Adansonia Research Articles

Biochemical Evaluation of Adansonia Digitata Methanolic Leaf and Stem Bark Extract on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Several herbal preparations are used to treat diabetes; however, their overall biochemical effects other than hypoglycemic effects are scanty. This study therefore was designed to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of leaves and stem-bark of Adansonia digitata on biochemical indices of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Sixty-three wistar rats were distributed into 9 groups of 7 each. The test animals were intraperitoneally administered with single dose of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin and monitored for 72 hours for development of hyperglycemia. Diabetic rats were treated in 12 h cycles for three weeks with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of both leaves and stem-bark of Adansonia digitata methanolic extract and metformin (50 mg/kg). Non-diabetic control rats received a lacebo of distilled water. Group 1 served as normal control, group 2 served as diabetic control, while groups 4-9 were diabetic rats treated orally with methanolic leave and stem-bark extracts of Adansonia digitata (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) for 21days. Group 3 animals were diabetic rats treated with anti-diabetic drug (metformin 50 mg/kg). The levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl-), Urea and creatinine Triglyceride (TG), Cholesterol (CHOL), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), White Blood Cell (WBC) count, Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Haemoglobin (HGB), Hematocrit (HCT), Platelet (PLT), Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Lymphocyte (LYM), aspartatate aminotransfrease (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities total, total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin(DB) and indirect bilirubin (IB) concentrations were assayed. The results indicated that the concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl-, creatinine, urea TBARS, ALT, AST, ALB, CHOL and IB bilirubin were significantly (p<0.05) increased, while the levels of WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PLT, LYM, MCV SOD and CAT were reduced in the diabetic control (p<0.05). The Adansonia digitata methanolic leaves and stem-bark extract significantly increased WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PLT, MCV, LYM, TP, CAT and SOD activity and reduced the FBS, Na+, K+, Cl-, TBARS, ALT, AST, creatinine, urea and bilirubin concentrations significantly (p<0.05) compared to normal control. However, treatment with metformin showed slight modification in the changes observed compared to Adansonia digitata methanolic leaves and stem-bark extract. MCV and MCHC reduced non-significantly (p>0.05) in the diabetic animals as compared to the normal control and the extract-treated rats, while they increased non- significantly (p>0.05) in the test groups when compared to the diabetic control. Levels of TB, DB, and TG showed non-significant (p<0.05) increase in diabetic control, but treatment with extracts and metformin caused non-significant decrease (p<0.05). Diabetic control exhibited significantly (p<0.05) decreased ALB levels and non-significant TP decrease compared to normal control, while Adansonia digitata extracts and metformin significantly increased ALB and non-significantly increased TP levels compared to diabetic control. The study concluded that Adansonia digitata extracts reversed diabetes-induced oxidative stress in rat hepatocytes, potentially through beta cell regeneration or insulin release stimulation, suggesting their potential for managing diabetic complications.

MiR-146a is a critical target associated with multiple biological pathways of skin aging.

Introduction: The skin is the largest organ of the human body and fulfills protective, immune, and metabolic functions. Skin function and barrier integrity are actively regulated through circadian rhythm-associated genes and epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation/demethylation, histone acetylation/deacetylation, and microRNAs. MicroRNA-146a-5p (miR-146a) has been associated with immune activation and skin inflammation; however, the role of miR-146a in regulating skin aging is an open question. This study investigated the role of miR-146a in fibroblasts obtained from different donors in the context of aging, and a potential association of this miRNA with circadian rhythm. Methods: Normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) from 19y, 27y, 40y, and 62y old donors were used to analyze for miR-146a expression. Expression of miR-146a was downregulated with the hsa-mirVana miR-146a inhibitor, and upregulated with an extract from Adansonia digitata. Effects on markers of skin aging, including cell proliferation, production of Collagen-1 and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. Results: We show that the expression of miR-146a decreases with age in dermal fibroblasts and inhibition of miR-146a in 19y and 62y old NHDFs induced significant changes in essential clock genes indicating an association with circadian rhythm control. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-146a results in a reduction of cellular proliferation, Collagen-1 production, as well as an increase in DNA damage and pro-inflammatory markers. Activation of miR-146a with the Adansonia digitata extract reduced the deleterious effects seen during miR-146a inhibition and increased miR-146a transport through exosome transfer. Conclusion: miR-146a interacts with multiple biological pathways related to skin aging, including circadian rhythm machinery, cell-to-cell communication, cell damage repair, cell proliferation, and collagen production and represents a promising target to fight skin aging. Adansonia digitata extract can promote miR-146a expression and therefore support skin cells' health.

