Balanites Aegyptiaca Research Articles

Anthelmintic effects of aqueous extract <i>Balanites aegyptiaca</i> stem bark on strongyle larvae and the earthworm <i>Pheretima posthuma</i>

The development of anthelmintic resistance and the high cost of conventional anthelmintics have led to the evaluation of medicinal plants as an alternative source of anthelmintics. In the current study, in vitro experiments were conducted to determine the possible anthelmintic effects of Balanites aegyptiaca stem bark aqueous extract on Strongyle larvae and the earthworm Pheretima posthuma. The in vitro studies revealed that the extract at graded concentrations of 300 mg/ml, 400 mg/ml, 500 mg/ml and 600 mg/ml exhibited larvicidal activity (p<0.05) against earthworms with 600 mg/ml having the highest activity causing paralysis and death. In a similar vein, a graded concentration response was observed against Strongyle larvae. The highest effective concentration on larvae was 250 mg/ml which had a larval mortality rate of 100% and a mortality index of one (1) comparable with that of albendazole. The IC50 and IC99 values for the time of paralysis were 442.7mg/ml and 767.80mg/ml respectively. The anthelmintic activity exhibited by the extract could be linked to the presence of phytochemicals present in the plant. These findings support the folkloric use of this plant in the control and management of gastrointestinal nematodes in humans and animals.

Evaluation of Compounds from Balanites aegyptiaca against Squalene Epoxidase of Micropsorum gypseum—In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Microsporum gypseum is a dermatophyte with a geophilic nature that is found all over the globe. It mainly causes tinea in the scalp, arms, and legs in humans. Squalene epoxidase (SE) is a crucial enzyme in M. gypseum for the biosynthesis of ergosterol. The medicinal plant Balanites aegyptiaca is an abundant supply of secondary constituents with great therapeutic values. In this research, the fruit epicarp portion was used to inhibit M. gypseum using experimental and computational techniques. The anti-dermatophytic activity of epicarp extracts on M. gypseum was evaluated using the poison plate method at five different concentrations. At 3 mg/mL, the M. gypseum was completely controlled by the fractioned chloroform extract of epicarp. The compounds from previous research were utilized for docking studies (Abuthakir et al., 2022). The ideal compounds and the drug terbinafine were then docked using Schrödinger’s Glide module. It demonstrates that (3E)-7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-3-octen-1-yl-6-O-(6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside outperforms other substances and the drug terbinafine in docking analysis. Desmond, Schrödinger Molecular Dynamics simulations were also performed for (3E)-7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-3-octen-1-yl-6-O-(6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside-squalene epoxidase complexes. The complex appears to be more stable, according to the MD simulation research. This study indicates that (3E)-7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-3-octen-1-yl-6-O-(6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside could be used as a potential inhibitor of M. gypseum growth, and it could be studied further.

Proximate composition and mineral profile of elephants forages in the Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the proximate and mineral composition of various parts of Balanites aegyptiaca, Mitragyna inermis, Cassia sieberiena, Kigelia africana, Detarium microcarpum, Terminalia laxiflora, Ficus platyphylla and Climber plant (Liana) as feeds of elephants in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana. The proximate composition was carried out using the methods of the Association of official analytical chemists (AOAC) and the mineral profiles were determined by atomic absorption and flame photometric methods. The highest content of Crude Protein, Crude Fibre, Ash, Moisture and Nitrogen free extract were 12.0% ± 0.01, 15.3% ± 0.01, 14.6% ± 0.0, 7.5% ± 0.01, 76.6% ± 0.01 for Ficus platyphylla, Tamarindus indica, Balanites aegyptiaca and Detarium microcarpum, respectively. The mineral profiling also found appreciable levels of Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se and Mn at concentrations (mg/kg) of 4.6 ± 0.00, 0.4 ± 0.01, 0.4 ± 0.01, 5.1 ± 0.01, 0.11 ± 0.01, 1.07 ± 0.008, 0.25 ± 0.005, 0.063 ± 0.0005, 37.48 ± 0.001 for Ficus platyphylla bark, Liana, Terminalia laxiflora bark and leaves, Mitragyna inermis bark, Terminalia laxiflora leaves and Mitragyna inermis leaves, respectively. Presentation of the presence of these important nutrients would be a guide to zoo managers and wildlife practitioners on the best quality of feeds to select for wild elephants.

