Sclerocarya Birrea Research Articles

Beekeeping Practices and Physicochemical Properties of Honey Produced in Maun, Botswana

Beekeeping sector plays a major role in rural socio-economic development and environmental conservation. Maun has been identified as one of the excellent potential areas for honeybee production in Botswana because of its suitable agroecological condition for beekeeping. Maun village is located in north-western Botswana and tourism is the main economic activity in the area. It is situated at the gateway for tourists visiting the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. The study was conducted to assess beekeeping practices and determine the physicochemical properties of honey produced in Maun village. Honeybee production practices were assessed by conducting questionnaire survey. Three honey samples were obtained each from backyard hives and the forest and analysed for their physicochemical properties following standard procedures. Honey samples collected from backyard hives had an average moisture (%), pH, free acidity (meq/kg), total ash (%), reducing sugars (%), sucrose (%) and Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) (mg/kg) contents of 18.03±0.15, 4.12±0.02, 21.6±0.10, 0.14±0.01, 71.27±0.13, 1.63±0.02 and 17.67±0.21, respectively. The corresponding values for honey samples collected from the forest were 17.43±0.21, 6.45±0.17, 13.17±0.06, 0.27±0.02, 60.38±0.16, 0.84±0.04 and 20.63±0.55, respectively. Significant differences (p＜0.05) were observed between backyard and forest honey samples for all the parameters considered. The pH, total ash and HMF contents of forest honey samples were significantly higher (p＜0.05) than the corresponding values for backyard honey. On the other hand, the moisture, free acidity, reducing sugars and sucrose contents of backyard honey samples were significantly higher (p＜0.05) than the corresponding values for forest honey. In Maun area, honey is mainly produced in the backyards of farmers using modern hives although some honey is collected from the forest. The dominant vegetation in the area that are used as bee forage include herbs such as rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), lavender (Lavendula angustifolia), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and peppermint (Mentha piperita), strawberry plant (Fragaria ananassa), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea). Honey is mostly harvested in December, and it is used for acne and flu remedy, colds, and as a sweetener. The major challenges of beekeeping in the area were reported to be pests such as wax moth, ants and yellow jackets; use of pesticides and harsh weather conditions. In conclusion, honey produced in Maun area is of good quality. Most of the physicochemical parameters of both honey types analysed in the present study were within the limits of international standards for honey.

Biosynthesis of bifunctional silver nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of organic pollutants and optical monitoring of mercury (II) ions using their oxidase-mimic activity.

In this study, an aqueous extract of Sclerocarya birrea leaves was used as a reducing agent to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesis was carried out at room temperature and was both rapid and simple. Different characterization techniques such as UV/visible spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy were used to confirm the formation of AgNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, methyl orange, methylene blue, and rhodamine 6G. The catalytic activity was monitored by measuring the UV/visible absorbance spectra of the compounds using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent and found to be high. Additionally, the particles displayed oxidase-like activity. In the presence of AgNPs, 3, 3', 5, 5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) which is colorless was transformed to oxidized TMB, which is blue, using dissolved oxygen as the oxidant. In the presence of Hg2+, the oxidase-like activity was enhanced. On the basis of this observation, an assay for the analysis of Hg2+ was developed. The linear range of the calibration curve is wide (0-600µM) and the limit of detection (LOD) is low, as small as 34.8nM. The method is strongly selective towards Hg2+. Tap water obtained from the laboratory where these experiments were carried out was used to study the feasibility of the method in real sample analyses.

Antifungal Activities of Phytochemically Characterized Hydroethanolic Extracts of Sclerocarya birrea Leaves and Stem Bark against Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans Strains.

