Berchemia Discolor Research Articles

Diversity, stand and population structure of riparian woody species in two contrasting land use types in the distal Okavango Delta, Northwestern Botswana

AbstractLand use change threatens the integrity of riparian woodland vegetation. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity and population structure of riparian plant species in protected and communal areas. A total of 71 transects were sampled from each of the protected and communal areas. Total species richness recorded was 36 and 38 in communal and protected areas, respectively. Species diversity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the protected than communal areas. Vachellia tortilis (communal areas) and Croton megalobotrys (both areas) showed a reverse J shaped pattern with more individuals in the lower diameter size classes than in the large ones. Dichrostachys cinerea (both areas), Ziziphus mucronata (communal areas), Combretum imberbe (protected areas), C. hereroense (protected areas), Berchemia discolor (protected areas) and Vachellia erioloba (communal areas) showed a reverse-J distribution pattern, but with missing size classes. Philenoptera violacea (protected areas) was characterized by a bell-shaped distribution with more individuals in the middle size classes than in the lower and upper ones while Combretum hereroense, C. imberbe and B. discolor were characterized by irregular population structure in communal areas. Croton megalobotrys, D. cinerea, C. imberbe, C. hereroense, Z. mucronata, B. discolor and S. erubescens had higher Important Value Indices (IVIs) in protected than communal areas. Comparatively, Vachellia tortilis, P. violacea and V. erioloba had higher IVIs in communal than protected areas. We recommended that species with J-shaped population structure and those with only one size class be protected to enable them to attain healthy population structures.

Antifungal and antioxidant properties of medicinal plants used against fungal infections

Background: Antioxidants present in plant extracts prevent free radicals from causing chronic diseases in humans.Aim: The study investigated 12 medicinal plants (Kleinia longiflora DC., Berchemia discolor [Klotzsch] Hemsl., Persea americana Mill., Sansevieria hyacinthoides [L.] Druce, Dichrostachys cinerea [L.] Wright Arn, Withania somnifera Dunal [Ashgandh], Momordica balsamina L., Lonchocarpus capassa, Pappea capensis, ‘Rhus lancea L. fil’ with ‘Searsia lancea (L.F.) F.A. Barkley’ Peltophorum africanum, Maytenus heterophylla [Eckl. Zeyh.] Robson) for antioxidant activity using the qualitative and quantitative 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.Setting: The plant species were selected from the ethnomedicinal plant database of over 300 medicinal plants used for therapeutic purposes in Limpopo province.Methods: The plant materials were extracted with solvents of various polarities such as acetone, dichloromethane (DCM), methanol, hexane, and water. The qualitative and quantitative DPPH methods were used to determine the antioxidant activities of plant extracts.Results: The yellow bands revealed the presence of antioxidant compounds against the purple background on the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) plates. Methanol, hexane, and water extracts of L. capassa were the most active radical scavengers in the DPPH assay among the six medicinal plants screened. Plant extracts of P. africanum showed strong antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH, compared with the standard ascorbic acid.Conclusion: The findings indicate that some extracts can be used as an easily accessible source of natural antioxidants.Contribution: The findings revealed that the plant species investigated displayed noteworthy antioxidant activity, which provides scientific evidence for their utilisation by traditional health practitioners to treat fungal infections.

Effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) and bentonite clay incorporation in selected local browse-based diets on the performance of Small East African goats.

