Terminalia Sericea Research Articles

Hybrid Sunscreen for Albinistic Skin Types Augmented by Terminalia Sericea Mediated Silver Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Efficacy and Safety Investigation

Albinism is a congenital hypopigmentation disorder characterized by errors in melanisation leading to the partial or complete absence of melanin, the skin’s primary defense against actinic damage. Actinic damage in albinism summarizes all solar induced consequences from freckles to fatal skin cancers. Of the 16 sunscreens approved by regulators, 14 chemical sunscreens were stripped of GRASE (Generally Recognizable as Safe and Effective) status in 2020 by the FDA though Over-the-Counter Monograph M020, the remaining 2 physical sunscreens (ZnO and TiO2) are unaesthetic, leaving unpleasant persistent white casts. The hunt for new, effective and safe sunscreen agents is on and photoprotective polyphenolics from tropical plants including Terminalia sericea, maybe the solution. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel sunscreen for albinistic skin, utilizing Terminalia sericea-mediated silver-doped ZnO nanoparticles, so as to leverage the novel sun protection efficacy of aesthetic ZnO-NPs with the antibacterial effects of Ag-NPs as well as the photoprotective effects from T. Sericea polyphenolics. Our observations from the study confirm that T. Sericea possesses abundant polyphenolic compounds capable of mediating bio-reducing and capping of metallic nanoparticles. UV-Vis identified the nanostructures as Ag-ZnONPs, TEM confirmed their cubic and oblong agglomerated morphology. DLS estimated the nanostructures to be between 30 and 40nm. The sunscreen achieved a high SPF of 30, showed significant photoprotective properties, and demonstrated negligible skin sensitization in safety tests following OECD guidelines. It was therefore concluded that the biosynthesis of multifunctional Ag doped ZnONPs mediated by T. Sericea, was feasible and that the resultant safe multifunctional emulsion was efficacious in retarding biomarkers of actinic damage and is a potential pioneering albinistic skin type actinic damage retarding sunscreen.

Mapping the potential habitat suitability and opportunities of bush encroacher species in Southern Africa: a case study of the SteamBioAfrica project

Senegalia mellifera (Benth) Seigler & Ebinger., Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. and Terminalia sericea Burch. Ex DC., are three important bush encroacher species that contribute to the well-known ecological process named “thicketization” in Southern Africa. This issue has persisted for many years, impacting species distribution, plant communities, soil, and fauna dynamics. According to climate change projections, Southern Africa is expected to become drier and warmer in future scenarios, creating favourable conditions for proliferation of bush encroacher species. MaxEnt is a general-purpose machine learning method widely utilized in various ecological and biological scenarios to predict the potential suitable habitat of species. This is achieved by incorporating presence-only occurrence records and bioclimatic, and topographic variables. The analysis was performed in a Geographic Information System based on the current and future suitable areas for the respective Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) scenarios according to INM-CM5-0, UK-ESM1-0-LL and MPIES-M1-2-HR climate models. This was done to assess the potential effects of climate change on the distribution patterns of bush encroacher species. Model performance was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC), with 0.836, 0.822 and 0.738 as results to Terminalia sericea, Dichrostachys cinerea and Senegalia mellifera respectively. The current results show that Senegalia mellifera presents a habitat suitability of 56% (1,460,353 km²) of the total area, while Terminalia sericea and Dichrostachys cinerea have suitability over 37.9% (996,168 km²) and 43.9% (1,154,645 km²) of the area, respectively. These findings indicate that precipitation and temperature variables are the most important factors in explaining the spatial distribution of the bush encroacher species, predicting a future increase between 8–29.4%, 2.8–24%, and 3–24.2% for Senegalia mellifera, Terminalia sericea, and Dichrostachys cinerea respectively. Furthermore, each species has its own set of important variables and different ecological behaviour patterns. These results imply that an improved understanding of the response of woody species to a changing climate is important for managing bush encroachment in savanna ecosystems. Based on our analysis, Senegalia mellifera is currently suitable in 56% of the total area; while 43.9% of the total area is suitable for Dichrostachys cinerea, and 37.87% of the total area is currently suitable for Terminalia sericea. In the future scenarios, the habitat suitability increases for all three species compared to the current state. The unsuitable areas decrease in all the proposed scenarios with respect to the present, predicting a shrub expansion in the future throughout southern Africa. Furthermore, our results imply that Senegalia mellifera is the most potentially affected by bush encroachment in future changes, with a larger distribution area in future scenarios. These findings are supported by many studies, which indicate the probable increase of woody cover and loss of grasslands. Temperature and precipitation patterns are the main drivers behind the distribution of these bush encroachers, increasing or decreasing the competitiveness of these species according to these variables and their phenotypic plasticity. The increase in habitat suitability occurs throughout the case study, but there is a clear trend of shrub expansion towards the south of the case study. The change maps show a pattern of shrub movement towards South Africa and Botswana. This would fit with climate predictions for South Africa, which predict a decrease in rainfall in the east and north of the country, being more suitable for shrub competitive species.

