Khaya Senegalensis Research Articles

Antibacterial Activities and Synergistic Effect of the Bioactive Compounds of Selected Medicinal Plants Against Diarrhoea-Causing Pathogens

In this study, the antimicrobial properties and toxicological effects of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Khaya senegalensis, two traditional medicinal plants from West Africa, were investigated against diarrhea-causing pathogens. Cold maceration was used to prepare extracts from the plants. Anogeissus leiocarpus yielded 22.87g of extract, while Khaya senegalensis yielded 13.94g. Both plant crude extracts exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity against Vibrio cholerae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella enterica serovar at different concentrations. A. leiocarpus and K. senegalensis showed the highest antibacterial activity, with significantly higher zones of inhibition at all concentrations against all test organisms. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for A. leiocarpus ranged from 0.10 to 0.96 mg/mL, while the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) ranged from 0.10 to 1.09 mg/mL. For K. senegalensis, MIC ranged from 0.96 to 1.80 mg/mL, and MBC ranged from 1.02 to 1.92 mg/mL. Fractionation of the most active crude extracts resulted in the highest yields in the n-Hexane fractions for both A. leiocarpus and K. senegalensis. Significant differences were observed in the antibacterial activity of these fractions. K. senegalensis fractions and A. leiocarpus n-Hexane fraction showed the highest activity against V. cholerae, while the ethyl acetate fraction of K. senegalensis exhibited significant activity against K. pneumoniae. The aqueous fraction of A. leiocarpus displayed the highest activity against Salmonella, whereas none of the K. senegalensis fractions were active against Salmonella. Antibacterial activity of K. senegalensis ethyl acetate and A. leiocarpus n-Hexane and aqueous column chromatography fractions against the test organisms was concentration-dependent, with the highest antimicrobial activity observed at 200 mg/mL concentration. Importantly, there were no significant differences in the body weights of experimental animals across all groups. In conclusion, A. leiocarpus and K. senegalensis extracts and their fractions demonstrated promising antimicrobial properties against diarrhea-causing pathogens. These findings support their traditional medicinal use in West Africa and suggest their potential as natural remedies for combating bacterial infections.

Trees Diversity and Species with High Ecological Importance for a Resilient Urban Area: Evidence from Cotonou City (West Africa)

Rapid urbanization and climate change effects may cause dramatic changes in ecosystem functions in cities, thereby inevitably affecting the growth performance of old trees. Few studies have explored species diversity and spatial differentiation in Benin urban areas. This study aims to explore this dimension of urban ecology in order to build resilience to climate change in the city of Cotonou. Its objective was to determine the predominant level of tree diversity in the city’s land use units. The urban green frame was subdivided into six land use units, namely, establishments, residences, green spaces, commercial areas, administrative areas, and roads. The forest inventories were carried out in 149 plots with surfaces evaluated at 2500 m2 each. The IVI, an index that highlights the relative density, relative dominance, and relative frequency of species, has been used to characterize the place occupied by each species in relation to all species in urban ecosystems. This shows ecological importance through the diversity and quality of ecosystems, communities, and species. A total of 62 tree species in 55 genera and 27 families were recorded. The results show that the flora of the city of Cotonou is characterized by a strong preponderance of exotic species with some differences in species presence. The most abundant species with high ecological importance (IVI) in the different types of land use of the city are Terminalia catappa (IVI = 121.47%), Terminalia mantaly (IVI = 90.50%), Mangifera indica (IVI = 64.06%), and Khaya senegalensis (IVI = 151.16%). As the use of ecosystem services is recommended to tackle urban climate hazards, this study shows that direct development of this urban vegetation could improve the resilience of urban life to climate hazards through the provision of urban ecosystem services, potential ecological infrastructure foundations, and urban nature-based solutions.

