Baillonella Toxisperma Research Articles

Species diversity of socio-economic importance in the Kebe Block Forest, Cameroon: Local perceptions and conservation implications

Abstract. Inimbock SL, Chimi CD, Ngomeni AF, Enamba CY, Pouomogne YG, Caspa RG, Tsemo DC, Ngueguim EC, Yonga G, Noutanewo P, Misse CA, Mala WA. 2023. Species diversity of socio-economic importance in the Kebe Block Forest, Cameroon: Local perceptions and conservation implications. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 155-162. Forest areas dedicated to research and education, such as the Kebe Block Forest (KBF), Cameroon, have a high plant diversity, some of which are of socio-economic importance to local populations. Knowing that the objectives of the KBF are well defined, this study aimed to identify forest plant species of socio-economic importance to the local populations living around the KBF. Also, this study aimed to propose strategies that reconcile the local population's well-being and the preservation of the KBF. Given the high dependence of local communities on the forest, a socio-economic survey was carried out in 51 households. Therefore, 40 species of socio-economic importance were found, and six products and services, namely food, medicinal products, raw materials for handicrafts, edible caterpillar species, timber, and income generating, were identified. For 86% of the local people, the availability of these plant species has decreased significantly compared to 10 years ago; the main causes identified were illegal logging (32%) and agriculture (21%). According to occurrence frequency citation, Baillonella toxisperma Pierre (65%), Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill. (38%), and Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Heckel (30%) were identified as the flagship socio-economic plant species that local people would like to introduce into their farms to ensure their sustainability. Identifying plant species of socio-economic importance, their availability, and their threats provides substantial information that could help the authorities manage the KBF to plan conservation activities better, considering the local population's well-being.

Cytotoxicity and Identification of Antibacterial Compounds from Baillonella toxisperma Bark Using a LC-MS/MS and Molecular Networking Approach

Baillonella toxisperma is a medicinal plant used in northern Gabon to treat microbial diseases. It is a plant well-known by local populations, but very few studies have focused on the molecules responsible for the antibacterial activities of B. toxisperma. This study proposes a dereplication strategy based on molecular networking generated from HPLC-ESI-Q/TOF data, allowing investigation of the molecules responsible for the antibacterial activity of B. toxisperma. From this strategy, eighteen compounds were putatively identified. All of these compounds belonged mainly to five families of natural compounds, including phenylpropanolamines, stilbenes, flavonoids, lignans and phenolic glycosides. The chemical study carried out from the bark of B. toxisperma allowed us to identify, for the first time, compounds such as resveratrol and derivatives, epicatechin, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate. In addition, antibacterial activity (diffusion method and microdilution) and cytotoxicity (Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8 Assay)) in vitro were evaluated. The crude ethanolic extract, as well as the fractions of B. toxisperma, showed significant antibacterial activity. However, the ethanolic fractions F2 and F4 presented high antibacterial activity compared to the crude extract. Cytotoxicity studies on colon-cancer cells (Caco-2) and human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) showed moderate cytotoxicity in both cell types. This study clearly shows the therapeutic potential of the ethanolic extract of the bark of B. toxisperma and provides information on the phytochemical composition and bioactive compounds of the plant.

Creep behaviour of timber structures in variable tropical climates: Application to Dacryodes buettneri and baillonella toxisperma species

