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Valorisation Strategy of Resources Species of the Not Ligneous Products of Savanna of the Vicinity of Kinshasa: II. Ethnobotany Investigation (Medecinals Aspects). Investigation regarding the use of 49 medical species carried out on a sample of 460 plots in Kinshasa showed that 64% of the people surveyed knew at least one medecinal receipt for one the investigated species. Aframomum alboviolaceum, Alchornea cordifolia, Bridelia atroviridis, Hymenocardia acida, Morinda longiflora and Newbouldia laevis are the most quoted. Alimentary and pulmonary systems diseases are mainly treated. The exploitation of leaves and roots in vicinity of Kinshasa accentuate the degradation of savanna ecosystems.

Strategy of Valorization of the Resource Species in Non Woody Products from the Savanna Belt of Kinshasa. I. Ethnobotany Survey. Le sanctuaire de gorilles de Lossi constitue une expérience sur la synergie entre la recherche scientifique et la conservation de la nature. Trois parties prenantes sont impliquées dans un processus de gestion participative: l'Etat congolais, la communauté autochtone représentée par l'association des ayants droits des terres de Lossi et le programme européen sur les écosystèmes forestiers d'Afrique centrale. Une enquête de terrain a été effectuée sur le site de Lossi en 2003; elle avait comme objectif d'étudier les effets générés par la gestion participative et d'identifier les contraintes liées à l'exécution de cette approche participative en milieu réel. Les travaux de recherche sur la primatologie ont abouti à l'habituation des gorilles à la présence humaine, ce qui a conduit à la création d'un tourisme de vision de gorilles de plaine de l'Ouest. Un camp de touristes a été construit, ainsi que l'ouverture de la route d'accès au sanctuaire. Le tourisme a généré des emplois en faveur de la population locale qui est aussi prestataire de contrats sur les travaux de réfection des routes. Une partie des revenus a permis la construction d'un centre de santé intégré. Cependant, les travaux de recherche scientifique et le tourisme ont été ralentis pendant l'apparition de la fièvre hémorragique d'Ebola et pendant les trois épisodes de la guerre civile. La consolidation et le long terme de cette entreprise de cogestion du patrimoine naturel de Lossi consiste en l'établissement d'un plan d'aménagement et de gestion, qui concilie la conservation, le développement rural et la recherche scientifique tout en garantissant une répartition équitable des revenus entre les trois partenaires.

Fruit Trees Contribution to Food Security in Tropical Urban Environment: Instance of Commune of Limete in Kinshasa- Democratic Republic of Congo. Problems of hunger and malnutrition in urban environnements force the populations to exploit all the food resources available. This work investigates the contribution to the diet of the population of the edible fruits produced by the 19 species of trees found in a district of Kinshasa. An investigation carried out in 1.09% of the 18,475 household plots of the commune of Limete permitted to estimate at approximately 47,000 feet the number of trees planted there and their annual production at approximately 4.087 tons. The six main species (Mangifera indica, Persea americana, Elaeis guineensis, Carica papaya, Dacryodes edulis and Musa paradisiaca) account on their own for an approximate total of 36,400 feet. The contribution of these species to the population alimentation was estimated respectively at 10.9 g, 6.1 g, 4.5 g, 4.4 g, 1.8 g and 0.6 g of fruits per person and per day. The control of certain environmental- friendly techniques and environmental education relating to the trees in urban environment should increase the importance of this contribution.

Inventory of Vegetal Species Cultivated in Plots Gardens in Urban Environment. Instance of Limete Commune-Kinshasa- Democratic Republic of Congo. A survey carried out in 201 plots of the "commune" of Limete permitted to inventoriate nineteen species of cultivated vegetables and 764 plants of 18 fruit-tree species planted or kept in this area. Mangifera indica is the most planted tree species and Ipomoae batatas is the most frequently cultivated vegetable species. Promoted and supported, this urban agriculture can modify the town ecosystem characteristics with a vegetation able to purify the air, to regulate the climate, to restore soil fertility and to provide vegetables and fruits to the population.