Prioritization of the Forest Species Most Exploited by the Communities Bordering the Natural Forests of Pobè and Dogo-Kétou in Southeastern Benin, West Africa: An Ethnobotanical Approach

Benin is not a big forest country, and the sustainable management of forest relics and their resources is a priority for the managers. This study was conducted in the forest regions of Pobè and Kétou located in Southeast Benin with the objective of characterizing the ethnobotanical forest species prioritized by the local populations for their different uses. Specifically, it aimed to identify the ethnobotanical priority species for conservation, characterize the ethnobotanical value of these priority species, and analyze the tree organ harvesting methods used for the sustainable management of the forest species. Data have been collected from 287 local populations investigated and on the specimens collected on the field, which allowed to identify the scientific name. The combination of the citation frequencies, the method of reproduction, the vulnerability scores, and the IUCN status of the species has allowed to identify five priority ethnobotanical species per forest. The software Ri386_3.5.1 has been used for the different analysis such as the calculation of the various frequencies and the correspondence factor analysis to show the relationships between socioethnic groups, organs used, and the categories of use. The priority species identified in the forest of Pobè are Milicia excelsa, Khaya senegalensis, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Ceiba pentandra, and Adansonia digitata. The priority species identified in the forest of Dogo-Kétou are Vitellaria paradoxa, Prosopis africana, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Khaya senegalensis, and Anogeissus leiocarpa. This study has revealed 54 tree species gathered into 47 genera and 25 botanical families. Their different parts have been harvested for many kinds of utilization such as medicinal, commercial, feeding, medico-magic, and artisanal. The most commonly used organs were leaves, fruits, seeds, barks, roots, and wood. The harvesting methods include cutting poles, cutting twigs and branches to harvest leaves, debarking the trunk, felling trees for wood, cutting roots, picking and harvesting fruits and seeds, and harvesting of flowers. Cutting down trees and picking flowers, fruits, and seeds have been the methods of harvesting, which affect negatively regeneration of the tree populations. It is then important to sensitize the local people on the sustainable management of their forest resources through the conception and implementation of a project program focused on forest conservation.

Farmers' knowledge and Practicesto Combat Ecosystem Degradation in the South of the Benoue River in Northern Cameroon

Objective: The present study aims to contribute to the restoration of degraded ecosystems for a sustainable management of resources. Methods: It is based on socio-economic surveys with structured and semi-structured questionnaires including closed, open and directed questions, administered to local populations to provide us with information. Results: It appears that agriculture (71.92%) is the main cause of degradation, followed by erosion (71.82%), deforestation (64.29%) and overgrazing (62.15%). As indices of degradation, the presence of gullies (23.72%), low yield (22.28%), the presence of Striga hermonthica (18.56%) and sandy soils (18.11%) are to be noted and the indices of fertility are observable through the good yield (40.23%), the presence of earthen glasses (7.79%) and the presence of flora such as pennisetum pedicellatum (3.34%). To remedy the degradation and increase their production, the population makes more use of chemical fertilizers and crop rotation and species such as Faidherbia albida (64.33%), Daniellia oliveri (17.89%), Pterocarpus lucens (7.99%), Acacia nilotica (4.42%) are retained as having restorative potential. Also, these farmers mention the importance of bank protection species (Khaya senegalensis, Ficus sycomorus, Mitragyna inermis and Daniellia oliveri) and living hedges (Acacia nilotica, Commifora kerstindjii, Jatropha curcas, Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Conclusion: The population is aware of the degradation that is taking place and is trying to develop remedial practices despite the pressure of nature and vital needs. It would be important to take measures to mitig

Early Growth Response of Khaya senegalensis Seedlings to Water Requirement

Water availability in quantity and quality is an important factor required during growth, development and for nursery seedling productivity. The study determined the response of Khaya senegalensis seedlings to water requirement and it effect on the growth. Levels of water required was determined by subjecting seedlings to four watering frequencies vis-à-vis Daily watering, watering every two days, watering every four days and once a week. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomized design (CRD) and parameters such as stem height, collar diameter, leaf area, leaf number were collected fortnightly while, dry weight, fresh weight, root to shoot ratio, root length, root weight, shoot length, turgidity weight and relative water content were evaluated after Twelve (12) weeks of growth. Data collected was subjected to One Way Analysis of Variance on SAS software and significant means was separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). From the result, morphological variables such as collar diameter (10.80mm), number of leaf (32.77), leaf area (403.65 cm2) were significantly (p<0.05) increased in seedlings with highest requirement for water (daily watering). Also, physiological variables such as dry weight (17.35 g), fresh weight (36.28 g), turgid weight (47.93 g), root weight (14.02 g) and shoot weight (24.38 g) increased significantly (p<0.05) in seedling water daily. The early growth of Khaya senegalensisseedlings was enhanced due to availability of soil water in response to its requirement.