The present work deals with the beginning of the Eurocode 5 (EC5) generalization to tropical hardwoods loaded in tropical environment. For three (3) years, creep tests were performed on two types of tropical hardwoods beams, Dacryodes Buettneri (Ozigo) and Baillonella Toxisperma (Moabi) from Gabon. Three (3) environments were selected: (i) the sheltered exterior environment, (ii) the unsheltered exterior environment, (iii) and the sheltered interior environment. The environment parameters considered herein, were temperature and relative humidity, recorded versus time, during the tests in the three environments. The main mechanical response considered for analysis was the deflection of all tropical beam loaded. This parameter has been defined according to the EC5 requirement. The impact of environmental parameters on the deflection is compared for the three tested conditions. At the end, the obtained results show that the proposed values given by EC5, for the three types of environments, are much lower than those obtained for all the beams loaded in the tropical environment. Indeed, in the three (3) environments it has been observed on average, that after four (4) months of loading, the limit value proposed by EC5 is exceeded of 75%.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of hydroethanolic extract of the fruit of Baillonella toxisperma in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveThis work evaluated the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of pulp extracts of B. toxisperma fruits in rats. MethodsThe regulatory ability of the extract on the secretory capacity of pancreatic beta cells (oral glucose tolerance test), and digestion and/or absorption of carbohydrates (starch and sucrose) were evaluated on normal Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by intravenous administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg), and the animals were treated by the administration of a single daily dose of 400 mg/kg BW of extract. The effect of the extract on blood glucose levels of diabetic rats was monitored 30 min, 2 h, and 5 h after administration, and on the 7th and 14th days of treatment. After 2 weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrificed, liver was preserved for the determination of glycogen content. The serum was prepared and markers for nephro and hepatotoxicity were assessed, as well as cardiovascular risk. ResultsThe hydroethanolic extract of B. toxisperma fruits significantly reduced glucose concentrations after administration of starch and sucrose in normoglycemic rats by limiting the glycemic peak (increasing of 19.67% vs 27.88% for positive control and 35.96% vs 43.97% for positive control, for starch and sucrose respectively). No effect was observed after glucose administration. B. toxisperma fruits significantly decreased glucose levels by 14.5% and 54.23% respectively 30 min after administration and 7th days of treatment respectively. The extract decreased plasma triglycerides and total cholesterol levels in diabetic rats; it also decreased the cardiovascular risk through the reduction of Cardiac Risk Ratio, Atherogenic Coefficient, and non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol. The extract also promoted renal function but not structural integrity of the liver. ConclusionsThis study suggests that the hydroethanolic pulp extracts of B. toxisperma fruits are good antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties agents and could be a potential source of compounds for diabetes management.

Effects of long-term loading on Moabi wood beams in the tropical environment of Gabon: variability in properties and effects of exposure conditions on mechanical properties in 3-point bending tests

This work is devoted to 3-point bending tests performed on tropical specimens of Moabi (Baillonella toxisperma) from Gabon. The beams are formerly subjected to long-term loading in three media (air-conditioned, unsheltered and sheltered outdoor) in a tropical environment. The beams were sawn into nine 340 mm long sections and subdivided into three sections in the vertical direction (top section, middle section and bottom section). From each section, two specimens were extracted for the bending test, two for the tensile test and four for the compression test. In the present study, 81 bending specimens with a cross-section of 15 x 15 mm2 and a length of 300 mm were used. The tests for the determination of the local modulus of elasticity and failure strength in bending were carried out according with NF EN 408. The results obtained show a strong influence of time and exposure environments on the mechanical parameters (bending strength and modulus of elasticity). There is also a strong variability of these mechanical parameters along the length of the beams with a clear correlation between the sampling areas and the level of exposure; this confirms quite well the level of complexity of the wood material.

Creep Behaviour of Timber Structures in Variable Tropical Climates: Application to Dacryodes Buettneri and Baillonella Toxisperma Species

Creep Behaviour of Timber Structures in Variable Tropical Climates: Application to Dacryodes Buettneri and Baillonella Toxisperma Species

Acute and subacute toxicity studies of hydroethanolic extract of Baillonella toxisperma Pierre fruit pulp

