Parkia biglobosa stem bark, a traditionally utilized herbal remedy, has been valued for its therapeutic properties, yet scientific validation of its chemical and medicinal characteristics is sparse. This study was set to explore the phytochemical composition and bioactive components of P. biglobosa stem bark, employing advanced spectroscopic techniques to assess its medicinal potential. The bark was collected from Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria, authenticated at Bayero University, Kano, and processed through maceration in 70% methanol for one week, yielding a 17.92% extract. Comprehensive qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screenings were conducted, along with Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. The results indicated the presence of bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, and terpenoids, while compounds such as anthocyanins and coumarins were absent. Quantitative assays revealed that tannins were the most abundant (97.632 mg/g), followed by alkaloids (25.239 mg/g) and phenolics (15.143 mg/g). FT-IR spectroscopy identified functional groups such as hydrogen-bonded OH (3188 cm⁻¹) and C=O (1678 cm⁻¹). GC-MS analysis further supported the detection of various bioactive constituents. These findings substantiate the medicinal use of P. biglobosa stem bark in treating conditions linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases, highlighting its potential for novel therapeutic applications.

Harnessing Bacillus subtilis C6 as a bioprotective starter: A strategy for histamine mitigation and product quality in fermented Parkia biglobosa

Appraising bio-nutritional potentials of ready-to-use Parkia biglobosa seed extract as food functional ingredient: Effects of microwave-grilled and solar processing

Locust Bean Pod Ash (LBPA) is produced from the calcination of Locust Bean Pod (LBP), an agricultural waste of the African locust bean tree (Parkia biglobosa). This study evaluated the use of LBPA obtained through controlled calcination and open burning as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in high-strength concrete (HSC). Cement was replaced by LBPA at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight using both ashes—LC for ash produced through calcination at 600 °C, and LO for ash obtained through open burning. Slump and strength were assessed, including compressive strength (100 × 100 × 100 mm cubes) and splitting tensile strength (100 × 200 mm cylinders) up to 90 days. The results showed that LC contained 42.81% and LO contained 10.69% combined SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃. The 5% replacement level produced the best performance for both LBPA types. At 90 days, LC and LO improved compressive strength by 14.48% (68.8 N/mm²) and 10.48% (66.4 N/mm²), respectively, compared to the control (60.1 N/mm²). Similarly, the tensile strengths of LC05 and LO05 were 6.74% (4.75 N/mm²) and 4.94% (4.67 N/mm²) higher than the control (4.45 N/mm²). The study concludes that both ashes can be used as SCMs in HSC, with 5% and 10% recommended as optimum replacement levels for calcined and openly burnt LBP, respectively.

Abstract Smallholder farming systems in the Sahel face severe vegetation loss and declining soil fertility, which threatens food security and livelihoods. While native shrubs and trees have traditionally been used as mulch, some exotic species have recently gained attention due to their faster decomposition rates and potential to increase crop productivity. Therefore, identifying optimal combinations of mulch species and fertilizer inputs is essential for developing low-cost, sustainable soil fertility strategies suited to Sahelian conditions. A two-year field study (2023–2025) at the Farako Agricultural Research Station in Mali compared the decomposition rates and effects on maize productivity of two exotic species ( Gliricidia sepium , Leucaena leucocephala ) and three local species ( Parkia biglobosa , Vitellaria paradoxa , Guiera senegalensis ). Decomposition was modeled using an exponential regression to estimate 50% and 100% decomposition. Maize grain yield and dry matter responses were assessed under pruning applications with or without mineral fertilizer. The results showed that Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium significantly improved maize productivity, achieving yields comparable to or greater than those with full mineral fertilization applied alone or with half the recommended fertilizer rate. In contrast, Parkia biglobosa and Vitellaria paradoxa reduced maize yields compared to the control. These findings demonstrate the strong potential of Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium to enhance productivity while reducing fertilizer dependence. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of these species on soil restoration and evaluate the potential of slower-decomposing local species such as Guiera senegalensis and Piliostigma reticulatum across diverse agroecological zones in partnership with smallholder farmers.