Quantitative Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Potential of Adansonia digitata leaves and stem extract

The objective of this study was to examine the phytochemical properties of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) stems and leaves. The dried powder of leaves and stem extract were analyzed for the presence or absence of different phytochemicals, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids etc. The quantitative analysis revealed that the leaves and stem of A. digitata are rich in total phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and saponins. The presence of these compounds was known to show medicinal potential as well as antioxidant activity and this justifies the use of baobab leaves as one of the major sources of soup in Africa. Chlorophyll (chl.) estimation was also studied by two different methods in fresh leaves and dried leaves. Fresh leaves have high chlorophyll content of 2.0 mg/g while shade and sun-dried leaves have content 1.664 mg/g and 1.047 mg/g respectively. With DMSO, high chlorophyll content of fresh leaves is 2.240 mg/g and for shade and sun-dried leaves, it is 1.695 mg/g and 1.526 mg/g respectively. This represents that high chlorophyll and phytochemicals present in plants show high antioxidant properties. Subsequently, antioxidant activity at different concentrations 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 750 μg/ml of the extract was established using FRAP assay and DPPH action radical scavenging activity methods respectively. Ethanolic extract shows higher antioxidant activity than hydroethanolic extract.

Study of the Physicochemical, Nutritional and Microbiological Quality of Toedo Candies Produced in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, the pulp of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) is mainly used to produce fruit juices or candies called toedo candies. Teodo candies are produced and sold in the markets and popular with the people. However, there is little data on the physicochemical, nutritional and microbiological characteristics of teodo candies produced in Ouagadougou. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, nutritional and microbiological characteristics of these teodo candies. To carry out the study, 9 samples of toedo candy were taken from different producers in the city of Ouagadougou. The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics were determined by standard methods. Mineral contents were determined by flame spectrometry. The results obtained show that the toedo candies have an average ash content of 1.3±0.21 to 1.9±0.06%, a titratable acidity of 0.131±0.001 to 0.168±0.002%, a pH varying from 3.87±0.10 to 3.91±0.10, a water content from 3.84±0.00 to 16.06±0.14% and a dry matter (DM) content of 84.04±0.14 to 96.16±0.00%. In addition, this study revelead that these samples are rich in micronutrients such as : iron (49.30 to 127.50 mg/100 g DM), magnesium (3.53 to 42.38 mg/100 g DM), zinc (1.37 to 14.92 mg/100 g DM) and calcium (17.60 to 43.30 mg/100 g DM). Microbiological analyzes indicate the presence of total mesophilic aerobic flora (TMAF), yeasts and molds (YM) and coliforms in the samples analyzed with loads of 2.2x103 to 4.9x104 CFU/g, ˂10 to 2.0x102 CFU/g and ˂10 to 5.0x102 CFU/g respectively. For all the germs studied, 11.11% of the samples were of unsatisfactory quality, 44.44% of acceptable quality and 44.44% of satisfactory quality.

Central composite design for the removal of copper by an Adansonia digitata

Biosorption, an alternative to traditional methods such as precipitation, ion exchange, electrochemical treatment, and evaporative recovery, is being considered as a potential means for removing heavy toxic metals from waste solution. This method is especially effective when the concentration of the heavy metal ion is low. A central composite design (CCD) was used in this study to maximize copper removal utilizing Adansonia digitata (baobab) as a biosorbent. Using response surface approach, the impacts of initial copper content, biosorbent dose, Temperature and pH were examined. The CCD enabled the discovery of optimal copper removal conditions. The percentage of metal clearance (CCD) was examined as a result of the influence of various process parameters utilizing a central composite design. A quadratic model based on the CCD was used to model the reaction. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified the most significant experimental design response factor. The optimal circumstances for Adansonia digitata (baobab) were pH of 7.1, bio sorbent dose of 0.3 g, beginning copper content of 48.4 mg/L, Temperature 390 C and metal removal of 84.26%. Under these optimal conditions, the experimental biosorption percentage was 76.93. The findings suggest that Adansonia digitata has the capacity to efficiently remove copper from aqueous solutions. This study adds to our understanding of the use of natural materials for heavy metal cleanup.

