Peltophorum Africanum Research Articles

Antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm activities of selected indigenous plant species against nosocomial bacterial pathogens.

Biofilms are responsible for over 60% of nosocomial infections. The focus of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-motility activities of Gardenia volkensii, Carissa bispinosa, Peltophorum africanum, and Senna petersiana. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using free radical (DPPH) scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated using the broth micro-dilution and the crystal violet assays, respectively. Anti-motility was evaluated using anti-swarming activities, and the brine shrimp lethality assay was used for cytotoxicity. Gardenia volkensii and C. bispinosa acetone extracts had low EC50 values of 9.59 and 9.99μg ml-1on the free-radical scavenging activity, respectively. All the plant extracts demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonasa aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)<0.63mg ml-1]. The initial cell adherence stage of P. aeruginosa and E. coli was the most susceptible stage where sub-MICs resulted in inhibitions>50%. Peltophorum africanum had the least cytotoxic effects. All extracts had anti-motility activity against P. aeruginosa and E. coli. This study showed that not only do the plants have strong antibacterial activity but had noteworthy inhibition (>50%) of initial cell adherence and may be suitable candidates for the treatment of nosocomial pathogens.

Evaluation of the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities of Peltophorum africanum leaf methanolic extract

Evaluation of the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities of Peltophorum africanum leaf methanolic extract

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.

Fabaceae: South African Medicinal Plant Species Used in the Treatment and Management of Sexually Transmitted and Related Opportunistic Infections Associated with HIV-AIDS

The use of medicinal plants, particularly in the treatment of sexually transmitted and related infections, is ancient. These plants may well be used as alternative and complementary medicine to a variety of antibiotics that may possess limitations mainly due to an emerging enormous antimicrobial resistance. Several computerized database literature sources such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, Scielo, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used to retrieve information on Fabaceae species used in the treatment and management of sexually transmitted and related infections in South Africa. The other information was sourced from various academic dissertations, theses, and botanical books. A total of 42 medicinal plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family, used in the treatment of sexually transmitted and related opportunistic infections associated with HIV-AIDS, have been documented. Trees were the most reported life form, yielding 47.62%, while Senna and Vachellia were the frequently cited genera yielding six and three species, respectively. Peltophorum africanum Sond. was the most preferred medicinal plant, yielding a frequency of citation of 14, while Vachellia karoo (Hayne) Banfi and Glasso as well as Elephantorrhiza burkei Benth. yielded 12 citations each. The most frequently used plant parts were roots, yielding 57.14%, while most of the plant species were administered orally after boiling (51.16%) until the infection subsided. Amazingly, many of the medicinal plant species are recommended for use to treat impotence (29.87%), while most common STI infections such as chlamydia (7.79%), gonorrhea (6.49%), syphilis (5.19%), genital warts (2.60%), and many other unidentified STIs that may include “Makgoma” and “Divhu” were less cited. Although there are widespread data on the in vitro evidence of the use of the Fabaceae species in the treatment of sexually transmitted and related infections, there is a need to explore the in vivo studies to further ascertain the use of species as a possible complementary and alternative medicine to the currently used antibiotics in both developing and underdeveloped countries. Furthermore, the toxicological profiles of many of these studies need to be further explored. The safety and efficacy of over-the-counter pharmaceutical products developed using these species also need to be explored.

A Review on the Impact of Oxidative Stress and Medicinal Plants on Leydig Cells.

