Balanites Aegyptiaca Research Articles

Antioxidant activity and LC-MS/MS analysis of phytochemicals in Balanites aegyptiaca L. leaves aqueous extract

Antioxidant activity and LC-MS/MS analysis of phytochemicals in Balanites aegyptiaca L. leaves aqueous extract

EVALUATION OF MODELS FOR THE PREDICTION OF HIGHER HEATING VALUE OF BIOMASS BASED ON PROXIMATE ANALYSIS

Biomass is a renewable and sustainable source of energy with little greenhouse gas emissions. The higher Heating value (HHV) of biomass is a significant parameter that is used in characterising fuel quality, class and type for energy application systems. Experimental determination of HHV is expensive, takes time and not always available. This brings the need for mathematical models for HHV prediction. In this research, proximate analysis and HHV of ten common biomass samples in Nigeria were determined. The biomass considered included rice husk, rice straw, corn cob, woodchips, groundnut shell, desert date, coconut shell, palm kernel, millet straw and sugarcane bagasse. Eight linear and five non-linear correlations with good performance from the literature were employed for predicting the biomass’ HHV from proximate analysis data. The performance of the models was tested using statistical indicators. Model M1 and M7 were the best among all the tested models with average absolute error (AAE), average bias error (ABE), and root mean square error (RSME) of 3.8389%, 2.5002% and 0.8780 MJ/kg; and 3.8918%, 2.2301% and 0.8701 MJ/kg respectively. Other models also correlated relatively well with the experimental HHV with low error, though, some are good for specific biomass only. This research identifies the best models that have high accuracy and can be used for the prediction of the higher heating value of biomass samples from proximate analysis.

Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from Balanites aegyptiaca seed shell for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide from aqueous solution

Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from Balanites aegyptiaca seed shell for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide from aqueous solution

Assessment the effect of He-Ne laser treatment of Balanites aegyptiaca seeds on the amelioration of active constituents, antioxidant capacity, and anticancer impact in vitro

Background and objective Cancer is still a major health problem worldwide, with an estimated 18.1 million new cases in 2018, and it is expected to increase by 75% by 2030. Chemotherapeutic drugs have disadvantages such as toxicity to noncancerous tissues, drug resistance, and recurrence of cancer. Medicinal plants with their active components have great potential as an important source for novel drug discovery owing to their availability, efficiency, and safety. Searching for new strategies to obtain new drugs with higher efficiency and more safety represents an urgent need. Laser light treatment for seeds is known to improve germination, plant growth, and bioactive substance. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of laser irradiation on improvement of the phytochemicals compounds and biological activities of Balanites aegyptiaca seeds.Materials and methods The effect of laser pretreatment was investigated at different powers, that is, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mW, with two-time intervals for each power (2 and 4 min), on B. aegyptiaca seeds to enhance the germination and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of their dry plant material through different assays and select the most powerful laser pretreatment extract to evaluate the anticarcinogenic activity on different cell lines.Results and conclusion The results bring to light that the most efficient laser treatment for seeds of B. aegyptiaca was at 200 mW/4 min, which induces the highest yield percentage, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, metal chelating, reducing power, as well as free diphenylpicrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activities. Based on these outcomes, the antiproliferative screening assay of the methanolic extracts for the shoots (S) and roots (R) dry plant material of B. aegyptiaca after helium-neon laser treatment at 200 mW for 4 min compared with control was performed on a panel of three cancer cell lines (HepG2, HCT116, and MCF-7) using the sulphorhodamine-B assay, and cytotoxicity was determined using normal BHK fibroblast cell line. Obtained results indicated that these extracts should be regarded as potential anticarcinogenic resources against the HepG2 cell line, displayed moderate activity against MCF-7 and HCT116 cell lines, and exhibited no activity against the growth of the normal BHK cell line. Furthermore, a comparison between these laser-treated extracts, and their mixtures against their control extracts and their mixtures, using the doxorubicin as the reference drug on the HepG2 cell line was in favor of the laser-treated roots and shoots extracts, respectively.