HPLC Quantitative Analysis of Two Major Flavonoids and Antimicrobial Effectiveness Against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria of Different Parts of Khaya senegalensis

HPLC Quantitative Analysis of Two Major Flavonoids and Antimicrobial Effectiveness Against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria of Different Parts of Khaya senegalensis

Phytopharmaceutical practices of traditional health practitioners in Burkina Faso: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTraditional health practitioners constitute an important part of the health care system in Burkina Faso, particularly in the supply of traditional herbal medicines. Quality and safety of these medicines rely heavily on practices employed during their traditional development. However, traditional phytopharmaceutical practices are poorly described in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to describe the phytopharmaceutical practices of traditional medicine practitioners in Burkina Faso.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive ethno-pharmaceutical study, conducted from October 1 to November 30, 2020, among traditional practitioners in four randomly selected health districts: Nongr-Massom (Centre region), Tenkodogo (Centre-East region), Diapaga (East region) and Dafra (Hauts-Bassins region). An anonymous semi-structured face-to-face questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and data on raw materials and finished products.ResultsSixty-seven (67) traditional health practitioners, aged 56 years on average, including a majority of men (72%), participated in the study. Gathering of wild medicinal plants was the main source of raw materials acquisition (51.5%), which were usually leaves (32.3%). These raw materials were usually sun-dried (43.9%) and packaged mostly in plastic bags (37.2%). They were derived from 60 plant species belonging to 33 botanical families. Fabaceae was the most represented family (18.7%) and Khaya senegalensis Juss. (Meliaceae) the most cited plant species (5.2%). The finished products had an average shelf life of 17 months and were usually prepared as a decoction (31.7%) and administered most often orally (71.4%). Gastrointestinal disorders were the main predictable adverse events of the finished products (54%).ConclusionThis study showed that THPs have important knowledge in the use of medicinal plants, but several shortcomings are observed in their phytopharmaceutical and plant protection practices. Continuous improvement of these practices, through education and training of traditional health practitioners, is essential for the conservation of plant biodiversity and quality assurance of traditional herbal medicines.

Rethinking Iconic Species Reforestation in West Africa: Seed Shape Harnessing Is Strategic for Enhanced Germination and Vigorous Growth in Khaya senegalensis and Parkia biglobosa

Seed size is a critical factor that can impact the regeneration process of plant populations. The objective of this study is to identify optimal seeds for the cultivation of two overexploited native forest species in Côte d’Ivoire, namely Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A.Juss., 1830 and Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.BR. ex G. Don, 1830. A total of 1080 seeds per species were evaluated for germination and seedling vigour in two distinct environments (dry and humid) in Côte d’Ivoire. The results demonstrated that, for Khaya senegalensis, larger seeds exhibited higher germination rates, whereas for Parkia biglobosa, smaller and medium-sized seeds showed better germination performance. However, regardless of species and study site, larger seeds consistently produced more vigorous seedlings. In this case, pretreatment tests on large seeds of Parkia biglobosa can potentially enhance their germination performance. Large seeds, ranging from 0.25–0.37 g in Khaya senegalensis and 0.2–0.32 g in Parkia biglobosa, appear to be the most suitable and best candidates for high-quality, high-performance seeds to optimise the cultivation of these species in Côte d’Ivoire. Distributing such seeds to farmers can contribute to the success of reforestation and agroforestry programs involving these target species in Côte d’Ivoire. These findings contribute to the sustainable management of the target species and can serve as a basis for restructuring forest regeneration policies in Côte d’Ivoire.

Photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of green-mediated Khaya senegalensis-silver nanoparticles and oxidized carbon nanotubes

This study investigated the photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from a medicinal plant extract of Khaya senegalensis (K. senegalensis) and oxygen functionalized carbon nanotubes (oCNTs), respectively. The CNTs were functionalized using acid treatment. The green synthesized AgNPs from K. senegalensis (KS-AgNPs) and oCNTs were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission emission microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The formation of KS-AgNPs was confirmed by the UV–Vis absorption spectra, which showed an absorption band at 427 nm with a color change from yellow to brown. The morphology of KS-AgNPs was spherical in shape, with an average particle size of 9.30 nm. The FTIR analyses revealed distinctive functional groups, such as, hydroxyl (O-H), amines (N-H), and carbonyl (C-O), which were directly involved in the synthesis and stability of AgNPs. The XRD spectra was distinctive with five intense peaks at 2theta angles of 38.12°, 44.28°, 64.43°, 77.48°, and 81.54o while oCNTs gave intense peaks at 2theta angles of 26.43o, 42.36o, 44.46o, 54.51o, 59.98o, and 77.40o. The photocatalytic property of green synthesized KS-AgNPs was determined to be 40.7 % higher than that of oCNTs when applied for treatment of industrial waste water. The ability of green-mediated KS-AgNPs to inhibit against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was observed to be that gram (-) bacteria (E. coli) was more susceptible to KS-AgNPs than the gram (+) bacteria (S. aureus), in which case their susceptibility was least in oCNTs for both bacteria, respectively.

In Vitro Filaricidal Properties of Hydro-Methanolic Extracts of Powdery Fractions of Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) on Onchocerca ochengi.

Onchocerciasis is a neglected tropical disease that remains endemic in sub-Saharan African countries. Unfortunately, only a few microfilaricidal agents have been approved so far. This study aimed to assess the in vitro macro and microfilaricidal potentialities of the hydro-methanolic extracts of the different powdery fractions of Khaya senegalensis against Onchocerca ochengi. Adult male worms and microfilariae (mf) of O. ochengi were isolated from cowhides in Ngaoundere II, Cameroon. Parasites were incubated for 4h (mf) or 48h (adult worms) in RPMI-1640 medium in the presence or absence of ivermectin, flubendazole, or hydro-methanolic extracts of different plant powdery fractions obtained by controlled differential sieving. The filaricidal effect was evaluated using motility (mfs) and mortality tests (worms) and oxidative stress parameters. Cytotoxicity and acute toxicity tests were performed on monkey-derived kidney cell lines (LLC-MK2) and Swiss albino mice, respectively, and selectivity indexes were determined. Phytochemical screening was also carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography/UV (HPLC/UV), molecular networking, and through quantification of phenolic contents. The hydro-methanolic extracts of 0-63µm fractions from leaves and barks exhibited the strongest macrofilaricidal activities with lethal concentrations 50 of 162.4 and 208.8µg/mL respectively versus 22.78µg/mL for flubendazole. These two fractions also showed the fastest microfilaricidal activities (T1/2 of 1h), although it was low when compared to ivermectin (T1/2 < 1h). Their macrofilaricidal effects were accompanied by a significant inhibition of nitric oxide secretion and a significant increase of glutathione and catalase activity compared to the untreated group. However, no effect was found on superoxide dismutase activity, the GABAergic and glutamatergic receptors. Although neither extract was toxic to Swiss mice until a dose of 2000mg/kg body weight, the 0-63µm leaf fraction hydro-methanolic extract was selectively more effective on worms than bark extract (SI = 1.28 versus 0.34). Both extracts were found to contain some flavonoids including procyanidin-, rutin-, myricetin-, and naringenin derivatives as well as new unknown compounds. However, the total polyphenol, flavonoid and tannin contents of the leaf extract were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than that of the bark extract. These results support the anti-filarial effect of K. senegalensis leaves and highlight stress oxidative markers as new therapeutic targets in O. ochengi. Further, in vivo experiments are required in understanding their anti-parasitic properties, and testing combinations of fine fractions.

Anthelmintic effects of two extracts of traditional medicinal plants (Balanites aegyptica and Khaya senegalensis) on gastrointestinal parasites in goats

Anthelmintic effects of two extracts of traditional medicinal plants (Balanites aegyptica and Khaya senegalensis) on gastrointestinal parasites in goats

Neuroprotection by Alstonia boonei De Wild., Anacardium occidentale L., Azadirachta indica A.Juss. and Mangifera indica L.