Leydig cells are essential for steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. An imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cellular antioxidant level brings about oxidative stress. Oxidative stress (OS) results in the dysfunction of Leydig cells, thereby impairing steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and ultimately, male infertility. To prevent Leydig cells from oxidative insults, there needs to be a balance between the ROS production and the cellular protective capacity of antioxidants. Evidence indicates that medicinal plants could improve Leydig cell function at specific concentrations under basal or OS conditions. The increased usage of medicinal plants has been considered a possible alternative treatment for male infertility. This review aims to provide an overview of the impact of oxidative stress on Leydig cells as well as the effects of various medicinal plant extracts on TM3 Leydig cells. The medicinal plants of interest include Aspalathus linearis, Camellia sinensis, Moringa oleifera, Morinda officinale, Taraxacum officinale, Trichilia emetica, Terminalia sambesiaca, Peltophorum africanum, Ximenia caffra, Serenoa repens, Zingiber officinale, Eugenia jambolana, and a combination of dandelion and fermented rooibos (CRS-10). According to the findings obtained from studies conducted on the evaluated medicinal plants, it can, therefore, be concluded that the medicinal plants maintain the antioxidant profile of Leydig cells under basal conditions and have protective or restorative effects following exposure to oxidative stress. The available data suggest that the protective role exhibited by the evaluated plants may be attributed to their antioxidant content. Additionally, the use of the optimal dosage or concentration of the extracts in the management of oxidative stress is of the utmost importance, and the measurement of their oxidation reduction potential is recommended.

Effect of harvesting site on mineral concentration of browse species found in semi-arid areas of South Africa

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the harvesting site on the mineral concentration of selected browse species found in semi-arid areas of South Africa (North West and Limpopo province sites). Five trees from each of the 52 woody browse species were randomly identified and harvested in the North West and Limpopo provinces, South Africa, dried and ground for laboratory analysis. One-way ANOVA was used to analyse the mineral composition of browse species that were not common in both harvesting sites, while a two-way factorial design within a completely randomized experimental design was used to analyse the mineral composition of browse species that were common in both harvesting sites. MANOVA tests were also used in order to assess the species and harvesting site effects on mineral concentrations of species common in both sites. Through ANOVA and MANOVA, there were significant species, harvesting site, and species × harvesting stage effects on all the measured parameters (both macro and micro mineral elements). Phosphorus and calcium concentrations were the highest in Adansonia digitata species, whereas the lowest was obtained in Androstachys jonhsonii browse species in the Limpopo harvesting site. Within each province, Schinus molle found in the North West site had the highest phosphorus, potassium and sodium values when compared to all species within the same province. Vachellia nilotica subsp. kraussiana , M. azedarach and Ziziphus mucronata found in Limpopo province had the highest level of magnesium when compared to other species found within the same province. Senegalia caffra , Grewia flava , Vachellia karroo , Vachellia nilotica subsp. kraussiana , Searsia leptodictya and Melia azedarach found in the Limpopo province had the highest phosphorus level when compared to the same species found in the North West province. Senegalia caffra , Peltophorum africanum , Grewia flava , Vachellia hebeclada and Terminalia sericea found in the North West province had the highest iron levels when compared to the same species found in Limpopo province. There is a need to provide supplementation to those animals exposed to species that have a lower concentration of certain elements.

Identifying Common Trees and Herbaceous Plants to Mitigate Particulate Matter Pollution in a Semi-Arid Mining Region of South Africa

Plants provide long-term and sustainable solutions to mitigate particulate matter (PM) pollution in urban environments. We evaluated total, fine, coarse and large particle trapping abilities of an equal number of common trees (Carica papaya, Citrus limon, Moringa oleifera, Ozoroa paniculosa, Peltophorum africanum, Psidium guajava) and herbaceous species (Argemone ochroleuca, Catharanthus roseus, Gomphocarpus fruticosus, Ipomoea batatas, Senna italica, Tribulus terrestris) to identify dust accumulators for Sekhukhuneland, a mining–smelting region of South Africa where desertification is becoming problematic. Scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to count and measure particles and relate leaf surface micromorphology to dust accumulation. Three tree and three herbaceous species showed superior dust collection capacity (G. fruticosus &gt; P. guajava &gt; I. batatas &gt; O. paniculosa &gt; C. roseus &gt; M. oleifera). Variations in accumulation of PM sizes were noted among these six species and between adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces. Compared with large PM, all plants accumulated more fine and coarse fractions which are respirable and thus hazardous to human health. Leaf surface roughness, epicuticular wax and epidermal glands improved dust accumulation. The six preferred plants may serve as forerunner species to abate PM pollution in Sekhukhuneland and other arid regions facing similar climate change and pollution challenges.