Revealing how phenytoin triggers liver damage and the potential protective effects of Balanites Aegyptiaca fruit extracts: Exploring Nrf2/MAPK/ Beclin-1 signaling pathways

Phenytoin-induced liver injury (PHT ILII) is a serious condition that may necessitate discontinuation of the drug. This study investigates the mechanisms of PHT ILII and evaluates the protective effects of Balanites Aegyptiaca (BA) fruit extracts on the liver. We focus on the Nrf2/MAPK/NF-κB/Beclin-1 signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress and inflammation from drug-induced liver injury. Phytochemical analyses of BA fruit extracts (Bu-F and EA-F) are conducted. Molecular docking techniques explore the interaction between phenytoin (PHT) and the Nrf2/MAPK/NF-κB/Beclin-1 pathways. Thirty-six male rats are divided into Control, Bu-F, EA-F, PHT, Bu-F/PHT, and EA-F/PHT groups, and they are observed for 45 days. EA-F extract is rich in phenolics/flavonoids, while Bu-F extract mainly contains saponins.PHT ILII causes histological damage in liver tissues and affects Nrf-2, MAPK, TNF-α, IL-1β, Mcp-1, Beclin-1, iNOS expression, and liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP). However, EA-F/Bu-F extracts effectively improve the histological structure and significantly reduce biochemical/immunohistochemical parameters, restoring them to near-normal levels. EA-F extract is particularly effective.In conclusion, the Nrf2/MAPK /Beclin-1 pathways play a critical role in the development of PHT ILII. BA fruit extracts show promise as hepato-protective agents, with the EA-F extract demonstrating superior efficacy. These results lay the groundwork for new treatments for PHT ILII and drug-induced liver injuries.

Ultrasonic-assisted Extraction Technique of Fixed Oils from Sudanese Seeds

The extraction of oils from Sudanese seeds is of great economic and traditional significance. This study investigated the use of ultrasonic-assisted extraction to extract oils from five different Sudanese seeds: desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca L), baobab (Adansonia digitata), peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). The extraction process used two organic solvents, n-hexane and n-heptane. The results showed that n-heptane was a more effective solvent for extracting oils from Sudanese seeds than n-hexane. The highest oil yield was obtained from B. aegyptiaca seeds, with a yield of 29%. The optimal seed-to-solvent mass ratio for B. aegyptiaca was 1:6, and the optimal extraction time was 1 hour (60 mins). A thermodynamic study was conducted to validate the experimental results. The larger area in the nonpolar region for n-heptane suggests a higher extraction capacity for the seed oils. These results are consistent with the experimental findings of this study. In conclusion, ultrasonic-assisted extraction is a promising method for extracting oils from Sudanese seeds. N-heptane is a more effective solvent than n-hexane for this purpose, and the optimal seed-to-solvent mass ratio and extraction time are 1:6 and 1 hour (60 mins), respectively. The results of this study could be used to develop new commercial products based on Sudanese seed oils. However, further research is needed to investigate the effects of other factors, such as temperature and pressure, on the extraction of oils from Sudanese seeds.

Influences of environmental factors on the active metabolites and certain bioactivities of Desert Date leaf and fruit (Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile) grown in Egypt

Influences of environmental factors on the active metabolites and certain bioactivities of Desert Date leaf and fruit (Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile) grown in Egypt

Ethnobotanical Survey and Cercaricidal Activity Screening of Medicinal Plants Used for Schistosomiasis Treatment in Atwima-Nwabiagya District, Ashanti Region, Ghana.

This study focused on documenting and evaluating the cercaricidal activity of medicinal plants used for schistosomiasis treatment in an endemic area in Ghana. Through semistructured questionnaires, personal interviews with herbalists in communities surrounding the Barekese dam in the Atwima-Nwabiagya district, where the disease is endemic, were carried out. Thirty medicinal plants distributed in 19 families were reported to be used for schistosomiasis treatment in the survey. Information on the plants, including scientific names, common names, families, and the used plant part were recorded. The families Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae recorded the highest number of plants (14% each), followed by Asteraceae (10%), Loranthaceae (7%), and Rubiaceae (7%). In vitro cercaricidal activity of methanol extracts of nine out of the thirty plants was performed by exposing human Schistosoma mansoni cercariae obtained from Biomphalaria pfeifferi to various concentrations of extracts over a duration of 240 minutes. All the plants tested demonstrated time- and concentration-dependent cercaricidal activity. With lethality being set at <1000 μg/mL, the cercaricidal activity in order of decreasing potency was as follows: Withania somnifera (LC50 = 1.29) > Balanites aegyptiaca (LC50 = 7.1) > Xylia evansii (LC50 = 11.14) > Jathropha multifida (LC50 = 12.9) > Justicia flava (LC50 = 22.9) > Anopyxis klaineana (LC50 = 182.81) > Ximenia americana (LC50 = 194.98) > Loranthus lecardii (LC50 = 223.87) > Bridelia tenufolia (LC50 = 309.03) > Zanthoxylium zanthoxyloides (LC50 = 851.94). Phytochemicals, including alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, saponins, phytosterols, and flavonoids were identified in the plants. The result of this study gives scientific credence to the traditional use of these plants in the treatment of schistosomiasis and proves that the rich botanical knowledge of medicinal plants provides an incredible starting point for the discovery of new anti-schistosomal drugs for the local population.