The study evaluated how binders affected the feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of Small East African goats fed on a variety of native browse-based diets. Twenty-four growing goats with initial body weight approximately 10.5kg ± 1.3 (mean ± SE) were randomly allocated to the Acacia brevispica and Berchemia discolor with various levels of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and bentonite clay in a factorial completely randomized design. Six treatments (T1-T6) were used with four goats per treatment. The goats were allocated to individual pens with each treatment having 3 replicates. The selected local browse leaf meal was treated with PEG at a level of 25g/kg and bentonite clay at 20g/kg. The experiment lasted for 70days, consisting of a 14-day adaptation period. Average daily feedintake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed each week. The composition of the CP, OM, EE, NDF, ADF, TEPH, and CT varied greatly, with significant (P < 0.05)changes seen between the various experimental treatments. Diets treated with binders had higher DM Intake, daily weight gains, and total dry matter intake. Goats on diets treated with bentonite clay (T2) performed much better than the one treated with PEG (T1) although there was no statistically significant difference between the two (P > 0.05). Acacia brevispica-based diets treated with binders performed better than Berchemia discolor-based diets. All nutrients' digestibility coefficients were unaffected by the addition of polyethylene glycol 6000 or bentonite clay. It was concluded that bentonite clay as deactivation material can be adopted due to its low cost compared to PEG and its activity to absorb or bind anti-nutritive factors such as tannins in animal feeds. The addition of PEG and bentonite clay to A. brevispica- and B. discolor-based diet can be used to enhance feed utilization as a result of tannins deactivation.

English

Drought-tolerant multipurpose fruit trees Vangueria infausta (Burch) subsp. rotundata (Robyns) and Berchemia discolor (Klotzsch) Hemsl are native to Kenya. These fruit tree species are suitable for dryland agroforestry and support local communities with food, medicine, fodder and other necessities. Reports by the local communities indicate that the two species suffer from diebacks and cankers. The aim of this study was to identify the fungi associated with V. rotundata and B. discolor and determine the cause of diebacks and cankers symptoms observed. Samples were collected from two sites (Tiva and Ikanga) in Kitui County and one site (Mkange) in Makueni County. Fungal isolations were carried out by incubating the samples on malt extract agar media supplemented with Streptomycin Sulphate. Morphological identification grouped the fungal isolates into 7 clusters. Botryosphaeriaceae and Nectriaceae had the highest frequency of occurrence (32.7 and 30.5%) respectively. DNA was extracted from pure fungal cultures, amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences clustered the fungal isolates into seven families; Botryosphaeriaceae, Sporocadaceae, Nectriaceae, Trichosphaeriaceae, Pleosporaceae, Diaporthaceae and Glomerellaceae. Using Koch&rsquo;s postulates, this study showed that isolates of Botryosphaeriaceae within the genera Lasiodiplodia, Alanphillipsia and Dothiorella are pathogenic to B. discolor and other indigenous agroforestry species due to their ability to cause similar symptoms to those observed in the field. This is the first study to investigate the fungal flora linked to V. rotundata and B. discolor dieback and canker diseases. &nbsp; Key words: Vangueria rotundata, Berchemia discolor, Botryosphaeriaceae, Nectriaceae canker, dieback, DNA and ITS primers.

Seasonal dynamics on nutritive value, chemical estimates and in vitro dry matter degradability of some woody species found in rangelands of South Africa

Unlocking browse species in semi-arid regions can be a key to improving the livestock productivity. The research was conducted to assess the browse species variation in chemical composition and in vitro dry matter degradability as influenced by seasonal (summer and winter) changes. Leaves from ten randomly selected browsable trees from sixteen species (Vachellia karroo, Senegalia nigrescens, Vachellia nilotica, Balanites maughamii, Berchemia discolor, Berchemia zeyheri, Bridelia mollis, Combretum collinum, Combretum imberbe, Dalbergia melanoxylon, Dichrostachys cinerea, Grewia monticola, Grewia occidentalis, Melia azedarach, Ormocarpum kirkii and Ziziphus mucronata) were harvested before defoliation from the site in two seasons (summer and winter) and dried at room temperature and then ground for analysis. Two-way analysis was used to analyse chemical composition and in vitro ruminal dry matter degradability. Melia azedarach (343.7 g/kg DM) had the highest (p < 0.0001) CP content in summer. In winter, B. maughamii (210.3 g/kg DM) had the highest (p < 0.05) crude protein content. Combretum collinum (2.90 Mcal/kg) had a highest (p < 0.0001) metabolizable energy value in summer. Bridelia mollis, B. maughamii, B. discolor, C. collinum, C. imberbe, O. kirkii, S. nigrescens, V. nilotica, G. occidentalis and B. zeyheri had the same (p > 0.0001) dry matter degradability (DMD) 48 values across two seasons. In both seasons, most of these browse species have the potential to supplement low quality natural grasses because they go beyond the minimum requirement of protein and have coherent amounts of fibre concentration. There is a need to assess the bioactive compounds found in these browse species for the amelioration and also to maximize browsing of these species.