Explication of Pharmacological Proficiency of Phytoconstituents from Adansonia digitata Bark: An In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

Compared to other drug discovery sources, traditional medicine has significantly contributed to developing innovative therapeutic molecules for preventive and curative medicine. The Baobab tree, also known as Adansonia digitata L., is significant in Africa due to its multitude of benefits and various parts that serve different purposes, providing economic support to rural communities. The analysis of a plant sample using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy detected multiple functional groups, such as carboxyl and aromatic groups. Additionally, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was utilized to identify various compounds present in the sample, including tetrachloroethylene and octyl ester. The results of different assays, such as α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide, nitric oxide scavenging assays, and total antioxidant by thiobarbituric acid method (TBA) and ferric thiocyanate (FTC) method, demonstrated a substantial scavenging of free radicals and an effective antioxidant efficacy. The bark's antimicrobial activity was tested through agar diffusion, resulting in a range of zone of inhibition from 10.1 ± 0.36 mm to 20.85 ± 0.76 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value was observed to be approximately 0.625 µg/mL. The biofilm inhibition percentage ranged from 9.89% to 57.92%, with the highest percentage being 57.92%. The GC-MS and FT-IR studies revealed phytocompounds, which were then analyzed for their potential therapeutic properties. Computational studies were conducted on the phytocompounds against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and C2 kinase (antioxidant). The study concluded that the Adansonia digitata bark extract and its phytocompound have potential therapeutic efficacy against the target proteins. The best docking scores were about -7.053 kcal/mol and -7.573 kcal/mol for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and C2 kinase (antioxidant), respectively. The interaction patterns with the crucial amino acid residues elucidate the inhibitory efficacy of the phytocompounds.

In Vivo Anthelmintic Efficacy of Adansonia digitata and Anogeissus leiocarpa against Haemonchus contortus Infestation Induced in Sheep.

The aim of the present study was to assay the in vivo anthelminthic activity of Anogeissus leiocarpa (Al) family of the Asteraceae and Adansonia digitata (Ad) family of Malvaceae leaf powder against the nematode Haemonchus contortus (Hc) in sheep. Twenty-eight sheep were artificially infected with 3000 Infective larvae (L3) of Hc and divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 received 3.2 g/kg of Ad and Al leaf powder according to the body weight for three days by oral route. This treatment was repeated after 14 days. Group 3 received albendazol 5 mg/kg and group 4 received water. The treatment was repeated 14 days later. Examination of faecal samples, packed cell volume and biochemical analyses and necropsy were carried out to determine egg counts, worm burdens, and reduction in worm fecundity and changes in blood parameters. The results showed a reduction in egg excretion of 72.22% and 88.49%, respectively, with Al and Ad leaf powder. Egg laying of adult female worms was reduced by 55.22% and 64.96% with Ad and Al, respectively. FAMACHA score (≤2 in the treated animals) and packed cell volume were improved with Ad and Al. The results of this study revealed that Ad and Al powder may be used as an alternative anthelminthic to control haemonchosis in small ruminants.

Lead Acetate-Induced Hepatotoxicity and the ameliorative effect of Aqueous Extract of Adansonia digitata Fruit Pulp in Clarias gariepinus

