Combretum Glutinosum Research Articles

Anthelmintic and Antimicrobial Activities of Tannin Extracts of <i>Mitragyna inermis </i>(Willd.) Kuntze (Rubiaceae) and <i>Combretum glutinosum </i>Perr. ex DC (Combretaceae)

<i>Combretum glutinosum</i> and <i>Mitragyna inermis</i> are two plants used in Benin as a dewormer and antibiotic in traditional human and veterinary medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the both plants tannin extracts. The extracts were tested <i>in vitro</i> on <i>Haemonchus contortus</i> larvae and worms and on the growth of 11 reference strains by agar medium diffusion method. Their chemical compositions were determined by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. It was found that total tannins extracted from plant leaves showed a strong inhibition on <i>H. contortus</i> larvae and adult worms compared to the negative control. Concerning the antimicrobial activity, <i>M. inermis</i> extract had an effect only on <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> with a MIC of 2.5 mg/mL. <i>C. glutinosum</i> extract inhibited the growth of most microbial strains with MIC values ranging from 1.25 to 20 mg/mL. The DPPH test showed that the extracts of <i>C. glutinosum</i> (IC₅₀ = 8.04 µg/mL) and <i>M. inermis</i> (IC₅₀ = 11.21 µg/mL) have good antioxidant activity and these results are confirmed by the FRAP method. Four (4) compounds could be identified in the tannin extract of <i>C. glutinosum</i> and could explain its activities. The results obtained from this work revealed that the tannins extracted from <i>C. glutinosum</i> showed better anthelmintic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities compared to the extracts from <i>M. inermis</i>.

Structure and Diversity of Agroforestry Parklands in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

The general objective of the study is to characterize the woody vegetation of 05 agroforestry parkland in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. A total of 40 floristic surveys of 200  20 m were carried out. A total of 33 species in 20 families and 31 genera were recorded. The dendrometric survey method enabled us to characterize the vegetation of the agroforestry parks. The dendrometric parameters and indices calculated according to the agroforestry parks vary from one park to another. Thus, density varies from 108±2.98-223±8.01 individuals/ha, recovery from 6.11±0.21-10.12±0.31%, basal area from 6.54±1.12 to 10.05±1.87 m²/ha, biovolume from 20.09±2.22-38.54±3.76 m3/ha, total height from 2.11±0.01-5.06±0.04 m, natural regeneration rate from 2.11±0.52-7.40±1.09%. The Shannon index varies from 1.36±0.20-2±0.29 bits, Pielou index from 0.14±0.07-0.35±0.18 and Simpson index from 0.82±0.02-0.97±0.03. The species with the highest SIV and SIR are Combretum glutinosum, Combretum adenogonium, Sclerocarya birrea, Prosopis africana, Entada africana, Anacardium occidentale, Burkea africana, Maytenus senegalensis, Ficus glumosa. The Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae show a high representativeness in relation to their family importance value. The diameter structure showed a predominance of young individuals and the height structure showed a predominance of individuals of class [4-6 m]. These results can be used as a reference in monitoring the vegetation dynamics of agroforestry parks subject to recurrent droughts and anthropogenic pressures. This study provides a better understanding of the vegetation in agroforestry parks in order to better manage these plant resources.

50 years of woody vegetation changes in the Ferlo (Senegal) assessed by high-resolution imagery and field surveys

Woody vegetation dynamics in the Sahel have been debated since the great droughts of the 1970s–1980s. Here, we combined high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery, field inventory, and historical botanical records to study woody vegetation trends over the years 1965, 1980, 2008, and 2018 in the Ferlo, the Sahelian sylvo-pastoral zone of Senegal. While tree density has decreased from 1965 (14.8 trees ha−1) to 1980 (13.4 trees ha−1) and 2008 (11.9 trees ha−1), tree density has stabilized in 2018 (12.2 trees ha−1). The relatively moderate decrease in tree density over 50 years characterized by extensive human pressure and droughts, as well as the rather stable woody cover following the drought years after the 1980s, do not support narratives of widespread desertification in this region. However, we observed a shift in the composition of species. While the drought-resistant tree Balanites aegyptiaca showed a stable abundance, Acacia tortilis showed strong increases and other species like Sclerocarya birrea and Combretum glutinosum decreased. In addition, recent field surveys show that the ratio between shrubs and trees has increased towards more shrubs. The observed loss of species diversity combined with the increase of drought-resistant species is in line with current observations for savanna ecosystems in the context of an increased aridity.