Baillonella toxisperma Pierre, fruit pulp is largely used in traditional medicine. No toxicity study was done on this fruit pulp. The purpose of this study was to assess the acute and subacute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of the fruit pulp of B. toxisperma. An acute toxicity study was conducted at 2000 mg/kg of body weight as a 14-day limit test in Wistar albino rats. Throughout the experiment, general signs of toxicity were noted. Subsequently, a subacute toxicity study was performed at a dose of 400 mg/kg of body weight for 28 days. General signs of toxicity were also noted, after animal sacrifice, histological, hematological, and biochemical analyses (ALAT, ASAT, triglycerides, total cholesterol, total proteins, creatinine) were performed. At LD50?2000 mg/kg, no general signs of toxicity were noted in either acute or subacute conditions. No signs of toxicity were noted histologically, while slight increases in granulocytes and decreases in lymphocytes were noted hematologically. Biochemically, while no renal observations were made, the extract caused hepatic cytolysis. The fruit pulp of B. toxisperma P could be hepatotoxic at high doses. Key words: Hydroethanolic extract of Baillonella toxisperma Pierre fruit pulp, acute toxicity, subacute toxicity.

Antidiabetic effects of aqueous extract of Baillonella toxisperma Pierre (Sapotacae) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Baillonella toxisperma stem bark is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to control many ailments such as diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of Baillonella toxisperma stem-barks aqueous extract on STZ-induced type 1 diabetes in rats. Experimental diabetes was induced by intravenous (penile vein) injection of 55 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Animal received distilled water (10 mL/kg), insulin (10 UI/kg) or the aqueous extract of B. toxisperma (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg). Hypoglycemic effect was assessed by a single oral administration of the extract to normal and diabetic rats and anti-diabetic effect evaluated by administrating daily doses to diabetic rats for 28 days. At the end of experimental period, blood pressure was recorded and serum (blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, AST, ALT, creatinine, sodium, calcium and urea), urinary (creatinine, sodium, calcium, urea and protein) biochemical parameters were evaluated. Some oxidative stress parameters were evaluated, and histomorphometry of the pancreas performed. A single oral administration of the plant extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels in both normal and diabetic rat with a marked effect at higher dose. Injection of streptozotocin induced chronic hyperglycaemia accompanied by polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, rising on blood pressure, liver, kidney damages and degenerative changes in pancreas. The administration of Baillonella toxisperma stem-barks aqueous extract (200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) significantly decreased blood glucose levels and blood pressure parameters as compared to diabetic control 28 days post-treatment. Furthermore, the extract improved lipidemia, liver, renal parameters, and countered oxidative stress. Similarly, the plant extract improved morphological changes in pancreas by increased the area of islets cells of Langerhans as compared to diabetic control. These findings suggest that Baillonella toxisperma stem-barks aqueous extract exerts its anti-diabetic property by its hypolipidemic and anti-oxidative effects. These results justify the use of this extract in the management of diabetic condition.

Timber identification of Autranella, Baillonella and Tieghemella in the taxonomically challenging Sapotaceae family

BackgroundTo enforce timber import laws and perform timber species identification, the identity of the botanical species must be well-defined. Since the Sapotaceae family is known as a taxonomically challenging family, we focus in this study on the four most valuable Sapotaceae timber species from tropical Africa: Autranella congolensis (De Wild.) A.Chev., Baillonella toxisperma Pierre, Tieghemella africana Pierre and Tieghemella heckelii (A.Chev.) Pierre ex Dubard. The wood anatomical characteristic fiber lumen fraction and Direct Analysis in Real Time—Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (DART-TOFMS) were used to differentiate the four species and to make inferences on species delineation and taxonomic identity.ResultsWe observed differences in the fiber lumen fraction measurements and discerned two groups: (1) A. congolensis and B. toxisperma, and (2) T. africana and T. heckelii. In addition, all Mann–Whitney U comparisons and differences in distributions (Kolmogorov–Smirnov) for the fiber lumen fraction measurements were significant between all species. When permutating the data between species within those two groups, significant differences were still found between the species within those groups. This could indicate that the fiber lumen fraction is not diagnostic to discern the species. DART-TOFMS analysis showed that A. congolensis and B. toxisperma have distinct chemotypes, while T. heckelii and T. africana have remarkably similar chemotypes.ConclusionsBased on our observations of similar chemotype and weakly differentiated fiber lumen ratio, we support an alternative taxonomic hypothesis that considers Tieghemella monotypic, because of the strong resemblance between T. heckelii and T. africana. Larger sample sizes and further research is required to develop methodology for the identification of these species. A taxonomic study utilizing molecular genetics would be beneficial to assess the status of the genus and the species limits. This could have implications towards their potential inclusion on CITES appendices if there is ever need for them to be listed. If Tieghemella africana and T. heckelii remain two distinct species, they should both be listed. Screening agents should be aware that the morphological and chemical differences between T. africana and T. heckelii are minimal.