Aim: To evaluate serum hepatic changes induced by lead acetate (PbA) and the ameliorative effect of aqueous extract of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp (AEADFP) in Clarias gariepinus. Methods: A total of 120 Clarias gariepinus (185 ± 5 g) were assigned randomly into 6 groups (A, B, C, D, E and F) of n=20. Group A was administered borehole water for 35 days; Group B, C, D, E and F were administered PbA for 14 days and subsequently borehole water, 195 mg/L of AEADFP, 390 mg/L of AEADFP, 585 mg/L of AEADFP and 15 mg/L of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), respectively, for 21 days. Four fish per group were randomly selected on weekly basis for serum biochemical analysis of hepatic function markers. Results: There was significant (p<0.05) elevation in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin and total cholesterol levels in the PbA-induced groups B, C, D, E and F, at week 2 post-induction. Contrarily, total protein and albumin decrease in group B, C, D, E and F, to the lowest mean values of 1.1 ± 0.1 g/dL and 0.7 ± 0.2 g/dL, respectively at week 2 post-induction. However, treatment of PbA-induced group C, D, E and F with AEADFP and DMSA, respectively, significantly ameliorated the negative effects of PbA when compared with the PbA-induced but untreated group. Conclusion: The findings in this study suggest that Adansonia digitata fruit extract has a mitigating potential against PbA-induced hepatotoxicity by ameliorating the upsurge and downturn of liver function parameters. Hence, Adansonia digitata fruits can serve as a natural plant agent in the treatment of lead-induced hepatotoxicity in Clarias gariepinus.

Proximal Composition and Sensory Analysis of Food Broth Formulated from Polypterus Congicus and Adansonia Digitata Seeds

Introduction: Food broths come in a variety of qualities, and each has a prominent place in the market. Starting with raw materials, these food broths come in different flavours: meat, fish, onions, vegetables, shrimps, etc.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity, Phytochemical Screening and GCMS Analysis of Ethanol and Aqueous Extracts Adansonia digitata Fruits (Kuka) Against Some Clinical Isolates

Adansonia digitata plant is a tree with a wide range of medicinal properties used to treat a variety of infectious diseases locally. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity, phytochemical screening and GCMS analysis of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Adansonia digitata fruits against some clinical isolates. The Powdered fruit of Adansonia digitata was extracted using the ethanol solvent and distilled water. The extracts component was subjected to Phytochemical screening using standard procedure. The extracts were tested for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, using disc diffusion methods using different concentrations. Gas chromatography mass spectrophotometer analysis was used to quantify the two extracts The results of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, reducing sugars, steroids, saponins, phenols and tannins in both extracts, except tannin that was no dictated in aqueous extract Results of sensitivity test showed that ethanol extracts were more active than aqueous extract on the isolates tested. The extracts also demonstrated antibacterial activities as it showed zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Rseults revealed distilled water, and ethanol extract to be effective against all the test organisms used at the concentrations of 600 mg/ml and 800 mg/ml. The range of zone of inhibition using ethanol extract (10.0 mm – 14.0 mm) was significantly higher than zone of inhibition using aqueous extract (0.00 mm – 6.0 mm). The MIC values the extracts have the potential for the production of drugs against some clinical bacterial isolates.

Sensory Analysis and Physicochemical Parameters of Three "TEAS" Formulations Obtained from Aromatic Plant Powders from Côte d’Ivoire

The use of plants by humans for their nutritional, health and wellness needs dates back to ancient times. This trend has increased to date with the boom in the tea/tisane market. The aim of this project is to gather scientific data on three 'teas' formulations obtained from aromatic plant resources commonly used in food. For this purpose, the species Lippia multiflora, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Zingiber officinale and Adansonia digitata were harvested, processed into powders and then combined two by two in precise proportions, keeping L. multiflora as the species common to the different formulations. A sensory analysis using the hedonic test was carried out on each of the formulations by a panel of tasters, and then some physico-chemical parameters of these formulations were determined. All three formulations were appreciated by the tasters.
 "However, the TEA 3 formulation "L. multiflora + Z. officinale" was the most popular. The pH values of the formulations ranged from 3.5 to 7.5. The ash content ranged from 7% to 10%. The total polyphenol content ranged from 12 to 17 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and the total flavonoid content ranged from 15 to 20 µg quercetin equivalent/g. Concentrations of total sugars and reducing sugars expressed as mg glucose equivalent/g ranged from 10 and 20.36 and 0.2 and 0.46, respectively. Fat content (%) varied from 3.5 to 4.6.
 The formulated TEAS contain compounds of therapeutic and nutritional interest that could enter the nutraceutical market in Côte d'Ivoire for the well-being of consumers.