Savanna woody plants and their provision of food resources to bees in southern Burkina Faso, West Africa

West African savanna ecosystems and biodiversity are severely threatened by intensified land use and increasing degradation of natural habitats. Despite the importance of bees for pollinating crops and native plant species little information is available regarding the importance of savanna woody plant species to provide bees with food resources. Flora inventories were carried out on 48 subplots laid out across three land use types. The number of bee morphospecies and their abundance as flower visitors were recorded from inflorescences of plants during the different flowering periods. Out of a total diversity of 82 woody plant species, 53 species (64.63%) from 38 genera and 21 families were melliferous. These plants were visited by bees for foraging nectar and/or pollen. Species of the Combretaceae family were the most visited by bees in terms of individuals (53.85%). Combretum glutinosum alone accounted for 36% of visits. More than half of the melliferous plants (50.94%) were visited for both nectar and pollen. About 32.08% of plants were visited for nectar only (32.08%), while 16.98% were visited for pollen only (16.98%). The majority of savanna plants are flowering in the dry season, but few flowering species can be found throughout the whole year. Savanna woody plant species constitute important food resources for bees, therefore providing a wide range of applications for the development of beekeeping activities in the Sudanian region of West Africa.

English

Combretum glutinosum Perrot. Ex DCs (Combretaceae) is a plant used in Senegalese traditional medicine. Its trunk barks are used to treat burns and wounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the healing effect and topical antiinflammatory activity of the aqueous bark extract of C. glutinosum in second degree burn and croton oil induced ear edema in mice. Phytochemically, the aqueous bark extract of C. glutinosum contains tannins and flavonoids, but not alkaloids. Experimental second degree burn was induced in dorsal flanks of the rats. Topical antinflammatory activity was performed in ear edema of mice induced with croton oil. The daily application of aqueous bark extract ointment of C. glutinosum 3 and 10% in petroleum jelly (CGPJ-3%, CGPJ-10%) induced concentration-dependent healing effect with complete tissue repair. In fact, the daily application of CGPJ-3% was associated with total cicatrization after 28 days of treatment (score 0). CGPJ-10% induced a shift in the healing curve to the left with almost complete tissue repair in 20 days (score 1). CGPJ-10% significantly prevented ear edema in mice. The percentage increase in ear edema was 42.78&plusmn;4.94 vs 70.59&plusmn;&plusmn;18 in control group (p&lt;0.05). C. glutinosum trunk bark induced cicatrization, probably involving tannins and flavonoids, which justifies its use in traditional medicine to treat burns and wounds. Key words: Combretum glutinosum, barks, burn, inflammation &nbsp

Status and population structures of three anthelmintic tree species along climatic gradient in Benin and the implications for conservation

Smallholder farmers make intensive use of anthelmintic plant species in the traditional treatment of animal parasitic infections. As a result, populations of these plant species are exposed to increased disturbances such as plant harvesting, threatening their stability. Information on population structure of threatened plant species is important not only for understanding their ecological status but also for conservation and restoration purposes. Using floristic and structural data from 61 plots of 0.09 ha each, we assessed the population structures of the three anthelmin- tic species (Bridelia ferruginea, Mitragyna inermis, and Combretum glutinosum) along the climatic gradient (Guinean, Sudano–Guinean and Sudanian climatic zones) in Benin. Structural characteristics (tree density, basal area, mean diameter, tree height), and species-specific diameter and height distribution were assessed. Results showed that B. ferruginea was found in all three climatic zones, but more prominent in the Sudano–Guinean zone with a scarcity index of less than one per cent. Mitragyna inermis and C. glutinosum were only observed in the Guinean zone and Sudanian zone, respectively. Bridelia ferruginea population structures, especially density and basal area, varied significantly among climatic zones. Diameter- and height-class distributions for the three species exhibited a bell shape with a tendency to right skewness, indicating a predominance of younger trees. These results suggest that the three species are not currently threatened in Benin; however, it would be necessary to prevent overexploitation to guarantee future sustainability.