Background: Dawadawa, a protein-rich condiment from African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa), remains poorly characterized in North-Central Nigeria despite widespread consumption and traditional claims of health benefits. Objectives: This study investigated the microbial diversity, probiotic potential, and safety profile of traditionally fermented Dawadawa from Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: Thirty Dawadawa samples were collected from Anyigba, Dekina, and Ankpa local government areas. Comprehensive microbiological characterization used culture-dependent methods, biochemical identification, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Probiotic attributes, including gastric acid tolerance, bile salt resistance, cell surface hydrophobicity, and adhesion capacity, were evaluated. Antimicrobial activity and safety assessments were performed using standardized protocols. Results: Total viable counts ranged from 7.42 to 8.91 log CFU/g, with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) dominating at 7.15-8.34 log CFU/g. Sixteen bacterial species were identified, with Bacillus subtilis (47%) and Lactobacillus plantarum (23%) predominating. Selected LAB isolates demonstrated gastric acid tolerance of 73-89% at pH 3.0, bile salt tolerance of 68-84% at 0.3% oxgall, and strong adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells (2.8-8.4 CFU/cell). Antimicrobial assays revealed inhibition zones of 12-24 mm against pathogenic indicators. All samples were negative for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes and showed no acquired antibiotic resistance. Conclusion: Dawadawa from Kogi State harbors diverse beneficial microorganisms with significant probiotic potential, supporting its development as a functional food and source of indigenous probiotic strains. This study represents the first comprehensive probiotic characterization of Dawadawa from North-Central Nigeria, identifying indigenous L. plantarum strains with exceptional functional properties suitable for probiotic development. Keywords: Dawadawa, Parkia biglobosa, lactic acid bacteria, probiotic potential, fermented condiment, functional food, Nigerian indigenous food

Exploring legume-based alternatives to Parkia biglobosa for sustainable Soumbara production: Nutritional and functional evaluation

Green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Parkia biglobosa flower extracts for the removal of malachite green and acid red 88 dyes from aqueous solution

The aim of this study is to establish and update the soumbara production diagram and consumer preferences for this product. A soumbara production survey was conducted among 750 soumbara producers in 25 villages, with 30 producers per village. A soumbara preference test was conducted on a panel of 108 tasters to determine the most popular product in terms of taste, colour, smell and texture. Scores ranging from 1 to 5 were assigned to these criteria. The soumbara produced in the Korhogo area was the most popular, followed by that from Ferkessédougou and Boundiali. The least popular soumbara was that produced in Katiola. The results revealed two soumbara production processes. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) identified four (4) groups. The first group consisted of the production areas of Odienné and Katiola. The second group consisted of the production area of Boundiali, The third group comprised the production area of Ferkessédougou, and finally, the fourth group comprised the production area of Korhogo.

Introduction: Dawadawa, a protein-rich fermented condiment from African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa), is widely consumed in Nigeria, but its bioactive compound content and nutritional profile from North-Central regions remain poorly documented. This study represents the first comprehensive characterization of antioxidant activities, nutritional composition, and functional properties of traditionally fermented Dawadawa from North-Central Nigeria (Kogi State), revealing significant location-based differences in quality parameters. Methods: Thirty Dawadawa samples were collected from three local government areas in Kogi State (Anyigba, Dekina, and Ankpa) between June and August 2025. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays at an extract concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were determined spectrophotometrically using validated standard curves. Proximate composition, amino acid profile, and mineral content were analyzed using AOAC methods. Functional properties, including water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, and bulk density, were assessed. Results: Dawadawa extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activities with DPPH radical scavenging capacity of 68.4-79.6%, ABTS radical scavenging of 71.2-82.5%, and FRAP values of 156.3-234.7 µM FE/g. Total phenolic content ranged from 42.8-58.3 mg GAE/g, total flavonoids from 18.4-29.6 mg QE/g, and tannins from 8.4-14.2 mg TAE/g. Strong positive correlations were observed between phenolic content and antioxidant activities (r = 0.82 for DPPH and r = 0.86 for FRAP). Proximate analysis revealed protein content of 35.2-42.7%, crude fat of 12.8-18.4%, crude fiber of 8.4-11.6%, and ash of 4.2-6.8%. Amino acid profiling identified seventeen amino acids with essential amino acid composition meeting FAO/WHO requirements. Mineral analysis showed high levels of calcium (184.6-246.8 mg/100g), iron (12.4-18.7 mg/100g), zinc (3.8-5.6 mg/100g), magnesium (86.4-124.6 mg/100g), and phosphorus (234.8-316.4 mg/100g). Samples from Anyigba demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant activity and bioactive compound content than those from other locations, establishing it as a superior production location. Conclusion: This first comprehensive study of Dawadawa from North-Central Nigeria demonstrates that traditionally fermented products from Kogi State possess substantial antioxidant activities and excellent nutritional composition, confirming their status as functional foods with significant health-promoting potential. The identification of Anyigba as a producer of superior-quality Dawadawa with enhanced antioxidant properties has important implications for quality control, best-practice guidelines for commercial production, and the development of region-specific functional food applications. Keywords: Dawadawa, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, nutritional composition, functional food, bioactive compounds, fermented legume, Nigeria, fermented condiments