Ethno-Botanical Survey: Exploring Indigenous Remedies for African Animal Trypanosomosis in Nigeria

The Fulani pastoralist of Nigeria and other indigenous livestock farmers have used medicinal plants to treat various animal diseases for centuries, amongst which include the African animal trypanosomosis (AAT). It is a severe debilitating parasitic disease of livestock and some wild animal species. It is caused by pathogenic Trypanosomes and transmitted by Tsetse flies. It causes severe economic losses to livestock farmers in Africa. In this study, an ethno-botanical survey was conducted in the Tsetse-endemic areas of Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna States of Nigeria to identify medicinal plants used traditionally to treat AAT. During the study, eighty questionnaires were administered to the respondents who were predominantly Fulani pastoralists, and other indigenous livestock farmers. seventy-eight questioners were fully completed and retrieved. The study revealed that that most of the respondents have retained the tradition knowledge system of medicinal plants passed down to them for generations. The study revealed various herbal preparation methods employed by indigenous Nigerian livestock farmers, including decoctions, infusions, and incorporating plant material into feed. Fifteen medicinal plants species belonging to 13 families were identified to be used by Nigerian pastoralist for the treatment AAT. These included Khaya senegalensis (28.2%), Azadirachta indica (25.6%), Boswellia dalziellii (23%), Prosopis africana (23%), Anogeisus leocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides (21.8%), Adansonia digitata and Annona senegalensis (19.2%), Pilostigma thoningii (16.7%), Nauclea latifolia (15.0%). Balanites aegyptiaca (12.5%). Eucalyptus torelliana (11.5%), Tamarindus indica (10.3%), Ximenia americana (9%) and Guiera senegalensis 7.7%).
 Conclusions: The information obtained from this study and the medicinal plants identified can be harnessed for the development of plant-based medicaments for the treatment of AAT.

The genus Rachicladosporium: introducing new species from sooty mould communities and excluding cold adapted species

The fungal genus Rachicladosporium (Cladosporiales, Cladosporiaceae), typified by cladosporium-like Rachicladosporium luculiae, includes a morphologically diverse assemblage of species. The species of this genus were reported from different substrates, habitats and environments, including plant leaves and needles, twig, black mould on baobab trees, rocks and insects. In this study, four new Rachicladosporium species (R. europaeum, R. ignacyi, R. kajetanii, R. silesianum) isolated from sooty mould communities covering leaves and needles of trees and shrubs in Poland are described. The new species are delineated based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses using concatenated ITS, LSU, and rpb2 sequences. All newly described species are nested in the main Rachicladosporium lineage (centred around the type species), which contains species that are able to grow at 25 °C. By contrast, four cold adapted, endolithic species known from Antarctica (R. antarcticum, R. aridum, R. mcmurdoi) and Italian Alps (R. monterosanum) form distant phylogenetic lineage and do not grow at this temperature. Therefore, they are accommodated in the new genus Cryoendolithus, typified by Cryoendolithus mcmurdoi.

Thermophysical characterization of concrete reinforced with baobab trunk fibers (Adansonia digitata L.) for thermal insulation of buildings

This work deals with characterizing concrete based on baobab trunk fibers for thermal in- sulation in buildings. The aim is to study the effect of the fiber content and the type of fiber treatment on the hygroscopic and thermo-physical properties of the concrete. Therefore, two types of treatment were carried out: an alkaline treatment and a thermo-alkaline treatment. Hygroscopic test results (34.25% to 54.92% for fiber content ranging from 14% to 28%) show that adding fibers to concrete makes them more sensitive to water. However, thermochemical treatment of the fibers reduces this water sensitivity. The thermal conductivities of concrete range from 0.202 to 0.086 W/m.K for the same fiber content. These results show that these biomaterials can be used in construction to improve building insulation.

Evaluation of therapeutic potentials of some bioactive compounds in selected African plants targeting main protease (Mpro) in SARS-CoV-2: a molecular docking study