Participatory inventory of plant-based ethnoveterinary medicine used to control internal parasites of goats in the Ngamiland region of Botswana

The effect of internal parasites on goats is of major concern, particularly in the tropics where there are limited resources and financially constrained farmers. The ethnic knowledge on controlling and treating internal parasites is of value to sustainable and organic product production which are essential for long-term prosperity of goat farmers. Using participatory approaches, this study identified and documented popular plants used by farmers to control internal parasites in goats in the Ngamiland region of Botswana. A total of 120 communal farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic parameters and ethnobotanical information. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the most popular plants were identified using fidelity levels (FL). Most of the informants were secondary educated males of 50 to 60 years and relied on livestock for their livelihoods. It was recorded that a total of 13 local plant species from 11 families are commonly used in the treatment of intestinal parasites in goats. The plant family Fabaceae (27.3 %) was common among the farmers. The roots (76.9 %) were the most frequently used plant part while decoction (46 %) was popular in medicinal preparations. The prepared plant-based medicine is often administered orally. The highest FL values were found for the following plant species; Terminalia sericea, Gnidia capitata and Aloe ferox, scoring 89.3 %, 88.0 % and 86.3 %, respectively. The safety and efficacy of these plants should be validated to inform strategic utilization and alternative cost-effective strategy in managing internal parasites in Botswana.

Blood purification practices: Some ethnopharmacological insight from a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBlood purification practices, also referred to as blood cleansing or detoxification, is an ancient concept which is widespread within African traditional medicine. There is, however, limited consolidated information about the selection of plant species, the purpose of use and how the preparation is made. An in-depth examination of how regional communities use medicinal plants for blood purification is needed to better understand this ethnopharmacological practice. Aim of the studyTo gather knowledge on the traditional use of medicinal plants used for the purpose of blood purification by laypersons in northern Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted on medicinal plants used in the rural areas of northern Maputaland for blood purification. Interviews were conducted in 55 homesteads, where the most knowledgeable participant per household was interviewed using structured questionnaires. Information collected included knowledge of the concept of blood purification, purpose for medicating, plant selection, and mode of preparation. The most important species and families were identified through indices. ResultsSixty-four plant species from 35 families were recorded as blood purifiers for the treatment of ailments linked to the need for blood purification. Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. was the most used plant species (mentioned by 39% of the people interviewed). The conditions that were mostly associated with blood purification were skin complaints, gastro-intestinal disorders, and overall improvement of general health. Blood purification is also commonly used for non-medical purposes such as granting good luck or as a love charm. Six new plant species and five new Zulu vernacular names had not previously been documented for blood purification. ConclusionThe frequently mentioned use of medicinal plants for blood purification by the rural community of northern Maputaland clearly emphasises the importance of this cultural practice. There is no doubt that when examining African traditional medicine, holistic terms such as “blood cleansing” cannot be ignored. Future studies may provide a better understanding of this often misunderstood and undocumented practice.

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.

Steal the rain: Interception loses and rainfall partitioning by a broad-leaf and a fine-leaf woody encroaching species in a southern African semi-arid savanna.