Extraction, Characterization and Determination of Physicochemical Properties of Biodiesel obtained from Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) Seed Oil

Biodiesel is a domestically produced, clean-burning, renewable substitute for petroleum diesel. Using biodiesel as a vehicle fuel increases energy security, improves air quality and the environment, and provides safety benefits. . This study extracted, characterized and determined the physicochemical properties of biodiesel produced from Desert date (B. aegyptiaca) seed oil using Soxhlet extraction method with n-hexane as the extraction solvent. The oil obtained was characterized using FTIR and GC-MS analyses and its physicochemical properties determined. The oil obtained was subsequently transesterified using methanol and KOH catalyst. The obtained biodiesel was characterized and its physicochemical properties determined. The result showed that B. aegyptiaca seed oil had density of 0.9 g/cm3, viscosity of 6 cSt at 40 0C and viscosity of 2.5 cSt at 100 0C. The cloud and pour points of the oil was 21 and 9 0C respectively. The oil comprised of eleven fatty acids; predominantly linoleic acid (21.88 %), vaccenic acid (13.90 %) and palmitic acid (10.96 %). The biodiesel had density of 0.88 g/cm3, kinematic viscosity of 4.2 cSt, cloud and pour points of 16 0C and 7 0C respectively. The biodiesel also had free fatty acid (FFA) of 0.79 %, iodine value of 42 mgI2/100g and saponification value of 176. The biodiesel primarily consisted of 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (45.46 %), Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (20.12 %), Butyl-9,12-Octadecadienoate (12.43 %) and Heptadecanoic acid-16-methyl ester (10.43 %). The properties obtained for the biodiesel were comparable to those of biodiesels reported in literature and thus, shows remarkable potentials to be used as substitute to fossil-based diesel fuel.

Evaluating the Performance of Desert Date (Balanite aegyptiaca) as a Disinfectant in Raw Water Treatment

Evaluating the Performance of Desert Date (Balanite aegyptiaca) as a Disinfectant in Raw Water Treatment

Determination of the surfaces functions and of the pH at the point of zero charges of powdered activated carbons produced from the shells of the nucleus of Balanites aegyptiaca and Zizyphus mauritiana

The objective of this study is to determine the surface functions and the pH at the point of zero charges (pHPCN) of powdered activated carbons (PAC) produced from two biomasses (nucleus shell of Balanites aegyptiaca and nucleus shell of Zizyphus mauritiana) with a particle size between 60 and 80 µm. The methodology is based on immediate analyzes of the biomasses (ash rate, humidity rate, volatile matter rate and the actual density), the chemical activation of the biomasses by H3PO4 and KOH activating agents at concentrations of (5%, 15%, 25%) and (10%, 15%, 20%) respectively, followed by pyrolysis at 400 °C and 600 °C for 2 hours. The CAPs obtained were characterized for their surface chemistry, by Boehm titration and pHPCN measurements and for their quantity, by yield calculation. The characterized PACs were compared to a commercial activated carbon. These analyzes reveal that the best PACs were obtained using a concentration of 25% H3PO4 and 10% KOH with a pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C. The surface functions of the PACs produced are acidic with a total absence of basic functions and exceed those of commercial activated carbon (CAC). The pHPCNs of PACs resulting from acid activation are acidic and those resulting from basic activation are neutral and basic. Thus, the pHPCN of the CAC is closer to the pHPCN of the PACs resulting from the impregnation with KOH. These biomasses are potentially promising for the production of PACs.

Determination of the surfaces functions and of the pH at the point of zero charges of powdered activated carbons produced from the shells of the nucleus of Balanites aegyptiaca and Zizyphus mauritiana

Determination of the surfaces functions and of the pH at the point of zero charges of powdered activated carbons produced from the shells of the nucleus of Balanites aegyptiaca and Zizyphus mauritiana