An Exploratory Study on the Diverse Uses and Benefits of Locally-Sourced Fruit Species in Three Villages of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.

Globally, the potential of indigenous and neglected fruit species is continuously being recognized. In the current study, we explored the uses and benefits of locally available fruit species among the Mapulana people in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. An ethno-botanical survey was conducted using in-depth interviews to record the names of the fruit species, their uses, seasonal availability, and occurrence in three villages, namely, Mokhololine, Motlamogatsane, and Rooiboklaagte B. Forty-one (41) participants aged 23 to 89 years old, identified by community members as knowledgeable on the utilization of fruit species, were interviewed. The frequency of citation (FC), use value (UV), and use report (UR) of the locally sourced fruit species were determined. The study revealed thirty-one (31) indigenous/naturalized plants belonging to 17 families with Anacardiaceae (four species) and Rubiaceae (three species) as the dominant ones. Approximately 48% of the 31 plants had FC of 100%, suggesting their high popularity in the study area. The identified plants had diverse uses that were categorized into six (6) groups and mainly dominated by food (59%) and medicine (34%). Strychnos madagascariensis had the highest (0.56) UV while Berchemia discolor, Parinari capensis, Parinari curatellifolia, and Sclerocarya birrea had the highest (6) URs. Overall, these locally sourced fruit species still play a significant role in the daily lives of the Mapulana people. The identified fruit species have the potential to be considered as alternative sources to meet the dietary requirements and health needs, especially in rural communities.

Natural biocontrol of fruit flies in indigenous hosts: A perspective for population control in the agroecosystem

Fruit flies (Diptera Tephritidae) are a major pest to fruit production in Africa. Most efforts to control these pests are focused directly on the orchards where fruit damage has been recorded. However, fruit flies are generally able to develop on alternative indigenous fruits from which they continuously recolonize the orchards, challenging the ability to efficiently control these pests. In the natural and semi-natural environments, parasitic Hymenoptera remain the primary means of keeping populations of fruit flies at a reasonable level, but little is known about the diversity, the distribution and the ability of these parasitoids to effectively control populations. In this study, we explored the diversity and abundance of parasitoids of fruit fly pests in indigenous and exotic cultivated fruits of two separate regions of South Africa: North-East (Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces) and South-West (Western Cape Province). A total of 16 fruit species were collected and incubated to obtain emergence of fruit flies and their associated parasitoids. Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), Ceratitis rosa sensu lato Karsch, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) and Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) were reared from the incubated fruit. In the Western Cape Province, only C. capitata and C. rosa sensu lato were recorded. Our results show an important contrast in the distribution of fruit fly parasitoid species between regions and between indigenous fruit types. Fopius ceratitivorus Wharton and Psyttalia humilis (Silvestri) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) dominated parasitism in the north-eastern part of the country, while fruit fly parasitoids were almost absent on fruit flies in the Western Cape Province. Parasitism rate of fruit flies ranged from 0 to ca 50% depending on fruit species and locality within a region. The exact drivers of this variation in parasitism rate remain unclear, but smaller fruits generally seem to allow better control of infesting fruit flies by parasitoids than larger ones. The fruits of some indigenous trees (Berchemia discolor (Klotzsch) Hemsl.; Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex Krauss and Garcinia livingstonei T. Anderson) are hosts of high densities of both fruit flies and their parasitoids. These species are good candidates for the application of augmentoria for the mass production and release of biological control agents.