Woody plant encroachment (WPE) has been found to alter ecosystem functioning and services in savannas. In rain-limited savannas, increasing woody cover can reduce streamflow and groundwater by altering evapotranspiration rates and rainfall partitioning, but the ecological relevance of this impact is not well known. This study quantified the altered partitioning of rainfall by two woody plant structural types (fine- and broad-leaved trees) across a gradient of encroachment in a semi-arid savanna in South Africa. Averaged across both plant functional types, loss of rainfall through canopy interception and subsequent evaporation roughly doubled (from 20.5% to 43.6% of total rainfall) with a roughly 13-fold increase in woody cover (from 2.4 to 31.4m2/ha tree basal cover). Spatial partitioning changes comprised fourfold increases in stemflow (from 0.8% to 3.9% of total rainfall) and a decline in throughfall proportion of about two-fifths (from 80.2% to 47.3% of total rainfall). Changes in partitioning were dependent on plant functional type; rainfall interception by the fine-leaved multi-stemmed shrub Dichrostachys cinerea was almost double that of the broad-leaved tree Terminalia sericea at the highest levels of woody encroachment (i.e., 49.7% vs. 29.1% of total rainfall intercepted at tree basal area of 31.4m2/ha). Partitioning was also dependent on rainfall characteristics, with the proportion of rainfall intercepted inversely related to rainfall event size and intensity. Therefore, increasing tree cover in African grassy ecosystems reduces the amount of canopy throughfall, especially beneath canopies of fine-leaved species in smaller rainfall events. Rainfall interception traits may thus confer a selective advantage, especially for fine-leaved woody plant species in semi-arid savannas.

The Interactive Antimicrobial Activities of Selected South African Terminalia spp. Extracts in Combination with Conventional Antibiotics against Gastrointestinal Pathogens

Background: Recent declines in new antibiotic discovery and the increase in antibiotic resistance have resulted in failing against bacterial pathogens. To develop novel antibiotic therapies, medical researchers have begun to focus on traditional therapies. Combinational therapies consisting of medicinal plants and conventional antibiotics may reactivate current drugs that are otherwise ineffective against antibioticresistant bacteria. Terminalia sericea Burch. Ex DC, Terminalia prunioides Laws. and Terminalia gazensis Bak. f. are native South African plants with antimicrobial properties. However, combinations of Terminalia sericea, Terminalia prunioides and Terminalia gazensis with conventional antibiotics are yet to be evaluated for growth inhibitory activity against gastrointestinal pathogens. Methods: Terminalia spp. leaves were extracted with solvents of varying polarity. Antimicrobial screening was performed using disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Toxicity was measured using Artemia franciscana nauplii lethality assays. Results: All extracts (except the T. sericea extracts) showed low to moderate inhibitory activity against B. cereus and E. faecalis, A. faecalis, A. hydrophilia, S. sonnei and S. newport in both the disc diffusion and liquid dilution assay. Twenty-three extract/antibiotic combinations produced synergy, 26 were additive, 24 were non-interactive and seven were antagonistic. Most of the antagonist interactions occurred in combinations containing gentamicin. All extracts were either non-toxic or of low toxicity in the Artemia bioassay. Conclusion: Terminalia spp. extracts may mimic the actions of a resistance modifying agents, enhancing the activity of several antibiotics that are relatively ineffective alone. Further studies are required to identify the bioactive and potentiating components and their mechanisms of action.