Investigations on Optimization of Extraction Process of Surfactant from Hingot Fruit (Balanites aegyptiaca) and Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum) and Its Suitability in Foam Concrete Production

Investigations on Optimization of Extraction Process of Surfactant from Hingot Fruit (Balanites aegyptiaca) and Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum) and Its Suitability in Foam Concrete Production

GASTROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF ETHYL ACETATE FRACTION OBTAINED FROM THE STEM BARK EXTRACT OF DESERT DATE (BALANITES AEGYPTIACA)

The study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective activity of the ethyl acetate fraction derived from the stem bark extract of the Desert date tree (EFDD) (Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile; family Zygophyllaceae) using ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. The study was conducted using Wistar rats and divided them into five groups (n=5). Group 1 received 10% Tween 20 (1 ml/kg), which served as the control group. Group 2 was administered the standard drug, omeprazole (20 mg/kg). Groups 3-5 were the extract groups and received doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg, respectively, of EFDD. Two ulcer models were used in the study namely ethanol-induced ulcers and indomethacin-induced ulcers. After administration of the respective treatments, evaluation of the mean ulcer indices in each group and calculation of the percentage ulcer inhibition compared to the control group were carried out. The results indicated that the EFDD, at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, significantly reduced the mean ulcer indices in both the ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models compared to the control group (p&lt;0.05). This suggests that the EFDD possesses gastroprotective properties. In conclusion, the EFDD exhibits gastroprotective activity. This finding supports the traditional use of Desert date in folkloric medicine for the treatment of ulcers. However, further research is necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed gastroprotective effects.

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 gap 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 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 point 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. The total biomass and carbon sequestrated in the Sacred tree species have been estimated using a non-destructive method. 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 tonnes). 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 tonnes respectively.

Socio-Economic Values and Ecological Importance of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. in Sahelian Agrosystems in western Niger

Balanites aegyptiaca contributes strongly to the resilience of Sahelian populations. All the organs of B. aegyptiaca are used either for food, medicinal purposes or for other services. However, very few studies on the socioeconomic importance of B. aegyptiaca have been conducted in Niger. The main objective of this study was to valorize the knowledge of the populations on the uses of B. aegyptiaca in the Sudan-Sahelian agrosystems of Niger. The study was conducted in the Dosso region. The region was chosen based on its two main agro-climatic zones, characterized by the scarcity of the species in the south and its abundance in the north. A survey was carried out in February 2021 to assess the diversity of uses. The findings revealed that the uses of B. aegyptiaca products are very diversified and varied considerably accross agro-ecological zones. The types of use varied significantly among ethnic groups. The Hausa possessed 88.26% of the use, the Zarma 14.47%, the Peulh 2.63%, the Songhai 1.32%, and Touareg 1.32%. All parts of B. aegyptiaca are used in traditional pharmacopoeia to threat various human and animal illnesses. 68.00% of respondents reported the interaction between Balanites and crops as very beneficial. B. aegyptiaca is prone to a variety of threats. Hence, 97.30% of respondents acknowledged the existence of several diseases and/or insect pests that affect Balanites' organs. Given the importance of this species in the region, more research is required to quantify its contribution to rural household food security and resilience.

Searching for socio-ecological approaches to increase Balanites trees through local small-scale conservation in the conservancies adjoining the Maasai Mara, Kenya

On the edges of the Maasai Mara in western Kenya there are 15 conservancies, where herds of wildlife, cattle, sheep, goats, and predators are found with Balanites aegyptiaca, an iconic and much-photographed tree known by many names, such as desert date, or more simply, Balanites. Most individuals are 80–90 years old, yet the tree has a life-expectancy of about 120 years. Lack of young trees is due to grazing and browsing impacts from sheep and goat herding that began about eighty years ago. Protecting young naturally regenerated trees is difficult as they are also grazed by large herbivores such as elephants and giraffe. In this perspective essay we describe botanical and social approaches to enable small-scale conservation in a remote area where no work on Balanites revegetation has been done previously. There are two core approaches. First, collecting seed from both superior mother trees and more widely to achieve a source of genetic diversity and second, to work with landowners and other locals on methods to protect new saplings from sheep and goats. These avenues of action in this poor rural area will set the stage for further practical research and assessment of methods to improve the regional survival of Balanites.