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antiproliferative and Antimicrobial Activities of Combretum glutinosum and Gardenia aqualla Extracts in vitro

Objectives: Plants represent a diverse template that could be tapped as sources of novel drugs. This study highlights antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and as well antimicrobial activities of Combretum glutinosum (BE) and Gardenia aqualla (GE) roots ethanol extracts. Methods: The Biological activities were evaluated using the established standard methods. Results: Both extracts exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with BE being better than GE. Anti-proliferative (cytotoxicity) assay on HepG2 and BHK-21 cell lines similarly revealed that BE (IC50: 55, SI: 1.81) is more cytotoxic and more selective than GE (IC50: 478.60, SI: 0.99). For the antimicrobial study, BE inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio species and E. coli, while GE extract showed activity against Candida albicans. Conclusion: We conclude that Combretum glutinosum extract (BE) possessed the most robust activity from this study. Hence, it could be a promising source of novel drug with wide biological activities, especially antioxidant and anticancer activities.

Potential of Combretum glutinosum leaf extract as corrosion inhibitor for Al-Si-Mg alloy in artificial seawater environment

This study investigates the inhibition potential of Combretum glutinosum leaf extract on the corrosion resistance of Al-7%Si-0.3%Mg (A356) in artificial seawater environment (static), using weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization methods. The corrosion rates were studied at different concentration of Combretum glutinosum, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0v/v at room temperature (27oC). The experimental results revealed that Combretum glutinosum in 3.5% NaCl environment reduced the corrosion rates of the alloy at the different concentrations studied. The minimum inhibition efficiency was obtained at 0.4v/v inhibitor concentration with 33.07% after 30 days exposure time. Moreover, the optimum inhibition efficiency was achieved at 1.6v/v concentration with 83.46% after 30 days exposure time. The potentiodynamic polarization results also showed that Combretum glutinosum served as an effective inhibitor for the alloy within the temperature and concentration ranges considered with a maximum of 88.15% inhibition efficiency. The results obtained from weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization methods were in a good agreement. Microstructural observation of the samples revealed the effect of inhibitor on the test samples.Keywords: Al-Si-Mg alloy, corrosion inhibitor, Combretum glutinosum, Potentiodynamic.

Ethno Apicultural Survey of Melliferous Plant Species in the Great Green Wall Widou and Koyli Alpha, Senegal

This study has surveyed honey plants used by Apis mellifera in the Great Green Wall of Senegal by involving 38 people (21 in Widou, 17 in Koyli Alpha). The study revealed seventeen species divided into fourteen genera and nine families. Fabaceae was the most represented family with 5 species followed by Combretaceae (3 species), Malvaceae and Rutaceae each with 2 species, and Anacardiaceae, Balanitaceae, Rhamnaceae, Sterculiaceae, Meliaceae each with one species. The most frequent melliferous plant species were : Combretum glutinosum, Guiera senegalensis, Balanites aegyptiaca, Acacia radiana, Lannea acida, Terminalia avicennoides, Sclerocarya birrea, Sterculia setigera and Maytenus senegalensis. The trees were more large with 58.82% followed by shrubs (35.29%) and herbs (5.88%). Spontaneous plants represent 76.47% and cultivated plants represent 23.53%. The melliferous flora was largely dominated by African and Afro-Indian species, which together accounted for 70.58% of the species. According to their apicultural value, the nectariferous species represented 58.82% and the reamining were polleniferous (41.18%). The species that bloom in the rainy season were more numerous with 52.94% of the species. This study enabled us to identify nine (09) species with high melliferous value. Further studies on foraging activity and nectar production would be highly useful to test real melliferous potential of these plants and their value further.

Relationship between carbon stocks and tree species diversity in a humid Guinean savanna landscape in northern Sierra Leone

Global sustainable development goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions from land-use change and maintaining biodiversity. Many studies have examined carbon stocks and tree species diversity, but few have studied the humid Guinean savanna ecosystem. This study focuses on a humid savanna landscape in northern Sierra Leone, aiming to assess carbon stocks and tree species diversity and compare their relationships in different vegetation types. We surveyed 160 sample plots (0.1 ha) in the field for tree species, aboveground carbon (AGC) and soil organic carbon (SOC). In total, 90 tree species were identified in the field. Gmelina arborea, an exotic tree species common in the foothills of the Kuru Hills Forest Reserve, and Combretum glutinosum, Pterocarpus erinaceous and Terminaria glaucescens, which are typical savanna trees, were the most common species. At landscape level, the mean AGC stock was 29.4 Mg C ha−1 (SD 21.3) and mean topsoil (0–20 cm depth) SOC stock was 42.2 Mg C ha−1 (SD 20.6). Mean tree species richness and Shannon index per plot were 7 (SD 4) and 1.6 (SD 0.6), respectively. Forests and woodlands had significantly higher mean AGC and tree species richness than bushland, wooded grassland or cropland (p < 0.05). In the forest and bushland, a small number of large diameter trees covered a large portion of the total AGC stocks. Furthermore, a moderate linear correlation was observed between AGC and tree species richness (r = 0.475, p < 0.001) and AGC and Shannon index (r = 0.375, p < 0.05). The correlation between AGC and SOC was weak (r = 0.17, p < 0.05). The results emphasise the role of forests and woodlands and large diameter trees in retaining AGC stocks and tree species diversity in the savanna ecosystem.

