Adansonia Research Articles

Development and Sensory Analysis of Adansonia Digitata L. Fruit-Based Beverages

Baobab or mucua, the fruit of Baobab tree (Adonsonia digitata L.), has interesting nutritional and functional properties for human health. This study aims to develop and realize a sensory analysis and the purchase intentions of two mucua beverages by a sample of adults residing in Portugal. The beverages were developed containing mucua, water, sugar, and one also included vanilla aroma. Participants were recruited within the academic community in May 2023. The tasters evaluated the sensory characteristics of múcua beverages. The sensory analysis involved 45 tasters who were university students and residents in the Lisbon metropolitan area, and for 80% of participants this was the first time they were tasting mucua. Although no significant differences were observed between the attributes of the beverages when compared, the vanilla flavor obtained a higher score in taste and sweetness (median of 6 (4; 8) in both), while the beverage without vanilla obtained a higher score in taste (median of 7 (4;8)). Some attributes that need improvement were identified, as approximately 30% of participants pointed out texture as a negative aspect in both beverages. It was also found that tasters would be willing to consume the beverages one to four times a week and pay about € 3 per liter for them. These results suggest that mucua-based beverages with and without vanilla aroma have good acceptance by tasters.

A Nature Based Solution: Production and Characterization of Biomass Derived Catalyst from Nigerian Baobab Fruit Shell Powder (Adansonia Digitata).

Work on biomass synthesized catalyst from Nigerian Baobab fruit shell powder was thermally treated at 550o C for 6 hours using a muffle furnace. The resultant calcined powder and the un-calcined were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and further compared with the un-calcined form (baobab fruit shell powder). The FTIR revealed the presence of functional groups matched as alkenes with carbon-hydrogen and nitrogen-hydrogen bonds for baobab fruit shell powder (BFSP). With C-O, a carbon stretch at 1118 & 670 cm-1 and C-H alkyne for the biomass derived catalyst (BDC) from baobab. The morphology of the samples using SEM indicated the presence of higher porosity in the calcined sample when compared to the uncalcined. The superimposed graph of intensity vs 2 theta, of the BFSP and BDC showed no crystallinity during phase determination causing differing diffraction peak counts with no width from 200 – 450 , characteristic to biomass of plant or animal origin. Related outcome was seen for XRD results.

PLANT RESOURCE UTILIZATION AND CONSERVATION STRATEGIES AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES OF GWANDUM, SHONGOM LGA OF GOMBE STATE

In this study, we obtained an in-depth ethnobotanical studies in some selected rural communities of Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State to close this knowledge gap. Information was obtained from 98 individuals through interviews using semi-structured questionnaire and group discussions, supplemented with field observations. A total of 34 ethnobotanically important plant species belonging to 18 families (92% indigenous and 8% exotics) mostly from the Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Anacardiaceae, Combretaceae, and Moraceae were documented. These plant species were mainly utilized for food, medicine, fodder, construction and fencing purposes. Significantly used species were Moringa oleifera (Linn), Adansonia digitata, Ficus thonningii, Anogeissusleio carpus, Dioscorea Spp, Parkia biglobosa and Mangifera indica. Only 25 (%) of the species reported had their statusassessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Local social beliefs, taboos, fines as well as traditional rules and regulation are in place to aid the management of communal resources. However, a significant number (62%) of participants mentioned that they were not pleased with the rule and regulations. This study concluded that plant resourcesstill play a crucial role in rural villages of Shongom Local Government Area. Furthermore, for utilization and effective long-term conservation of these plant species, government implemented conservation measure alongside awareness creation are highly recommended.

Are South African Wild Foods the Answer to Rising Rates of Cardiovascular Disease?