Effects of Inoculation with Five Glomus Species on Racosperma auriculiforme Growth and Nodulation in a Nursery in the Democratie Republic of the Congo. Racosperma auriculiforme has been inoculated in a nursery with five exotic vesicular - arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) species. Among them, Glomus clarum revealed to be performant. Compared to the uninoculated control and others endomycorhizal species, it has stimulated significantly (P

Effects of Inoculation with Rhizobium TAL 1147'-Glomus Clarum in a Nursery on Racosperma Auriculiforme Growth and Nodulation in Democratie Republic of Congo. The efficiency evaluation of five vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza spp. revealed that the mycobiont Glomus clarum is suitable for the mycorrhizogene replanting of the Kinzono grassy savanna. This present study reports results of effects of its inoculation at the same time that the Rhizobium TAL 1147 in nursery on Racosperma auriculiforme growth and nodulation in this same savanna's soil. Compared to the individual inoculation (Glomus clarum or Rhizobium TAL 1147) and to the uninoculated control, the dual inoculation Rhizobium TAL 1147-Glomus clarum has improved significantly (P

The in vitro antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of ethanol extracts from whole plant, fresh apical stems and calli from fresh apical stem of Phyllanthus amarus cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with indole-butyric acid (IBA)/benzylaminopurine (BAP) 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 and 1:4, IBA/BAP/mannitol 1:1:0.5%, IBA/BAP/mannitol: 2% for three months were evaluated. Results indicated that all ethanol extracts showed an in vitro antiplasmodial activity at different extends. The most active ethanol extract was that from callus cultivated with IBA/BAP/ mannitol 1:1:05% (IC50 < 0.19 μg/ml). The ethanol whole plant and intact apical stem extracts exhibited an activity with IC50 values of 2.5 ± 0.4 and 8.2 ± 1.9 μg/ml, respectively. Quercetin, lupeol and ellagic acid displayed an antiplasmodial activity with IC50 values of 3.2 ± 0.6, 8.3 ± 1.4 and 0.07 ± 0.02 μg/ml, respectively. All ethanol extracts and isolated compounds were considered to be non cytotoxic against MT-4 cell lines growth (CC50 > 32 μg/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ethanol extracts of fresh apical stems ofPhyllanthus niruriL.(Euphorbiaceae)cultured on Murashige and Skoog(MS)medium supplemented with IBA/BAP/Coco nuciferaL. milk for 1, 2, 4, and 6 months were phytochemically and biologically investigated and compared to the intact plant part and whole plant extracts. A phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids, terpenes, and flavonoids as the major phytochemical groups, but not the same constituents belonging to these groups in all extracts. Alkaloids were detected in whole plant extract and were in traces in the intact apical stem extract and callus extracts. Results from thein vitroantiplasmodial testing indicated that the callus extract 1&ThickSpace;month old(IC 50 &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;16.3±2.5&ThickSpace;µg/ml)exhibited activity similar to the intact plant part extract(IC 50 &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;18.2±2.5&ThickSpace;µg/ml)(p&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;0.05). This activity was significantly higher(p&ThickSpace;<&THICKSPACE;0.001) than that exhibited by extracts from callus cultures 2, 4, and 6 months old(25&ThickSpace;<&ThickSpace;IC 50 &ThickSpace;<&ThickSpace;40&ThickSpace;µg/ml). The activity of these extracts is lower than that displayed by the same extract from the whole plant(IC 50 &ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;2.5±0.2&ThickSpace;µg/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization degrades natural habitats and creates new urban ecosystems like domestic gardens. The plant composition of these gardens varies with socio-economic factors and urban planning levels. However, the diversity and impact of introduced species are often poorly assessed, causing potential ecological imbalances (disruptions in the natural functioning and stability of ecosystems), particularly in Lubumbashi (DR Congo). The objective was to analyze the spatial structure, plant diversity, propagation strategies, and ecological functions of domestic gardens. Three distinct neighborhoods were selected: a planned, unplanned, and residential neighborhood. Twenty avenues (with five plots per avenue) were chosen to represent the diversity within each neighborhood, and stratified random sampling of plots was conducted to analyze gardening practices. Gardens were classified into types, and their vegetation was evaluated based on species origin and ecological impact. The analysis of domestic gardens in Lubumbashi reveals significant variations across different neighborhood types. Residential neighborhoods exhibit larger average garden sizes (315.1 m2), higher species richness (22 species), and larger plot sizes (1032 m2) compared to unplanned and planned neighborhoods, where garden areas and species richness are notably lower. Rectangular gardens dominate in unplanned areas, while planned neighborhoods feature more intentional landscaping elements, such as flowerbeds and hedges. The use of gardens for food production is prominent in planned areas (40.7%), whereas residential neighborhoods prioritize ornamentation (51.4%). The study identified 232 taxa across 68 families, with a predominance of exotic species (80%) in all neighborhoods, particularly in unplanned areas (82.25%). The data revealed that Mangifera indica and Persea americana are abundant in all neighborhoods, illustrating their adaptability to different urban contexts. Herbaceous species are most common, followed by woody plants, with vines being sparse. Species dispersal is primarily driven by human activities (anthropochory), accounting for over 85% in all neighborhoods. These findings highlight the strong human