An Inventory of South African Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Sexually Transmitted and Related Opportunistic Infections: An Appraisal and Some Scientific Evidence (1990-2020).

The current work is aimed at generating the first inventory of South African medicinal plants used in the treatment of sexually transmitted and related opportunistic infections associated with HIV-AIDS. This is important in assisting researchers to access a list of plant species to evaluate for potential phytocompounds, as this area of research is greatly lagging in South Africa. A total of 335 medicinal plants from 103 families have been documented in the current work. The most represented families are Fabaceae (11.64%) and Asteraceae (6.27%). Herbs constitute 36.53%, trees 32.34%, shrubs 29.04%, climbers 1.80% and parasites 0.30%. It is worrying that on the plant parts used, the roots constitute 47.18%, while leaves and stem bark yield 16.62 and 15.01%, respectively. Catharanthus roseus exhibited the highest number of citations (19), while Peltophorum africanum had 14 and both Carica papaya and Vachelia karoo had 12. In the mode of administration of the reported medicinal plant species, most of the plants are boiled and taken orally (48.22%), while other plant species are used as mouth washes (3.25%). Although there is reasonable in vitro activity of some of the plant species, validating the relevance of use, there is still a need to explore the mode of action of such plant species; isolated compounds and possible derivatives thereof are of paramount importance and need to be explored as well. Furthermore, toxicological aspects of such plant species need to be explored.

138. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of plant leaves extracted from vangueria infausta, eucalyptus globulus and peltophorum africanum

138. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of plant leaves extracted from vangueria infausta, eucalyptus globulus and peltophorum africanum

An ethnobotanical survey in the Limpopo National Park, Gaza province, Mozambique: traditional knowledge related to plant use

This study aims to document the Mozambican traditional knowledge related to the use of plants. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Limpopo National Park (Gaza province, Mozambique). Data were gathered through field expeditions which involved interviews with five local healers, selected as key informants. 101 plant species, belonging to 49 families and 83 genera, related to traditional uses were recorded. For each species, vernacular name, use categories and used parts are reported. Most of the identified plants are used for medicinal purposes (94.1%) with an analogously extensive (44.1%) also directed to food use. Plants are also used for veterinary (14.7%), cosmetic (12.7%), and handicraft (12.7%) purposes. Whereas only few species are used as fuel (4.9%), several species (37.3%) are associated to local beliefs or mystical rituals. Roots are the most used part. To identify the most important plant species used by indigenous communities, an ethnobotanical value was calculated through Uses Totaled index. Based on such cultural index, the most valuable species are Euclea divinorum, Ximenia caffra, Elaeodendron schlechterianum and Peltophorum africanum. Our findings highlight the potential of Mozambique’s flora for future conservation and development research aimed at identifying genetic resources which could also open the way to notable commercial perspectives, including through the Access and Benefit Sharing process.

Metabolite Profiling of Peltophorum africanum Sond. & Saraca indica L. Leaves via HR-UPLC/PDA/ESI/MS Analysis and Assessment of their Anti-Diabetic Potential