The study evaluated the antifungal activities of the 70% ethanol extracts of Sclerocarya birrea leaves (SBL) and stem bark (SBB) against C. albicans strains and fluconazole-resistant isolates, their antifungal effects in combination with conventional antifungals as well as their effects on the biofilms of the C. albicans strains and isolates. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis was then carried out to investigate the metabolite profile of the extracts and UPLC fingerprints developed for their routine identification as part of quality control measures. The extracts exhibited considerable antifungal activity with MIC ranging from 12.21 to 97.66 μg/mL and MFC from 12.21 to 390.63 μg/mL against the C. albicans strains and isolates. The antifungal activity of the stem bark extract was higher than the leaf extract. SBL and SBB also significantly inhibited biofilm formation (IC50 = 12.49 to 164.42 μg/mL) and the mature biofilms (IC50 = 91.50 to 685.20 μg/mL) of the strains and isolates of the C. albicans and demonstrated potential for their use in combination therapies with currently used antifungals especially the stem bark extract with nystatin. Metabolite profiling identified the presence of polyphenolic compounds in both leaves and stem bark mostly flavonoids, their derivatives, and proanthocyanidins, which contribute in part to the bioactivity of the plant. Whereas flavonoids like quercetin, myricetin, and their derivatives were abundant in the leaves, epicatechin monomers with their condensed tannins, including procyanidin B2 and procyanidin C, were abundant in the stem bark. Fingerprints of SBL and SBB were developed and validated and could be used as qualitative tools to authenticate the plant. The outcomes of the study show the promise of the leaf and stem bark extracts of S. birrea to be studied further and developed as antifungal agents.

Polyphenolic Profile, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Nociceptive Activities of Some African Medicinal Plants.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the polyphenolic profile and the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of four traditionally used medicinal plants from Burkina Faso: Parkia biglobosa, Detarium microcarpum, Vitellaria paradoxa and Sclerocarya birrea. The analysis of the main phenolic compounds was performed by the HPLC-UV-MS method. The anti-inflammatory effect of the aqueous bark extracts was investigated by the λ-carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test. The anti-nociceptive activity was evaluated by the Randall–Selitto test under inflammatory conditions. Seven phenolic acids (gallic, protocatechuic, gentisic, vanillic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and syringic acids), and three flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, and quercitrin) were identified in the plant samples. High contents of gallic acid were determined in the D. microcarpum, P. biglobosa and S. birrea extracts (190–300 mg/100 g), and V. paradoxa extract was the richest in epicatechin (173.86 mg/100 g). The λ-carrageenan-induced inflammation was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) by the P. biglobosa and D. microcarpum extracts (400 mg/kg p.o.). Under the inflammatory conditions, a significant anti-nociceptive activity (p < 0.001) was obtained after 2–3 h from the induction of inflammation. The effects of the tested extracts could be related to the presence of polyphenols and could be useful in the management of certain inflammatory diseases.

Evaluation of the protein cross‐link breaking effect of selected medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes mellitus

One of the strategies proposed for combating advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) and its devastating effects is the breaking of preformed AGEs‐protein cross‐links. AGEs are linked to the pathogenesis of late onset complications of diabetes mellitus, age‐related and neurodegenerative diseases.This study evaluated the AGEs‐protein cross‐link breaking effect of some medicinal plants used for managing diabetes mellitus. These plants, selected based on their blood glucose lowering property, include Sclerocarya birrea, Psidium guajava, Murraya koenigiiand Cinnamon cassia.Of the selected plants, the highest AGEs‐protein cross‐link breaking effect was observed with the hexane and ethyl acetate leaf extracts of Psidium guajava.Methanol extracts of both Psidium guajava leaf and Sclerocarya birrea stem‐bark also showed high cross‐link breaking effect. Chemical screening tests for the presence of phytochemicals and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis for the detection and identification of the phytoconstituents in the extracts were also carried out.Compounds detected in the hexane leaf extract of Psidium guajava, using GC‐MS, include I‐(+)‐Ascorbic acid 2,6‐dihexadecanoate, Octadecanoic acid (Stearic acid), Vitamin E (D‐alpha‐tocopherol), Alpha‐Tocopherol‐beta‐D‐mannoside and 2,6,10,14,18,22‐Tetracosahexaene, 2,6,10,15,19,23‐hexamethyl‐, (all‐E) (Squalene). The hexane leaf extract of Psidium guajava was subjected to column chromatography. Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Infra‐red spectroscopy, the isolated compound from the hexane leaf extract of Psidium guajava was identified as a flavonoid.The results of the study indicate that present in these extracts are potent agents with the ability to break AGEs‐protein cross‐links which could be exploited for drug discovery.