Antioxidant activity and nutritional composition of different mushroom extracts grown on different bush encroachers as substrates in Namibia

Mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants with a range of health benefits owing to their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and nutritional composition of mushrooms cultivated on four different encroaching bushes as substrates. Antioxidant activity was measured using reducing power and DPPH scavenging assays. The IC50 values ranged from 0.380±0.098 mg/ml to 0.7780±0.007 mg/ml. The inhibition of the DPPH radical by PS extracts cultivated on Terminalia sericea (0.380±0.098 mg/ml) showed the highest activity compared to other mushroom extracts. All the mushroom species grown on different bushes showed an appreciable ability to reduce ferricyanide complex to ferrous form at different levels of concentration (0.063–1.00 mg/ml). TPC varied from 3.93 mg GAE/g to 8.016 mg GAE/g. TFC ranged from 0.515 mg QE/g to 12.1 mg QE/g, which showed a significant difference in the bush species at a p-value of less than 0.01. There was a significant difference in the interaction of bush substrates and mushroom species on crude protein and ash content at p-values of 0.01 and 0.015, respectively. In the current study, crude protein content ranged from 28.0% to 39.0%, with PF grown on Terminalia sericea having a high protein content. A significant difference in % NDF on mushroom species was found, where a variation was detected in HK35, while PF, PO, and PS showed a similar performance in % NDF. The study showed that ash content ranged from 5.77% to 17.9%. Percentage moisture ranged from 86.0% to 87.5%. A significant difference in mineral composition, with PO showing a high content of potassium (2.292%), PF showing a high content of sodium (0.059%), and PS showing a high content of phosphorus (0.746%) as compared to other mushroom species. Among the four different bushes, Combretum collinum (potassium 2.256%, sodium 0.05%, and phosphorus 0.74%) had the greatest effect on the mineral composition of the different mushrooms cultivated. In conclusion, mushrooms are accessible natural food rich in antioxidants, which may boost the immune system against oxidative damage and can be used as potential sources of therapeutic agents.

Ethnomedicinal use and phytochemical analysis of medicinal plants used to treat gastrointestinal conditions by Awambo people in Iikokola Village, Namibia

Namibia is ethnically diverse and rich in indigenous knowledge on the medicinal uses of plants. However, this knowledge in treating gastrointestinal conditions is not well documented despite its contributions to the healthcare system in Namibia. This study aimed at documenting the ethnomedicinal uses of plants used to treat gastrointestinal conditions in the Iikokola village and validating their use through phytochemical analysis. A survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires with consenting knowledge holders. Voucher specimens were collected and deposited with the National Herbarium of Namibia for botanical nomenclature. Among the 26 knowledge holders approached 23 participated in the study, of which 16 were females and 7 were males. A total of 19 plant species belonging to 10 plant families were reported to treat at least one gastrointestinal condition and 14 other ailments. Most species belong to Fabaceae and Combretaceae families (FIV=100). The gastrointestinal use of 32% of the plants documented in this study has not been reported elsewhere. Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain are frequently managed using medicinal plants. Decoctions from roots of Grewia tenax, Terminalia sericea, Corchorus tridens, Albizia anthelmintica, and Lantana camara, were mostly used for gastrointestinal ailments. Oral administration was the only route used in the administration of gastrointestinal remedies, among all age groups. Phytochemical compounds such as coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins which have been linked to the antidiarrheal activity of plants, were detected in organic and aqueous extracts. Organic extracts of T. sericea and G. tenax showed higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents ≤ 169.46 and ≤ 74.03 mg QE/g respectively. These phytochemical properties add value to their ethnomedicinal use is rational although antimicrobial properties and safety profile should be determined. The traditional uses of medicinal plants reported in this study will help safeguard and guide future research aiming at developing plant-based treatments for gastrointestinal conditions.

In vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of medicinal plants used traditionally for treating diabetes in Vhembe District, South Africa