SACRED GROVES: A NOVICE IDEA FOR CARBON SEQUESTRATION

The daily anthropogenic advancements of humans have led to an increase in global carbon emissions. Every year, there has been an increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide. One of the least expensive ways to minimize this gas is by biological carbon sequestration in plants. Ecosystems of forests are the most significant carbon sinks among terrestrial ecosystems and have long-term sustainable impacts on limiting climate change. Sacred groves are less disturbed due to religious and mythological beliefs. It can serve as a model for effective carbon sequestration. Sacred groves are known as the small patches of conserved forests protected by man’s spiritual beliefs and cultural practices. These sacred forest patches were studied from the ecological, environmental and floristic points of view by several research workers. Due to their religious and mythological myths and beliefs, sacred groves and sacred plants are conserved well. Apart from being conserved, these sacred plants can also have a higher potential for carbon sequestration. Using a non-destructive method, the total biomass and carbon stored in the sacred tree species have been calculated. The main focus of the current article is on estimating the carbon sequestration of sacred tree species in sacred groves found in selected areas Abdasa Taluka of Kachchh District. Total 51 sacred groves were recorded from 33 villages which cover approximately 23.64 hectares of land area. Carbon sequestration of 537 individuals of 23 tree species was estimated through the standard method. Ficus benghalensis L.is dominated in carbon i.e., 7.36 tones followed by Tamarindus indica L. (5.77 tones), Ficus religiosa L. (5.22 tones), Delonix regia (Boj.) Raf (3.02 tones). Lowest carbon sequestration was recorded in Prosopsis cineraria (L.) Druce, Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub and Punica granetum L. less than 1 tons respectively.

Diversity and ecological importance of plants in traditional agroforestry of Sudano-sahelian domain of Cameroon: case of Meri in the Mandara Mountains

Sudano-Sahelian domain is the poorest in biodiversity because of the climate which is unfavourable compared to the equatorial climate. The unsustainable agricultural practices associated with this climatic roughness are among the main factors of habitat destruction, hence the destruction of biodiversity in this phytogeographic environment. In order to valorize and conserve sudano-sahelian plant resources, a study was carried out in seasonal agrosystems in the Mandara Mountains. The Diversity and the floristic diversity were assessed. Inventories of woody plants were done in 16 plots (100 m x 100 m) grouped in 4 localities/villages. The circumference of the trunk of all the inventoried plants (circonference ≥ 10 cm) was measured. In total, 64 species grouped 45 genera and 27 families were inventoried. The highest FIV was obtained for Mimosaceae (FIV = 104.51) and Combretaceae (FIV = 51.22), the other families had FIV < 30. Diversities in the localities (Shannon index ranging from 2.82 to 2.86 bits) were lower than diversity in whole stand (Shannon index = 3.09 bits). Acacia albida (IVI = 53.52, RI = 6.25), Acacia nilotica (IVI = 9.18, RI = 18.75), Acacia seyal (IVI = 5.19, RI = 43.75), Anogeissus leiocarpus (IVI) = 41.82, RI = 0), Balanites aegyptiaca (IVI = 14.23, RI = 12.50), Diospyros mespiliformis (IVI = 9.91, RI = 37.50), Tamarindus indica (IVI = 16.35, RI = 12.5), and Ziziphus mauritiana (IVI = 9.52, RI = 31.25) were observed in all localities. There were considered as characteristics and represent the floristic background of the stand. Traditional agrosystems can be considered as tools for the conservation of wild species useful to local populations. It would be imperative to conserve in situ wild species, source of genetic diversity for their sustainable use.

Effects of Balanite (Balanites aegyptiaca) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) Oils against the Tropical Warehouse Moth (Ephestia cautella) in Stored Maize

Ephestia cautella (Walker) is an important storage pest of maize. The control of this insect relies heavily on the use of synthetic insecticides. This leads to environmental hazards, toxicity to non-target organisms and development of resistant strains of insect pests. Therefore, in this study laboratory bioassays were conducted by treating 100 g of maize grains with different concentrations of neem and desert date oils (10, 15, 20 and 25 ml/l) and Dichlorvos (DDVP) (10 ml/l) as standard reference product. Data were collected on contact toxicity by grain treatment, effects on progeny production, grain damage, weight loss, germination and palatability test. The persistence of the oils and DDVP were also tested. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD). The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA. The results indicated that Dichlorvos, neem and desert date oils significantly (P<0.05) caused mortality of adults and reduced progenies emergence. There was no emergence on grains treated with the oils at 30 ml/l and some of the adults emerged were deformed and hence can affect their survival and reproductive ability. Consequently, the oils also significantly (P<0.05) reduced the grain damage and weight loss. The oils remained effective for 9 weeks with percent mean damage of 8.67% and 5.13 % on grains treated with neem and desert date oils, respectively, at 20 ml/l as against the control with 68.10 % damage. The oils were also found to have no effects on seed germination with 90 to 93.33 % and 86.67 to 91.67 % percent germination were recorded on neem and desert date treated grains, respectively. Palatability of the treated grains was not affected by the oils after three (3) months storage. It was therefore shown that The effectiveness of neem oil is nothing new or that to be proven neem and desert date oils significantly (P<0.05) reduced infestation of maize grains and provided good protection to maize grains and could therefore be considered as a substitute for DDVP and other synthetic insecticides.

ENERGETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF BALANITES AEGYPTIACA FRUIT

Balanites aegyptiaca is known as ‘desert date’, its spiny tree widely distributed in dry land areas of Africa and Asia. It’s traditionally used in treatment of various ailments such as jaundice and intestinal worm infection. In this study it’s used to determine the energy characterization of outer shell, internal shell, and kernel of balanites aegyptiaca. By using proximate tests and heating value (higher heating value and lower heating value). Infrared spectroscopy (IR) was used to determine the chemical composition. It was found that the moisture content of 7.20%, 7.18%, 5.70 and volatile matter of 74.04%, 76.35%, 87.53 and ash content of 2.74%, 3.17%, 2.99% and fixed carbon of 16.02%, 13.29%, 4.31% for outer shell, internal shell and kernel respectively. With higher heating value 18.40 MJ/kg, 18.10 MJ/kg, 14.93 MJ/kg and lower heating value 18.35 MJ/kg, 18.00 MJ/kg, 14.90 MJ/kg for outer shell, internal shell and kernel respectively.

Isolation and characterization of Kaempferol from Tapinanthus globiferus growing on Balanites aegyptiaca

Isolation and characterization of Kaempferol from Tapinanthus globiferus growing on Balanites aegyptiaca

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

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

The Concentration Variations of Chemical Constituents Present In Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Collected From Different Parts of India: A Study

The Concentration Variations of Chemical Constituents Present In Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Collected From Different Parts of India: A Study

Investigation of Potential In Vitro Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile Fruit Extract and Its Phytochemical Components.

The therapeutic importance of Balanites aegyptiaca in folk medicine for the treatment of several common human diseases has led researchers to conduct phytochemical and pharmacological studies on extracts from various parts of the plant. In the current study, the phytochemical composition of the B. aegyptiaca methanolic fruit extract was characterized, and its antimicrobial activity was evaluated together with the cytotoxic activity against MCF-7, PC-3, and Caco-2, compared with normal Vero cells. Further, its effects on cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction and expression of apoptosis-related genes were assessed. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of fatty acids and their esters in addition to phytosterols, steroid derivatives, and bioflavonoid glycosides with oleic and palmitic acids being the prevalent components (24.12 and 21.56%, respectively). The results showed considerable cytotoxic activity of the extract against the three cancer cell lines (MCF-7, PC-3, and Caco-2) with a selectivity index ranging from 5.07 to 6.52. This effect was further confirmed with the accompanied increased total apoptosis of treated PC-3 cells (19.22% of the total number of cells) compared to the control cells (0.64% of the total number of cells) with cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and the increased transcription of pro-apoptotic genes including P53 (3.69) and BAX (3.33) expressed as fold change (2^ ΔΔCT). The calculated minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was similar (62.5 µg/mL) against the three tested bacterial strains (Acinetobacter johnsonii, Serratia marcescens and Agrobacterium tumefaciens), while it was higher than 1000 µg/mL for the fungal species (Rhizoctonia solani, Penicillium italicum, and Fusarium oxysporium). Our findings suggest a promising anticancer activity for B. aegyptiaca, which paves the way for more detailed future studies.

Balanites aegyptiaca leaf extract-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their catalytic dye degradation and antifungal efficacy.

This study describes the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) leaf extract. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy with (SEM-EDS). The AgNPs showed an average size of 10–20 nm, spherical shape, and crystalline nature. The application of these synthesized AgNPs to dye degradation showed that the AgNPs removed the two organic pollutants methylene blue (MB, 93.47%) and congo red (CR, (78.57%). In vitro investigation of the antifungal activity of the AgNPs against Fusarium oxysporum, a phytopathogenic fungus, showed a maximum percent radial growth inhibition of 82.00 ± 1.00% and a spore percent inhibition of 73.66 ± 3.94 for 150 μg/ml of biosynthesized AgNPs.