Alstonia boonei De Wild. (stem bark), Anacardium occidentale L. (stem bark), Azadirachta indica A.Juss (leaves), Enantia chlorantha Oliv. (stem bark), Khaya senegalensis A.Juss (stem bark) Mangifera indica L. (stem bark), and Nauclea latifolia Sm. (stem bark) are used for treating malaria in southwest Nigeria. Surveys revealed that these plants are also employed for treating symptoms of malaria and cerebral malaria in the region. In this study, the effects of freeze-dried extracts of these plants were investigated on synthetic hemozoin (HZ)-induced neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, and increased permeability of brain microvascular endothelial cells. Effects of freeze-dried plant extracts were investigated on neuroinflammation by measuring levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in culture supernatants, while in-cell western assays were used to measure protein levels of iNOS and NLRP3. Effects on HZ-induced neurotoxicity and ROS generation was measured using MTT and DCFDA assays, respectively. HZ-induced permeability of hCMEC/D3 endothelial cells was determined using the in vitro vascular permeability assay kit. The extracts produced significant (p<0.05) reduction in TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, RANTES and iNOS/NO production in HZ-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Pre-treatment with 50μg/mL of A. boonei, A. indica, A. occidentale, E. chlorantha and M. indica also resulted in the inhibition of NF-κB activation. Pre-treatment with A. indica produced, A. occidentale, M. indica and A. boonei reduced HZ-induced increased NLRP3 protein expression. HZ-induced increased caspase-1 activity was also reduced by A. boonei, A. occidentale, A. indica, E. chlorantha, and M. indica. Freeze-dried extracts of A. boonei, A. occidentale, A. indica and M. indica produced neuroprotective effect in HT-22 neuronal cells incubated with HZ by preventing HZ-induced neurotoxicity, ROS generation, DNA fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activity. Inhibition of HZ-induced increase in permeability of human hCMEC/D3 brain endothelial cells was also observed with A. boonei, A. occidentale, A. indica and M. indica, while reducing the release of TNFα and MMP-9. These results suggest that A. boonei, A. occidentale, A. indica and M. indica are neuroprotective through inhibition of neuroinflammation, neuronal damage and increased permeability of blood brain barrier. The outcome of the study provides pharmacological evidence for the potential benefits of plants as herbal treatments for cerebral malaria symptoms.

Neomassaria khayae sp. nov., a novel pleosporalean species on Khaya senegalensis from Guangdong Province, China

Khaya senegalensis is a tropical plant native to Africa and grown as an ornamental plant in Southern China. During our sample collection in Guangdong Province, China, a saprobic Dothideomycetes was collected from a dead stem of K. senegalensis. The collection was identified as a neomassaria-like species based on the morphology. For further identification of the species, multigene phylogenetic analyses were conducted using large subunit nrDNA (LSU), small subunit nrDNA (SSU), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit gene (rpb2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α). Based on morphology and phylogeny we identified our collection as a new species and introduced it as Neomassaria khayae. Morphologically, N. khayae distinguishes from other closely related species in terms of larger ascomata, asci and ascospore. In addition, this is the first report of Neomassaria species on K. senegalensis in China. This study will add to the biodiversity of saprobic fungi associated with Meliaceae hosts in Southern China.

Assessment of Particulate Matter Concentrations and Noise Levels Along Dong – Tay Avenue, Ho Chi Minh City

Particulate pollution and traffic noise from the Dong – Tay Avenue created problems in the surrounding areas, especially when traffic volume was very high and vehicles ran at high speeds. Vehicular, dust and noise problems were generated by various kinds of vehicles like trucks, buses, automobiles, and motorcycles. This study aimed to determine the influence of dust and noise generated from traffic activities the Dong – Tay Avenue. Particulate matter concentrations (PM_1.0, PM_2.5, PM_5.0, PM₁₀) and noise levels were measured at 7 sites along the avenue in March and October from 2021 to 2022. The research results showed that the noise levels (73.1 ÷ 84.4 dBA) exceeded the allowable threshold of the National Technical Regulation on noise (QCVN26:2010/BTNMT; noise level < 70 dBA). Additionally, the dust concentrations (PM_1.0: 6.6 ÷ 18.8 μg/m³; PM_2.5: 9.2 ÷ 35.7 μg/m³; PM_5.0: 11.2 ÷ 47.0 μg/m³; PM₁₀: 13.0 ÷ 49.7 μg/m³) were lowered the permissible thresholds of the National Technical Regulation on ambient air quality (QCVN05:2013/BTNMT). However, solutions needed to be suggested to improve the air quality for human health and the environment as reducing roadside dust pollution and traffic noise in Ho Chi Minh City. The first priority was the solution of planting trees, which were found along a lane and got different functions. Tree species were suitable for ecological conditions along the roadsides these were applied for green solutions to be planted, including <i>Hopea odorata, Mimusops elengi, Khaya senegalensis </i>and <i>Bougainvillea spectabilis</i>.