influence on the composition and structure of domestic gardens in Lubumbashi, emphasizing the dominance of exotic species and the importance of anthropogenic factors in shaping urban green spaces. Urban policies should incorporate strategies to minimize the negative impacts of exotic species on native flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied spatial patterns of kinship in the offspring of the endangered Lodoicea maldivica, a dioecious palm that produces the largest seed of any plant. Previous research has suggested that restricted seed and pollen dispersal in populations resulted in strong spatial genetic structure. We used microsatellites to genotype young plants and their potential parents at four sites across the species' entire natural range. We determined the most likely parents of each young plant based on the spatial separation of each parent pair, their genetic relatedness, and the level of correlated paternity. We identified both parents (43 female, 54 male) for 139 of 493 young plants. Mean distance between parental pairs was 26.8 m. Correlated paternity was low (0.168), indicating that mother trees were often pollinated by several fathers. Parental pairs were more closely related than expected by chance, suggesting outbreeding depression. Our results highlight the apparent strong mate choice for close kin in parent pairs of surviving offspring. We discuss the alternative biological processes that could lead to this, including the potential for break-up of favourable allelic combinations necessary for the development of the palm's very large seed. Management implications include germinating seeds where they naturally fall, using a diverse range of male plants as pollen donors for hand pollination, and protecting the native community of gecko pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritional, mineral, and phytochemical analyses of some selected wild edible plants from Tach Gaint District, Northwest Ethiopia. Proximate composition parameters (moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude fat, crude protein, carbohydrate, and energy) were evaluated using the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, and elemental analysis was performed using the atomic absorption spectroscopy technique. Results from the nutritional analysis show that Erucastrum abyssinicum leaves had the highest crude protein content (17.47 ± 0.03 g/100 g), followed by Amaranthus graecizans (14.97 ± 0.03 g/100 g). The maximum moisture content (40.8 ± 0.00 g/100 g) and ash content (24.70 ± 0.15 g/100 g) were reported in the leaves of Amaranthus graecizans. The young shoots of Rumex abyssinicus had the highest crude fat content (14.07 ± 0.03 g/100 g) and the highest fibre content (34.70 ± 0.25 g/100 g), while the fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica had the highest amount of utilisable carbohydrate (44.4 ± 0.00 g/100 g) and the estimated energy value (326.4 ± 0.00 Kcal/100 g). Calcium was detected in considerable proportions (754.9 ± 0.23 mg/100 g) followed by iron (31.63 ± 0.03 mg/100 g) in Urtica simensis leaves and zinc content (3.09 ± 0.02 mg/100 g) in young shoots of Rumex abyssinicus. Qualitative phytochemical screening, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, and tannins were found in the methanolic extract of the plants. The results of this study suggest that the consumption of such nutrient-rich wild edible plants could help add a remarkable amount of nutrient and mineral in the human diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), a vital crop in global agriculture known for its high oil yield, predominantly features two fruit types: Dura and Tenera. Despite their economic importance, there's a paucity of research on how these varieties differ in bunch weight and fruit-tobunch ratio, key factors in optimizing oil palm cultivation and promoting sustainable practices. This study addresses this knowledge gap by examining the influence of Dura and Tenera fruit types on these parameters. We gathered data on bunch weight and fruit-to-bunch percentage from plantations cultivating both varieties. Our findings indicate Dura had a marginally higher mean bunch weight (18.88 kg) compared to Tenera (17.30 kg), and a similar trend was observed in the fruit-to-bunch ratio, with Dura at 73.29% and Tenera at 66.15%. These results suggest that the choice of fruit type should be a consideration in planting strategies. Further investigation is warranted into the genetic and environmental contributors to these observed disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous food plants provide various social functions; they are crucial to food supply diversification efforts, and they improve food and nutrition security. Research has shown that indigenous foods' nutritional potential and advantages have yet to be adequately appreciated and explored. This systematic review discusses the various elements contributing to IF promotion, which may help increase their intake. Therefore, a systematic literature review was conducted to determine the availability, regularity of consumption, utilisation, preparation, harvesting, and preservation of indigenous foods. Additionally, this review details the knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs of IFs under these themes. The findings of this systematic review highlight the importance of promoting IFs through policies, the development of capabilities and skills, in-depth research, and an extensive indigenous food plant composition. The fact that Southern African populations do not value indigenous foods and their potential advantages appears to be a significant barrier. Furthermore, the younger generation has lost access to the older generations' indigenous food knowledge. Thus, the preservation of indigenous food knowledge in books and continuing education of the younger generation about the importance of consuming indigenous foods and the nutrition content they contain may help with its uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn., a