The rising burden of cardiovascular disease in South Africa gives impetus to managerial changes, particularly to the available foods in the market. Since there are many economically disadvantaged groups in urban societies who are at the forefront of the CVD burden, initiatives to make healthier foods available should focus on affordability in conjunction with improved phytochemical diversity to incentivize change. The modern obesogenic diet is deficient in phytochemicals that are protective against the metabolic products of sugar metabolism, i.e., inflammation, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial fatigue, whereas traditional southern African food species have high phytochemical diversity and are also higher in soluble dietary fibres that modulate the release of sugars from starches, nurture the microbiome and produce digestive artefacts that are prophylactic against cardiovascular disease. The examples of indigenous southern African food species with high horticultural potential that can be harvested sustainably to feed a large market of consumers include: Aloe marlothii, Acanthosicyos horridus, Adansonia digitata, Aloe ferox, Amaranthus hybridus, Annesorhiza nuda, Aponogeton distachyos, Bulbine frutescens, Carpobrotus edulis, Citrullus lanatus, Dioscorea bulbifera, Dovyalis caffra, Eleusine coracana, Lagenaria siceraria, Mentha longifolia, Momordica balsamina, Pelargonium crispum, Pelargonium sidoides, Pennisetum glaucum, Plectranthus esculentus, Schinziophyton rautanenii, Sclerocarya birrea, Solenostemon rotundifolius, Talinum caffrum, Tylosema esculentum, Vigna unguiculata and Vigna subterranea. The current review explains the importance of phytochemical diversity in the human diet, it gives a lucid explanation of phytochemical groups and links the phytochemical profiles of these indigenous southern African foods to their protective effects against cardiovascular disease.

Influence of poultry manure rates on proximate, mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrient compositions of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) leaves

Succulent leaves of two accessions of Baobab (Odo-Ere and Okoloke) grown under three poultry manure rates (PM) (0, 15 and 30 t ha-1) were harvested and assayed for proximate, mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrient compositions using standard analytical procedures in replicated trials. Results of the analysis of variance revealed a significant (p<0.05) effect of accession and poultry manure on some proximate, mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrient contents of Baobab leaves. Accession sourced from Okoloke contained higher carbohydrates and protein while Odo-Ere accession had higher moisture content. Application of 15 t ha-1 of PM increased moisture content. The effect of accession was non-significant (p>0.05) on mineral contents. No application of PM enhanced iron, iodine and zinc concentrations. Vitamins B6, E and carotenoid contents were higher in Okoloke. Application of 30 t ha-1 of PM increased vitamin B6 and carotenoids. Odo-Ere produced higher flavonoids, oxalate and phytate while Okoloke contained higher phenol. Application of 30 t ha-1 of PM increased phenol content. Plants grown without PM and plants treated with 15 t ha-1 of PM topped regarding saponin. Biplot analysis revealed wide variability in nutritional qualities of Baobab leaves in response to the combined effects of accession and poultry manure. The results provided further insight into the utilization potential of leaves of Baobab. Furthermore, the results showed that poultry manure application could have a positive impact on the vitamin, proximate and anti-nutrient contents of Baobab leaves.

Baobabs at the edge: 90-year dynamics of climate variability, growth, resilience, and evolutionary legacy effects

Climate variability and resilience remain gaps in tree research, challenged by the interacting factors in climate change, long-term resilience and the influence of evolutionary legacy effects. In a multidisciplinary approach using 90-year (1930–2020) climate-growth data, we investigated the dynamics of climate variability on growth and resilience of the tropical African baobab (Adansonia digitata) at the range edge in climate-variable, southeast Africa. The main driver of climate variability, ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation), triggered 83% of droughts exacerbated by positive Indian Ocean Dipole (pIOD) events. Growth over 90 years was positively correlated with maximum temperature and increased after the 1976–1977 Global Warming Shift. The influence of warming was compromised by climate variability and extreme events. Although growth is a measure of adaptive capacity, accelerated growth over the past 20 years contrasted with dehydration, canopy dieback and a novel Didymella pathogen. Resilience was contingent on high genetic diversity (polyploidy and heterozygosity) and Neotropical legacy effects of stem water storage and longevity trade-offs of low growth, recruitment and reproduction. The evolution of resprouting in disturbed, fire-prone ecosystems and bark regeneration increased recovery from disturbance. As resource opportunists, baobabs adopted a fast-slow survival strategy. Rainfall and warming enhanced growth while low and variable rainfall favoured a conservative, low growth-higher survival strategy. Low rainfall, climate extremes and topography increased mortality risk. Mortality was higher at lower elevations on site and regionally. Low growth may conserve the baobab in climate warming but the southern hemisphere tropics is one of two identified global hotspots with amplified hot years. The heightened disturbance predicted from increased climate variability, hot droughts and landfalling tropical cyclones magnifies mortality risk for “Africa’s favourite tree.”