Introduction: α-Glucosidase is the major enzyme implicated in intestinal glucose absorption, and its inhibition is a target for the management of diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of extracts from different parts of 20 selected medicinal plants and the potential for plant-part substitution and plant species combinations used by traditional healers to treat diabetes. Methods: Acetone and petroleum ether extracts from different parts of 20 plant species traditionally used to treat diabetes were individually evaluated in vitro using an α-glucosidase assay. The potential for plant-part substitution was investigated by including leaf extracts where non-renewable parts are used traditionally. The extracts of plant species were combined and investigated as used traditionally. Results: Anthocleista grandiflora stem bark acetone, Artabotrys brachypetalus leaf petroleum ether, and Dichrostachys cinerea root petroleum ether extracts exhibited remarkable α-glucosidase inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 9, 14, and 12 μg/mL, respectively. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of A. grandiflora, A. brachypetalus, Asparagus virgatus, Brackenridgea zanguebarica, Maerua edulis, Pterocarpus angolensis, and Tabernaemontana elegans were documented for the first time, suggesting their antidiabetic potential. The leaf acetone extracts of Brackenridgea zanguebarica and Terminalia sericea had similar α-glucosidase inhibitory activities when compared to their stem bark and root, respectively. The combination of Dichrostachys cinerea leaf with Elephantorrhiza elephantina root, extracted with petroleum ether, resulted in a synergistic inhibitory effect. Conclusion: The valorization of these newly documented species holds potential for the discovery of more effective and perhaps novel antidiabetic remedies or drug principles.

Effects of Soil Properties on the Distribution of Woody Plants in Communally Managed Rangelands in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North-West Province, South Africa

Soil properties are important drivers of species distribution and community structure in grassland. This study was undertaken to assess the influence of soil properties on woody plant distribution around six selected communally managed rangelands in the District. At each communal rangeland, a total of 25 plots of 20 × 20 m were surveyed to record the density, frequency, and composition of woody species. Soil samples were collected for thirteen soil variables. A Tukey HSD (Tukey’s honestly significant difference) post hoc test was used to compare soil properties and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to relate the soil properties to the woody species distribution. The study recorded a total of 17 woody species in 9 families. Fabaceae was the most dominant family, and Senegalia mellifera was the most abundant and frequent encroaching species. Most of the species were native, whereas Prosopis velutina was the only invasive alien species recorded. Senegalia mellifera, P. velutina, and Terminalia sericea were considered the most encroaching in the study sites, with densities exceeding 2000 TE ha-1 (i.e., tree equivalent). CCA results exhibited the strong effect of soil variables on the distribution of woody plant species. CCA ordination analyses showed that K was the most influential soil variable on woody species distributions, followed by Mg, CEC, Na, pH, sand, clay and silt. In terms of woody distribution, the CCA diagram showed similarities between Disaneng, Logageng and Tshidilamolomo. This study provides baseline information on woody species diversity for future management of this ecosystem.

The influence of contrasting fire management practice on bush encroachment: Lessons from Bwabwata National Park, Namibia

AbstractQuestionsBush encroachment, (i.e. disproportionate woody vegetation increase at the cost of grassland) has negative impacts for biodiversity conservation and tourism by homogenising habitat structure and decreasing grazing and game‐viewing. While herbivory, rainfall, and CO2 all influence changes in woody vegetation cover, fire has the best potential for vegetation management. Changes in fire management can either encourage or suppress bush encroachment and a better understanding of how changes in fire regime affect vegetation structure is needed. Therefore, this study addressed three questions: (a) how has woody cover changed over two decades (1999–2019); (b) what is the role of land use, rainfall, and fire in influencing woody cover change; and (c) what are the management implications?LocationBwabwata National Park (BNP), Namibia.MethodsThe study used a novel combination of repeat ground photography and satellite‐based remote‐sensing products to explore the change in woody vegetation in relation to rainfall, land use, and fire seasonality.ResultsWoody vegetation has increased by 13% since 1999 in BNP. Change in vegetation structure differed in the east and west of the park. Early‐season burns in the east of the park were associated with an increase in trees over 3 m tall consisting primarily of Dialium englerianum, Terminalia sericea and Burkea africana. Repetitive late dry‐season fires in the west of the park were associated with an increase in shrubs under 3 m dominated by Baphia massaiensis and Terminalia sericea.ConclusionsBoth early‐ and late‐season fires are of value in management of bush encroachment. Early dry‐season fires appear to reduce the rate of bush encroachment and contribute to maintaining a heterogeneous vegetation structure. This fire management strategy reduces wildfire risk, conserves biodiversity, and promotes tourism and is, therefore, recommended for the park.