Adsorption of Cr (VI) ion from Aqueous Solution Using Unmodified Desert Date Peels (Balanites aegyptiaca) Composite with MWCNTs: Isotherm and Kinetic Studies

Continuous Changing of human lifestyles has consistently added different notorious anthropogenic pollutants into aquatic matrices. Exterminating these toxic pollutants is feasible using adsorption studies instead of the traditional water purification methods. The purpose of this study was to investigate the adsorption of Cr (VI) ion from aqueous using Unmodified Desert Date (UDD) Peels as a low-cost adsorbent and composite with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (UDDC). A batch adsorption experiment was conducted to evaluate the maximum quantity adsorbed of Cr (VI) ions from an aqueous medium under various conditions. The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed 3448.84 cm-1 and 3441.12 cm-1 which corresponds to O-H stretching vibration modes for UDD and UDDC and 1620.26 cm-1 relates to C=O stretching vibrations for both UDD and UDDC respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity (qe) is found to be 114.11 and 741.14 (mg/g) for UDD and UDDC respectively. The results showed that UDDC has a large adsorption capacity due to its higher surface area. The adsorption data were fitted well into Langmuir with correlation coefficient (R2) values close to unity 0.9076 and 0.9069 for UDD and UDDC respectively. Kinetic studies showed a good correlation coefficient pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted very well into UDD and UDDC with (R2) values 0.9173 and 0.9943 respectively. The results indicated that UDDC could be used as a potential adsorbent for the adsorption of Cr (VI) ions from an aqueous solution

English

In order to assess the diversity, regeneration and structure of wild edible fruit trees, a study was carried out in the Laf-Madjam forest reserve and its surroundings. A semi-structured interview with local residents and a floristic inventory of woody plants (8 transects of 1000 m × 20 m each) were carried out. 24 species were cited as being used by the local residents. A total of 2134 individuals subdivided into 69 species, 43 genera and 27 families were counted, including 448 edible fruit individuals divided into 25 species, 19 genera and 14 families. The latter with important IVIs are: Balanites aegyptiaca , Sclerocarya birrea , Ziziphus mauritiana and Hexalobus monopetalus. Diversity is medium in edible fruit trees (HSI=3.10 bits, E= 0.67). Fruit trees with individuals of diameter ≥ 21 cm are in the majority. Inverted "L" and bell-shaped gaits are observed. The regeneration rate of fruit trees is higher in Annona senegalensis , H. monopetalus , and B. aegyptiaca . The involvement of local people in the management of the reserve's fruit trees is important for sustainable management.   Key words : Edible fruits, Moutourwa, sustainable management, structure, phytodiversity.

Synergistic effect of Balanites aegyptiaca essential oil and storage materials on cowpea seeds

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is a legume produced and consumed all over Africa and especially in Nigeria. These beans are a major source of protein in the region. The cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus L.) is a major pest that affects cowpea seeds. Therefore, cowpea farmers need effective non-toxic pesticides to replace synthetic chemicals. The present research tested the effect of Balanites aegyptiaca L. essential oil on cowpea weevils.
 This research quantified weevil proliferation and cowpea seed qualities. The samples were treated with 5, 10, and 15 mL of B. aegyptiaca essential oil diluted in 1 mL of acetone and stored in five storage materials, i.e., jute bags, polythene bags, sacks, plastic containers, and glass bottles. The study featured a completely randomized design with three replications of each treatment: treatment time – 90 days, storage temperature – 30 ± 5°C, check – 0.125 g of aluminum phosphide, control – acetone.
 B. aegyptiaca essential oil proved to be an effective insecticide against cowpea weevils. The treatment achieved 100% mortality rate at 10 and 15 mL of B. aegyptiaca essential oil after 72 h of exposure in glass bottles, plastic containers, and jute bags. In addition, B. aegyptiaca essential oil demonstrated a potent activity against oviposition and survival of immature cowpea weevils. Cowpea seeds packaged in glass bottles, plastics containers, and jute bags showed significantly less damage than those stored in sacks and polythene bags. Glass bottles were the best storage material in terms of safety and shelf stability, followed by plastic containers and jute bags. 
 B. aegeptica essential oil has potent insecticidal properties and can be used as pest control during grain storage.