Optimization and Characterization of Biodiesel Production from Desert Date Seed Oil (Balanites aegyptiaca) via Transesterification Reaction

Optimization and Characterization of Biodiesel Production from Desert Date Seed Oil (Balanites aegyptiaca) via Transesterification Reaction

Ethnobotanical Study on Wild Edible Plants in Metema District, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Wild edible plants are vital for the survival and sustainable livelihoods of rural people of Ethiopia. Thus, this study compiled wild edible plants, their use, threats, and management practices in Metema District, northwestern Ethiopia. Eight sample kebeles were selected purposively based on vegetation coverage and key informants availability. A total of 128 informants were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. Data were collected using individual interviews, guided field walks, focus group discussion, and market surveys through semistructured questionnaires. Ethnobotanical data collected from the informants were summarized by descriptive statistics, and further verified by using informant consensus, preference, and direct matrix ranking. Knowledge difference among age and sex groups was evaluated by independent sample t-test. A total of 44 wild edible plant species distributed in 34 genera and 25 families were documented. Most (88.64%) of these plant species were found in the wild habitat. Fabaceae and Moraceae accounted for higher proportion of edible plant species. Trees were the dominant habit (59.09%). From the total recorded wild edible plants, 33 (75%) species were used as supplementary foods and 11 (25%) species were used during famine. Fruits were the most edible plant parts (66%) and raw fresh forms were the main conditions of consumption (81.8%). Diospyros abyssinica was the most cited (60.94%) and first ranked. Some edible species such as Adansonia digitata and Balanites aegyptiaca were marketable. Ziziphus spina-christi was found the most multipurpose wild edible plant species. Most of the species (33, 75%) were used as animal fodder followed with traditional medicines (25, 56.82%) and firewood (20, 45.45%). Tamarindus indica, Moringa stenopetala, Balanites aegyptiaca, Grewia ferruginea, Corchorus olitorius, and Cordia africana had nutraceutical values. Significant knowledge differences ( P &lt; 0.05 ) were obtained among sexes and age groups of informants on the number of wild edible plant species they listed. As a result of their multiple roles, wild edible plants are threatened by various anthropogenic activities. Despite this, Metema District still supports good numbers of wild edible plants from which the poor inhabitants complement their basic needs by consuming and marketing them. For sustainable utilization, conservation, value addition, and market linkage practices shall be strengthened to improve the livelihoods of local people and sustainable forest management.

Physiochemical and Functional Properties of (Balanites Aeqyptiaca. Del) Hydrolysates by Pepsin and Pancreatin Proteases

Enzymatic hydrolysates from underutilized desert date could produce functional ingredient for desert region and population of the world. The current study investigated the physiochemical and functional properties of hydrolysates from Balanites aeqyptiaca using pancreatin, pepsin and combined pancreatin and pepsin enzymes. The hydrolysate obtained through the addition of the enzyme pancreatin, and pepsin combined gave (45.1%) yield. On the other hand, pancreatin hydrolysate gave maximum (45.9%) yield and pepsin hydrolysate was (37.4%) .The combined hydrolysate has maximum protein (80.58%),ash content (0.85%) mineral profile; Ca(0.12mg.100g),K(1.29mg/100g), Na(2.01mg/100g),Mg (1.09mg/100g),Fe( 0.23mg/100g), Cu (0.09mg/100g) , Zn( 0.26mg/100g) and excellent anti-nutrient alkaloid , oxalate ,phytate and saponin and total phenolic content of (0.084mgCat/g). Functional properties such as bulk density (1.02g/m) swelling index (3.45g/m) least gelation capacity (20.39%) of pancreatin hydrolysate and WAC (1.72g/g) and OAC (1.73g/g) from pepsin hydrolysate produced the best result than the combine hydrolysate. The maximum solubility (12%) at pH 9 was observed for all samples. The hydrolysate by combined enzymes had a high IVPD compared with pancreatin and pepsin hydrolysates. However, both showed a good general foaming and emulsifying properties. Foaming capacity of the pepsin hydrolysate samples increased with concentration at pH3 and pH7 while the foaming stability at pH7 and pH9 of combined hydrolysate was at 20 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml high comparable with pepsin and pancreatin, respectively. The emulsifying activity of combined hydrolysate was high at 10mg/ml and 50mg/ml at alkaline region. On the other hand, pepsin hydrolysate reveals excellent emulsifying activity (EAI) of 200 mg/m index (EAI) at pH 5. The hydrolysate obtained from pepsin decreased in emulsifying stability as concentration increased and pH shift to alkaline region. The hydrolysate by pepsin and pancreatin had better WHC, OHC and foaming properties due to their solubility however lower than the combined hydrolysate. The result indicates potential utilization of hydrolysate from Balanites aaqyptiaca. del for less protein rich cereal food formulations.