Characterisation of the indigenous knowledge used for gastrointestinal nematode control in smallholder farming areas of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

BackgroundThe use of indigenous knowledge (IK) to control gastrointestinal nematodes has been known since ancient times. The objective of the study was to characterise the use of indigenous knowledge to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats.MethodsA structured questionnaire was used to collect data from farmers. Chi-square was used to compute associations; the generalized linear model was used for mean rank scores.ResultsRoundworms were the most common gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) affecting goats reared in the bushland vegetation type than grasslands. Twelve plant species were commonly used to control GIN in goats, with Cissus quadrangularis Linn. singled out as the most widely used plant with a use-value of 0.97, followed by Albizia anthelminthica Brongn. (0.66), Cissus rotundifolia (Forssk.) Vahl (0.63), Vachellia xanthophloea (Benth.) P.J.H. Hurter (0.59), Aloe marlothii A. Berger (0.58), Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (0.54), Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey (0.53), Aloe maculata All. (0.50), Trichilia emetica Vahl (0.47), Aloe ferox Mill. (0.43), Vernonia neocorymbosa Hilliard (0.25) and Schkuhria pinnata (Lam) Kuntze ex Thell (0.16). C. rotundifolia, V. xanthophloea, S. birrea and T. emetica were dominant plant species used to control GIN in goats reared in the grassland vegetation. A. maculata, A. ferox and V. neocorymbosa were dominant in the bushland vegetation type.ConclusionThe study revealed that ethnoveterinary plants are widely used in grassland and bushland vegetation types to control GIN in goats. Scientific validation of their efficacy and safety should be carried out to provide a cheaper alternative, thus improving the community livelihoods and development.

Diversity of Endophytes in the Botryosphaeriaceae Differs on Anacardiaceae in Disturbed and Undisturbed Ecosystems in South Africa

Botryosphaeriaceae represents a diverse family of fungi with a cosmopolitan distribution and a wide host range. We studied species diversity and overlap of Botryosphaeriaceae on selected tree species of Anacardiaceae in disturbed (farming or forestry) and undisturbed (isolated and/or protected) ecosystems in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. The disturbed sites resided at Tshikundamalema and Tshipise in Limpopo and the undisturbed sites at Nwanedi and the Mapungubwe National Park in Limpopo and the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga. Asymptomatic branches were collected from Mangifera indica, Sclerocarya birrea and Lannea schweinfurthii trees in 2017 and 2018. Eleven species were identified using a multi-gene sequencing approach, including Diplodia allocellula, Dothiorella brevicollis, Do. dulcispinae, Do. viticola, Lasiodiplodia crassispora, L. exigua, L. gonubiensis, L. mahajangana, Neofusicoccum parvum, Oblongocollomyces sp. 1 and Oblongocollomyces sp. 2. Ten of the 11 species were identified in undisturbed ecosystems (eight species being unique), while only three species were identified in disturbed ecosystems (one species being unique). Two species were generalists on trees in disturbed and undisturbed ecosystems. Lasiodiplodia mahajangana was the most dominant species as it occurred on the three tree species of Anacardiaceae. Isolates of N. parvum occurred on both S. birrea (a native species) and M. indica (a non-native species) that occurred adjacent to each other in disturbed ecosystems, confirming the ability of this invasive pathogen to cross-infect native and non-native hosts and its abundance in human-disturbed environments. The findings from this study confirm the lack of host specificity for most species of Botryosphaeriaceae. The results also indicate that disturbance through human activity, such as clear-cutting, selective cutting and land-use changes, negatively influences the diversity of the Botryosphaeriaceae.