Ecophysiological responses of Terminalia sericea to fire history in a semi-arid woodland savanna, central Namibia

Woody vegetation is increasing in savanna ecosystems worldwide. Fire is frequently used as a management tool to decrease bush encroachment, but knowledge regarding the underlying leaf-level ecophysiological responses to fire history is lacking. In southern Africa, Terminalia sericea is a dominant encroaching species that resprouts readily following fires. The impact of fire on leaf-level photosynthesis, transpiration, conductance and water use efficiency was investigated using infrared gas analysis. Data were collected in three areas on the Waterberg Plateau with different fire histories (fire occurring 2, 3 and 15 years prior to sampling). Leaf-level photosynthetic rates were comparable to the relatively high rates shown by other encroaching bush species. In contrast to expectations, ecophysiological variables did not differ among plants in areas with different fire histories. However, photosynthetic rates were highly sensitive to variation in light level, suggesting that canopy structural differences may affect carbon fixation and growth rates at the whole-plant level. Encroachment by T. sericea may be facilitated, at least in part, by high leaf-level photosynthetic rates that are insensitive to long-term fire history on sandy, low-nutrient soils.

Elephant browsing impacts in a Zambezian Baikiaea woodland with a high density of pumped waterholes

Foraging by African savanna elephant ( Loxodonta africana ) and other herbivores tends to result in a piosphere effect around water sources, with increasing pressure on vegetation as distance to water decreases. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of pumped waterholes on woody vegetation in the southern portion of Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park, a Baikiaea woodland ecosystem characterised by high elephant densities. The recent rehabilitation and addition of pumped waterholes has resulted in a dense waterhole network in the park, prompting concerns around potential negative impacts on vegetation. Sampling plots were located at different distances from four pumped waterholes in Baikiaea plurijuga and Terminalia sericea woodlands. Elephant browsing levels and vegetation structure were assessed across three plant height classes (0.2 - < 1 m; 1 - < 3 m and ≥ 3 m). Elephant dung counts were also conducted to provide a relative measure of elephant occupancy. A decline in elephant browsing with distance to waterholes was evident in both woodland types, though browsing was consistently higher in the Terminalia woodland. Structural impacts of elevated elephant browsing around waterholes were limited in the Baikiaea woodland. However, substantial reductions in the basal area and canopy volume of trees were evident closer to waterholes in the Terminalia woodland, with widespread conversion of woodland to shrubland. Elephant dung decreased with distance from waterholes in both woodland types, confirming that elephant occupancy was higher closer to waterholes. Overall, clear effects of pumped waterholes were evident. The ecological integrity of the Terminalia woodland in particular appears to be under threat, especially as the current surface water regime places most of it within 3 km of waterholes. The cessation of pumping at some waterholes was thus recommended, to achieve a more heterogenous browsing regime in the area.

Home range and habitat use of roan antelope Hippotragus equinus in Northern Botswana

Studies investigating animal movement and habitat use are essential for wildlife management and conservation. Northern Botswana represents some of the least modified landscapes in Africa. Studying the seasonal habitat use of herbivores in these landscapes provides important baseline information with which to compare the behavioural responses of similar species occurring in anthropogenically modified landscapes. We report on the home range extent and habitat use of roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) in a region of northern Botswana unaffected by artificial water and fences. We deployed Global Positioning System (GPS) collars on individuals in four roan antelope herds in northern Botswana, three herds in the drier northern section of Botswana and one herd in the wetter Okavango Delta. Herds in the drier northern section occupied larger home ranges (>50 km2) than did herds in the wetter Okavango Delta (<50 km2). All herds preferred specific core areas (all smaller than 20 km2) within their home ranges. All herds had similar location and size of home range between the wet and dry season (non-migratory). All herds occurred in back-country sandveld areas dominated by either Kalahari apple-leaf (Philenoptera nelsii) or silver cluster-leaf (Terminalia sericea) woodlands with low densities of competitors and predators. In Botswana, the long-term persistence of free-roaming roan antelope herds likely depends on the preservation of these unmodified back-country habitats away from permanent water.