globally distributed herb is known for its several therapeutic potentials. P. amarus has a long history of use in the traditional system of medicine for over 2000 years owing to its wide array of secondary metabolites that confer significant medicinal attributes. Research on various aspects including ethnobotany, phytochemistry to bioactivity, or pharmacological studies has been conducted over the past several decades on this potent herb. P. amarus extracts have shown a broad range of pharmacological activities like hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimalarial, nephroprotective, diuretic, and several other properties. The present review compiles and covers literature and research of several groups across past decades to date and focuses on how the therapeutic significance of this plant can be further explored for future research either as herbal formulations, alternative medicine, or in the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Street trees are always considered a vital part of urban green infrastructure in urbanized areas through mitigating the negative effects caused by urbanization taking part in human well-being. However, little is still known about their diversity, structure and protection, mostly in Lubumbashi city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), where the pace of urbanization is not only rapid but also unplanned. In this study, using an inventory, we have characterized the diversity, structure and protection measures of street trees along a land-use planning gradient in Lubumbashi for both planned and unplanned neighborhoods. From the results, a total of 1596 trees were encountered, comprising 40 species, 33 genera and 17 families, mostly dominated by exotic species (65%). In addition, most of the studied trees (63%) belonged to four species only (Jacaranda mimosifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Mangifera indica, and Acacia auriculiformis) with Leucaena leucocephala and Jacaranda mimosifolia being highly represented in unplanned and planned neighborhoods, respectively. The most abundant diameter classes in the planned neighborhoods were those with at most 10 cm against the classes larger than 50 cm in the planned neighborhoods. In both neighborhoods, trees with protection equipment represent less than 35%. Furthermore, in planned neighborhoods notably, nearly half of the observed equipment is in a good condition. Despite the benefits associated with street trees, there is a need to reduce the proportion of exotic tree species by planting native utilitarian tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High metal contents of acidic soils from sub-Saharan Africa often prevent the cultivation of crops and lead to a low livestock yield. The carbohydrate rich diet of the Angolan population is low in minerals and vitamins, resulting in various deficiency syndromes and a high child mortality rate. Eight traditionally utilized plants (Anisophyllea quangensis, Annona stenophylla subsp. cuneata, Canarium schweinfurthii, Eugenia malangensis, Landolphia lanceolata, Raphionacme madiensis, Tristemma mauritianum, Vitex madiensis subsp. madiensis) with nutritional value for the Angolan population were analyzed for their soil and growing conditions. The species are adapted to the local conditions and can serve as crops for the unfavorable soils of the province Uíge. Chemical and physical characteristics of the uppermost soil (0–5 cm) and in 30 cm depth were analyzed. The plant-available macro-and micronutrients were determined using Mehlich 3 extraction. Data are completed with leaf tissue analyses, examining the uptake of minerals. As aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) are plant-available in high amounts, local plants evolved mechanisms dealing with those metals. These Al accumulators with foliar contents above 1000 mg/kg are Anisophyllea quangensis (7884 mg/kg), Landolphia lanceolata (6809 mg/kg), Tristemma mauritianum (4674 mg/kg), and Eugenia malangensis (13,989 mg/kg). All four species bear edible fruits with nutritional potential. The domestication and commercialization of those plants seem to be promising, utilizing local soils without expensive amelioration techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The phytotherapeutic knowledge of the Kongo people in the territories of Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu in Kongo-Central Province (DR Congo) is rapidly eroding. To document the remaining knowledge, we conducted an ethnobotanical survey on the most important medicinal plant species and diseases treated with them, as well as plants with therapeutic potential. We also checked for the cultural similarity in medicinal plant knowledge between the two territories and how knowledge about Kongo medicinal plants differs between different social groups. Methods: From June 2017 until February 2018 and from February 2019 until April 2019, we conducted a survey with 188 phytotherapists, selected using the snowball method and surveyed using semi-structured interviews. Voucher specimens were taken for identification. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using medicinal use value (UVs), informant agreement ratio (IARs), informant consensus factor (ICF), and species therapeutic potential (STP). Rahman's similarity index was used for ethno-cultural comparison of medicinal plant knowledge between the two communities. Medicinal knowledge between different social groups was analyzed using non-parametric tests and Poisson regression. Results: A total of 231 plants (i.e., 227 botanical species, representing 192 genera and 79 families) were reportedly used to treat 103 diseases. Most abundant taxa were reported for the Fabaceae family (including 11.9% of species and 10.9% of genera). Most reported species (45.0%) were from anthropized areas. Leaves (39.4%), herbs (37.1%), decoction (41.7%), and oral ingestion (72%) were the most frequently cited plant part, botanical form, preparation, and administration