This study aimed to screen different extracts (E) such as total ethanol (TE), petroleum ether (PE) chloroform (CH), ethyl acetate (EA) and methanol (AM) extracts of Peltophorum africanum Sond. (PA) and Saraca indica L. (SI) leaves (family fabaceae) for their in-vitro antidiabetic activity using α-amylase inhibition assay. The extracts that showed remarkable in vitro activity were further subjected to in vivo anti-diabetic assessment using streptozotocin-induced diabetes model in experimental animals where serum glucose, C-peptide, liver glycogen content in addition to lipid peroxide level in both serum and liver were estimated biochemically in normal and diseased rats. The average percent of weight change and kidney to body weight ratio percent were calculated for all animal groups. Histopathological examination of pancreas, liver and kidney sections isolated from all animals was carried out. UPLC/MS/MS analysis of TEE of PA and SI for chemical investigation was performed. Results of the in vitro anti diabetic activity revealed that EAE, PEE& TEE of PA and TEE & EAE of SI possessed the highest inhibitory activity as compared to acarbose. In vivo antidiabetic activity of the selected extracts revealed that animal groups treated daily with EAE of PA and SI exhibited a significant improvement in carbohydrate metabolism and lipid peroxide level, with superior effect in comparison with that of TEE and PEE of both plants. Histopathological findings showed marked protection particularly in sections isolated from animals treated with EAE of PA. UPLC/MS/MS analysis of TEE of both plants identified 46 metabolites belonging to various classes. It could be suggested that active extracts of both plants could be considered as potential natural antioxidant and anti-diabetic agents.

Ethno-veterinary plants used for the treatment of retained placenta and associated diseases in cattle among Dinokana communities, North West Province, South Africa

Farmers and herders often interface ethno-veterinary knowledge and modern veterinary to treat their livestock. Viability of livestock production in local communities is continuously under the threat due to different diseases including retained placenta. The current study documented medicinal plants used to treat retained placenta and associated diseases in Dinokana communities, North West Province, South Africa. Ethnobotanical data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The collected data was presented as percentages and frequencies, use-value, frequency of citation and cultural importance index. In the study area, 25 plants from 18 families were indicated as remedies for the treatment of retained placenta in cattle. Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Peltophorum africanum, Drimia sanguinea and Elephantorrhiza elephantina were the most cited plants. The most dominating life forms were herbs (40%) and shrubs (36%). The plant parts commonly preferred in the preparation of remedies for retained placenta included the roots (36%) and leaves (21%) and whole plant (18%). Poultice (68%), maceration (24%) and decoction (8%) were the three methods of preparation that were described by the participants. Most (68%) of plants were administered topically. As indicated by the participants, at least 20% of the 25 medicinal plants had multiple indications (uses) either as single-plant or poly-plant remedies against diseases in cattle. Apart from retained placenta in cattle, these plant remedies were used for constipation, intestinal parasites, anaemia, pain and inflammation as well as diarrhoea. The study unravelled the rich indigenous knowledge on plants with ethno-veterinary value among Dinokana communities. Further studies are needed in order to determine biological activities and safety as well as the chemical profiles for these documented plants especially for those currently lacking scientific evidence on their efficacies.

A Survey of Antifungal Activity of Selected South African Plant Species Used for the Treatment of Skin Infections

Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the skin caused by a group of pathogenic fungi known as dermatophytes. Therefore, we investigated those medicinal plants that were being used by local people and traditional healers to treat skin infections in the Mopani District, Limpopo Province. A survey was conducted through the use of a semistructured program to gather information on the common names, plant parts used, methods of preparation, and administration of the medicine. Findings of the survey revealed that over 30 plant species were used for the treatment of skin infections in the area. The most common local mode of medicinal preparation to treat skin was decoction (37%), followed by paste (21%), infusion (19%), poultice (9%), smoke (7%), maceration (5%), and steam (2%). Of the species, only 12 ( Ficus sur L., Peltophorum africanum Sond., Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta, Diospyros mespilliformis Hochst. ex. A. DC., Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata, Euclea divinorum Hiern, Ximenia caffra Sond., Dombeya rotundifolia Hochst., Ficus sycomorus L., Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp inerme, Parinari curattellifolia Planch. ex Benth., and Maytenus undata (Thunb.) Blakelock) were selected based on literature and ethnobotanical information. We further investigated the antifungal activity of acetone and aqueous extracts of the above mentioned selected plant species using serial dilution assay against Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, and Candida albicans. All plant extracts were active against the tested microorganisms with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging between 0.02 mg/mL and 1.25 mg/mL. In the bioautography assay, more active compounds were visible in acetone and water extracts of E. divinorum. No active compounds were observed in some plant extracts with excellent antifungal activity, as shown in the microdilution assay. Findings, in general, suggest that the identified plant species, especially those with extracts showing relatively low MIC values, are playing a big role in treating skin infections in Mopani District.