Acute and sub-acute oral toxicity of the methanol extract of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp.

Most rural and urban-based communities in Africa rely on traditional remedies for their primary healthcare. One probable reason for this is the assumption that they are free of harmful side effects and toxicity, compared to orthodox drugs. However, very few plants have been thoroughly evaluated for their toxic effects. Adansonia digitata (A. digitata) also known as (Baobab) is a member of the Malvaceae family. Almost all components of the tree are utilized in traditional African medicine. The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of methanol extract from the fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata through acute and sub-acute oral administration in rats. The acute oral toxicity study was done according to Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines no 425 using a limit dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight (BW). Sub-acute oral toxicity using (250, 500, and, 1000 mg/kg BW) was performed by daily administration for 28 days according to the OECD guideline 407. The acute toxicity study revealed no lethal effects and behavioral signs of toxicity at the tested dose indicating that LD is greater than 2000mg/kg. In the sub-acute study, no significant difference was observed in the body weight, organ weight, liver, and kidney parameters in all treated groups compared to the control. A non-significant decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) was observed across the groups. Also, a significant increase in the white blood cell count and a decrease in the lymphocyte count occurred in the group treated with 250 mg/kg BW. These results show that methanol extract of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp is generally safe on short-term use but can cause changes in haematological parameters on long-term use.

Inventory of Local Practices of Use and Conservation of Baobab Products in Two Regions of Mali

The baobab (Adansonia digitata) occupies an important place in the diet of local populations in Mali. This work aimed to conduct an ethnobotanical survey in two regions of Mali: Ségou (municipality of Cinzana) and Mopti (municipalities of Bankass and Kopropin) in order to determine the forms of use of baobab organs. The survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire and direct interviews. The results showed that all parts of the baobab were used, with the leaves (100%) and the fruit pulp (98.30%) as the most consumed. In addition, the barks (68.30%), the branches, and the trunks (60%) were also widely used for socio-economic and therapeutic needs. All the edible organs were consumed in the sauce. The pulp was mainly consumed in the form of cream (96.70%), porridge (43.30%), and juice and syrup (10%). Despite their nutritional values, the seeds were little used (8.30%) and transformed into soap, oil "soumbala" and "datou" (forms of local spices). The taste (30-66.70%) and the color (1.70-38.30%) were the main criteria used to assess the quality of edible organs. The sun drying (100%) was the main method of preservation. Due to the bad storage conditions, the populations are facing problems of termite and worm infestation (20%). These results indicate the need to develop improved technologies to better preserve the nutritional quality of baobab products.

A Note on the Effect of Storage on Physicochemical Properties of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Seedsʼ Oil from Kordofan and Blue Nile States

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an indigenous forest tree related with the Savannah dry lands of sub-Saharan Africa. Local communities utilize the leaves, pulp, and seeds of Baobab as a source of nutrition and for income generation. Seed oil has been used for centuries by rural communities as food and medicine. The global demand for Baobab seed oil in industrial applications has increased in recent years. The present study was conducted to determine physicochemical properties, mineral content and effect of storage on seeds from two different geographical locations (Kordofan and Blue Nile States). Six different samples of Baobab seeds were collected, prepared and stored in 2017 at room temperature until analysis in 2019. The oil was extracted by cold pressing process and its physicochemical properties were evaluated by standard and established methods. The results showed that the Baobab oil color was golden yellow/ reddish yellow and it showed resistance to change in color and seeds contained reasonable amount of oil. Oil density, PH, refractive index and acid value showed negligible change with the storage. However the peroxide value increased when the storage period increased, while the iodine value, saponification and viscosity of the oil decreased markedly with the storage time. Kordofan seed oil was higher than Blue Nile in density, oil content and saponification value, while Blue Nile seed oil showed higher viscosity, peroxide value and minerals especially potassium content.

AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF FERMENTED GOAT’S MILK COMBINED WITH DESERT TRUFFLE AND BAOBAB AQUEOUS EXTRACT IN CCL4 INDUCED LIVER LESION IN RATS

The aim of the present work was to investigate the synergistic hepatoprotective effect of fermented goat milk (FGM) combined with aqueous extracts of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) (BE) and desert truffle (Terfezia claveryi) (DTE). Chemical analysis indicated that BE is rich in ascorbic acid (67.3 mg/100 g dry weight). Both extracts reduced the stable free radical DPPH (96.4 and for BE versus 70.2 % for BE and DTE, respectively). For examining the hepatoprotective effect of these treatments in vivo, thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6 per group). Group 1 served as the normal control (NC). Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats of the other five groups using CCl4. Group 2 served as the positive control (PC), while the remaining 4 groups received orally FGM, DTE, BE and their mixture (1:1:1) for 28 days. Hepatotoxicity was characterized by high liver weight as well as an elevation in serum levels of liver enzymes in the PC group. All treatments restored weight of liver to that of the NC group (P>0.05). Highest positive effect was recorded for DTE which lowered liver weight by 33.9% compared with PC group (P<0.05). Concentrations of liver enzymes were significantly reduced in all treatment groups compared to PC group. Moreover, the protective effect was further confirmed by histopathological as a considerable reduction in necrosis and fatty changes were noticed. In sum, FGM, Desert Truffle and Baobab could be potentially used as functional food to protect against liver lesion.

Major chemical carcinogens and health exposure risks in some therapeutic herbal plants in Nigeria.

People of all ages and genders utilize herbal medicine to treat varieties of problems all around the world. The accumulation of Cd and Cr in therapeutic herbs (Adansonia digitata, Psidium guajava, and Carica papaya) can lead to a variety of health complications. These leaf extracts are used to treat varieties of ailments, including cancer, in the northern Nigerian states of Borno, Jigawa, and Kano. The researchers employed high-resolution continuous source atomic absorption spectrometry. The statistical parameters such as mean, range, minimum and maximum were computed along with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess activity concentrations of Major Chemical Carcinogens (MCCs) in the herb extracts from the three states. The result demonstrated substantial statistical variation in the concentration of Chromium between groups with C. papaya (F = 190.683, p = 0.000), P. guajava (F = 5.698, p = 0.006), A. digitata (F = 243.154, p = 0.000). The post hoc test revealed that the C. papaya and A. digitata observed concentrations were statistically significant across the three states (p = 0.000). It was observed that there is no statistically significant difference between concentrations of the extracts between Kano and Borno states for P. guajava (p = 0.686). For Cd, the one-way ANOVA showed significant statistically variation in the concentration between groups with C. papaya (F = 77.393, p = 0.000), P. guajava (F = 4.496, p = 0.017), A. digitata (F = 69.042, p = 0.000). The post hoc test with multiple comparisons revealed that the activity concentration of all extracts was statistically significant across the three states (p<0.05). The target risk quotient (THQ) for Cd was more than unity in A. digitata and C. papaya, except for P. guajava from Borno State. The probable cancer risk was observed for consumption of plant extracts as a result of Cr and Cd.

Evaluation of Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Leaf and Root Extracts as Inhibitor on Dual Phase Steel (DPS) in 0.3M H2SO4

Purpose: In this work, the effect of indigenously sourced baobab leaf and root was experimented on the substrate of inter-critically developed dual phase steel in 0.3M H2SO4.&#x0D; Methodology: Standard techniques were adopted in carrying out the development and the corrosion experiments. Weight loss method was adopted and the corrosion rate eventually estimated following a standard route.&#x0D; Findings: From the results, it was observed that inter-critical heat treatment technique can be used to develop dual phase steel with a competing properties with the conventional dual phase steel. The use of baobab leaf and root extracts was also observed to serve as an organic inhibitor for dual phase steel having observed that the percentage inhibition efficiency (% IE) increases with increase in the soaking temperature of the developed DPS.&#x0D; Recommendation: The use of baobab leaf and root is thus recommended as alternative organic inhibitor to impede corrosion rate in DPS.