Influence of Fruits and Fermentation Time on Ethanol and Congener Production in Ombike Spirit in Namibia

Africa has a diversity of wild fruit trees, whose fruits are used to make traditional distilled drinks. Their beverage potential for specialty brandies has not yet been tapped. One such beverage is Ombike, which is produced traditionally in Namibia from various indigenous wild fruits from trees such as Ziziphus mucronata, Grewia spp. (e.g., G. flavescens, G. bicolor), Berchemia discolor, Diospyris mespiliformis, and Hyphaene petersiana. The methods of processing, the quantities of ingredients, the conditions such as temperature and duration of processing are often variable and not well documented. There are currently very few to none consistent and standardized products of known quality of Ombike that can compete in the formal marketplace. The processing method for these drinks is broadly the same as that of many distilled spirits imported into the country. However, currently the technology used for processing in Namibia is traditional and therefore not optimized. This study investigated the effect of duration of fermentation and distillation fractions on the yield of the beverage’s alcohol and congener content. The alcohol content of Ombike sold at informal markets in Namibia was also measured. The alcohol content of a number of household-made samples of Ombike was generally lower (6–30%) than what would be expected in distilled spirits (43%). Controlled distillation can yield Ombike with an alcohol content of over 90%. With improved optimization and standardization of the process for producing it, Ombike made using dry fruits of indigenous Namibia wild trees could become a commercial specialty fruit brandy.

Indigenous hosts of economically important fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae) in South Africa

AbstractFruit flies are among the most economically important fruit pests worldwide. The larvae are phytophagous and constitute a major production constraint in the horticultural industry. Various indigenous fruits were sampled from 2010 to 2015 in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces of South Africa to determine the presence of fruit fly species. The Oriental fruity fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), the Marula fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) and the Natal fruit fly, Ceratitis rosa sensu lato Karsch were reared from the indigenous fruits. B. dorsalis was reared from one marula, Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. (Anacardiaceae) sample. All three Ceratitis species were reared from the Mobola plum, Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. (Chrysobalanaceae) and Kei‐apple, Dovyalis caffra (Hook.f. &amp; Harv.) Sim (Salicaceae). Wild plum, Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. (Anacardiaceae), African mangosteen, Garcinia livingstonei T.Anderson (Clusiaceae), Cape ash, Ekebergia capensis Sparrm. (Meliaceae), waterberry, Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex Krauss (Myrtaceae) and stemfruit, Englerophytum magalismontanum (Sond.) T.D.Penn. (Sapotaceae) were hosts to both C. capitata and C. rosa s.l. C. capitata was also reared from num‐num, Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan (Apocynaceae), simple‐spined num‐num, Carissa spinarum L. (Apocynaceae), brown ivory, Berchemia discolor (Klotzsch) Hemsl. (Rhamnaceae), wild coffee, Coffea racemosa Lour. (Rubiaceae) and common red milkwood, Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Sapotaceae). C. cosyra was also found in the fruit of S. birrea and the wild mango, Cordyla africana Lour. (Leguminosae). C. rosa s.l. was also reared from Natal plum, Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC. (Apocynaceae), waterpear, Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. (Myrtaceae), Natal dovyalis, Dovyalis longispina (Harv.) Warb. (Salicaceae) and wild apricot, Dovyalis zeyheri (Sond.) Warb. (Salicaceae). No fruit flies were reared from Ficus spp. (Moraceae).Various indigenous hosts could serve as a reservoir for infesting cultivated crops.