Expanding networks of field hedges in densely populated landscapes in the Sahel

Changing woody plant density across agricultural landscapes of the Sudano-Sahelian region is a debated issue. This paper reports the results of an investigation on the contribution of field hedges to overall woody plant density. Hedges separating individual cropped parcels were studied within village agropastoral territories in the Dantiandou district in western Niger. In 1992, field hedges were mapped over the study area using aerial photography and in 2016, using high resolution Google Earth imagery. In 1992, field hedge length was equal to 1006 km within 435 km2 of croplands, equivalent to 2.3 km km−2. In 2016, 17.5% of these hedges had disappeared, but 1591 km of new hedges were observed resulting in an increased density of hedges to 5.6 km km−2. In 24 years, hedges had increased at a mean annual rate of 3.7% likely associated with the splitting of crop fields by inheritance.The composition and productivity of hedges were also monitored in 1996, 2010 and 2015. All trees (maximum height ≥ 4 m), shrubs (<4 m) and tussock perennial grasses were recorded within twelve field hedge samples of 200 m each. Field measurements were used to estimate basal area, crown area, foliage mass and wood mass of each woody plant within the sampled hedges. No significant trends were found between 1996 and 2015 in woody plant density, basal area, crown cover, wood and foliage masses across all monitored hedges. However, overall means hide a slight decrease in tree contributions, while shrub contributions first increased and then decreased. They also mask contradictory trends among sites most likely related to different rates of shrub coppicing and tree cutting. The woody species composition of the hedges is poor with an increase of Combretum glutinosum to the detriment of Guiera senegalensis over the study period.Multiplying the hedge sample statistics by the changing lengths of field hedges in the study area provides estimates of the contribution of the hedge woody plants to the woody plant population at a landscape scale. Between 1992 and 2016, field hedges contributed to increases of woody plant density by 3.9%, basal areas by 5.4%, crown cover by 2.7%, leading to 6.1% annual increase in foliage mass and 8.8% increase in wood mass.

In vitro anthelmintic effects of Bridelia ferruginea, Combretum glutinosum, and Mitragyna inermis leaf extracts on Haemonchus contortus, an abomasal nematode of small ruminants.

Gastrointestinal nematodes remain a major constraint on the health, welfare, and production of small ruminants. This study was conducted to evaluate three plant extracts (from Bridelia ferruginea, Combretum glutinosum, and Mitragyna inermis) as effective remedies against gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants. Phytochemical screening was conducted on the plant leaves, and the potential anthelmintic properties of these plants were tested in vitro on Haemonchus contortus using the egg hatch, larval migration, and adult worm motility assays. The phytochemical screening of the leaves revealed the presence of several bioactive components in all the plants. The number of eggs that hatched was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.01) upon treatment with the methanol extract of B. ferruginea and the acetone extracts of C. glutinosum and M. inermis. The inhibitory effect of the acetone extract of B. ferruginea and the methanol extracts of C. glutinosum and M. inermis was not concentration-dependent (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the reduction in larval migration between the lowest concentrations (75 to 150μg/mL) and the highest concentrations (300 to 1200μg/mL) of plant extracts. The ability of plant extracts to affect the mobility of the adult worms was not concentration-dependent (p > 0.05); however, it was dependent on the time of incubation (p < 0.01). At the highest concentration (2400μg/mL), all adult worms were motionless after 24h of exposure, while at the lowest concentration (< 150μg/mL), this occurred after 48h of exposure. M. inermis and C. glutinosum extracts were more effective than B. ferruginea extracts (p < 0.05). Overall, these results suggest that these plants used by small-scale farmers possess antiparasitic properties useful for helminthiasis control. However, the effects of the plants remain to be confirmed via in vivo assays and toxicity tests in further studies.

Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Triterpenoid Molecules Isolated from the Leaves of Combretum glutinosum Perr. Ex DC (Combretaceae)

Combretum glutinosum Perr. Ex DC (COMBRETACEAE) is a traditional medicinal plant, widely distributed in Senegal and Africa. The aim of that study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of two triterpenes, betulonic acid (DN7) and cabraleone (DN12), isolated from the leaves of Combretum glutinosum. Experiments were performed in acetic acid-induced contortions in mice and carrageenan rat paw oedema. DN7 (3 mg/kg, per os) and DN12 (3 mg/kg, per os) significantly prevent contortions in mice. The number of contortions is respectively 30±10 and 32±7 versus 72.6±6.64 in control group (p&lt;0.05, n=5). DN7 (3 mg/kg, per os) significantly prevented the increased rat paw oedema (31.84±6.76 vs 92.72±6.05%) (p&lt;0.05, n=5). DN12 (10 mg/kg, per os) induced rat paw oedema prevention similar to that of acetylsalicylic acid (10 mg/kg, per os) administered in the same conditions (29.28±5.88 vs 30.96±7.25%; ns, n=5). The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of triterpenes isolated from C. glutinosum leaves are similar to those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such acetylsalicylic acid, justifying the use of this plant in traditional medicine to manage pain and inflammation.

A New Species of the Genus Steatococcus Ferris, 1921 (Homoptera, Coccinea: Margarodidae) with Some Additions to the Fauna of the Republic of Mali

Steatococcus hystrixsp. n. (Margarodidae s. l.), collected in Mali on the stem of Combretum glutinosum Perrottet, 1828, is described and illustrated. A widely distributed Afrotropical soft scale (Coccidae) species, Udinia catori (Green, 1915), is recorded for Mali for the first time. Additional locality data are provided for another Afrotropical soft scale, Pulvinaria tenuivalvata (Newstead, 1911).

Aboveground biomass partitioning and additive models for Combretum glutinosum and Terminalia laxiflora in West Africa

Accurate estimates of aboveground biomass (AGB) strongly depend on the suitability and precision of allometric models. Although additive allometric equations are expected to reduce uncertainties due to additivity property between biomass of tree components, methods for developing biomass equations do not comply with the additivity property. This study aimed to evaluate biomass allocation patterns within tree components, and to develop additive allometric equations for Combretum glutinosum and Terminalia laxiflora in West Africa. Sixty trees were destructively sampled and measured for stem, branch and leaf biomass in Sudanian savannas of Burkina Faso. Biomass allocation to stem, branch and leaf was assessed by calculating the biomass fractions for each component. Bivariate relationships between biomass fraction and diameter at beast height (dbh) were further examined. For each biomass component we tested three non-linear allometric equations based on dbh alone, and dbh in combination with height and/or crown diameter as independent variables. Seemingly Unrelated Regressions were used to fit a system of additive biomass allometric equations. Branch biomass accounted for between 60 and 70% of the AGB. Branch mass fraction increased with increasing stem diameter while a reverse trend was observed for leaf and stem mass fractions. The decline in the mass fraction was more pronounced for the leaf than the stem. Additive biomass models developed for the two species exhibited good model fit and performance, with explained variance of 68–89%. The models developed in this study provide a robust estimation of tree biomass components and can be used in Sudanian savannas of West Africa.

Enquête Ethnobotanique Auprès Des Tradipraticiens De Santé Des Régions De Niamey Et Tillabéri Au Niger: Données 2012-2017

Introduction: In Niger, people employ the services of traditional health practitioners who use medicinal recipes and plants for primary health care. Scope: Identify medicinal plants for primary health care. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in two regions of Niger, Tillabéri and Niamey, according to a questionnaire. Results: This study assessed the transmission of knowledge, understood the concept of dosage in traditional medicine, and established a repertoire of recipes and plants of the traditional pharmacopoeia. A total of 913 therapeutic recipes for 226 species belonging to 77 families were collected from 168 traditional practitioners. The species most frequently encountered are: Sclerocarya birrea, Acacia nilotica, Guiera senegalensis, Annona senegalensis, Combretum micranthum, Balanites aegyptiaca, Pennisetum americanum, Piliostigma reticulatum, Cassia sieberiana, Ziziphus mauritiana, Azadirachta indica, Cassia occidentalis, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Combretum glutinosum, Khaya senegalensis, Momordica balsamina, Tephrosia lupunifolia, Prosopis africana, Alysicarpus ovalifolius, Bauhinia rufescens. The most common among them is the Combretaceae (10.68%), followed by Fabaceae (9.67%), Caesalpiniaceae (8.49%), Mimosaceae (7.82%), and Anacardiaceae (5, 55%). Among these plants, 60 belonging to 31 families, including 6 new families, were recorded. Several pathologies were treated. The most frequent of them are digestive disorders, hemorrhoids. Conclusion: These plants will be subjected to experimental studies before the development of new phytomedicines.