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease brought on by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a global treat in early 2020. Despite worldwide research proving different medications used to treat COVID-19, the infection still affects the human race; we need to continue researching the virus to protect humanity and reduce the complications that some medications might cause. This study focuses on finding another promising therapeutic compound against SARS-CoV-2. Twenty-four (24) bioactive compounds were selected from the following African plants' Adansonia digitata L, Aframomum melegueta K. Schum, Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L, and Boswellia dalzielii, and Remdesivir was used as the control medication. The PubChem web server acquired the 3D structures of bioactive compounds in the plant and the control medication. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) crystal structure was obtained using the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Using the SwissADME web server, the bioactive compounds' drug-likeness was assessed, and AutoDock was employed for the molecular docking with the Mpro. The Proteins Plus and Protein–Ligand Interaction Profiler web servers were used to analyse the docked complexes. Furthermore, the admetSAR website was utilized to predict the ligands' absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties.ResultsBased on the drug-likeness screening, Rutin violated more than one of the Lipinski rules of five, while Remdesivir violated two. Molecular docking analysis results indicated that Catechin, Epicatechin, Vitexin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Gamma-Sitosterol, and Kaur-16-ene exhibited a stronger binding affinity with Mpro, with binding scores of − 7.1, − 7.1, − 8.0, − 7.3, − 7.2, − 6.8, and − 6.5 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to Remdesivir's binding score of − 6.3 kcal/mol. Consequently, binding scores of bioactive compounds suggest their potential biological activity against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Additionally, these bioactive compounds exhibited favourable ADMET properties. Vitexin also has a plasma protein binding below 90%, a promising medication distribution feature.ConclusionsThis study shows that Catechin, Epicatechin, Vitexin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Gamma-Sitosterol, and Kaur-16-ene have better binding affinities with Mpro than Remdesivir. Molecular dynamics simulation in vitro and in vivo investigation is required to support this study.

Valorization of baobab seeds (Adansonia digitata) as a coffee-like beverage: evaluation of roasting time on bioactive compounds.

The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) can be found in sub-Saharan Africa, and its fruit presents high nutritional value. However, baobab seeds are often discarded and their potential remains underutilized. This study aimed to investigate the effect of roasting time (30/55/80/105min at 200°C) on the physical-chemical properties of baobab seeds and the bioactive compounds in a coffee-like beverage. The results showed a decrease in moisture, Aw (water activity), and hardness of baobab seeds with increasing roasting time. These changes resulted from moisture loss, caramelization, and Maillard reactions, which also affected appearance when compared with unroasted baobab seeds. The pH of the beverage decreased to a value of around 6.01 after 105min of roasting. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the beverage increased with roasting time, reaching 851.2mg GAE/100g (after 80min) and 18.9mmol Fe2+/100g (after 55min), respectively. The caffeine content remained stable around 16mg/100g from 55 to 105min, lower than that of unroasted coffee beans and decaffeinated coffee. These findings suggest the potential for valorizing baobab seeds in the development of a new coffee-like beverage with lower caffeine content.

Mainstreaming traditional fruits, vegetables and pulses for nutrition, income, and sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa: the case for Kenya and Ethiopia.

This study documented existing knowledge on traditional fruits, vegetables and pulses in Kenya and Ethiopia. The aim was to identify neglected and underutilized species with high potential for food security, for their economic value and contribution to sustainable agriculture, based on a literature review and confirmation of existing data by local experts. In order of priority, the top 5 fruit species in Kenya are Tamarindus indica L., Adansonia digitata L., Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst, Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, and Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., for vegetables are Amaranthus spp., Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., Solanum spp., and Cleome gynandra L. Top fruits in Ethiopia are Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf., Cordeauxia edulis Hemsl., Cordia africana Lam., and Mimusops kummel A. DC., for vegetables are Brassica carinata A. Braun, Cucurbita pepo L., and Amaranthus spp. In both countries, priority pulse species (no ranking) are Phaseolus lunatus L., Sphenostylis stenocarpa (A.Rich.) Harms, Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet, and Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Generally, these priority species are good sources of key nutrients known for their inadequate dietary intakes in sub-Saharan Africa, represent a safety net for household income, and contribute positively to ecosystem resilience in existing agricultural systems. Complete, accurate and reliable nutrient composition data are needed to raise consumer awareness about their nutritional and health benefits. Since women play a central role in traditional food systems, their empowerment, and hence resilience, increase the positive impact they can have on the households' dietary diversity. In particular, introducing small-scale processing techniques and marketing strategies could enhance their supply and consumption.