Wild medicinal and food plants used by communities living in Mopane woodlands of southern Angola: Results of an ethnobotanical field investigation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMopane woodlands play an important role in the livelihood strategies of local populations; however, they have been scarcely investigated by ethnobiologists and very little is currently known about plants traditionally used by local communities, especially about medicinal plants. Aim of the studyOur investigation was aimed to document ethnobotanical knowledge in seven communities living in conditions of extreme poverty in a Mopane area of southern Angola (Namibe province). We focused on plants used as medicines and/or food, in order to highlight the role of wild plants in the livelihood of local communities, and possibly to find out plants with potential pharmacological interest. MethodsEthnobotanical data were recorded through semi-structured interviews, filed in a database and quantitatively analyzed. The following synthetic indexes were used: Cultural Importance index (CI), Informant Consensus Factor (FIC), Fidelity Level (FL). ResultsSixty-six informants (26 males, 40 females) were interviewed. A total of 1247 citations were recorded, concerning 132 ethnospecies (folk taxonomic units not necessarily corresponding to single botanical species); 104 were identified at different taxonomic levels. For medicinal purposes, 116 ethnospecies and 20 different uses (650 citations) were reported; for food purposes, 33 ethnospecies and 8 different uses (597 citations). The main used parts resulted to be fruit (471 citations; 21 ethnospecies), followed by underground organs (288, 82) and leaves (175, 41). According to CI values, Berchemia discolor, Ximenia americana var. americana and Adansonia digitata have the highest cultural value in the investigated communities. All of them are woody plants, as well as most of the identified ethnospecies (trees 34.6%, shrubs 32.7%, perennials 21.2%, annuals 8.7%, others 2.8%). Medicinal plants are especially used to treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (52 ethnospecies, 205 citations), obstetric/gynecological troubles (27, 40) and colds and respiratory tract diseases (25, 54). The highest values of FIC were recorded for body care (FIC=1.0), circulatory diseases (FIC=0.91), malaria (FIC=0.81) and digestive disorders (FIC=0.55). The plants showing the highest informants’ consensus (FL) were Myrothamnus flabellifolia used to treat colds and respiratory diseases (FL=100%), Terminalia prunioides for digestive diseases (93%) and Euphorbia subsalsa for backache (86%). For five plants cited as medicinal by the informants, no reports were found in the consulted ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological literature; many uses of several already known medicinal plants were also unrecorded. Food products obtained from wild plants include fresh fruit (20 ethnospecies, 287 citations), alcoholic (11, 107) and non-alcoholic (10, 44) beverages, massa, i.e. a kind of mash, (4, 65), vegetables (10, 40), and others. ConclusionsResults show that people living in Mopane communities of southern Angola hold a valuable knowledge of the uses of plant resources and that some of the plants cited by the informants represent an important component of the local livelihood strategies. We also found some plants worthy of more in-depth investigations on their possible pharmacological activity, including: (i) those used to treat diseases which reached the highest FIC, like malaria and various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract; (ii) plants with a high FL; (iii) plants not previously reported in ethnomedical literature, especially those cited by different informants; (iv) plants with possible nutraceutical or pharma-food properties, i.e. plants with considerable contents in vitamins and/or micronutrients and plants whose food and medicinal uses are closely related. ClassificationsAnthropological and historical studies in ethnopharmacology, quality traditional medicines. Given keywordsBotany, Traditional medicine, Africa, Diarrhea, Malaria.

Assessing the potential of wild foods to reduce the cost of a nutritionally adequate diet: an example from eastern Baringo District, Kenya.

Wild foods and their actual and potential contributions to nutrition security have rarely been studied or considered in nutrition and conservation programs. To study the role of wild food biodiversity in achieving a cost reduction of a nutritionally adequate diet for women and young children in Kenya using linear programming. An ethnobiological inventory of available food biodiversity was carried out by means of focus group discussions, and five wild foods were selected for further modeling. A market survey assessed available food prices by season. Diets were modeled to minimize cost and maximize nutrient adequacy using the Cost of Diet linear programming tool. Modeling was done without and with wild foods. The modeled diets without wild species were deficient in iron for all age groups during the dry season, deficient in vitamin B6 and calcium for infants aged 6 to 8 months during the dry season, and deficient in iron and zinc for infants aged 6 to 8 months over the whole year. Adding wild foods, especially Berchemia discolor, to the modeled diets resulted in a lower-cost diet, while meeting recommended iron intakes for women and children between 12 and 23 months of age. Even after integrating wild foods into the model, targeted approaches are needed to meet micronutrient requirements for infants from 6 to 8 and from 9 to 11 months of age. An application of linear programming to screen available wild foods for meeting recommended nutrient intakes at a minimal cost was illustrated. This type of study helps to objectively assess the potential of biodiversity to contribute to diets and nutrition.