method, respectively. Four of all inventoried species showed high UVS (> 0.05), whereas eight had an IAR of one. According to ICF, 31 diseases were mentioned. Highest ICF (≥ 0.4) was observed for hemorrhoids (0.44), amoebiasis (0.43), and itchy rash (0.42). Fifty-four plant species were identified as likely possessing an interesting therapeutic potential. Low ethno-cultural similarity in medicinal knowledge (RSI = 16.6%) was found between the two territories. Analysis of the Kongo medicinal plant knowledge showed that the mean number of reported species and diseases vary considerably depending on gender, type, and residence of therapists (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Results prove that the Kongo phytopharmacopeia makes use of interesting medicinal plant species that could be further studied for conservation and pharmacological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Veteriner is the property of Fakultas Kedokteran Hewan, Universitas Udayana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Agroforestry systems provide smallholder farmers with opportunities to broaden their income base. However, as planting trees can come at the cost of reduced crop yield because of competition for resources, farmers need to understand the consequences of tree growing on crop productivity. This paper explores the impacts of Acacia auriculiformis on agricultural crop productivity during the first three cropping seasons in Gunungkidul, Java, Indonesia; maize then soybean was planted in each season. We also sought to understand whether water competition was a factor in determining productivity in this agroforestry system, as this environment is characterised by a long (~ 6-month) dry season. A randomised complete block design with five replications was used, with three treatments, monoculture A. auriculiformis trees, monoculture agricultural crops, and an agroforestry plot that combined the trees and crop. At the final measure, at age 27 months, the trees were 7.4 and 6.9 m in height and 7.2 and 7.1 cm in diameter in the monoculture and in the agroforestry systems respectively, and treatment had no significant effect on the tree height or diameter. Grain yield of soybean was not affected by treatment in any of the three growing seasons, but both grain and stover yields of maize were significantly lower in the agroforestry system than in the monoculture in the third growing season. Differences in soil water deficit, and pre-dawn and mid-day leaf water potentials in A. auriculiformis and soybean were generally not significant between treatments in all three growing seasons. land equivalent ratios for the A. auriculiformis agroforestry system decreased from the 1st to the 3rd growing seasons but remained > 1.3. As fertilizer was applied it was assumed that there was no nutrient limitation. It was therefore concluded that tree shading was primarily responsible for reductions in productivity, and that this affect was greater on maize than soybean grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study emphasizes on the investigation of antiplasmodial activity of triterpenoids isolated from Ficus benjamina leaves. An unsaponified fraction of petroleum ether extract of plant leaves was subjected to silica gel column chromatography which led to the isolation of two known triterpenoids; namely ursolic acid and lupeol. These compounds were evaluated for antiplasmodial activity by schizont maturation inhibition assay using 3D7 Plasmodium strains. Both, ursolic acid and lupeol were found to exhibit significant antiplasmodial effect with an IC50 value of 18 µg/ml and 3.8 µg/ml, respectively. This study further confirms the traditional role of Ficus benjamina plant in the treatment of malaria which may be attributed to ursolic acid and lupeol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the assumption of oil palm breeders, virescens oil palm type has no real economic value. Therefore, the nigrescens is more considered. However, the virescens gives a visual cue that fruits are ripe without waiting to detach. In 2010, Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI) successfully planted an open-pollinated population of Cameroon oil palm. The population was characterized for virescens type frequency, as well as the bunch components, quantity and quality of crude palm oil. The virescens frequency per accession was sufficiently wide, ranging from 3.33-65.71%, and was affected by the parent type, nigrescens or virescens. Most of the virescens's fruit form is observed to be of dura, except one sample, which was observed to be tenera. The mesocarp to fruit (MF) and industrial extraction ratio (IER) percentage are similar to the nigrescens dura, namely 37.7% and 9.5%, respectively. Its oil quality is better than nigrescens, and it has total carotene ranging from 155-1246 ppm. The oleic fatty acid is higher than 50%, and the palmitic is lower than 40%. Due to the ease of determining mature fruits, as well as the higher oil quality, virescens oil palm type is recommended to be introgressed in a breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested the effect of four improved fallow legumes; Leucaena leucophala, Cajanus cajan, Albizia lebbeck and Moringa oleifera (for 1 and 2 year period) on soil nitrogen, microbial dynamics and maize grain yield in the sub-humid zone of Ghana. The study was conducted at the University for Development Studies experimental station, at latitude 9° 25ꞌ N, longitude 0° 58ꞌ W and at 183 m asl. The layout of the experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The pattern of decomposition for years 1 and 2 was similar, however, weight loss showed a decreasing pattern with sampling time. At 48 days, Cajanus lost 27% of its initial weight compared to Leucaena and Albizia (54%) and Moringa (94%). Albizia plots had the highest total microbial load, with bacteria being the dominant soil microorganism in all treatments. Maize yield was higher in the second year and in Albizia plot (1.72 kg/ha) while