The Use of NTFPs in the Baka and Kounabembe Traditional Pharmacopoeia in the Northern Periphery of the Boumba-Bek National Park (Southeastern Cameroon)

Forest conservation around protected areas includes among others sustainable management of natural resources. This study was conducted in the area of the northern outskirts of the Boumba-Bek National Park in order to evaluate the potential use of plants in traditional medicine. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted with local people using AFLORA survey forms. A total of 132 plant species used in traditional medicine for primary health care were identified. These plants belong to 109 genera and 45 families. 224 treatments for 101 disease symptoms were collected. These diseases include the nervous system, excretory system and nutritional function. The most recurrent diseases are cough, sexual weakness, back pain, abscess, general tiredness, malaria. Some plants such as Baillonella toxisperma , Alstonia boonei, Annonidium mannii, Ricinidendron heudelotii, Klainedoxa gabonensis, Scorodophloeus zenkeri, Swartzia sp . treat several diseases at once. The plant parts mostly used are stem bark, leaves, seeds, sap, the marrow of the bark, the pith of the stem. The main method of preparation of these recipes is decoction while the most common method of administration is oral administration. The plant resources of this village have a high potential in traditional medicine for primary health care. The importance index varied from plant to plant. Keywords: NTFPs, AFLORA, medicinal plants, traditional medicine, primary health care. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-4-07 Publication date: February 28 th 2021

Addressing Potential Conflict Using Participatory Mapping: Collection of Forest Foods From Timber Trees Around Industrial Concessions in Cameroon

Extensive areas of Africa’s humid tropical lowland forests have been allocated to timber concessions, but are also inhabited by villagers who obtain resources from the forest. Approximately 61% of timber species in the Congo Basin also yield locally used non-timber forest products (NTFP). Among these are fruits and oil from Moabi (Baillonella toxisperma), and edible caterpillars from Sapelli (Entandrophragma cylindricum) and Tali (Erythrophleum suaveolens). Participatory mapping was used to understand whether logging affects the availability of these food resources to men and women in villages near timber concessions in two areas of Cameroon. Mapping of collection trees and interviews of 20 male and 20 female collectors, in four villages near two logging concessions showed that during one-day collecting trips people walk an average of 2.7 km (± 1.42) to trees where they collect these resources. Food resources are typically collected by both men and women, but men travel further to specific trees, sometimes combining this with hunting excursions further into the forest. Only 15% of the collection trees were located within the logging concessions. However, 72% of Sapelli, 81% of Moabi and 100% of Tali trees from which food resources were collected were larger than their legal felling diameters, meaning that logging could jeopardize the supply of foods from these species. Prioritizing food values over timber values of trees within a certain radius of villages, and excluding them from logging, would safeguard villagers’ access to these food resources. Already, negotiations between villagers and concessionaires have been successful. Many of the mapped collection trees occurred in agroforestry areas delineated by the concessionaire for the use of villagers; another concessionaire had suspended felling of Moabi trees in response to requests by the villagers. However, an extensive and expanding local logging sector on community forests and other lands outside of industrial timber concessions means that negotiations are also needed even within communities, to address the conflicts between obtaining either a one-time financial windfall from felling a tree (usually a male interest); and ensuring ongoing periodic harvests of foods (typically a priority of women, but also of local Baka pygmies).