In vitro organic matter disappearance of tanniferous browse using rumen liquid from goats ingesting grass versus browse

In vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD) of African browse species often indicates artificially low nutritive value due to the presence of condensed tannins (CT). Diet of the rumen liquor donor may change this if it contains CT. Leaves from 11 browse species were evaluated for their IVOMD of nitrogen, fibre fractions and CT concentrations. Crude protein (CP) ranged from 14% to 25%, whereas neutral detergent fibre (NDF) varied from 20% to 40%. The CT fractions differed (P ≤ 0.05) among the browse species with most CT either soluble or bound to protein. Acacia brevispica and Berchemia discolor had the greatest concentrations of total CT, whereas Balanites aegyptiaca and Prosopis juliflora had the least. Rumen liquid from goats on grass diet (no CT) or browsing species with CT resulted in differences in IVOMD of NDF (P ≤ 0.05); 37% less (P = 0.11) fibre-bound CT IVOMD resulted when rumen liquid donors consumed browse containing CT. This indicates that (1) during IVOMD assays, rumen fluid donor diets should reflect, as closely as possible, those of the target animals and their diets, and (2) rumen liquid donor diet composition, especially forage CT concentrations, should be documented when evaluating results of IVOMD trials that use rumen liquor donors consuming CT.

Ethnobotanical knowledge on indigenous fruits in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions in Northern Namibia

BackgroundIndigenous communities in Namibia possess a rich indigenous knowledge expressed within many practices of these communities. Indigenous wild edible fruits are available along the Namibian 13 regions of which it forms a rich source of vitamins, fibres, minerals and a heterogeneous collection of bioactive compounds referred to as phytochemicals for indigenous people’s diet. The aim of this study was to record the different IKS practices on the indigenous fruit trees in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions of Namibia.MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey was undertaken to collect information from local communities from 23-29 October 2011. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and personal interviews during field trips in the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions. A total of 65 respondents were interviewed; 54%; women, 38%; men and 8%; both in group interviews.ResultsThe majority of the people interviewed were in their thirty’s, with the youngest being 18 years old and the oldest being 98 years old. Forty three plant specimens were collected from the two regions; these specimens belong to 20 genera and 25 species. Regarding to the indigenous knowledge; 87%; of the respondents indicated that their knowledge on indigenous fruits was learnt mainly through their parent. Indigenous people’s perception on declining indigenous fruits revealed that 56.3%; of the respondents reported that indigenous fruits were declining. Only a 42.2%; indicated that the indigenous fruits populations are increasing. Regarding to the management practices to improve the production of these indigenous fruit trees; 38.6%; reported that there are some efforts on management practices; on the other hand 61.4%; reported there are no management practices on the indigenous fruit trees in their areas. Four species were found to be the most frequently used and mentioned fruits which need to be given high preference in terms of conservation are: Berchemia discolor, Hyphaene petersiana, Sclerocarya birrea and Diospyros mespiliformis. The following diseases and ailments have been reported to be treated by the indigenous fruit trees which include: toothache, diarrhoea, cough, tonsillitis, burns, skin allergy, stomach ache, snake bit, constipation, etc. 28%; of the respondents mentioned an ethno veterinary use(s) of these fruits, e.g. the use of the Ziziphus mucronata roots to treat diarrhoea in cattle, the bark of eembe (Berchemia discolor) to treat calf weakness.ConclusionsThe local communities in Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions have relatively good knowledge and practices regarding the indigenous fruit. This study enhances our understanding on the indigenous fruit in Namibia and their uses by local communities.