Pelletization Temperature and Pressure Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Khaya senegalensis Biomass Energy Pellets

Biomass pellets are one of the most crucial feedstocks for bioenergy production on a global scale due to their numerous advantages over raw biomass resources. Pellets provide improved energy density, bulk density, moisture content, and homogeneity thereby reducing storage, handling, and transportation costs. To produce high-quality solid fuel, it is necessary to comprehend the properties of wood fuel. This study explored the potential of Khaya senegalensis (khaya) as a dedicated energy crop (DEC) for the production of green energy. It thrives in less-than-ideal conditions and grows rapidly. The low durability of energy pellets raises the risk of dust and fire during handling and storage. In addition, the potential for fines and dust formation is strongly correlated with the mechanical strength of materials. Due to this necessity, the current study examines the effects of pelletization factors, including temperature and pressure, on pellet properties, particularly on its mechanical properties. The durability and compressive strength of pellets were determined using a sieve shaker and a universal testing machine, respectively. The highest mechanical durability was observed at 3 tons of pressure and 75 degrees Celsius, each with a value of 99.6%. The maximum axial compressive strength was measured at 57.53 MPa under 5 tons of pressure. When pelletized at 125 °C, the axial compressive strength increased by 13.8037% to 66.06 MPa compared to the strength obtained at 5 tons of pressure. Pelletizing Khaya feedstocks at 4 tons of pressure, on the other hand, produced a slightly lower diametral compressive strength of 7.08 MPa compared to 7.59 MPa at 125 °C. The experimental results revealed that the aforementioned factors significantly affect the mechanical properties of pellets. The elucidation of wood biomass, solid fuel qualities and pelletization parameters of this potential energy crop may facilitate the production of high-quality pellets from Khaya senegalensis wood to meet the increasing local and worldwide energy demands.

Regression equation for correlation between Spad index and photosynthetic pigments under saline stress in African mahogany culture

The quantification of the levels of photosynthetic pigments is of paramount importance, especially in the evaluation of the photochemical capacity of plants under saline stress. However, laboratory procedures for the titration of these pigments, such as chlorophyll, have expressive laboratory apparatus and specific reagents. This study aimed to evaluate a regression equation for correlation between SPAD index and photosynthetic pigments in African mahogany plants, Khaya senegalensis, under saline stress. The plants were cultivated in vases containing washed sand, in a greenhouse. Salinity was established by adding NaCl, with levels of electrical conductivity: 1.0 • 3.38 • 15.14 • 29.90 • 42.61 • 53.60 dS m ­-1 , in a completely randomized design (DIC) . The total chlorophyll contents were determined in the laboratory using a spectrophotometer and, in the plants, the SPAD index was quantified directly under the leaves. By regression analysis, through data evaluation with the STATISTICA program, the significant correlation between the SPAD index and total chlorophyll was expressed by the equation: Total chlorophylls = -41.0166 + 1.0338 EC, allowing this result to be direct quantification of the levels of photosynthetic pigments using the SPAD index.

Evaluation of Khaya gum (Khaya senegalensis) as a polymer in the formulation of floating in situ gels of metoprolol succinate

Metoprolol succinate, a β-selectiveadrenergic blocker, has a short half-life, low bioavailability, and high dosingfrequency. In-situ gel drug delivery is a good approach to achieve sustained release for once-daily administration thatwill prolong drugretention time at the stomach and increase absorption. Thus,the aim of the study is to formulate floatingin-situ gel formulations of metoprolol succinate using Khaya gum (Khayasenegalensis, family Meliaceae) as a polymer. Khaya gum wascharacterized and used in formulating in situ gels of metoprololsuccinate in comparison with Hydroxyl Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC K15M) andXanthan gum. The in-situ gel formulations were characterized forappearance, swelling, in- vitro buoyancy and in-vitro drugrelease. FTIR revealed major peaks characteristic of the gum. Khaya gum showedhigh swelling and good flow properties. In-situ gel formulations of metoprolol succinatecontaining Khaya were light brown with near neutral pH, higher swelling and a total floating time &amp;gt;24 h,comparable to those containing HPMC and Xanthan gums. Dissolution time t80was 60.50 to &amp;gt;240 min with ranking Khaya&amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;HPMC&amp;nbsp;&amp;lt;Xanthan. Khaya gum providesa cheaper, suitable polymer for formulating floating in-situ gels with prolonged buoyancy and drug release.