Physical Properties of ZnO-NPs Induced by the Thermal Annealing of Hydrozincite Derived from Adansonia Digitata Leaves Extract

In this study, we investigated the effects of the annealing temperatures on the physical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles produced by the decomposition of the hydrozincite obtained from Adansonia digitata leaves. The results of the X-ray diffraction revealed the formation of well-crystallised hexagonal zinc oxide with an average crystallite size of 11.80 nm, 11.90 nm, 11.97 nm and 15.28 nm for the samples annealed at 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C and 700 °C, respectively. The crystallite size of the hydrozincite constituting the unannealed sample was 22 nm. In the spectra of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the appearance of the peaks at 520 cm-1 for all synthesised materials confirms the formation of pure wurtzite zinc oxide. The band gap determined from diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was found to be 3.19 eV, 3.21 eV, 3.23 eV and 3.24 eV for the samples annealed at 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C and 700 °C, respectively. These values increase with the annealing temperature and are still lower than the band gap of pure bulk zinc oxide (3.3 eV) owing to the structural defects as confirmed by the broad emission bands in the visible depicted from the photoluminescence analysis.

Impact of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Fruit Meal on the Reproductive Performance of Red Sokoto Does Crossed with South Africa Boer Bucks

Red Sokoto goat (RSG) does was crossed with South African Boer (SAB) bucks with the aim of improving the reproductive performance of RSG. Oestrus was synchronized in thirty-two (32) primiparous RSG does using 45mg fluorogestone acetate vagina sponges for fourteen (14) days. Pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin hormone was administered immediately after sponge removal and SAB bucks were introduced for matting. Twenty four (24) gravid RSG weighing 18.80kg – 19.55kg were selected and fed graded levels of baobab (Adansonia digitata. L) pulp-seed meal (BPSM) supplement in a completely randomized experimental design of six (6) replicates per treatment. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the results obtained. At parturition, animals on 10% BPSM level had the highest mean weight value of 27.00kg while the does on 0% BPSM recorded the least value of 25.00kg. At pregnancy, animals on 10% BPSM had the highest weight gain value of 7.80kg, followed by 30% BPSM with a weight gain of 7.20kg. 20% BPSM had 6.25kg weight gain and the least value of 6.00kg was recorded for animals on 0% BPSM. Weight of RSG does at weaning ranged from 22.00kg to 24.00kg. The Birth weight of kids were significantly different (P<0.05) with highest value of 2.85kg (10% BPSM), as control diet (0% BPSM) recorded birth weight of 2.00kg. The sex ratio of male: female recorded in the study were significantly different (P<0.05) across treatments. The kid weight at weaning and daily weight gain of the kids was significantly different (P<0.05) at all levels of BPSM inclusion. There was no kid mortality at birth. However, kid mortality at weaning recorded infinitesimal value of 1% for 10% and 40% supplementation level.

Population structure and phenological attributes of Adansonia digitata L. (baobab) in Northwestern lowland area of Ethiopia

Adansonia digitata (baobab), a multipurpose and highly valued tree species, is facing threats due to anthropogenic factors like shifting cultivation practices and fire. The aim of this study was to examine the population structure and phenological attributes of baobab in three districts (i.e. Kafta Humera, Tselemt, and Quara district) in Northwestern Ethiopia. The study was carried out by establishing 17 plots 1 km long and 100 m wide covering a total area of 170 ha in the Quara district and five plots covering 50 ha each in the Kafta Humera and Tselemt districts. Further, plots were subdivided into 25 × 25 m and 5 × 5 m sub-plots for recording other woody species and their regeneration status, respectively. Thirty reproductively matured trees with easily visible crowns were selected to record phenological characteristics and fruit yield. The findings revealed that baobab population was significantly higher in the Tselemt district (3.15 ± 0.15) as compared to Quara (1.43 ± 0.43) and Kafta Humera (1.30 ± 0.23) sites. A bell-shaped diameter distribution was observed in the Quara district and irregular-shaped distributions were observed in Kafta Humera and Tselemt districts. Phenological periodicity and fruit production of baobab did not vary significantly among the three study sites. On average, 404 fruits per tree were recorded with a maximum of 559 fruits in mid-diameter size class trees. Due to livestock browsing, shifting cultivation practices, and uncontrolled fire, the recruitments are limited in the study areas. An in-situ conservation strategy through the plantation and proper management practices are needed to sustain baobab tree species.