Development of a pseudovirus assay and evaluation to screen natural products for inhibition of HIV-1 subtype C reverse transcriptase

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMedicinal plants are used in the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in many developing country settings where HIV-1 subtype C drives the epidemic. Efforts to identify plant derived molecules with anti-HIV properties require reproducible assay systems for routine screening of selected plant compounds. Although a number of standardized HIV-1 pseudoviruses have been generated to assess infectivity, replicability or reproducibility, HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1-C) pseudoviruses have not been comprehensively characterized to identify inhibitory plant substances. Aim of the studyThe current study aimed at developing an HIV-1-C pseudovirus assay, and evaluate plant substances targeting reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. Materials and methodsHIV-1 subtype C pseudoviruses containing a luciferase reporter gene were generated by transfection of human 293T cells. HIV-1 subtype B (HIV-1-B) wild type pseudoviruses and mutants resistant to nucleoside and non-nucleoside RT inhibitors were also generated and used as controls. Selected plant substances and the RT inhibitors Zidovudine (AZT) and Nevirapine (NVP), were used to evaluate inhibition. Pseudovirus infectivity was determined by luciferase measurement in CF2/CD4+/CCR5 cells, and cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay. AZT and NVP inhibited wild type pseudoviruses in a dose dependent manner, with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. ResultsPseudoviruses harbouring RT drug resistance mutations were poorly suppressed by AZT and NVP. Catechin, obtained from Peltophorum africanum inhibited HIV-1-C and HIV-1-B pseudoviruses with selective indices of 6304 μM (IC50: 0.49 μM, CC50: 3089 μM) and 1343 μM (IC50: 2.3 μM, CC50: 3089 μM), respectively; while the methanol root crude extract of Elaeodendron transvaalense gave IC50 values of 11.11 μg/ml and 16.86 μg/ml, respectively. ConclusionThe developed HIV-1-C pseudovirus assay can be used to screen plant substances for RT inhibition, and may have utility in settings with limited access to high level biosafety facilities.

Relationship Between Leaf Area Index and Atmospheric Cooling of Tree Species

Presence of tree canopy is known to strongly influence ambient temperature and other micro-climatic conditions underneath. Therefore, planting trees with close or dense crown can be used as effective measure to provide thermal cover to species of flora and fauna adapted to shady and cooler environment. The cooling produced by a tree is exclusively the combined results of physical and physiological functions of its canopy. Tree canopy is one of the most important, physiologically active components that establish interaction between the terrestrial environment and the atmosphere which regulates various bio-physiological processes. Leaf Area Index (LAI) is one of the most reliable indicators of growth and vigour of a tree. We compared LAI and corresponding understory temperature of a few isolated trees of Ficus benjamina, Mangifera indica, Anthocephalus chinensis, Lagerstroemia floribunda and Peltophorum africanum belonging to evergreen, semi-deciduous and deciduous nature to establish the relationship between the two parameters. A great variation in LAIs of deciduous and semi-deciduous species was observed on account of leaf shedding and fast development of crown after emergence of new leaves whereas the variation was lesser in evergreen species. A strong positive correlation was found between LAI and cooling produced by A. chinensis, L. floribunda and P. africanum whereas no linear relation was established in case of M. indica and F. benjamina.