Variation in growth, wood density and carbon concentration in five tree and shrub species in Niger

There is little information about variation in growth, wood density and carbon concentration in native tree and shrub species in Africa. This information is needed to make realistic projections about carbon sequestration of different species in different environments. Farmers manage natural regeneration of many native species in the drylands of Niger, so there is interest in carbon sequestration potential of the species. The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) if tree height, stem diameter, mean ring width, wood density and carbon concentration differ among five tree and shrub species (Combretum glutinosum, Combretum micranthum, Combretum nigricans, Guiera senegalensis, Piliostigma reticulatum) in Niger; (2) if variation within species is affected by land use type (parkland agroforests, woodlands), soil type (sandy, rocky), terrain type (temporarily flooded, flat, hill slope) and mean annual rainfall; and (3) if growth variables, wood density and carbon concentration are correlated in the five species. Environmental variables did not have strong effects on growth and wood variables of the species, and some effects differed among species. Height across species increased with mean annual rainfall. Stem diameter and mean ring width across species were greater in parkland agroforests than in woodlands. Carbon concentration was positively correlated with growth variables of four species, but was not correlated with wood density in most species. Correlations between wood density and growth differed in sign among some species. We conclude that above-ground carbon sequestration per tree probably increases with mean annual rainfall and is greater in parkland agroforests than in woodlands.

Variation in fuelwood properties and correlations of fuelwood properties with wood density and growth in five tree and shrub species in Niger

Information about variation and correlations of fuelwood properties and growth is needed in order to recommend species and sites for fuelwood production in a changing climate in Africa. We investigated the effects of site variables (land use, soil, terrain), geographical coordinates, and mean annual rainfall on fuelwood properties (volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash content, moisture content, gross calorific value, gross calorific value per cubic metre, and fuel value index) of Combretum glutinosum Perr., Combretum micranthum G. Don., Combretum nigricans Lepr. ex Guill. &amp; Perr., Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel., and Piliostigma reticulatum (DC.) Hochst. and correlations of fuelwood properties with wood density and growth (height, stem diameter, and ring width) in Niger. We hypothesized that wood density, fixed carbon, and gross calorific value were positively correlated with one another and that fixed carbon and gross calorific value were positively correlated with growth. Most effects of site variables, geographical coordinates, and mean annual rainfall on fuelwood properties differed among species. Fuel value index was greater on rocky soils than on sandy soils. Wood moisture content of three species was greater in drier locations than in more humid ones. Correlations of fuelwood properties with wood density and growth differed among species. Based on this and previous research, we recommend parkland agroforests and sites with rocky soils and higher mean annual rainfall for fuelwood production.

Phytochemical Screening, Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-sickling Activities of Two Polar Extracts of Combretum glutinosum Leaves. Perr. ex DC

Phytochemical Screening, Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-sickling Activities of Two Polar Extracts of Combretum glutinosum Leaves. Perr. ex DC

In Vitro Assessment Of The Antiplasmodial Activity Of Three Plants Extracts Used In Local Traditional Medicine In Saloum (Senegal)

Against the scourge of malaria in Africa and the development of chemo-resistance, discovering new natural cures is a major concern for many researchers. As a consequence, the present study was carried out in order, first, to identify the phytochemical compounds, and second, to assess the antiplasmodial activity, of three medicinal plants extracts, selected from an ethno-botany survey conducted in Senegal. The parts of the plants used were Strychnos spinosa (Strychnaceae) leaves and stems, Combretum glutinosum (Combretaceae) barks, and the whole aerial part of Pennisetum polystachion (Poaceae). Among these plants, the hydromethanolic extracts of Strychnos spinosa stems showed the most important activity against Plasmodium falciparum strains, with a IC50 of 15 μg/ml, followed by the leaves chlorophormic extracts and the ethyl acetate extracts of Pennisetum polystachion, with respective IC50 of 20 μg/ml and 21 μg/ml. Combretum glutinosum extracts showed the least important activity, in all tests.