Study of the Effects of Cailcedrat (Khaya senegalensis) on Late Blight, the Main Onion Disease (Allium cepa L.) in the Department of Diamare, Far North, Cameroon

Objective: Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a vegetable crop with an important economic asset for Cameroonian farmers. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of different formulations of K. senegalensis on late blight, the main onion disease in the department of Diamaré, (Far North, Cameroon).&#x0D; Methodology and Results: For this purpose, an experimental split-splot device consisting of three blocks (repeats), comprising three varieties (Chagari, Goudami and Blanc de galmi) of onion and eight treatments (TtN, Ttp, THK1, THK2, TEFK1, TEFK2, TEEK1 and TEEK2) was used in two study sites (Gayak and Wouro-Mayo) and during two agricultural seasons (2020 and 2021). After data collection and analysis, the results obtained show that the mean value of the highest incidence was obtained with Ttn treatment (34.44) in Gayak in 2020, and the lowest value was obtained with THK2 (0.00) in Wouro-Mayo. In 2021, the highest mean value was recorded in Gayak with TtN (32.03) and the lowest incidence is observed with TEEK2 (0.37) in Wouro-Mayo. Moreover, the highest severity was obtained with TtN (17.58) in Wouro-Mayo in 2020, and the lowest with THK2 (0.00) at the same site. In 2021, the lowest severity was observed with THK2 (0.18) in Gayak and the highest with TtN (14.90) in Gayak. The highest yields were recorded with THK2 (160.27 t/ha) at Wouro-Mayo in 2020 and THK2 (169.46 t/ha) in 2021 at the same study site. On the other hand, the lowest yields were obtained in Gayak with TtN (79.6 t/ha) in 2020 and in 2021 with TtN (92.26 t/ha) at the same site.&#x0D; Conclusion and Application of Findings: The oil and aqueous extracts of Khaya senegalensis bark could therefore constitute an alternative to synthetic pesticides in the context of integrated onion disease management.

Color and Chemical Composition of Timber Woods (Daniellia oliveri, Isoberlinia doka, Khaya senegalensis, and Pterocarpus erinaceus) from Different Locations in Southern Mali

Wood characteristics and properties are related to various factors connected to the biochemical processes that occur in the tree during wood formation, but also, to the interactions with the environmental conditions at the tree growing location. In addition to climatic factors, several investigations drew attention to the significance of the influence of other environmental parameters at the tree growing location. In this perspective, this work aimed to characterize the variation in color and chemical composition of timber wood from different locations in southern Mali, of trees growing under the same climatic conditions. To do so, a total of 68 grounded wood samples, from 4 timber wood species (Daniellia oliveri, Isoberlinia doka, Khaya senegalensis, and Pterocarpus erinaceus), were analyzed using CIELab color space and FTIR-ATR. Overall, the results indicated that the variation in wood color and chemical properties can be related to the local environmental conditions. Pterocarpus erinaceus presented significant differences between samples from the three areas according to the highest number of variables (color parameters, molecular composition determined by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, and FTIR-ATR ratios). Daniellia oliveri and Khaya senegalensis, however, showed significant differences between areas of provenance for a lower number of variables. Isoberlinia doka, for its part, showed no significant differences and seems to be less sensitive to environmental factors. Furthermore, the results revealed that important differences exist between wood samples from Kati and Kéniéba.

Banana and corn interplanting did not reduce the initial growth of individual Khaya senegalensis (Ders.) A. Juss. trees in a dry region of Brazil

Banana and corn interplanting did not reduce the initial growth of individual Khaya senegalensis (Ders.) A. Juss. trees in a dry region of Brazil