Compost Derived from Sugar Cane Processing Waste Better Improves Baillonella toxisperma P. Growth in Nkoteng-Cameroon Locality

Aims: Baillonella toxisperma P. (moabi) is a woody which belongs to Sapotaceae family. It is endemic to the forests of Congo Basin, and therefore to Cameroonian forests. In Cameroon, B. toxiperma undergoes anthropogenic pressure which may lead to its complete disappearance. In this respect, the establishment of an appropriate technical route for regeneration of this species, which becomes rare because of overexploitation, is a necessity. This study aimed to improve the regeneration of moabi while contributing to sustainable agriculture.
 Study Design: A random device design with 5 treatments (control, compost derived sugar cane processing waste, bagasse, molasses and bagasse-molasses mixture) was used.
 Place and Duration of Study: Under Bimodal Forest climate in the Central Cameroon region, between September, 2018 and April 2019.
 Methodology: The breaking of moabi seeds dormancy, physico-chemical properties of soil and produced compost, and growth parameters (plant height, foliar production, diameter of stem, and dry biomass of plant) were evaluated to determine the development of the seedlings.
 Results: Moabi seeds stored cold at 4°C for 48 hours before sowing germinated better. Compost significantly (p˂0.001) increased moabi plants growth compared to bagasse, molasses, bagasse-molasses mixture. Dry biomass of treated moabi plants by compost, bagasse, bagasse-molasses mixture and molasses were 1.80; 1.13; 1.78; 1.40 fold greater than those of unfertilized plants respectively.
 Conclusion: The use of sugar cane compounds works as a double benefit because in addition to using compounds previously discarded, we are adding potent fertilizers that act strongly on moabi growth.

Monitoring Mega-Crown Leaf Turnover from Space

Spatial and temporal patterns of tropical leaf renewal are poorly understood and poorly parameterized in modern Earth System Models due to lack of data. Remote sensing has great potential for sampling leaf phenology across tropical landscapes but until now has been impeded by lack of ground-truthing, cloudiness, poor spatial resolution, and the cryptic nature of incremental leaf turnover in many tropical plants. To our knowledge, satellite data have never been used to monitor individual crown leaf phenology in the tropics, an innovation that would be a major breakthrough for individual and species-level ecology and improve climate change predictions for the tropics. In this paper, we assessed whether satellite data can detect leaf turnover for individual trees using ground observations of a candidate tropical tree species, Moabi (Baillonella toxisperma), which has a mega-crown visible from space. We identified and delineated Moabi crowns at Lopé NP, Gabon from satellite imagery using ground coordinates and extracted high spatial and temporal resolution, optical, and synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) timeseries data for each tree. We normalized these data relative to the surrounding forest canopy and combined them with concurrent monthly crown observations of new, mature, and senescent leaves recorded from the ground. We analyzed the relationship between satellite and ground observations using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). Ground observations of leaf turnover were significantly correlated with optical indices derived from Sentinel-2 optical data (the normalized difference vegetation index and the green leaf index), but not with SAR data derived from Sentinel-1. We demonstrate, perhaps for the first time, how the leaf phenology of individual large-canopied tropical trees can directly influence the spectral signature of satellite pixels through time. Additionally, while the level of uncertainty in our model predictions is still very high, we believe this study shows that we are near the threshold for orbital monitoring of individual crowns within tropical forests, even in challenging locations, such as cloudy Gabon. Further technical advances in remote sensing instruments into the spatial and temporal scales relevant to organismal biological processes will unlock great potential to improve our understanding of the Earth system.

Revisiting the North-South genetic discontinuity in Central African tree populations: the case of the low-density tree species Baillonella toxisperma

