 ± 0.15%, Ash content 2.80±0.05%, Protein content 1.43 ± 0.01%, crude fiber 4.30 ± 0.01%, and crude fat 1.50. ± 0.03%, and carbohydrate 85.98±1.10%. These results compared favorably with acacia senegal gum (gum arabic) and makes this exudate gum highly recommendable for use in food and pharmaceutical industries. NMR spectroscopy revealed that the gum is a galactomannan type polysaccharide with mannose/ galactose ratio of 2.60. Due to its good physicochemical properties and mannose/ galactose ratio, Sweitenia mycrophylla galactomannan could be a useful polysaccharide for food and pharmaceutical industry.

Clinical effects of Arabic gum (Acacia): A mini review

Gum Arabic is a natural gummy exudate gained from the trees of Acacia species (Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal), Family: Fabaceae. Gum Arabic considers as a dietary fiber with a high percentage of carbohydrates and low protein content. Sugars arabinose and ribose were originally discovered and isolated from gum Arabic and it is representing the original source of these sugars. A gum emanation from trees occurs under stress conditions such as heat, poor soil fertility, drought, and injury. Mainly gum is produced in belt region of Africa, mainly Sudan, Chad, and Nigeria. In the food industry, it is used in confectionery; in the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as emulsifier, film coating and others. Traditionally the gum used for chronic renal failure, digestive discomfort, and others. Although gum Arabic considered as an inert substance, recent information demonstrated multiple pharmacological and medical effects, such as weight reduction, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, anticoagulant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective and other effects.

The widely distributed legume tree Vachellia (Acacia) nilotica subsp. indica is nodulated by genetically diverse Ensifer strains in India

Vachellia (syn. Acacia) nilotica subsp. indica is a widespread legume tree in India of ecological and economic importance due to its ability to nodulate and fix nitrogen. The structure of V. nilotica nodules was examined and diversity of its rhizobial symbionts in various locations in India was assessed. More than a hundred strains were purified from indeterminate Vachellia-type root nodules on seedlings grown in alkaline soils from different regions of Thar Desert in Western Rajasthan and in neighbouring states (Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab). Plants grown in acidic soils of Meghalaya and Nagaland failed to nodulate. Twenty-one strains identified as species of Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences and grouped into seven recA-types. Eight strains were characterized using two additional housekeeping (glnII, dnaK) and symbiotic (nodA, nifH) genes. A concatenated core gene phylogeny revealed that V. nilotica-Ensifer strains are novel and genetically diversified from E. saheli, E. arboris, E. terangae and E. americanus. Most are distinct from Ensifer strains previously reported in mimosoid, caesalpinioid and papilionoid legume species of W. Rajasthan. These Ensifer strains harboured typical mimosoid-type symbiotic genes that were diversified from E. arboris, E. kostiensis and E. terangae. They nodulated other mimosoids (Prosopis cineraria, Mimosa hamata, Senegalia senegal and Vachellia spp.), but failed to make symbiotic interactions with a papilionoid crop species, Vigna radiata, suggesting their specificity towards mimosoids. Vachellia nilotica is quite promiscuous, fixing nitrogen in symbiosis with diverse strains of Ensifer, and has successfully invaded various agro-climatic regions, thus indicating that it could be exploited for agroforestry projects.

Nutritional properties of some browse species used as goat feed in Pastoral dry lands, Uganda

The nutritional properties of leaves of ten browse species commonly used as goat feed in pastoral drylands of Uganda were evaluated by determining their chemical composition and in vitro gas production. Dry matter (DM) content ranged between 896 and 914 g kg−1 DM and was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among the browse species. There was a wide variation in the crude protein (CP) content of the browse species. The highest CP values were observed in Acacia compylacantha, Acacia fruiticosa and Acacia senegal, with 365, 247 and 245 g kg−1 DM respectively, while the lowest was observed in Ganisa similis (150 g kg−1 DM). The NDF values were highest in A. senegal (343 g kg−1 DM) and lowest in A. compylacantha (151 g kg−1 DM). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the gas kinetics and total volume of gas produced by the browse species. The calculated organic matter digestibility (OMD) was highest (P < 0.05) in Cadaba farinosa (92.5%) and lowest in Dichrostachys cinerea (72.5%). Similarly, the metabolizable energy (ME) was highest (P < 0.05) in C. farinosa (13.7 MJ kg−1) and lowest in D. cinerea (10.7 MJ kg−1). Total gas had a positive correlation with OMD (r = 0.51, P < 0.05) and ME (r = 0.52, P < 0.01). Strong positive correlation was observed between OMD and ME (r = 0.998, P < 0.001). In conclusion, these browse species have sufficient CP and ME required by growing goats under dryland conditions.

Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activities of Crude Extracts from Acacia Senegal Leaf Extracts

Background: Acacia senegal (Fabaceae) Wild is a leguminous tree with economic values, but its leaves are under-utilised. Objective: To investigate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of crude extracts from A. Senegal’s leaves. Methods: Methanol and acetone crude extracts of leaves of A. senegal were prepared by maceration using organic solvents, methanol and acetone respectively. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts were evaluated using Association of Agricultural and Chemist (AOAC) protocols. Antioxidant activities of the crude extracts were determined using 2, 2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) respectively. Results: The crude extracts (acetone and methanol) showed vary quality of phytochemical constituent including flavonoid, alkaloids, carbohydrate, saponins, tannin, steroids, and terpenoids. Acetone crude possessed significant (P < 0.05) higher total flavonoid and proanthocyanidin content in comparison with methanol extracts. Whereas, methanol crude extract possessed significant higher total phenol content compared with acetone crude extract. The crude extracts showed antioxidant activities as evidence in scavenging ABTS and DPPH radicals. However, acetone crude with lower IC50 of 0.09 mg/mL possessed significant higher ABTS scavenging ability compared to methanol (0.07 mg/mL) and ascorbic acid (0.07 mg/mL). Conclusion: The crude extracts could serve as a promising natural antioxidant agent in management of oxidative stress diseases. For further studies, bioactive compounds need to be ascertained.

Room Temperature Synthesis and Characterizations of Cu-MOF using Natural Polysaccharide as Potential Organic Linker

In this study, copper-based metal-organic framework was successfully synthesized using natural polysaccharide, gum Arabic (gA, Acacia Senegal) as potential organic linker by adopting the synthesis method from Misran et al. with some modifications. The copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) was obtained from the combination of copper salt, natural polysaccharide, and terephthalic acid (H2BDC) at various ratio. The synthesis process was done with the addition of triethylamine (TEA) as catalyst. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern exhibited the presence of a prominent peak assigned to (200), (400), (511), (731), (773), and (882) crystal plane almost similar to the octahedral copper-based MOF-199. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) shown an agglomeration and flaky particle. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (EDX) shown three main elements exist inside the Cu-MOF which is carbon (C), copper (Cu), and oxygen (O). This study showed the possibility of natural polysaccharide as new, non-toxic, water soluble linker. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) analyses of as-synthesized Cu-MOF exhibited three different weight losses when heated to ca. 600oC. The first mass decrease was due to loss of water content followed by the loss of organic moieties inside the Cu-MOF framework and the last was due to the collapse of MOF’s structure leaving metal oxide as the final residue The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra suggested strong absorption band at ca. 900 – 1200 cm-1 attributable to C-O bonding, at ca. 1045 cm-1 attributable to C-H bonding originating from gum Arabic, at ca. 1500 – 1600 cm-1 from the organic linker benzene ring, and at ca. 3200 – 3500 cm-1 from hydrogen bonding. These results suggested that natural polysaccharide of gum Arabic exhibited the possibility to become a new, non-toxic, renewable linker for the MOF materials and played a significant role in metal-organic framework formation.

Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Vachellia nilotica and Senegalia senegal: Comparative Genomics and Phylogenomic Placement in a New Generic System.