This research was carried out to determine some of the nutritional compositions of dried fermented African locust beans powder. Fermented locust bean is generally prone to deterioration and therefore adequate preservation methods are essential to obtain bean powder of good quality.In this study, two drying methods (sun and oven drying) were used to produce fermented dried locust bean which was later milled into powder. The oven-drying experiments were conducted for two air drying temperatures, 45oC and 55oC. The rate of moisture removal was determined by the weight loss which was measured at a 1-hour interval until a constant weight was reached.Proximate, phytochemical and vitamin C contents of the dried powder were analysed and the results showed that oven-dried (55oC) locust bean sample has the lowest moisture content of 4.70% when compared to other samples. However, oven-dried locust bean sample at 45oC had higher values of protein and Vitamin C of 37.05% and 3.03 mg/g respectively. It can be concluded from this study that oven-dried African locust beans powder samples generally retained the nutritional compositions studied better than sun dried samples.

Background: The human body needs essential micronutrients to function properly. Infants, who are constantly growing and developing, have significant nutritional needs. A balanced diet and protective nutrients will provide the elements necessary for their growth and harmonious development while protecting them from malnutrition. Aims: The study aimed to determine the profile of certain minerals and contaminants present, as well as the energy content of infant flours enriched with Parkia biglobosa and Ziziphus jujuba pulp in Guera. Methods: The flours were formulated from local products that had undergone various treatments and were enriched with local natural resources. The minerals contained in the different flours was used to determine by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and Aflatoxin levels were determined using the AOAC methods. Results: Twelve infant flour formulations were obtained. The results obtained show that the calcium content ranged from 341.03 to 341.20 mg/100g, the magnesium content ranged from 48.21 to 93.05 mg/100g, the iron content ranged from 8.40 to 23.71 mg/100g, zinc ranged from 2.91 to 8.71 mg/100g, potassium ranged from 407.85 to 475 mg/100g and sodium ranged from 201.15 to 237.67 mg/100g. The level of AFB1 ranged from 0 to 0.264 µg/kg, that of AFB2 from 0 to 0.149 µg/kg, that of AFG1 from 0 to 1.134 µg/kg, that of AFG2 from 0 to 1.034 µg/kg and that of AFT from 0.210 to 1.448 µg/kg. In general, the infant flours had a good mineral content and very low levels of toxic contaminants, below the recommended thresholds. The infant flours produced were therefore of good nutritional and health quality. Conclusion: The infant formulae had acceptable nutritional and health qualities, as well as an energy density better suited to their needs and more effective in preventing malnutrition in infants. However, sprouted flours were better in terms of minerals and would be more advantageous in terms of compensation.

The need for locally produced, durable and robust, readily available, inexpensive and environmentally friendly building materials has led to persistent bottlenecks in sustainable housing delivery. "The construction industry is exploring exciting new materials that are eco-friendly and perfect for construction projects." The major problem associated with compressed earth bricks is the high rate of water absorption and lack of durability properties because most soil in its natural condition needs more strength, dimensional stability, and durability, which are required for building materials. The effect of high rate of water absorption and other strength and durability issues make bricks to be soluble in water and limits its use and performance of the bricks. This experimental study assesses the effect of locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) pod ash and Portland cement on compressed earth bricks' strength and durability properties. Compressed earth bricks were tested for density, compressive strength, permeability, water absorption, shrinkage, sorptivity and abrasion resistance. The maximum compressive strength was achieved at 10%C:10%LBPA stabilization with a strength of 2.52 N/mm2 and 2.80 N/mm2 at 28 and 56 days, which shows a 50% and 53.21% increase in strength over the control brick samples, respectively. Bricks produced with cement and locust bean pod ash were less permeable and had high resistance to abrasion, less shrinkage, less porous and less sorptivity than 0% stabilization. In conclusion, cement and locust bean pod ash are good stabilizing agents in compressed earth bricks. The use of Portland cement and locust bean pod ash as a stabilizing material seems to be a feasible solution not only to the problem associated with compressed earth bricks but also helps in the adoption of Indigenous waste material of locust bean pod in the production of bricks which will help reduce the environmental problem. Therefore, this research recommends using cement and locust bean pod ash at 10%C:10%LBPA in compressed earth bricks, leading to robust, stabilized and durable bricks.