English

Chronic non-communicable diseases are responsible for a large majority of deaths worldwide. These include cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer. Inflammation has been reported to be involved in the initiation or progression of these conditions. Populations in developing or low to middle- income countries often rely on traditional medicine using locally available herbs and plants for their medical care. This study examined the anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extracts of twelve medicinal plants used in Nigeria.&nbsp; The antioxidant activity was estimated using the total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) and ferric reducing ability (FRAP) assays. The abilities to inhibit nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NfkB), a key regulator of the inflammatory response, and to activate nuclear factorE2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that regulates cellular antioxidant defense systems, were determined using in vitro cell based assays. Extracts of Erythrina senegalensis (leaves), Sclerocarya birrea (bark), Boswellia dalzielli (leaves and bark), Pseudrocedrila kotschyi (bark), Sterculia setigera (stem bark), and Sarcocephalus esculentus (bark) contained the highest levels of antioxidant activity. Extracts that showed the greatest inhibition of NfkB were S. esculentus (bark), 91.8%; E. senegalensis (leaves), 81.4%; S. birrea (stem bark), 77.5%; and S. setigera (stem bark), 75.5%. B. dalzielli (leaves) and Xylopia aethiopica (leaves) gave 7.4 and 7.7 fold activation of Nrf2, respectively. These were comparable to activation by sulphorophane. &nbsp; Key words: NfkB inhibition, Nrf2 activation, antioxidant activity, inflammation, medicinal plants, Nigeria.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants for treatment of diabetes and hypertension used in communities near Fathala Forest, Senegal

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are serious health issues, and both are predicted to increase, particularly in Africa. The objectives of this study are to (1) identify plants used to treat diabetes and hypertension and (2) characterize their therapeutic uses based on ethnobotanical information. Methods: Semi-structured individual and group interviews were conducted with traditional healers, patients, nurses and other actors near Fathala Classified Forest in western Senegal. Data were processed using content analysis. Citation frequency (CF) was used to determine importance of each species. Results: A total of 38 species were used to treat diabetes and hypertension. These belong to 34 genera and 21 families. Eighteen species were used to treat both diabetes and hypertension, 12 were used to treat hypertension and eight to treat diabetes. The most used plant parts were leaves (56%) bark (10%) and roots (10%). Preparation of the medicine mainly consisted of decoction (45%), infusion (17%) and maceration (15%) and most medicines were taken as a drink (76%). The most used species in the treatment of diabetes are Terminalia avicennioides (FC= 69%), Sclerocarya birrea (FC=23 %) and Cocos nucifera (FC=15%). Moringa oleifera (FC=46,15%), Oxytenanthera abyssinica (FC=30,76%) and Detarium microcarpum (FC=23,07%) are mainly used against hypertension. Combretaceae (28,57%), Fabaceae (28,57%) and Anacardiaceae (19,05%), are most represented families. Conclusion: A diversity of native plants were used as antidiabetic and antihypertensive medicine. Ethnobotanical knowledge could constitute a foundation for identifying new active ingredients for developing new or improved medicine. Key words: Africa, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, medicinal plants, traditional knowledge.

Marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra, Anacardiaceae) thrives under climate change in sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractClimate change threatens the persistence of some plant species, especially those highly adapted to their microclimates. The aim of the study was to determine the current suitable habitat of marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra) and to forecast the habitat under different climate change scenarios. Predictions were made in Maxent using 490 occurrence records, four representative concentration pathways (RCPs) and three general circulation models (GCMs). Variables used were altitude, soil characteristics, monthly precipitation, monthly minimum and maximum temperatures and 19 bioclimatic variables. The current suitable habitat of marula largely occurs in mopane and dry miombo woodlands of southern Africa, including Madagascar. Permutation importance test showed that precipitation in November (30.1%), temperature seasonality (22.1%) and mean temperature of wettest quarter (14.3%) contributed significantly to the model of the current suitable habitat. When forecasted, the suitable habitat expanded under all GCMs and RCPs. On average in 2050, the range expanded by 26.0% (RCP2.6), 33.8% (RCP4.5), 24.8% (RCP6.0) and 42.3% (RCP8.5), while in 2070, it expanded by 30.0% (RCP2.6), 39.9% (RCP4.5), 33.3% (RCP6.0) and 45.1% (RCP8.5). The subspecies is not directly threatened by climate change, but indirect threats remain uncertain.