English

In Senegal, traditional baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruit nectar (T-BFN) is the most popular drink from baobab fruit pulp and its consumption helps to fight poverty, malnutrition and generate income along the Senegalese value chain of non-timbered forest products. However, for a better competitiveness in the local market, traditional baobab fruit nectar must be microbiologically stable with an attractive visual aspect. The aim of this study is to evaluate the microbial quality during storage, and the impact of some treatments like homogenization on the visual appearance of traditional baobab fruit nectar processed in Senegal. The microbial shelf-life of pasteurized traditional baobab fruit nectar and the effect of homogenization at 0, 5, 8, 12, 13 and 14 MPa on the stability of visual appearance during storage have been studied. Pasteurized traditional baobab fruit nectar could be stored up to 190 days at 4&deg;C without microbial spoilage. Homogenization at 14MPa stabilized the visual appearance of traditional baobab fruit nectar without sedimentation of the pulp or clarification for days at 4&deg;C. In combination with pasteurization, homogenization may be addressed as an effective tool to prevent pulp sedimentation in traditional bottled baobab fruit nectar. &nbsp; Key words: Baobab fruit nectar, microbial quality, visual appearance, storage, homogenization pressure, pulp sedimentation.

The antibacterial activity and biochemical composition of Adansonia Digitata edible parts

PurposeWithin the framework of the valorization of natural resources, a characterization of the biochemical composition of the edible parts of Adansonia Digitata is applied. The antibacterial effect against bacteria is also realized and compared to some synthetic antibiotics.Design/methodology/approachThe biochemical characterization is carried out according to the norms of the French Association of Normalization, methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC International) and gas chromatography (GC). The antibacterial activity is tested by disk diffusion on a solid medium. Parametric tests are used to compare the differences between groups and heat maps to show the expression of the mean inhibitions according to the studied parameters. Multivariate logistic modeling is applied to study the effect of extracts and antibiotics on bacteria.FindingsBiochemical characterization showed a variable importance of proteins, fibers and total sugars, with the presence of highly desired fatty acids such as palmitic, oleic, stearic, linoleic and a-linolenic acids. This gives the tested parts important energy values, especially in the seeds very rich in fatty acids. Methanol proved to be a better extraction solvent than dichloromethane. Antibacterial activity showed that pulp and leaves extracted with methanol had quite similar inhibitory activities against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC29212 and that this effect was better than some antibiotics. Multivariate analysis showed that the leaves had a similar effect to antibiotics, and a significant effect against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29213.Originality/valueThis important activity and the attractive nutritional value of this plant could justify its extensive use in the traditional pharmacopoeia.

Anthelmintic Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Phytochemical Screening of Plants Used to Treat Digestive Parasitosis of Small Ruminants in Benin (West Africa).

Simple SummaryIn the present study, we explored the anthelmintic activity, cytotoxicity, and chemical composition of the main plants used by small ruminant breeders in Benin to treat digestive parasitosis. The results obtained are relevant in the sense that they will allow a rational use of the plants studied in the control of digestive parasites but also to initiate the process of identification of new anthelmintic molecules in the context of the development of resistance against the most currently used anthelmintic molecules.Medicinal plants continue to be used alone or in combination with veterinary drugs to treat animal ailments, especially in developing countries where livestock farmers often lack access to modern veterinary services and drugs. In addition, digestive parasitosis remain a major constraint for small ruminant livestock. The objective of this study was to screen the anthelmintic activity of the main plants used in the treatment of the digestive parasitosis of small ruminants in Benin. A total of 40 extracts were prepared using the successive maceration of 10 plants in four solvents of increasing polarity. The phytochemical screening of the plants was performed, and the anthelmintic activity of the extracts was evaluated on L3 larvae of Haemonchus contortus. The cytotoxicity of the 40 extracts was determined on WI38 noncancerous fibroblast cells using the MTT assay, and the total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannin content (CTC) were quantified in the most effective extracts using colorimetric methods. The results show that the plants contained tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids which may, in part, justify their anthelmintic activities. All plants gave active extracts at the highest concentration tested (1200 µg/mL). Methanol (MeOH) extracts were, in general, more effective than the hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM), and aqueous (H2O) ones in inhibiting larval migration, with the MeOH extracts of Terminalia leiocarpa, Adansonia digitata, and Momordica charantia being the most effective. Nevertheless, the MeOH extract of M. charantia was highly cytotoxic at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. The anthelmintic activity of M. charantia, Vitex doniana, and Caesalpinia bonduc was studied on H. contortus for the first time. These results provide scientific information that can be used for better valorization of the anthelmintic potential of the studied plants and to initiate the process of the identification of new anthelmintic molecules.