This study investigated the polyphenolic composition of Adansonia digitata (baobab), Parkia biglobosa (locust bean), Tamarindus indica (tamarind), and Aframomum meleguetta (alligator pepper), species widely consumed by rural populations in Côte d'Ivoire. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, along with antioxidant capacity, were assessed in aqueous, acidified and ethanolic extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites polyphenols (notably flavonoids), sterols, terpenes, and alkaloids in varying proportions across species. The highest polyphenol concentration was observed in baobab leaf extracts obtained with acidified water, followed by tamarind pulp, baobab pulp, alligator pepper, and locust bean pulp. Polyphenols in baobab and locust bean seeds were detected only in trace amounts. A similar trend was observed for flavonoids, with baobab leaves containing the highest levels. Antioxidant capacity, measured as Trolox equivalents, was likewise greatest in baobab leaf extracts. These findings highlight the nutritional and therapeutic value of baobab, locust bean, tamarind, and alligator pepper, supporting their traditional applications in food and medicine, while also reinforcing their potential as functional ingredients for health-promoting interventions.

Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean) is a versatile leguminous tree with high ecological, nutritional, and economic importance in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, seed dormancy caused by a stiff seed coat limits its propagation. Aim: This study investigated the effects of several pretreatment procedures on P. biglobosa germination and early seedling growth. Location and duration: The study was conducted at Njala University's Department of Forestry and Wood Science in Southern Sierra Leone. It took a total of 8weeks to observe seed germination and field data recording. Methodology: Seeds were subjected to four treatments: physical scarification with sandpaper (T1), soaking in hot water (T2), soaking in water at room temperature (T3), and untreated control (T0). A total of 400 seeds (100 per treatment) were sown in a randomized complete block design using loamy soil and river sand in equal proportion. Over an eight-week observation period, germination rates, emergence rates (ER), and emergence rate indices (ERI) were recorded and analyzed using chi-square tests. Results: The results showed that scarified seeds (T1) had the highest germination rate (75%), followed by room-temperature-soaked seeds (T3) at 64%, the control (T0) at 50%, and hot water-treated seeds (T2) at 27%. Although T1 had the highest ER, T3 had the highest ERI (32.92), implying faster and more uniform early seedling emergence. Statistical study revealed a substantial correlation between pretreatment type and germination outcome (χ² = 51.75, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The data indicate that physical scarification and soaking in water at room temperature are effective, low-cost strategies for overcoming seed dormancy in P. biglobosa, however hot water treatment may reduce seed viability.

This study examined six honey samples from southwestern and north-central Nigeria to evaluate their authenticity, floral origin, and quality using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and palynological, proximate, and heavy metal analyses. A total of 24,481 pollen grains and spores were identified, representing 38 plant species from 22 families. The dominant nectar- and pollen-producing plants include Terminalia catappa, Vitex doniana, Brachystegia sp., and Parkia biglobosa. Most samples were multifloral, except those from the Kabba and Owo States, which had fewer floral sources. Heavy metal analysis revealed the presence of Cu (0.101–1.973 mg/kg), Zn (1.755–2.137 mg/kg), Cd (0.001 mg/kg), Mn (0.251–0.817 mg/kg), and Pb (0.0001 mg/kg). VOC analysis detected 166 compounds, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, terpenes, furans, and lactones, which contribute to the distinctive aroma of honey. Owo honey exhibited the highest number of VOCs (78), followed by Ede (52), and Atan-Ota (38). Unique VOC profiles in samples from Ogun State reflected local plant diversity, supporting efforts to authenticate honey. This study provides valuable insights into the botanical origin, purity, and contamination level of honey. These findings support consumer confidence and guide regulatory agencies to ensure honey quality. By understanding the complex interactions between local flora, honeybees, and honey composition, stakeholders can make informed decisions to promote the authenticity and safety of honey products.