Co-Ingestion of Natal Plums (Carissa macrocarpa) and Marula Nuts (Sclerocarya birrea) in a Snack Bar and Its Effect on Phenolic Compounds and Bioactivities.

This study investigated the effect of co-ingesting Natal plums (Carissa macrocarpa) and Marula nuts (Sclerocarya birrea) on the bioaccessibility and uptake of anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, and the ability to inhibit α-glucosidase. A Natal plum–Marula nut bar was made by mixing the raw nuts and the fruit pulp in a ratio 1:1 (v/v). The cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (Cy-3-Sa) and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside content (Cy-3-G) were quantified using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS). Inclusion of Natal plum in the Marula nut bar increased the Cy-3-Sa, Cy-3-G content, antioxidants capacity and α-glucosidase inhibition compared to ingesting Marula nut separately at the internal phase. Adding Natal plum to the Marula nut bar increased bioaccessibility of Cy-3-Sa, Cy-3-G, quercetin, coumaric acid, syringic acid and ferulic acid to 80.2% and 71.9%, 98.7%, 95.2%, 51.9% and 89.3%, respectively, compared to ingesting the Natal plum fruit or nut separately.

Vegetative Propagation by Root Segments Cuttings of Sclerocarya Birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst: Effects of Substrate and Mycorrhizal Inocula on the Ability to Root Cuttings

Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst is one of the woody plants of the soudano-Sahelian zones, with great socioeconomic importance. The local populations over-exploit this species for their daily socio-economic needs and this endangered its durability. The objective of this study was to contribute to the domestication of this species by the low-cost technique of Root Segments Cuttings (RSC). The substrates sand/sawdust and dark soil/Sawdust have been inoculated with 0, 10, and 20 g of mycorrhizae. The experimental design was a split plot with 4 repetitions. The experimental unit is of 10 cuttings. The results show that the best substrate for the budding of the RSC is the mixture of Sand/Sawdust (37.77±17.15%). The appropriate dose of mycorrhizae for the budding of the RSC is 10 g (33.33±21.6%). For the height of the aerial axes, a satisfactory result was obtained in the dose of mycorrhizae of 10 g (3.43±2.40 cm). Concerning the number of the leaves, the maximum is recorded in the RSC inoculated with 20 g of mycorrhizae (3.60±1.36). The analysis of variance did not show a meaningful effect for the treatments (0.54>0.05), as well as for the substrates (0.76>0.05). Regarding the rooting of the cuttings, one must notice that the best substrate for the number of newly formed roots is the mixture of Sand/Sawdust (2.22±1.01) while the dose of 20 g has much allowed the appearance of roots (3.41±1.24). The best substrate for the length of the newly formed roots is the mixture of Sand/Sawdust (2.9±1.3 cm), whiles the proportion of 10 g has permitted a lot of the growth of roots (4.24±1.69 cm) as far the plum tree of Africa is concerned. These results show that improving some parameters at S. birrea is possible by vegetative propagation.

Inter- and Intraspecific Differences in Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood from Sclerocarya birrea and Anogeissus leiocarpus

This paper studied the basic density and mechanical properties differences of wood among and within Sclerocarya birrea and Anogeissus leiocarpus. Three trees from each species were selected from the Lagawa Natural Forest Reserve in Western Kordofan State, Sudan. Test specimens were selected from three vertical positions (10, 50, and 90% along the bole length) of the trees. Specimens were also collected from three horizontal positions (innerwood, middlewood, and outerwood) within each of the three vertical positions. Tests for basic density of wood (BD), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), compressive (CS), and shear strength (SS) parallel to the grain were performed. An analysis of variance shows that only the horizontal positions were a significant source of variation for both species studied. The correlation coefficient of BD was significant, weak, and positive for the mechanical properties of A. leiocarpus. A similar observation was found for BD correlated with CS and SS for S. birrea.