A Review of Ethnoveterinary Knowledge, Biological Activities and Secondary Metabolites of Medicinal Woody Plants Used for Managing Animal Health in South Africa.

Globally, the use of ethnoveterinary medicine as remedies for animal health among different ethnic groups justify the need for a systematic exploration to enhance their potential. In addition, the increasing popularity and utilisation of woody plants remain common in traditional medicine, which may be attributed to their inherent benefits. The current review was aimed at analysing ethnoveterinary surveys, biological activities, and secondary metabolites/phytochemical profiles of the woody plants of South Africa. Eligible literature (period: 2000 to 2020) were retrieved from different databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Sabinet, and Science Direct. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 ethnoveterinary surveys were eligible and were subjected to further analysis. We identified 104 woody plant species from 44 plant families that are used in the treatment of different diseases in animals, particularly cattle (70%) and goats (20%). The most mentioned (with six citations) woody plants were Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC and Ziziphus mucronata Willd., which were followed by plants with five (Cussonia spicata Thunb., Pterocarpus angolensis DC and Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso) or four (Acokanthera oppositifolia (Lam.) Codd, Cassia abbreviata Oliv., and Strychnos henningsii Gilg) individual mentions. The most dominant families were Fabaceae (19%), Apocynaceae (5.8%), Rubiaceae (5.8%), Anacardiaceae (4.8%), Combretaceae (4.8%), Euphorbiaceae (4.8%), Malvaceae (4.8%), Rhamnaceae (4.8%), and Celastraceae (3.8%). Bark (33%), leaves (29%), and roots (19%) were the plant parts dominantly used to prepare remedies for ethnoveterinary medicine. An estimated 20% of woody plants have been screened for antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity effects. Phytochemical profiles established a rich pool of valuable secondary metabolites (phenolic, flavonoids and condensed tannins) that may be responsible for the exerted biological activities. Overall, the significant portion of woody plants lacking empirical evidence on their biological effects indicates a major knowledge gap that requires more research efforts.

Characterization of the Arboreal Flora of Two Provinces in South of Mozambique

This study was carried out in two provinces in the south of Mozambique to characterize the structure and the floristic composition of the arboreal flora. 134 plots of 10020 m and 93 plotswerea random sampling allocated in Gaza and Inhambane province, respectively. The tree with DBH equal or superior than 10 cm were identified and measured. The results in Gaza province shows that a total of 2593 trees were measured corresponding to 106 tree species, 25 botanical families and 54 genus. The most important species in this province were Colophospermum mopane, Guibourtia conjugata, Androstachys johnsonii, Spirostachys africana, Acacia burkei, Combretum zeyheri, Combretum molle, Sclerocarya birrea, Strichynos madagascariensis and Terminalia sericea. In Inhambane province, 2556 trees were measured distributed to 108 species, 30 botanical families and 58 genus. The most important species in this province were Brachystegia spiciformis, Colophospermum mopane, Androstachys johnsonii, Spirotachysafricana, Guibourtiaconjugata, Acacia nigresscens, Sclerocarya birrea, Margaritariadiscoidea, Brachystegia manga and Pteleopsis mytifolia. The diversity of the Inhambane forest was larger than the one of the Gaza forest (index of Shannon = 3.36, Pielou index = 0.72 and 3.09, Pielou index = 0.66, respectively). The Index of Jaccard and Sorensen revealed low similarity among the two forest. The specificity of identified species in each province can be used to define restoration and conservation strategies of the south of Mozambique.

In vitro study for antifungal compounds from Parinari curatellifolia (Chrysobalanaceae) and Terminalia sericea (Combretaceae)