There is a global resurgence in the use of herbal preparations, and in some developing countries, including Nigeria, it has been gradually integrated into the primary and secondary health care systems. Nearly all societies have used herbal materials as sources of medicines, and the development of these herbal sources of medicines depends on local botanical flora, of which the effects are not usually known. The study aimed to investigate the acute effects of aqueous seed extract of Parkia biglobosa on liver functions in Wistar albino rats. Acute toxicity was performed via the intraperitoneal route to determine the LD50. The animals were subsequently sacrificed, and liver functions were assessed using standard techniques. The acute intraperitoneal toxicity result, LD50, revealed Parkia biglobosa aqueous seed extract to be non-lethal at 5000mg/kg bodyweight. The results obtained for liver function parameters indicated that ingestion of Parkia biglobosa seed extract has no toxic effect on liver functions. The results can form the basis for further clinical trials.

In Burkina Faso, the use of biological methods for weed control remains relatively limited and poorly adopted, largely due to a range of socio-demographic and economic barriers. This study aims to identify the determinants that constrain the adoption of Parkia biglobosa pods option for the sustainable management of agricultural weeds. A random sampling approach was employed to survey 262 farmers, comprising 127 adopters of Parkia biglobosa pods in weed management and 135 non-adopters. The questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect data. The results of the Logit model estimation indicate that training in biological weed control, membership in an association, age, farm size, land tenure, and education level significantly influence the adoption of Parkia biglobosa pods in agricultural weed management. These results may help guide policymakers and farmers’ organizations engaged in the promotion of biological control practices. Accordingly, strengthening farmers’ training on biological methods for managing agricultural pests, together with the implementation of sound land tenure policies, could foster a wider adoption of Parkia biglobosa pods in sustainable weed management.

Biologists have long been fascinated by the study of pollen grains. They have used their great intra- and interspecific diversity as an indicator to reconstitute and interpret ancient and modern plants and environmental conditions. Objective:This study aimed to investigate Palynological research of thirteen (13) Fabaceae species (Afzelia africana Sm. & Pers, Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw, Cassia sieberiana DC, Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel, Detarium senegalensis J. Gmelin, Dialium guineensis Willd, Faidherbia albida Del.Chev, Parkia biglobosa Jacq.Benth, Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir, Senna alata L, Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Senna siamea (Lam) and Tamarindus indica L) which occur in the lower Casamance forest (Senegal). Pollen grains were acetolyzed and observed both qualitatively and quantitatively through light microscopy. The results showed that Fabaceae are eurypalinous, dispersed in monads, subcircular polyads, subspherical and subtriangular forms, reticulate, tricolporate apertures. The polar axis, equatorial diameter of the pollen grains, colpus length and width were measured. The smallest pollen grain size was found in Dialium guineense (16.00 x 18.00 ¨µm), while the largest pollen size was found in Parkia biglobosa (94.00 x 94.00 µm). The ornamentation of the exine is thick reticulate, fine, scabrous, pseudoreticulate, cracked ectexine, reticulate with granular cytoplasm, striato reticulate, reticulate with large apertures, and fine exine with thick striations.Although pollen characteristics within the Fabaceae family are generally similar, variations in the apertures and surface ornamentation of pollen grains provide useful criteria for distinguishing between species.

This study aims at selecting néré trees based on their agromorphological characteristics. Data were collected from 90 mother trees distributed across four cities (Korhogo, M’Bengué, Dikodougou, and Sinématiali), as well as their progeny evaluated in a nursery. The data collection focused on 21 quantitative traits related to the trunk, fruits, and seeds for the characterization of the mother trees, and 9 quantitative traits for the characterization of the progeny in the nursery. The collected data were subjected to multivariate statistical analyses. The study revealed a high variability in traits such as trunk circumference, height, number of fruits per cluster, and seed weight. Hierarchical Ascending Classification (HAC) identified three distinct classes of trees and nursery plants. Trees in Class II, consisting of genotypes DN12, DN16, KN11, KN20, SN13, and SN24, along with their progeny, recorded the best performances. These trees stood out with higher values for the number of fruits per peduncle (7 to 8), seed weight per cluster (28.658 g), and number of seeds per cluster (117 to 118). In the nursery, their progeny exhibited the highest germination rates (89.95%), greater plant height (10.339 cm), a higher number of internodes (4 to 5), and a higher number of leaves (5 to 6). The parent trees from Class II should be selected for plant breeding or vegetative propagation. Keywords: Parkia biglobosa, Agromorphological-Characterization, Selection, Côte-d’Ivoire