Sclerocarya Birrea Caffra Nut Meal as a Substitute to Soyabean Meal: Effects on Growth Performance, Feed Intake and Utilisation and Viscera Macromorphometry of Blue-Helmeted Guinea Fowl

Sclerocarya Birrea Caffra Nut Meal as a Substitute to Soyabean Meal: Effects on Growth Performance, Feed Intake and Utilisation and Viscera Macromorphometry of Blue-Helmeted Guinea Fowl

English

In the crude extracts of the bark and leaves of Sclerocarya birrea, have been characterized sterols, triterpenes, saponosides, tannins, anthocyanosides, coumarins, reducing compounds, alkaloids and carotenoids. Tests were carried out in vitro with extracts from each part of the plant to assess their efficacy against strains of Plasmodium falciparum sensitive to chloroquine K1 and that resistant to chloroquine 3D7. The crude alkaloidal extracts of the bark gave IC50 = 2.54 &mu;g / ml with the strain 3D7 and an IC50 = 4.09 &mu;g / ml with the strain K1. On the other hand, the extracts with CH2Cl2 showed an IC50 = 36.59 and 37.78 &mu;g / ml respectively with the 3D7 and K1 strains. Those with CH3OH gave IC50 all greater than 50 &mu;g/ml with both strains. The CH3OH / H2O extracts gave IC50 = 21.48 &mu;g / ml with the K1 strain and greater than 50 &mu;g / ml with 3D7. As for the H2O extracts, the IC50 were = 11.43 &mu;g / ml with the K1 strain and also greater than 50 &mu;g / ml with the 3D7. The alkaloid extracts of leaf gave an IC50 = 9.68 &micro;g / ml with 3D7 and = 3.56 &micro;g / ml with strain K1. With CH2Cl2, and IC50 = 6.62 &mu;g / ml was obtained with 3D7 and 4.05 &mu;g / ml with strain K1. The CH3OH extracts gave an IC50 = 21.12 &mu;g / ml with the 3D7 strain and 21.06 &mu;g / ml with the KI strain. The CH3OH / H2O extracts gave with strain 3D7 and IC50 of more than 50 and 32.73 &mu;g / ml with K1. The aqueous extracts gave IC50 greater than 50 &mu;g / ml for 3D7 and 25.17 &mu;g / ml with the K1 strain. Key words: Medicinal plants, Niger, Sclerocarya birrea, Malaria, Antiplasmodial activity, Alkaloids, Dichloromethane.

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of pigs fed diets containing amarula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich) nut cake as replacement to soybean meal

This experiment evaluated varying levels of Amarula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich) nut cake (ANC) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics in pigs. Thirty Large White × Landrace (LW × LR) pigs were stratified by weight (average live weight of 20 ± 5kg) and randomly allocated to the five experimental diets that contained 0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200g ANC/kg DM. Each pig served as a replicate unit, housed individually. The pigs were fed the experimental diets ad-lib once in the morning, allowing a 10% of feed refusal, and had free access to water. Bodyweight, feed intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly throughout the 56-day trial period. On completion of the growth trial, following a 3-day adaptation, a nutrient digestibility study was conducted over 5days. Thereafter, pigs were fasted for 12h, weighed, slaughtered, and carcass samples were collected for analysis. Data on the effects of treatments on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics were analysed using a two-way ANOVA in randomised blocks and were compared using Student's t-LSD. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment, but ADGs were reduced at ANC levels > 150g/kg, resulting in poor FCR. Protein digestibility was reduced at ANC levels > 150g/kg, while ether extract and fibre levels increased. Warm and cold carcass weights were lower at ANC levels > 150g/kg, with improved meat redness and lightness. It was concluded that ANC could replace SBM in the diet of growing pigs at less than 150g/kg inclusion level.