How the Central African rain forests have been affected by climatic fluctuations of the Quaternary remains debated. Phylogeographical studies have shown that tree species from western Central Africa often display spatially congruent genetic discontinuities, supporting the hypothesis that the forest was previously fragmented. Extensive seed dispersal is expected to accelerate the admixture between gene pools but most of the species studied so far have presumably limited seed dispersal abilities. Here, we genotyped 15 nuclear and three plastid microsatellite markers in a low-density Central African tree species with long-distance seed dispersal: Baillonella toxisperma (Sapotaceae). While plastid markers revealed a weak structure in Cameroon, nuclear markers highlighted three genetic clusters: two distributed in Cameroon and separating Atlantic coastal forests from the inland forests, and one cluster occurring in Gabon. Substantial genetic differentiation with a phylogeographical signal was detected only between Cameroonian and Gabonese populations, suggesting two major genetic clusters located approximately North and South of the equatorial climatic hinge. Genetic differentiation was very low between the clusters within Cameroon. This pattern could be partially explained by the climate niche distribution modelling applied on the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) which predicts a unique remnant population per country. The deep North-South differentiation in a species with long-distance seed dispersal supports the hypothesis that Central African rain forests have been fragmented at the height of the equator during a substantial part of the Quaternary.

Phytoconstituents and preliminary antiradical property evaluation of <i>Baillonella toxisperma</i> (Sapotaceae)

From the EtOAc fraction of the methanol extract of the stem barks of Baillonella toxisperma (Sapotaceae), eight compounds were isolated using column chromatography techniques. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D and 2D-NMR data and comparison with data published in the literature. The MeOH extract, n-BuOH and EtOAc fractions together with some pure compounds (4, 5, 7, 8) were screened for their radical scavenging activity using the2,2-diphenyl-1- picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical in order to get preliminary information about the antiradical capacities of this plant.Keywords: Baillonella toxisperma;Sapotaceae; DPPH; Antiradical activity

Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Baillonella toxisperma Stem Bark on Dexamethasone-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Baillonella toxisperma stem bark on dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in rats. A quantitative phytochemical study was done on the aqueous extract of Baillonella toxisperma for the total phenol, flavonoid, and flavonol determination. Insulin resistance was induced by intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) for 8 days, one hour before oral administration of different treatments (extract at doses of 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg and metformin at 40 mg/kg). During the test, body weight and blood glucose level were evaluated on days 1 and 8. At the last day of treatment, the glucose tolerance test was performed in rats; after that, blood samples were collected for triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterols, transaminases (ALT and AST), and total protein level determination. Organs (heart, liver, pancreas, and kidneys) were also collected for the relative organ weight determination. The results showed that the aqueous extract of B. toxisperma is rich in total phenols, flavonoids, and flavonols. This extract significantly reversed the metabolic alterations (lipid profile, protein level, and transaminase activity) induced by dexamethasone in rats. At doses of 120 and 60 mg/kg, Baillonella toxisperma also significantly decreases (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) postprandial hyperglycemia in insulin resistance rats. The results suggest that Baillonella toxisperma can manage insulin resistance and may be useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Baillonella toxisperma improves sexual performance and protects against stress-induced reproductive dysfunction in male Wistar rats

Baillonella toxisperma Pierre (Sapotaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in Central Africa against several diseases including erectile dysfunction and male infertility. However, no study dealing with these male reproductive dysfunctions has been published until now. Accordingly, the present study was undertaken. It evaluated the capacity of an aqueous extract of stem bark of B. toxisperma (BT) at 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg/d to induce aphrodisiac effects and prevent the stress-induced reproductive dysfunction in males using normal non-experienced (an 8-day oral treatment) and stressed (a 6-h/day immobilization stress for 35 consecutive days)male Wistar rats. Both in normal and stressed animals, BT at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg decreased (p &lt; 0.05) the mount and intromission latencies, and increased (p &lt; 0.05) the number of total penile licking, mount and intromission as well as ejaculation frequencies. In stressed animals, a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in sperm levels, sperm mobility as well as in the relative weight of androgen-dependent organs (testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles) was observed at the same doses compared with the stressed control. These results suggest that this aqueous extract of B. toxisperma might endow with aphrodisiac and androgenic properties in normal and stressed male Wistar rats.