Vachellia and Senegalia are the most important genera in the subfamily Mimosoideae (Fabaceae). Recently, species from both genera were separated from the long-characterized Acacia due to their macro-morphological characteristics. However, this morpho-taxonomic differentiation struggles to discriminate some species, for example, Vachellia nilotica and Senegalia senegal. Therefore, sequencing the chloroplast (cp) genomes of these species and determining their phylogenetic placement via conserved genes may help to validate the taxonomy. Hence, we sequenced the cp genomes of V. nilotica and S. senegal, and the results showed that the sizes of the genomes are 165.3 and 162.7 kb, respectively. The cp genomes of both species comprised large single-copy regions (93,849~91,791 bp) and pairs of inverted repeats (IR; 26,093~26,008 bp). The total numbers of genes found in the V. nilotica and S. senegal cp genomes were 135 and 132, respectively. Approximately 123:130 repeats and 290:281 simple sequence repeats were found in the S. senegal and V. nilotica cp genomes, respectively. Genomic characterization was undertaken by comparing these genomes with those of 17 species belonging to related genera in Fabaceae. A phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome dataset and 56 shared genes was undertaken by generating cladograms with the same topologies and placing both species in a new generic system. These results support the likelihood of identifying segregate genera from Acacia with phylogenomic disposition of both V. nilotica and S. senegal in the subfamily Mimosoideae. The current study is the first to obtain complete genomic information on both species and may help to elucidate the genome architecture of these species and evaluate the genetic diversity among species.

Antifungal Activity and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometric Characterization of Aqueous Extracts of Acacia senegal and Acacia tortilis on Phytopathogenic Fungi

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of aqueous extracts of Acacia senegal (A. senegal) and Acacia tortilis (A. tortilis) against three phytopathogenic fungi (viz., Alternaria alternata [A. alternata], Helminthosporium rostratum [H. rostratum] and Fusarium solani [F. solani]).&#x0D; Methods: Crude aqueous extracts of A. senegal and A. tortilis at 1%, 2.5% and 5% concentrations were used for screening. Antifungal activities of the extracts were evaluated against three phytopathogenic fungal strains (A. alternata, H. rostratum and F. solani) by poisoned food technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the treated and untreated mycelia was employed to analyze the ultrastructural changes and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry analysis was performed to identify important functional groups.&#x0D; Results: Aqueous extract of A. tortilis at high concentrations exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against the selected fungal strains. The aqueous extract of A. senegal showed no effect on A. alternata, while exhibited very mild activity against H. rostratum and F. solani at high concentrations (2.5% and 5%). Scanning electron microphotographs of the untreated fungal cells showed no structural changes (well‒defined mycelium and conidia without any distortion), whereas the treated cells showed structural distortions, twisted and wrecked mycelia and showed the presence of vesicles on the surface. FTIR analysis showed the presence of important functional groups such as alcohols, carboxylic acids and aromatic compounds.&#x0D; Conclusion: Results from this study indicate that the aqueous extracts of both A. senegal and A. tortilis have the potential to be used as natural fungicidal agents in the management of diseases caused by plant pathogenic fungi.

Miscibility study of poly acrylamide (PAM) and Acacia Senegal (gum arabic) blends

The work entails the viscometric study of a common plant gum found in Nigeria (Acacia Senegal) blended with polyacrylamide (PAM). The gum was purified after collected and mixed in specific ratios of 10:90, 30:70, 50:50, 70:30 and 90:10 with PAM, before they were subjected to rheological study. The intrinsic, relative and specific viscosity for the bends were determined and presented in the research work. The plots of the relative viscosity against concentration of the gums at different temperature vary significantly at higher concentration, while the viscosity for gum Arabic/PAM (90:10) showed the most distinct variation between different temperatures. The result was found to be agreement with some other similar research in the literature. PAM was found to be more viscose than gum Arabic at both temperatures, while the viscosity index such as intrinsic, specific and relative viscosity for the synergistic combination between the polymers were found to decrease as we increased the composition of gum Arabic within the blend.

Effect of gum arabic (Acacia senegal) addition on physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability of roselle juice

Roselle has a brilliant red colour, high in vitamins and has a unique flavour that makes it suitable for juice production. Meanwhile, Gum Arabic (GA) is the edible dried exudate attained from stem and branch of Acacia senegal that contains high dietary fibre which can serve as prebiotic. Therefore, the application of GA into roselle juice might promote health benefits to consumers. GA is categorised as hydrocolloid and its application might affect important properties and acceptability towards the product. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Gum Arabic (GA, Acacia senegal) addition (0%, 2%, 4% and 6%) on physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability of roselle juice. Increasing the GA concentration resulted in increased pH, total soluble solids, viscosity and turbidity values of roselle juice (p&lt;0.05). However, the addition of GA had reduced the total anthocyanin content in roselle juice. For colour analysis, the addition of GA significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced the redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) properties. There was no significant difference in all attributes for sensory evaluation except for colour attribute. In conclusion, the addition of GA up to 6% into roselle juice caused an increase in pH, total soluble solids, viscosity and turbidity, but no effect to the sensory attributes.