Histologic and Biochemical Effect of Balanite aegyptiaca Fruit Extract on Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Wistar Rats.

Diabetes mellitus is among the most prevalent and costly chronic diseases in the world. Unfortunately, immediate prospects for a cure are not available. We aimed to determine the in vivo antidiabetic activity, histologic, and biochemical effect of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit extract on alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats. Thirty-six Wistar rats were allotted into six groups (n=6). Group I was normal control. Group II was induced with diabetes but not treated.Groups III-V were induced with diabetes and treated with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg extracts while Group VI was treated with Metformin once daily for 14 days. Animals were euthanized, and blood samples were collected for biochemical assays. The liver, kidney, pancreas, and testis were excised and processed by the paraffin wax method. Oral administration of BA extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced blood glucose, liver enzymes, and creatinine levels in diabetic animals. The extract also improved the body weights of diabetic animals and microscopic anatomy of the pancreas, testis, liver, and kidney parenchyma compared to the control. Balanites aegyptiaca phytochemicals reduced blood glucose level and improved the histology of the liver, kidney, pancreas, and testis. Further study is recommended to identify the phytochemicals and mechanism of action.

Potential of Oil-free-Cake Dry Seed Kernels of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiacus (L.) Delile) for simultaneous Removal of Pb (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions from Battery Industry Effluent

This study was carried out to investigate the potential of oil-free-cake dry seed kernels of desert date (Balanites aegyptiacus (L.) Delile) for simultaneous removal of Pb (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions from Battery Industry Effluent using standard methods in a batch sorption process.. The battery effluent was mimicked by dissolving known concentration of metal ions in distilled water. The optimum conditions for the simultaneous removal of Pb (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions were: pH (6), contact time (105 min) and adsorbent dosage (6.5 g). The results obtained showed that the biosorbent was effective for the simultaneous removal of Pb (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions with removal efficiencies of up to 87.7%, 78.6% and 61.6% respectively. The consistency of the model-predicted optimum conditions were confirmed by conducting experiments under those conditions. It was found that the experimental removal efficiencies under optimum conditions were very close (less than a 5% error) to the model-predicted value. The three parameter isotherm equations (Redlich-Peterson and Sips) provide better fitting than the two-parameter isotherm equations (Freundlich and Langmuir), which can be explained by the fact that these have three adjustable parameters. The best fitted was achieved with the Redlich–Peterson equation. The results of the sorption kinetic study showed that the data fitted well with the pseudo-second order model for Pb (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II) ions. In conclusion, desert date oil-free cake exhibits great potential as an efficient sorbent for removal of metal ions.

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Potential of Natural Seed Oil of Desert Date/Ingudi (Balanites aegyptiaca Linn. Delile) in Chronic Diabetic Wound

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Potential of Natural Seed Oil of Desert Date/Ingudi (Balanites aegyptiaca Linn. Delile) in Chronic Diabetic Wound

Differential performance of selected Sudano‐Sahelian plant species for ecological restoration

AbstractThis study compares the performances of six indigenous (Acacia albida, Acacia nilotica, Acacia senegalensis, Balanites aegyptiaca, Tamarindus indica, Ziziphus spina‐christi) and one exotic (Azadirachta indica) tree species for the reforestation of a degraded soil (hardé) in the Far North Region of Cameroon. Seedlings were transplanted from the enviroprotect nursery (Maroua) to Gawel ReviTec (revitalization technology) sites (GW1, GW2) in May 2015. A subset of trees from biosoil plots was monitored at 26, 38 and 50 months after transplantation. Survival rate, height, stem diameter and growth volume were measured and revealed lower values at GW2 than at GW1 in general. A. indica and A. nilotica performed better, with respective survival rates of 78 and 67% at GW1, against lower than 50% at GW2 for all species, the highest (45%) accounting for A. nilotica. Stem diameter (91 and 87 cm), height (318 and 308 cm) and growth volume (33 and 42 m3) were higher for A. nilotica, followed by A. indica (stem diameter: 90 and 83 cm; height: 248 and 278 cm; growth volume: 20 and 20 m3), respectively, at GW1 and GW2. These results suggest A. indica and A. nilotica as the most successful and indicated species for the reforestation of hardé soil.

Biodiesel Production using Balanite aegyptica (Desert Date) Seed as Raw Material

Biodiesel Production using Balanite aegyptica (Desert Date) Seed as Raw Material