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The present work was conducted in order to investigate the effect of auxin type (2,4-D and NAA) and concentration (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 mg/l) on Balanites aegyptiaca callus cultures growth and production of secondary metabolites. Obtained results demonstrated that supplementation MS medium with 2,4-D at 2.0 mg/l could enhanced and recorded the ultimate values of callus fresh weight, antioxidant activity (%), total flavonoids, total phenolic compounds and total saponins contents and yields of Balanites aegyptiaca L. callus.

Desert date tea (DDT) is originated from the local Balanites aegyptiaca flowers infusion. Thus, the objectif of this work is to evaluate the antioxidant activity, phenolic contents and the sensory quality of DDT. The antioxidant activity was determined, total phenols and total flavonoids were quantified. Total phenols and flavonoids followed LC-MS analysis, and sensory evaluation were also carried out. Substantial quantities were recorded for both quantity of phenolic and flavonoids accounted for 3.06 mg galic acid /g and 21.60 mg rutin /g respectively. Compounds like narcissin, hirsutrin, quercetrin, ilixantrin, rutin, isorhamnetin and diverse flavone were identified. Lower antioxidant activity and overall acceptability of DDT were noticed than that of quercetin and commercial green tea. The sensory result showed again that the green tea and DDT scored almost the same in flavor character. It can be concluded that DDT could be widely used as a source of polyphenols with antioxidant and sensory quality potential; therefore, introducing numerous health benefits for the consumer.

Many underutilized tree species are good sources of food, fodder and possible therapeutic agents. Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and is popularly known as “desert date”, reflecting its edible fruits. This tree grows naturally in Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Local inhabitants use fruits, leaves, roots, stem and root bark of the species for the treatment of various ailments. Several research studies demonstrate that extracts and phytochemicals isolated from desert date display antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and molluscicidal activities. Mesocarp of fruits, seeds, leaves, stem and root bark are rich sources of saponins. These tissues are also rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids and polysterols. Some constituents show antioxidant, anticancer and antidiabetic properties. The objective of this review is to summarize studies on diverse bioactive compounds and the beneficial properties of B. aegyptiaca.

Balanites aegyptiaca or Desert date is a common plant in all dry lands of Africa and South Asia. Some parts of the plant are used as fish poisons but not poisonous to man. It is also used as medicine or food in humans as well as insect repellent. Four parts of the plant were phytochemically and proximately screened to determine whether the bioactive compounds can be utilized in sedation or anaesthetization of fish as well as supplementation of fish nutrition. The root, stem bark, leaf and fruit of the plant were screened using petroleum ether, methanol, chloroform ethanol and water as solvents. Proximate analysis to determine proximate composition of the parts of the plant was also conducted. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkanoids, flavonoids, tanins, saponins, terpens & steroids, cardiac glycosides, balsam, carbohydrates, phenols in the root and fruit. There was absence of alkanoids, flavonoids, balsam, and carbohydrates in the stem bark. The leaf confirmed the aforementioned phytochemicals except cardiac glycoside. The proximate analysis showed low percentage crude protein composition in all the plant parts [Leaf (22.94%), fruit (15.63%), root (12.81%) and stem (6.94%)]. Moisture content of the plant was also low with fruit having the highest (4.56%) and the leaf with the lowest (2.69%). The results of this work provide evidence that the bioactive compounds of the root, leaf and fruit could be utilized in sedation and anaesthetization of fish while the proximate composition was not suitable for supplementation in fish nutrition.

Balanites aegyptiaca (Balanitaceae) is a drought-tolerant but salt-sensitive tree species distributed in the tropical and arid lands in Africa and Asia. The tree contains many secondary metabolites and a high percentage of oil in the kernels that can be used for biodiesel production. This study aimed to establish an in vitro propagation system of two B. aegyptiaca provenances (El-Kharga and Wadi El-Alaqi) from nodal and cotyledon explants. The explants were placed on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (BA) and thidiazuron (TDZ) for shoot induction. BA was significantly more effective in shoot induction from nodal explants and treatment with BA also resulted in higher regeneration rates of about 40–60 % of adventitious shoots on cotyledon explants, whereas on TDZ-containing medium slightly higher shoot numbers per explant but a negative effect on shoot length were recorded. Rooting was achieved in 40–60 % of the shoots on medium containing between 1.2 and 4.8 µM indole-3-butyric acid. Three different Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains (EHA105, GV3101, and LBA4404) harboring the plasmid pCAMBIA2301 containing the nptII marker and gus reporter genes were used to establish a transformation system in B. aegyptiaca. Strain GV3101 resulted in the highest survival rates and highest number of explants positive in the GUS assay. This selected A. tumefaciens strain was used to introduce pBinAR containing the sequence encoding ERD10 (early responsive to dehydration 10) to produce salt-tolerant B. aegyptiaca plants. The presence of the ERD10 and the nptII gene were detected by PCR in transformed B. aegyptiaca plants.