Does tenure influence sustainable use? The ecological impacts of harvesting baobab (Adansonia digitata)

AbstractUsing the lens of the baobab tree, this paper explores the ecological outcomes of different tenurial arrangements and implications for resource sustainability. With the emergence of markets for baobab products, a central concern is to confirm whether use patterns differ across different tenure regimes and, if so, their ecological outcomes. The study is based on an ecological survey in Zimbabwe of 244 baobab trees located across three tenure regimes – communal, private and state – and also draws on interviews with key informants. The results suggest that tenure has a strong influence on the sustainability of baobab harvesting. Based on identified parameters of ecological sustainability, trees under state tenure were shown to be harvested unsustainably, and showed excessive bark harvesting, while those under private and communal tenure had fewer signs of debarking and produced more fruits, suggesting their use was more sustainable. Excessive bark harvesting was found to negatively affect fruit and bark production and, to a lesser extent, the overall health of the tree. The research illustrates that in order to understand ecologically sustainable use, an understanding of resource use patterns across different tenure regimes is crucial, suggesting the design of bespoke interventions to manage the use of natural resources in different tenure systems.

English

Adansonia digitata is a tree plant used in west African local pharmacopoeia. This work aimed to evaluate the wound healing properties of its trunk bark&rsquo;s hydroethanolic extract in wistar rats. The model of excision wound was used. Wistar rats were treated post-excision topically with neutral carbopol gel (Control), carbopol gels containing 2.5 and 5% of A. digitata hydroethanolic trunk bark extract (ADHE) and L-Mesitran. Pictures were taken post excision for analysis. Biopsies were realized for histological examination of the skin excised and for hydroxyproline determination. In vitro membrane stabilization anti-inflammatory test, DPPH and FRAP antioxidant tests, and phytochemical tests were performed. The results show a better rate of contraction in ADHE 2.5 and 5% animals (+56 &plusmn; 0.52% and +68 &plusmn; 0.24% respectively) as earlier as on day three post-excision. The hydroxyproline assay confirmed a better collagen production in ADHE 2.5% and 5% animals (+102.5 &plusmn; 2.9%, and +107 &plusmn; 3.0% respectively). Histological analysis showed a rapid re-epithelialization in ADHE animals. The anti-inflammatory test indicated an IC50 of 16.521 &plusmn; 0.525 &micro;g/mL, very close to Aspirin (16.826 &plusmn; 0.341 &micro;g/mL), showing a possible anti-inflammatory activity of ADHE. The extract reduced DPPH radical (IC50 of 344.985 &plusmn; 17.139 &micro;g/mL) and ferric ions (EC50 = 178.689 &plusmn; 0.250 &micro;g/mL). Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyphenolic compounds. Flavonoids in particular, with an amount of 51.694 &plusmn; 0.174 mgER/g, should explain the wound healing activity observed, making the hydroethanolic extract of A. digitata a potential remedy for excision wounds. Key words: Adansonia digitata, wound healing, Wistar rat, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.

Endogenous knowledge and structures of parks dominated by Adansonia digitata (Baobab) species in the Sudano-Sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon

In Cameroon and particularly in its Sahelian zone, agroforestry parks are ecosystems which provide many goods and services to the local population because of their great potentiality. They contain many multipurpose plant species, generally used as food and medicines, for house building and several others cultural activities. Adansonia digitata (Baobab) is one of these multipurpose plants species found in these agroforestry parks. Unfortunately, due to their high social and economic importance, baobab tree are overexploited by local communities to meet their urgent need. Hence, this study was carried out to provide useful information for a future planned management and conservation of both baobab species and agroforestry parks in the Sudano-Sahelian agro-ecological zone of Cameroon. Thus, the selected sites for investigations were: Koutboutou, Libé and Biou in the Mayo-louti Division; Goubara, Mndjil and Loubour in the Mayo-Kani Division and Gazawa, Djagalaï, Bawo hosséré in the Diamaré Division. In total, 450 peoples were interviewed to find out the potentialities of woody parks. Dendrometric parameters were also measured to determine the structure of the forest stand. In total, 38 plant species related to 29 genera and 21 families were identified from the investigated woody parks. Adansonia digitata represented more than 35% of the total individual's number. Results showed also that, fruits, leaves and pulp of Adansonia digitata are at 100% used by local population as food. When, roots, mistletoe and bark are used at 88.9 %, 73.3 % and 77.8 % respectively. Fibers from roots (11.1 %,) and bark (33.3 %) are used in crafts for making ropes. The calculated Shannon index reflected a low diversity in all the investigated area. Pielou index reflected also a balance in the distribution of species between the studied parks. Dendrometric parameters revealed that the studied parks are dominated by high plants, and individuals with small diameter. The maintenance of parks with Adansonia digitata trees in the Sahel zone of Cameroon seems to be compromised. It would be wise to find ways of managing the species so that farmers can benefit from the products that this species offers to them without their actions endangering it.