Nutritional Value of Berchemia discolor: A Potential to Food and Nutrition Security of Households

Nutritional Value of Berchemia discolor: A Potential to Food and Nutrition Security of Households

In vitro assessment of ruminal fermentation characteristics of tropical browse mixtures supplemented with yeast

AbstractAn in vitro ruminal gas production study was conducted to assess the effect of yeast supplementation on rumen fermentation of tanniniferous tropical browse mixtures prepared by mixing Berchemia discolor with Acacia brevispica, Acacia elatior, Acacia mellifera, Balanites aegyptiaca, Grewia bicolor or Zizyphus mucronata in a 1:1 dry weight ratio. The six browse mixtures were incubated with buffered rumen fluid alone or supplemented with dried Japanese Sake yeast (JSY) or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Ruminal gas production characteristics were evaluated using the Gompertz equation. The JSY addition increased gas production volume (P &lt; 0.05) and numerically increased the maximum gas production rate constant. Time to reach the maximum gas production rate was shortened by PEG addition as compared to the JSY and control treatments. It is possible that JSY promoted the rumen microbial activity in addition to forming complexes with tannins thereby upgrading the in vitro ruminal digestion of tropical browse mixtures.

Effect of supplementing Rhodes grass hay (Chloris gayana) with Berchemia discolor or Zizyphus mucronata on the performance of growing goats in Kenya

Twenty growing Small East African goats were used to determine the effects of feeding sun-dried leaves of the browse forages Berchemia discolor and Zizyphus mucronata as supplements to low-quality basal diet, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay, on voluntary feed intake (VFI), digestibility and growth performance. The grass hay and maize bran were used as a control. The dried leaves were then included at the rates of 15% and 30% of the dry matter intake (DMI). Berchemia discolor had the highest crude protein (CP) content of 195.5 g/kg DM, while Z. mucronata had CP content of 169.5 g/kg DM. The grass hay had the lowest CP content of 50.9 g/kg DM. The browse forages had low fibre content [Neutral detergent fibre (NDF); 257.9-369.5 g/kg DM], while the grass hay had high fibre content (NDF; 713.1 g/kg DM). Goats in the groups supplemented with either of the browse forages had higher total DMI, nitrogen (N) intake and retention and live-weight gains than those in the control diet group. The digestibility of DM and organic matter (OM) was not affected by supplementation, but the CP digestibility increased with supplementation. The use of the browse forages as supplements for goats fed on poor-quality basal diets would enhance the performance of the animals.

Antifungal activities of selected Venda medicinal plants against Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from South African AIDS patients.

Infection with HIV leads to immunosuppression and up to 90% of HIV infected individuals contract fungal infections of which 10 - 20% die as a direct consequence of these infections. In the present study, 76 extracts from 30 plants used by Venda traditional healers for the treatment of fungal related ailments, were tested for their antifungal activities against clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Cryptococcus neoformans using the agar diffusion and the microdilution methods. The minimum fungicidal concentrations as well as the time kill curves of the thee most active plants were also determined. Extracts from 25 plants (83.3%) were active against C. albicans, C. krusei or C. neoformans. Thirty two extracts were active against C. neoformans, while 15 were active against C. albicans and 12 were active against C. krusei. Warburgia salutaris, Cassine transvaalensis, Piper capense, Maerua edulis, Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia, Berchemia discolor and Lippia javanica were not only inhibitory to fungal growth but also had fungicidal effects against one or all the 3 fungi tested (MIC/MFC between 0.11 and 7.5 mg/ml). Hexane extracts were also active indicating that many of the antifungal components of these plants are non-polar compounds. Time-to- kill experiments indicated an intense time-dependent fungicidal effect against C. albicans, achieving over a 5 h-period a 6 log10-unit decrease in CFU/ml at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml for W. salutaris. The present study justifies the traditional use of these plants for the treatment of opportunistic infections in the region.