The Most Important Herbs Used in the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Traditional Medicine

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or venereal diseases are transmitted through various methods of sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, and anal). The predisposition to this type of diseases and infections depends on the immunity system of the body, so the lower the immunity system’s strength, the greater the risk of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The most important pathogenic causes of STIs include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Phytochemical investigations have shown that medicinal plants are a rich source of antioxidant compounds, biologically active compounds, phenols, etc. They can have an inhibitory effect on germs and infectious viruses and are very important for a variety of parasitic diseases, microbial infections, and STIs. Some of the most important medicinal plants that produce inhibitory effects on the growth and proliferation of pathogenic agents of the STIs were reported in the present article. Based on the results obtained from the review of numerous articles indexed in the databases the Institute for Scientific Information, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, etc., a number of plants have been reported to be used in the treatment and prevention of genital tract diseases and STIs, and to produce antiviral and antimicrobial effects, including Taxillus, Aristolochia, Syzygium cumini, Albizia adianthifolia, Bidens pilosa, Carica papaya, Ranunculus, Peltophorum africanum, Vachellia karroo, Rhoicissus tridentate, Houttuynia cordata, Panax notoginseng, Nelumbo nucifera, Astragalus, Hypericum aethiopicum, Spondias mombin, Jatropha zeyheri, Ximenia caffra, Trichilia dregeana, Clematis brachiate, Tabernaemontana, Sarcophyton. Phytochemical investigations have examined the therapeutic and clinical effects of medicinal plants, and the use of their active ingredients to produce herbal drugs has been addressed. The results of phytochemical investigations have shown that the most important compounds of these plants include quercetin, isoquercitrin, Dammarane-type saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, astragalosides, flavonoids and polysaccharides, α-pinene, β-pinene, α-pinene, quercetin, myricetin and luteolin flavonoids, β-pinene, 1,3,8-p-menthatriene, ledene, m-menthane, linalyl acetate and 3-carene. β-sitosterol, lupeol, lupeol, sitosterol, spathulenol, β-sitostenone,

Population Structure of Ungulates in Waterberg National Park, Namibia

Abstract A study on the seasonal variation in population structure of seven (7) ungulate species, African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), eland (Tragelaphus oryx), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), oryx (Oryx gazella), sable (Hippotragus niger), roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) and the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) was carried out using the field census approach during the wet (February– April) and dry (July–September) season, and a water hole census (September) at seven waterholes in the Waterberg National Park, Namibia. Male warthog, oryx and black rhino on average comprised about 40 % of the population, whereas male sable, roan antelope, eland and buffalo comprised 30 % of the population. Male kudu and male white rhino comprised 20 % of the sex structure of the population, whereas male giraffe comprised more than 50 % of population. Age structure was dominated by adults, with 60 % of the total population in warthog, sable, eland and the white rhino, and 70 % in kudu, roan, buffalo, giraffe and black rhino on average. Oryx had the highest number of adults, with only 10 % of the population comprised of juveniles. Larger herds were observed during the wet season and smaller herds during the dry season. Animals were observed more abundantly in three of the vegetation types (Terminalia sericea — Melhania acuminata vegetation, Terminalia sericea — Thesium megalocarpum, Terminalia sericea — Blepharis integrifolia), with lower abundances in the rock-inhabiting Peltophorum africanum during both seasons.

An Empirical Relation for Vegetation Fuel Flames Breakdown Electric Field Strength