Local Foods Based on Baobab Pulp (Adansonia digitata L.) Consumed in Savannah Areas of Northern Côte d'Ivoire

The African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an indigenous fruit tree in the dry savannah areas of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a species of great dietary and nutritional interest. The pulp of the fruit, in addition to being consumed raw or in cold drinks, is used for several others unknown foods in Côte d’Ivoire. Thus, a household survey was conducted in the localities of Korhogo, Séguéla and Bouna with 135 people per locality in order to identify these foods, and then to determine their modes, forms, frequency of consumption and their processes. The data revealed that consumers collect baobab in pods form (79.23-88.81%) in fields (76.15-86.57%) before using pulp in the preparation of 10 local foods with different technologies. Eight of these foods are meals and two are beverages (Zoom-koom and Séladji). Rural populations for its taste and health benefits consume the pulp of baobab fruit. The process of Bacacrou (Sougé-baca, Badégé-baca, Manou-baca and Sougé ni manou-baca) vary according to the practices of each locality. Among meals, Kagbèlè is a specific food of Korhogo while Séla biscuit is more specific to Séguéla, and Tchobal, Zoom-koom and Bafouratou are specific to Bouna. Sougé-baca and Séladji appears as the most known foods with a percentage of knowledge of 68.39 and 53.35 respectively, and the most consumed dishes precisely at breakfast and at the Muslim jêun break with 3 to 4 times per month as frequency of consumption. For a better promotion of these foods, it is essential to know their biochemical and nutritional composition.

Cytotoxicity and Nematicidal Potential of Leaf Extracts of &lt;em&gt;Adansonia digitata&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Khaya senegalensi&lt;/em&gt;s on Root Knot Nematode (&lt;em&gt;Meloidogyne incognita&lt;/em&gt;) Associated with Cabbage

Purpose: Cabbage, an indispensable vegetable is often plagued by Meloidogyne incognita, a circumstance which lessens yield. Extracts of Khaya senegalensis and Adansonia digitata were appraised for possible nematicidal activity to check the menace of M. incognita sequel to the undesirable effect of synthetic nematicides in the environment. Research Method: Leaf materials were extracted in organic and aqueous extracts. The extracts were used as soil admix at 0, 150, 200 and 250 g/Kg soil, in a randomized complete block design experiment. Carbofuran a synthetic nematicide served as positive check for the extracts. Data was taken on vegetative growth, yield and nematode population. Lethality of the various extracts to brine shrimp larvae was also assessed. Findings: The aqueous extract was not as productive as the ethanol and methanol extracts. A. digitata extracts demonstrated weak nematicidal activity as against what was observed in cabbage plants treated with K. senegalensis extracts. Cytotoxicity evaluation of the organic and aqueous extracts of A. digitata indicated that the methanol extract expressed weak cytotoxicity (500 µg/ml - 1000 µg/ml), while the aqueous and ethanol extracts were not toxic to the brine shrimps (LC50 &gt;1000µg/mL). K. senegalensis extracts were active against brine shrimp larvae with LC50 values &lt;1000µg/mL The methanol and ethanol extracts demonstrated strong cytotoxicity with LC50 values &lt;100µg/ml. Extracts from K. senegalensis significantly (p=0.05) increased the vegetative growth of cabbage plants. Originality/ Value: These results signify that the species have a probable use in the bio-pesticide industry, without any toxicity as the synthetics.