Parinari curatellifolia (Chrysobalanaceae) and Terminalia sericea (Combretaceae) have been traditionally used in Southern Highlands of Tanzania for treatment of various infectious disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate antifungal activity of the isolated compounds from Parinari curatellifolia and Terminalia sericea plant species. The ethyl acetate extract of the root barks from Parinari curatellifolia and Terminalia sericea were fractionated using column chromatography. The structures of compounds were established using both 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic techniques while antifungal activities of the fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated using broth microdilution assay against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus niger species. Two known compounds toddalolactone (1) and 10-hydroxy-13-methoxy-9- methyl-15-oxo-20-norkaur-16-en-18-oic acid -lactone (2) from P. curatellifolia and two compounds Sericic acid (3) and sericoside (4) from T. sericea were isolated and their structures identified and confirmed by spectral data obtained and from the literatures. Strong antifungal activity was shown by Sericic acid (3) with MIC value of0.07 mg/ml against C. albicans and C. neoformans. Isolation of toddalolactone (1) from Parinari curatellifolia as well as the antifungal activity of Sericic acid (3) from Terminalia sericea is being reported for the first time. Bioactivity of these compounds support traditional use of the studied plants.&#x0D; Keywords: Sericic acid, toddalolactone, fungi, antifungal, Parinari curatellifolia, Terminalia sericea.

Phytochemical Profiling and Quality Control of Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. Using HPTLC Metabolomics

Terminalia sericea is used throughout Africa for the treatment of a variety of conditions and has been identified as a potential commercial plant. The study was aimed at establishing a high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) chemical fingerprint for T. sericea root bark as a reference for quality control and exploring chemical variation within the species using HPTLC metabo3lomics. Forty-two root bark samples were collected from ten populations in South Africa and extracted with dichloromethane: methanol (1:1). An HPTLC method was optimized to resolve the major compounds from other sample components. Dichloromethane: ethyl acetate: methanol: formic acid (90:10:30:1) was used as the developing solvent and the plates were visualized using 10% sulfuric acid in methanol as derivatizing agent. The concentrations of three major bioactive compounds, sericic acid, sericoside and resveratrol-3-O-β-rutinoside, in the extracts were determined using a validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (UPLC-PDA) detection method. The rTLC software (written in the R-programming language) was used to select the most informative retardation factor (Rf) ranges from the images of the analysed sample extracts. Further chemometric models, including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), were constructed using the web-based high throughput metabolomic software. The rTLC chemometric models were compared with the models previously obtained from ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). A characteristic fingerprint containing clear bands for the three bioactive compounds was established. All three bioactive compounds were present in all the samples, although their corresponding band intensities varied. The intensities correlated with the UPLC-PDA results, in that samples containing a high concentration of a particular compound, displayed a more intense band. Chemometric analysis using HCA revealed two chemotypes, and the subsequent construction of a loadings plot indicated that sericic acid and sericoside were responsible for the chemotypic variation; with sericoside concentrated in Chemotype 1, while sericic acid was more abundant in Chemotype 2. A characteristic chemical fingerprint with clearly distinguishable features was established for T. sericea root bark that can be used for species authentication, and to select samples with high concentrations of a particular marker compound(s). Different chemotypes, potentially differing in their therapeutic potency towards a particular target, could be distinguished. The models revealed the three analytes as biomarkers, corresponding to results reported for UPLC-MS profiling and thereby indicating that HPTLC is a suitable technique for the quality control of T. sericea root bark.

Mapping floristic communities in Southern Africa savannas, Mozambique

Abstract The present study was carried out in Limpopo National Park (LNP) with the objective to map floristic communities that occur inside the park. Three (3) Landsat 8 satellite images were obtained by Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) tools and were pre-processed and classified, culminating in six (6) types of land use and cover. The floristic survey consisted of stratified sampling in three (3) main LNP landscapes types, namely landscape of limestone soils, landscape of rhyolite shallow soils and landscape of deep sandy soils. The final map presents 13 floristic communities identified by the names of greatest value of ecological importance (IVI) species. The community of Terminalia sericea / Combretum apiculatum / Guibourtia conjugata / Colophospermum mopane presented a larger occurrence area. Colophospermum mopane was the most representative species among the mapped communities, mostly occurring in association with other species. The overall accuracy was 74% and the Kappa index was 68%, thus giving a good rating. The mapping also showed that human occupied areas are larger than some floristic communities areas, so we suggest that these smaller communities, should be given priority actions for their conservation, especially those without human occupation.