Effect of heat shock on the germination of seeds of the species Acacia senegal L. and Acacia seyal Del. from sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia).

Aim of the study: Understanding post-fire germination of tree species in arid and semi-arid zones of sub-Saharan Africa.Area of study: Ethiopian Acacia senegal L. and Acacia seyal Del. forests.Material and methods: Seeds were subjected to heat shocks at combinations of four temperatures (60º, 90º, 120º and 150ºC) and three exposure times (1, 5 and 10 minutes). A control was also included, resulting in a total of thirteen treatments. After the application of the heat shocks, the viability of no germinated seeds was assessed after immersion in a Tetrazolium solution. A mixed and a logistic model were used to analyse the influence of heat shock on germination.Main results: Results showed that germination depended on the species, the heat shock treatment and their interaction. Both species showed similar germination results at temperatures below 90ºC in all exposure times, however, germination in Acacia senegal was statistically higher in most of the heat shocks. On the other hand, germination probability decreased in both species, when the exposure time increased, although with a different behaviour. In 1 minute of time of exposure, the germination probability was higher than 60% in the two species throughout the temperature range. However, at 5 minutes of time and temperature smaller than 90°C, the probability of germination was higher than 70% in A. senegal and 50% in A. seyal. Although germination in both species was impacted by the different heat shocks, non-germinated seeds were viable.Research highlights: This paper showed, according to these results, that heat shock would negatively influence the regeneration of both species, and especially for A. seyal.Key words: germination, Acacia, heat shock, logistic model.

Woody plants structure and composition in Burkina Faso Sahel: Case study in Kékénéné village

Understanding woody vegetation composition and structure is important for leading management decisions in the Sahelian vulnerable zones. The objective of the study was to better knowledge woody vegetation structure and richness in natural vegetation and cropland. The study area is Kekenene village located in Soum province, surroundings Djibo in northern Burkina Faso. In total 54 sample plots were surveyed by means of a botanical inventory of woody vegetation species. All trees ≥ 10 cm dbh were measured. The vegetation structure pattern analyzed were diameter at breast height (dbh), basal area, relative dominance, and relative density, Importance Value Index (IVI) and Family Importance Value (FIV). In total 658 trees recorded was belonging to 21 species, 9 families in natural vegetation and 11 species, 5 families in cropland. Tree density was 15.7 stems/ha and 3.7/ha respectively in natural vegetation and cropland. Tree basal area was 0.54 m² ha -1 for cropland and 0.35 m² ha -1 in natural vegetation with a mean dbh of 3.5 cm for the two occupation types. The most importance family according to FIV was Balanitaceae in cropland and Combretaceae in natural vegetation. The Sorensen’ similarity coefficient of family in the two landscapes is lowest than 0.5 which means that the similarities in species family are low between the two occupation types. In natural vegetation, Anogeisus leiocarpus and Balanites aegyptiaca were the most important species in relation to IVI, while in cropland Balanites aegyptiaca, Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal were the most important species. Results reveal an abundance of Balanites aegyptiaca in both cropland and natural vegetation in the study site. Given its high socio-economic value in this region, this tree deserves to be more valued in a perspective of management and sustainable use in Kekenene village. Keywords : Composition and structure, woody species, management, Sahel ecosystems, Burkina Faso.

Meat eating in wild hamadryas baboons: Opportunistic trade-offs between insects and vertebrates.

The consumption of meat may provide herbivorous animals with important nutrients that are scarce in their plant-based diet. Seasonal variation in plant food availability has been suggested to motivate dietary flexibility in a range of species and thus primates may seek more prey when key plant resources are unavailable. Alternatively, prey encounter rate may drive meat eating. Here we investigate patterns of meat eating in hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) at Filoha, Awash National Park, Ethiopia. The Filoha baboons rely largely on doum palm fruit (Hyphaene thebaica), which are available most months of the year, and the young leaves of Acacia senegal, which are more abundant during the wet season. We hypothesized that the baboons would consume more meat when H. thebaica and A. senegal were less available, which we tested by comparing meat eating and consumption of these plant food species from March 2005 through February 2006. Our results reveal a high rate of vertebrate meat eating at Filoha (0.028/hour of observation) compared with other hamadryas sites. We found no relationship, however, between meat eating (either insect or vertebrate) and either rainfall or consumption of H. thebaica or A. senegal, indicating that availability of preferred plant resources does not drive meat consumption. Vertebrate consumption and time spent feeding were significantly negatively associated; there was no relationship, however, between the consumption of animal matter and either home range size or daily path length. Vertebrate and insect consumption alternated throughout the year such that the baboons maintained a small amount of animal matter in their diet year-round. Our results suggest that the baboons do not often actively seek animal matter, but consume it opportunistically, with the presence of locust and dragonfly swarms driving insect consumption, and both prey availability and the availability of feeding time shaping vertebrate predation.