the control recorded the least yield (0.89 kg/ha) in the second year. We established that biomass amended plots improved soil N, microbial biomass and maize yield compared to control plots in both years 1 and 2. Microbial biomass and N mineralised were indicators of improved soil fertility and correlated positively with maize yield in the biomass amended plots. In conclusion, we recommend Albizia biomass as a good source of manure after 2 years of establishment under sub-humid condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A structure–activity relationship study of active molecules against chloroquine‐resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 strain is reported. Structurally simplified analogues of antiplasmodial active alkaloids presented similar levels of activity as their corresponding natural products extracted from Guiera senegalensis and Mitragyna inermis with IC50 values on chloroquine‐resistant P. falciparum K1 strain of up to 10.6 μM for spirooxindoles and 13.8 μM for β‐carbolines. The identification of such simpler and cheaper structural analogues is crucial to efficiently study these natural products' action mode as well as developing new cures against malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: This study represents the first in-depth ethnobotanical study in the province of Uíge in northern Angola and documents the traditional knowledge of the Bakongo people living in the area. Due to deforestation and frequent fires, degraded savannahs dominate the landscape in the study region. Here we provide a list of useful plants from these savannahs including quantitative data about cultural importance of the respective species, aiming on the one hand to conserve the local knowledge and on the other hand to create a reliable basis for research projects in the region. Methods: Field work was conducted in April and May 2014 in 5 municipalities of Uíge province. The study is based on 32 semi-structured and free-listing interviews, group discussions of varying scope and 14 field trips, involving a total of 82 informants. Throughout the course of the study herbarium specimens of the useful species were collected for later identification. Cultural importance index was applied to analyse the data sets recorded and to determine the best-known useful species in the region. All data sets were compared to the literature available for the region. Results: The study documents a total of 498 citations for the use of 122 plants from 48 families, 34.0 % of which were unknown according to the literature used for comparison. The high amount (71 %) of medical use-reports indicates that plants still play a crucial role in rural health care. We identified 14 plant species of special interest for pharmacological analysis. Species of highest cultural importance are Annona senegalensis Pers. and Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A., both of which are frequently found in disturbed savannahs. Conclusions: The study points out the importance of savannahs even if degraded in terms of useful plants and provides a valuable addition to current knowledge of plant use in Northern Angola. This is not only essential for further studies, i.e. regarding pharmaceutical agents, but also for the design of a planned botanical garden of the University Kimpa Vita in Uíge, which aims at communicating the findings to the local people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myanmar is a country with rich natural resources and of these, medicinal plants play a vital role in the primary health care of its population. The people of Myanmar have used their own system of traditional medicine inclusive of the use of medicinal plants for 2000 years. However, systematic and scientific studies have only recently begun to be reported. Researchers from Japan, Germany, and Korea have collaborated with researchers in Myanmar on medicinal plants since 2000. During the past two decades, over 50 publications have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Altogether, 433 phytoconstituents, including 147 new and 286 known compounds from 26 plant species consisting of 29 samples native to Myanmar, have been collated. In this contribution, phytochemical and biological investigations of these plants, including information on traditional knowledge are compiled and discussed.

Background: To study the potential of genomic selection for heterosis resulting from multiplicative interactions between additive and antagonistic components, we focused on oil palm, where bunch production is the product of bunch weight and bunch number. We simulated two realistic breeding populations and compared current reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) with reciprocal recurrent genomic selection (RRGS) over four generations. All breeding strategies aimed at selecting the best individuals in parental populations to increase bunch production in hybrids. For RRGS, we obtained the parental genomic estimated breeding values using GBLUP with hybrid phenotypes as data records and population specific allele models. We studied the effects of four RRGS parameters on selection response and genetic parameters: (1) the molecular data used to calibrate the GS model: in RRGS_PAR, we used parental genotypes and in RRGS_HYB we also used hybrid genotypes; (2) frequency of progeny tests (model calibration); (3) number of candidates and (4) number of genotyped hybrids in RRGS_HYB. Results: We concluded that RRGS could increase the annual selection response compared to RRS by decreasing the generation interval and by increasing the selection intensity. With 1700 genotyped hybrids, calibration every four generations and 300 candidates per generation and population, selection response of RRGS_HYB was 71.8 % higher than RRS. RRGS_PAR with calibration every two generations and 300 candidates was a relevant alternative, as a good compromise between the annual response, risk around the expected response, increased inbreeding and cost. RRGS required inbreeding