The compulsion to provide reliable electric power for sustenance of socio-economic development is vital for most of southern Africa states. The demand for the resource in the region is anticipated to escalate in the next couple of decades. However, there is a deleterious effect of fire-induced power disruption which is observed in many countries. The mechanism through which the disruption occurs is currently a subject of current research in electric power distribution. It has been observed that streamer initiated conduction channel provides a means of high voltage electric power flashover. The main purpose of this study is to determine the empirical expression for breakdown electric field strength of vegetation fires. The breakdown field was measured from vegetation fuel (Peltophorum africanum) flames at different combustion temperatures. The data is essential for validation of simulation schemes which are necessary for evaluation of power grid systems reliability under extreme wildfire weather conditions. In this study, Peltophorum africanum fuels were ignited in a cylindrically shaped steel burner which was fitted with a Type-K thermocouple to measure flame temperature. The fuels consisted of dried fine twig (≤0.8 mm Ø) and limb wood (≥10 mm Ø) litter. Two copper pinned-electrodes supported by retort stands were mounted to the burner and energized to a high voltage. This generated a strong electric field sufficient to initiate dielectric breakdown in the flames. The measured electric field strength was plotted against flame temperatures and fit with a non-linear relation to give the empirical relation.

Ethnomedicinal plants used by traditional healers in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic diseases in Lusaka, Zambia

Despite the use of ethnobotanical remedies to manage human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), there is paucity of empirical data on the specific plant species used by traditional healers to manage HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections in Zambia. Therefore, this study documented putative plant species used to manage HIV and AIDS-related opportunistic diseases in Lusaka, Zambia. Exploratory, semi-structured interviews and detailed descriptive studies of 40 traditional healers were conducted. The following ethnobotanical data were recorded: plant species, parts used, modes of preparation, administration, and diseases treated. Data were analyzed by calculating percentage frequencies, familiarity index (Fi), and informant consensus factor (FIC). A total of 84 plant species from 38 families, mostly the Fabaceae, were used as ethnomedicines. Roots, leaves and stem bark were mostly harvested for the treatment of STIs including HIV, skin infections, diarrhea, malaria, tuberculosis, persistent cough, erectile dysfunction, oral infections, cancer and weight loss. Thirteen plants were used to manage three different diseases: Abrus precatorius, Albizia anthelmintica, Carica papaya, Cassia abbreviata, Combretum elaeagnoides, Flueggea virosa, Mimosa pigra, Mundulea sericea, Musa acuminata, Piliostigma thonningii, Ricinus communis, Securidaca longepedunculata, and Syzygium guineense. Garcinia livingstonei, Kigelia africana, Peltophorum africanum and Ziziphus mucronata were individually used to manage four different disease conditions. Only Plumbago zeylanica was used to manage five different disease conditions. These multi-use plants may have broad antimicrobial activities but risk over-exploitation. The results of this study urge a fundamental rethink of how patients and public health authorities view traditional plant medicines for HIV/AIDS management in Lusaka, Zambia.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of the lay people of Blouberg area (Pedi tribe), Limpopo Province, South Africa

BackgroundLimpopo province, South Africa, has a rich plant diversity and is referred to as one of the hotspots areas within the country. The aim of the current work was to identify and document medicinal plant species used by the indigenous Pedi people of Blouberg area, Limpopo Province, South Africa.MethodsA total of 40 informants which includes both traditional healers and medicinal plant sellers were randomly selected and asked about the plant species used in treatment of variety of infections using a structured questionnaire. Follow-up visits and various field walks were also used to identify and document various plant species used in Traditional medicine (TM). The interviews were carried out from April 2008 to June 2016 using indigenous language (Sehananwa).ResultsA total of 82 medicinal plants species belonging to 42 families have been collected, identified and documented. About 46.34% of the plant species were herbs, followed by trees (25.61%), shrubs (20.73%) and climbers (7.32%). The most used plant parts are roots and rhizomes (58.58%). Peltophorum africanum Sond revealed frequency index of greater than 70 and is used in combination with other plants species to treat various pathogenic infections. Most of the plant species reported are used in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (24), management of HIV-AIDS (15) and stomach ache (14). Our informants indicated that the use of plant medicines in combinations is also applied to cure pathogenic infections.ConclusionThe current study demonstrate that the indigenous people of Blouberg area, Limpopo Province harbours an important information about the vegetation around them. The plant species are used in the treatment of various pathogenic infections, offers fruits as additional source of food and form integral part of other medicinal products that may in turn produce income.