Using transect sampling to determine the distribution of some key non-timber forest products across habitat types near Boumba-Bek National Park, South-east Cameroon

BackgroundUnderstanding the variation in distribution and abundance of non-timber forest products (NTFP) species is a crucial step in achieving their conservation and sustainable use. At the northern periphery of the Boumba-Bek National Park in Southeast Cameroon, little is known about which habitat type contain the highest abundance of NTFP species. In this study, we assessed habitat diversity and variation in the abundance of eight priority NTFP species comprising: Afrostyrax lepidophyllus, Baillonella toxisperma, Irvingia gabonensis, Panda oleosa, Pentaclethra macrophylla, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Scorodophloeus zenkeri and Tetrapleura tetraptera. The inventory was done along 16 linear transects of 5000 m × 20 m, and all the individuals, from juveniles (DBH < 5 cm) to mature trees (DBH > 5 cm) of the eight NTFPs were recorded. Habitat types were characterized along transects following basic forest classification system used in ecology and then measured.ResultsIn total, 13 different habitat types were identified with young secondary forests and periodically flooded forests representing 32.70% and 26.31% respectively. The least represented habitat was young fallows with Chromolaena odorata (0.08%). Seven NTFPs (A. lepidophyllus, B. toxisperma, I. gabonensis, P. oleosa, P. macrophylla, R. heudelotii and T. tetraptera) were predominantly represented in young secondary forests whereas S. zenkeri was more abundant in young Marantaceae secondary forests. The different types of young secondary forests identified seem to be favourable for the growth of the eight NTFPs.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that habitat fragmentation driven by human activities such as industrial logging and shifting cultivation destroy the forest ecosystems and has a strong influence on the sustainability of the major NTFPs in the locality.

Perceived nutrition benefits and socio-demographic factors affecting consumption of forest foods in eastern and southern Cameroon

African forests act as sources of both plant and animal foods that provide significant amounts of nutrients and healthy boosting bioactive compounds. This study investigated the relationship between knowledge, perceptions and socio-demographic attributes towards consumption of forest foods. A total of 279 females in charge of decision making with respect to food preparation, were randomly selected from 12 villages in southern and eastern Cameroon, and interviewed using researcher administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio demographic factors and perceptions affecting consumption of forest foods. Baillonella toxisperma (African pearwood) (98%), Irvingia gabonesis (bush mango) (81%) and Trichoscypha abut (Mvout) (70%) were identified as the most nutritious foods. Among the animal forest foods, bush meat (11%) and Imbrasia spp. (edible caterpillars) (10%) were identified as the most nutritious. Consumption of forest foods was higher among polygamous families and also positively related to length of stay in the forest area, as well as age of female respondents. Education had an inverse relationship with use of forest foods. Perception towards the nutritional value of forest foods were also found to positively influence consumption of forest foods. Since negative perceptions were found to influence consumption, there is need to invest in awareness campaigns to strengthen the current knowledge levels among the study population. Key Words: Consumption, indigenous foods, perceptions

English

A study was carried out to evaluate the distribution, abundance and diversity of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the Southern Bakundu Forest Reserve at the northern (Diffa), western (Bai Manya) and eastern (Mbalangi) parts of the reserve. NTFPs can be used as source of food, medicine, fuel wood and other socio-economic and cultural uses. Six belt-transects were use at each site to assess the distribution, abundance and diversity of NTFPs in this Forest Reserve.&nbsp; The southern part of the reserve was not evaluated as it was heavily encroached with cocoa plantations. A total of 50 species in 40 genera and 27 families were identified. 28 species were most commonly distributed in the three sites. These include Irvingia gabonensis, Trichoscypha abut and Cola lepidota, while Garcinia cola, Baillonella toxisperma and Tetracarpidium conophorum, Raphia species and Afromomum citratum were restricted to one or two sites. The northern part of the forest had the highest number of useful plants (3119), followed by the eastern part (837) and lastly by the western part (774). Between sites, Bai Manya and Diffa were most similar (Jaccard Index = 0.65; Sorenson Coefficient = 0.79). The western part had the highest species diversity (D = 0.92), followed by the northern part (D = 0.85) and lastly by the eastern part (D = 0.8).The results are significant for better management and conservation of this forest reserve. Key words: Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs), species diversity, similarity indices, abundance, frequency, anthropogenic. &nbsp