Inhibitory properties of selected South African medicinal plants against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Ethnopharmacological relevance Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the most commonly notified disease and the fifth largest cause of mortality. One in 10 cases is resistant to treatment in some areas. Several plants are used locally to treat TB-related disease. Aims of the study The aim was to screen selected South African medicinal plants used to treat TB and related symptoms by traditional healers for antimycobacterial activity. Materials and methods Ethnobotanical information on these plants was obtained. Crude acetone, methanol, hexane and ethanol extracts of 21 selected medicinal plants obtained in Venda, South Africa were screened for their ability to inhibit MTB H 37Ra and a clinical strain resistant to first-line drugs and one second-line drug using tetrazolium microplate assay to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007 and One way ANOVA; p < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Results Few acetone extracts were active against MTB with MIC under 100 μg/mL. Four plants showed lower MIC values; Berchemia discolor Klotzsch Hemsl 12, 5 μg/mL on H 37Ra and 10.5 μg/mL on the clinical isolate, Bridelia micrantha Hochst. Baill (25 μg/mL), Warbugia salutaris Bertol. F Chiov (25 μg/mL), and Terminalia sericea Burch ex D. F (25 μg/mL) on both H 37Ra and clinical isolate. However, the roots of Ximenia caffra Sond. Var. caffra, barks of Sclerocarya birrea (A Rich) Hochst, Asclepias fruticosa L, tubers of Allium sativum L, leaves of Carica papaya L, Solanum panduriforme E. Mey C, and roots of Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen gave MIC greater than 100 μg/mL. Conclusion The acetone extracts of Berchemia discolor, Bridelia micrantha, Terminalia sericea and Warbugia salutaris could be important sources of mycobactericidal compounds against multidrug-resistant MTB.

The feeding ecology of Meyer's Parrot Poicephalus meyeri in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

The diet of Meyer's Parrot Poicephalus meyeri in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, was distinctly seasonal, comprising 71 different food items from 37 tree species in 16 families. During 480 road transects over 24 months, food item preferences closely tracked fruiting phenology, resulting in significant positive correlations between Levins’ niche breadth, rainfall and food resource availability. Meyer's Parrot can, therefore, be considered to be an opportunistic generalist that tracks resource availability across a wide suite of potential food items. Predispersal seed predation accounted for 62% of total feeding activity, of which 37% were seeds from ripe pods and fruits. Unripe seeds were, however, preferred when seasonally available. Seeds and parasites from fruits and pods accounted for 42% and 35% of total feeding bouts, respectively. Fruit pulp was predominantly consumed as a by-product of seed predation. Four arthropods, previously unknown in the diets of African parrots, were discovered during the breeding season. The most important tree species in their diet included (in order of magnitude): Kigelia africana, Diospyros mespiliformis, Combretum imberbe, Ficus sycomorus, Diospyros lycoides lycoides, Combretum hereroense and Berchemia discolor. Geophagy was reported in the questionnaire. There was no evidence to support any local migrations.

Evaluation of nutritive value and palatability by goats and sheep of selected browse foliages from semiarid area of Kenya

ABSTRACTThe feeding value of five browse foliages (Acacia brevispica, Acacia mellifera, Berchemia discolor, Zizyphus mucronata and Maerua angolensis) grown in semiarid area of Kenya were evaluated. Their chemical composition including polyphenolics and in vitro gas production characteristics were determined. The biological activity of the polyphenolics was assessed as the increases in gas production profiles and in vitro true dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility after in vitro incubation with or without addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a tannin binding reagent. The intake and palatability ranking of the browse foliages by goats and sheep were also investigated. The browse foliages had variable crude protein content (149.5–248.6 g/kg DM) and variable content of neutral detergent fiber (205.1–424.0 g/kg DM). The content of total extractable tannins was generally low (2.4–34.8 g/kg DM). At 24 h of incubation, Z. mucronata produced the highest gas volume, while after 48 h of incubation, B. discolor produced the highest gas volume. M. angolensis had the least gas production potential within the browse foliages. Addition of PEG increased gas production except in A. mellifera and M. angolensis. However, PEG addition did not have any significant effect on in vitro true DM and OM digestibility except in B. discolor, which decreased. The rank order of preference (highest to least) for goats was A. brevispica, Z. mucronata, B. discolor, A. mellifera and M. angolensis while the rank order of preference for sheep was A. brevispica, B. discolor, A. mellifera, Z. mucronata and M. angolensis. The goats had higher intakes of all the browse foliages than sheep. The result of this study highlights the higher feeding value of the browse species as supplemental feed with low quality basal diet with both of animal species except M. angolensis.