management because of a higher annual increase in inbreeding than RRS. Conclusions: RRGS appeared as a valuable method to achieve a long-term increase in the performance for a trait showing heterosis due to the multiplicative interaction between additive and negatively correlated components, such as oil palm bunch production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum: Agronomy is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We describe here three urea-based soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors from the root of the plant Pentadiplandra brazzeana. The concentration of these ureas in the root was quantified by LC-MS/MS, showing that 1, 3-bis (4-methoxybenzyl) urea (MMU) is the most abundant (42.3 μg/g dry root weight). All of the ureas were chemically synthesized, and their inhibitory activity toward recombinant human and recombinant rat sEH was measured. The most potent compound, MMU, showed an IC50 of 92 nM via fluorescent assay and a Ki of 54 nM via radioactivity-based assay on human sEH. MMU effectively reduced inflammatory pain in a rat nociceptive pain assay. These compounds are among the most potent sEH inhibitors derived from natural sources. Moreover, inhibition of sEH by these compounds may mechanistically explain some of the therapeutic effects of P. brazzeana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The leaves, inflorescences, and fruit bunches of date palm trees develop at the crown, which is the apex of a single trunk that can be up to 25 m tall. Because palm trees are monocots, the leaves and inflorescences are generated deep within the trunk from a single meristem-the palm heart-and are inaccessible for direct bioregulator treatments. We followed the effects of two growth regulators, paclobutrazol and uniconazole-P, on the vegetative growth of young date palm seedlings. Both growth regulators constrained the elongation rate of the leaves and reduced the leaf length. Microscopic analysis of dissected palm hearts revealed that the growth retardants did not affect the generation of new leaves. However, the treatments did change the dimensions of the developing embryonic leaves as well as the shape of the apical meristem. The results suggest the possible future use of growth retardants to reduce trunk height, enabling cheaper, safer, and more efficient management of date palm trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first report of a pasture plant collecting mission to the highlands of Eritrea and a preliminary examination of the potential of species for both Eritrea and southern Australia. In 2004, seeds from 53 legume species were collected from 58 locations in the southern highlands between Keren, Adi Quala and Senafe. Strains of Rhizobium from 18 species were also collected. Seed collections of 11 species with Rhizobium were established in germplasm nurseries at the Medina Research Station, Western Australia between 2005 and 2010. Observations on their growth, flowering and seed production were recorded. Based on a climate match analysis and observations from germplasm nurseries, it was suggested that species with most promise for parts of southern Australia include the annual legume Biserrula pelecinus ssp. leiocarpa and the perennial shrub Colutea abyssinica. The greatest potential, however, is reserved for the highlands of Eritrea where germplasm is well adapted. Species found low in the landscape including from the genera Lotus, Trifolium and Medicago appeared well utilized. Different species found higher in the landscape including from the genera Indigofera, Tephrosia, Crotalaria, Trifolium schimperi, B. pelecinus ssp. leiocarpa and C. abyssinica were much less common, appeared under-utilized and may be under threat from genetic erosion. Animal production on the non-arable dry hillsides of the highlands would benefit from better utilization of these species through replanting some areas, careful grazing management and demonstration of the benefits of increasing the native legume component of these wild pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afforestation of degraded croplands by planting N-fixing trees in arid regions is highly recognized. However, fixation of atmospheric nitrogen gas (N) by woody perennials is often limited on phosphorus (P) poor soils, while any factor limiting N nutrition inhibits tree growth. In a two-factorial field experiment, the effect of three P amendments was examined during 2006-2008 on N fixation, biomass production, and foliage feed quality of actinorhizal Elaeagnus angustifolia L. and leguminous Robinia pseudoacacia L. With the N natural abundance method, N fixation was quantified based on foliar and whole-tree sampling against three non-N-fixing reference species: Gleditsia triacanthos L., Populus euphratica Oliv., and Ulmus pumila L. The P applications, in March 2006 and April 2007 only, included (i) high-P (90 kg P ha), (ii) low-P (45 kg P ha), and (iii) 0-P. After 3 years, the average proportion of N derived from atmosphere (Ndfa, %) increased from 78 % with 0-P to 87 % with high P when confounded over both N-fixing species. With the used density of 5,714 trees ha, the total amount of N fixed (Ndfa, kg N ha) with high-P increased from 64 kg N ha (year 1) to 807 kg N ha (year 3) in E. angustifolia and from 9 kg N ha (year 1) to 155 kg N ha (year 3) in R. pseudoacacia. Total above-ground biomass increases were too variable to be significant. Leaf N content and therewith also leaf crude protein content, which is an indicator for feed quality, increased significantly (24 %) with high-P when compared to 0-P for E. angustifolia. Overall findings indicated the suitability of the two N-fixing species for afforestating salt-affected croplands, low in soil P. With P-applications as low as 90 kg P ha, the production potential of E. angustifolia and R. pseudoacacia, including the supply of protein-rich feed, could be increased on salt-affected croplands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineral status of whole