The colloidal stabilization of young red wine by Acacia senegal gum: The involvement of the protein backbone from the protein-rich arabinogalactan-proteins

The arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) from Acacia senegal gum are used as protective colloid in young red wines to prevent the precipitation of the coloring matter. Usually, Acacia senegal gum is chosen based on its efficiency to stabilize iron hexacyanoferrate salts in hydro-alcoholic solution. In this study, the protective activity of Acacia senegal gum and its macromolecular fractions (HIC–F1, HIC–F2 and HIC–F3), separated according to their hydrophobicity, towards the precipitation of iron hexacyanoferrate salts and polyphenols in hydro-alcoholic solutions are reported. AGPs prevent the colloidal instability of both iron hexacyanoferrate salts and polyphenols in “model” hydro-alcoholic solutions and young red wine with a good correlation between results obtained on both systems. This result strengthens the use of iron hexacyanoferrate salts (hydro-alcoholic – mineral test) for the evaluation of the protective activity of A. senegal gum in young red wine. The precipitation of iron hexacyanoferrate salts is avoided by the electrostatic binding of Ca2+, the driver of the instability, with the negatively charged carried by amino-acids from the protein backbone or both by amino acids and uronic acid monosaccharides localized close to the protein backbone of AGPs. The protective activity closely depends on the protein content of AGPs in both iron hexacyanoferrate salts and polyphenols hydro-alcoholic solutions: the more they are rich in proteins, the more their colloidal stabilizing efficiency is (HIC–F3>HIC–F2>HIC–F1). The differences observed in the protective activity between AGPs from the three HIC fractions are relied not only to their protein content but also to their related rate of glycosylation that modulates the protein accessibility to its environment, then their physicochemical properties as their hydrophobic behavior.

Acacia Senegal (Gum Arabic) Supplementation Modulate Lipid Profile and Ameliorated Dyslipidemia among Sickle Cell Anemia Patients.

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited haemolytic anemia with a variable course and severity. Knowledge of prognostic biomarkers may help in the establishment of therapeutic intervention, management, and follow-up of patients. There have been scattered reports of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and increased triglyceride (TG) in SCD patients. In addition, TG levels have been suggested to be elevated in patients with increased endothelial activation. An increased TG level has been associated with haemolysis, vascular dysfunction, and increased prevalence of pulmonary hypertension. Gum Arabic (GA) is an edible, dried, gummy exudate from the acacia Senegal tree. Several studies on GA ingestion have shown reduced plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations in both animals and humans. We investigated GA's therapeutic potential to modulate serum lipids in patients with sickle cell anemia. Methods This study recruited and documented secondary outcomes in 47 patients (aged 5–42 years) carrying hemoglobin SS. The patients received 30 g/day of GA for 12 weeks. Total cholesterol, TG, LDL, and HDL were measured before and after GA intake. Cobas C311 (Roche, Germany) automated chemistry analyser was used for direct determination of the values of the lipid profile. Results GA significantly decreased total cholesterol (TC), TG, and LDL (p = 0.006, 0.04, and 0.02, resp.). GA showed no effect on HDL level. Baseline serum TG and LDL correlated significantly with the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level, which is known as an oxidative stress marker (p = 0.003 and 0.04, resp.). None of the lipid profile elements correlated with age. Conclusion Our results revealed that dyslipidemia in sickle cell patients is associated with oxidative stress but not associated with age. The findings showed that GA significantly decreased TC, LDL, and TG levels, revealing a novel effect of GA, which is considered a natural dietary fibre that can modulate lipid profile in patients with sickle cell anemia. Trial Registration This retrospective trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02467257 on 3 June, 2015.