Species distribution modeling that overlooks intraspecific variation is inadequate for proper conservation of marula (Sclerocarya birrea, Anacardiaceae)

Species distribution models (SDMs) are often used to predict the impact of climate change on the future distribution of species. However, the application of species-level SDMs often ignores intraspecific variation and can be problematic. The aim of the study was to incorporate intraspecific information into SDMs and compare predictions of subspecies- and species-level SDMs in a widespread African tree species, Sclerocarya birrea (marula). We used bioclimatic variables and terrain roughness index to calibrate nine algorithms in ‘biomod2’ platform. Ensemble models were built to predict the current and future suitable habitat of marula and separately its three subspecies, birrea , caffra and multifoliolata . Projections were made to 2041 − 2060 and 2081 − 2100 under three general circulation models and two shared socio-economic pathways. Results showed an expansion of the suitable habitat of marula as well as subspp. birrea and caffra in the two future time periods. The suitable habitat of subsp. multifoliolata , in contrast, contracted in future. Our results show that species-level SDMs may fail to detect climate change risks for intraspecific taxa, and consequently leading to under- or overestimation of the impacts of climate change. Incorporation of intraspecific variation into SDMs improves predictions of the impact of climate change and helps to identify appropriate conservation and management options. • SDMs that exclude intraspecific information are inadequate in Sclerocarya birrea . • Impact of climate change on subsp. multifoliolata is masked in a species-level SDM. • Intraspecific-level SDMs show robust performance than species-level SDMs. • Conservation should be based on predictions of intraspecific-level SDMs.

Potential Antidiabetic Effects of Extracts from Four Medicinal Plants Used in Burkina Faso by Inhibition of Alpha-Amylase

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate α-amylase inhibitory effects of hydroethanolic extracts of bark from Daniella oliveri, Sclerocarya birrea, Maranthes polyandra, and Pteleopsis suberosa to fight type-II diabetes. Methods: Compound extractions were performed by hydroethanol maceration followed by liquid-liquid fractionation with solvents. TLC profiling was carried out with different fractions. The inhibitory effects of plant extracts on α-amylase activity were determined using rice starch as a substrate. Results: TLC profiling of different fractions showed different phytochemical compounds. The hydroethanolic plant extracts exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of α-amylase. D. oliveri displayed competitive inhibition, M. polyandra and S. birrea showed uncompetitive inhibition and Pteleopsis suberosa exerted mixed-inhibition. M. polyandra extract exerted the highest inhibitory effect (IC50 = 0.5 mg/mL). Conclusions: The barks of M. polyandra exhibit a remarkable α-amylase inhibitory effect which can be a novel source of antidiabetic molecules.

Mnemonic and neuroprotective properties of Sclerocarya birrea root bark decoction on mouse model of monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxicity involve by its antioxidant activities

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. (Anacardiaceae) is a medicinal plant known for the treatment of several diseases such as epilepsy, hypertension, inflammation and memory disorders in Cameroonian folk medicine. Aim of the study: The aim of this work is to evaluate the memory improvement and neuroprotective effects of Sclerocarya birrea aqueous root bark extracts and investigate it antioxidant properties. Materials and methods: T-maze and the object recognition test in an open field were used for behavioral testing to detect its neuroprotective and memory improvement properties. The DPPH test was used to predict antioxidant activities in vitro. The in vivo antioxidant activities of the aqueous extracts were investigated using the Monosodium glutamate induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity mouse model. After the behavioral testing, animals were decapitated and the brains were removed for oxidative stress biomarkers determination. Results: Sclerocarya birrea decreased the preferred arm choice latency and the time spent in the discriminated, in the T-maze. It increased exploration time and recognition index, and decreased the latency to explore the new object B. In addition, Sclerocarya birrea increased the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and reduced glutathione level. Conclusion: These results suggest that Sclerocarya birrea possess neuroprotective and mnemonic activities in mice that might involve by its free radicals scavenging properties

Mnemonic and neuroprotective properties of Sclerocarya birrea root bark decoction on mouse model of monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxicity involve by its antioxidant activities

Mnemonic and neuroprotective properties of Sclerocarya birrea root bark decoction on mouse model of monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxicity involve by its antioxidant activities