plant samples of Phyllanthus and its growth substratum was determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. A total of 11 elements were detected in both whole plant and soil samples with varying concentrations depending on area of collection as well plant or it soil substratum. Comparatively, the concentration of all the elements except Cl, Ca and Br was higher in the soil samples than the whole plant indicating that the plant obtained these elements from the growth substratum. For the plant samples, the concentration of tungsten (W) and arsenic (As) were below the detection limits while for the soil sample chlorine (Cl) and calcium (Ca) were below detection limits. Three of the elements namely Mg, Ca and K detected in the plant samples are macroelements and were therefore detected in higher concentrations in the plant samples. The element with the highest concentration was K and it ranged from 1,215.44 to 5,658.06 and 0.64 to 1.20 % in soil and whole plant samples respectively. Arsenic (As) is considered as a toxic element and its concentration below detection limits in the whole plant sample makes it pharmacologically safe for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aqueous extracts of Tridax procumbens (TP) (Compositae) and Phyllanthus amarus (PA) (Euphorbiaceae) are used in traditional medicine in Ghana to treat malaria. Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-trypanosoma, anti-bacterial and anti-HIV effects of TP and PA. Objective: To assess the antiplasmodial activity of extracts of TP and PA. Method: Aqueous extracts of TP and PA were prepared. A portion of each was freeze-dried and the remaining extracted sequentially with ethyl acetate and chloroform. Ethanolic extracts were also prepared. The antiplasmodial activity of the extracts was assessed with the 3H-hypoxanthine assay using chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Chloroquine was used as the reference drug. The modified tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay was also used to evaluate the red blood cell (RBC)-protective/antiplasmodial activities and cytotoxicities of the extracts. Results: Results showed that TP and PA have antiplasmodial activities. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of PA were the most active, yielding EC50 values of 34.9µg/ml and 31.2µg/ml, respectively in the tetrazolium-based assay. The TP and PA produced and IC50 values of 24.8µg/ml and 11.7µg/ml, respectively in the hypoxanthine assay. Protection of human RBCs against P. falciparum damage by the extracts highly correlated with their antiplasmodial activities. None of the extracts, within the concentration range (1.9-500µg/ml) studied produced any overt toxicity to human RBCs. Conclusion: The results indicate that both PA and TP have activities against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum (Dd2) parasites. The antiplasmodial principles extracted into water and ethanol but not chloroform or ethyl acetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absence of a vaccine and the rampant resistance to almost all antimalarial drugs have accentuated the urgent need for new antimalarial drugs and drug targets for both prophylaxis and chemotherapy. The aim of the study was to discover effective plant extracts against Plasmodium falciparum. In the present study, the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol extracts of Citrus sinensis (peel), Leucas aspera, Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus acidus (leaf), Terminalia chebula (seed) were tested for their antimalarial activity against chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive (3D7) strain of P. falciparum which was cultured following the candle-jar method. Antimalarial evaluations of daily replacement of culture medium containing CQ and different plant crude extracts were performed on 96-well plates at 37°C for 24 and 48 h. Parasitemia was determined microscopically on thin-film Giemsa-stained preparations. Plant extracts were tested for their cytotoxicity using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on human laryngeal cancer cell line (HEp-2) and normal cell line (Vero). Out of the 25 extracts tested, six showed good (IC 4.76-22.76 μg/mL), 15 exhibited moderate (IC 31.42-88.03 μg/mL), while four displayed mild (IC > 100 μg/mL) antiplasmodial activity. The leaf ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of L. aspera; ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol extracts of P. acidus; and seed acetone extract of T. chebula had good antiplasmodial activity (IC = 7.81, 22.76, 9.37, 14.65, 12.68, and 4.76 μg/mL) with selectivity indices 5.43, 2.04, 4.88, 3.35, 3.42, and 9.97 for HEp-2 and >5.79, >2.20, >11.75, >3.41, >3.94, and >7.38 for Vero cells, respectively. These analyses have revealed for the first time that the components present in the solvent extracts of L. aspera, P. acidus, and T. chebula have antiplasmodial activity. The high antiplasmodial activity observed make these plants good candidates for isolation of anti-protozoal compounds which could serve as new lead structures for drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search for antimalarials from ethnobotanical origin, plant extracts are chemically fractionated and biological tests guide the isolation of pure active compounds. To establish the responsibility of isolated active compound(s) to the whole antiplasmodial activity of a crude extract, the literature in this field was scanned and results were analysed quantitatively to find the contribution of the pure compound to the activity of the whole extract. It was found that, generally, the activity of isolated molecules could not account on their own for the activity of the crude extract. It is suggested that future research should take into account the "drugs beside the drug", looking for those products (otherwise discarded along the fractionation process) able to boost the activity of isolated active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]