This study assessed the effect of Balanites aegyptiaca on soil properties and carbon sequestration. A 100 × 100 m plot of entirely the same biophysical setting was delineated. Nine trees of relatively the same diameter at breast height (DBH) were selected to study the effect of the tree on soil properties. In total, 81 soil samples were collected from three radii distances from each tree, that is 0 - 2, 2 - 4, and 4 – 8 m at three soil depths of 0 - 20, 21 - 50 and 51 – 100 cm. Soil analysis was carried out following routine laboratory procedures. The carbon sequestration potential of the tree was determined by taking 0.5 g sample specimen from each tree. The highest productivity was observed at the radial distance of 0 - 2 followed by 2 - 4 and 4 – 8 m with the productivity indices of 0.74, 0.63 and 0.58, respectively. The highest amount of CO2–e (235.7 kg tree-1) was sequestered in older trees with a DBH range of 17 - 19 cm as compared to younger ones (56.9 kg tree-1) with the DBH range of 8 - 10 cm. Therefore, this tree has a significant effect on soil fertility improvement and climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration and as a result, it is important to retain B. agyptiaca on farmlands. Key words: Balanites aegyptiaca, soil properties, carbon sequestration, Kafta Humera Woreda.

Underutilized fruit trees play a vital role in food security and economy of the rural population in a number of African countries. Beside the significant important of the underutilized fruit trees in food security and livelihood of the local population many applications can be summarized such as using of leaves for fodder, branches for fencing materials, fire wood and charcoal making, timber for furniture and constructing huts, controlling soil erosion and competing desert encroachments . In spite of their great potential little attention has been given to this species. Balanites aegyptiaca “soap berry tree; thorn tree, desert date” is an important multipurpose trees species in dry land Africa. The tree is a potential source of medicines, pesticides, edible oil, animal feed, nuts, soap, and fuel wood. The edible fruits are rich in saturated fatty acids which are used as cooking oil. The fruit also contains Stereoids (Saponins, Sapogenins, and Disogenins) which are used as row materials for industrial production of contraceptive pills and other sexual hormones. The excessive uses of the tree for fruit production and for other uses combined with scarcity of natural regeneration lead to drastic depletion of this species. The desert date tree is adapted to dry and hot climatic environment which are characterized by increasing of land and water resources. However, little information is available about propagation and domestication of this valuable tree species; therefore, studies are needed for sustainable use of underutilized fruit trees in general and for Balanites aegyptiaca in particular. This article aims at highlighting and summarizing information on different aspect of B. aegyptiaca to stimulate the scientist interest in this valuable tree species which is of economical importance for rural inhabitants of western Sudan and other African countries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12188International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, Page: 197-203 &nbsp

Article history: Bark of Balanites aegyptiaca is used to make well water potable. This study aimed to investigate well water microbiological quality and appreciate antibacterial activity of crude extracts of B. aegyptiaca on bacteria isolated from 60 samples well water. Qualitative chemical analysis of the extract was carried out. Microbiological quality of water well from four health Districts of the city of Lome were evaluated by broth dilution associated with the spread on agar media method. Antimicrobial activity of bark of B. aegyptiaca was assessed using microdilution method. The results indicated that well water samples analysed were contaminated to varying degrees by the total aerobic flora, fecal coliforms and fecal enterococci. The most important phytoconstituents of the back were saponins, coumarins, triterpenes, tannins and steroids. Flavonoids and polyphenols were absent. B. aegyptiaca inhibited significantly the growth of microorganisms isolated from well water. Using B. aegyptiaca in the disinfection of well water would be linked to its action on the causative organisms and its chemical composition.

Synthetic seed has become a proficient tool that facilitates conservation as well as mass propagation of elite plant species by encapsulating somatic embryo or meristem tissue. Inclusion of meristematic tissues instead of somatic embryos hastens widespread utilization of this technology in recent years. Synseeds offer short term conservation of germplasms, provide readily available tissue source for easy mass propagation where each synseeds can virtually act as zygotic seeds giving rise to plantlets. This is the first report on synseed production following the confirmation of the genetic homogeneity in regenerated plantlets of Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (L.) using ISSR marker system. In this study, nodal segments, excised from in vitro proliferated shoot cultures developed from mother plant, were encapsulated in calcium alginate beads and the finest gel complexation was achieved using 3 % sodium alginate and 100 mM CaCl2·2H2O. Maximum percent response (80 %) for conversion of encapsulated nodal segments into plantlets was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 12.5 μM benzyladenine and 1.0 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid. Encapsulated nodal segments could be stored at low temperature (4 °C) up to 4 weeks with a survival frequency of 82 %. The regenerated shoots were rooted on half strength MS medium augmented with 1.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid. Well-developed plantlets regenerated from encapsulated nodal segments were acclimatized successfully with 90 % survival frequency. Fingerprinting profiles of the regenerated plantlets derived from synseeds and the donor plant were generated using a total of 20 ISSR primers, of which 14 primers produced distinct, reproducible amplified products. A total of 158 scorable bands were obtained from the complete amalgamation of primers and plantlets and 98.7 % bands were monomorphic across the plantlets which indicate that this micropropagated line derived from synseed is genetically stable and demonstrates the reliability of our protocol for short term conservation, germplasm exchange and distribution of identical plants.

Background : Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn.) Delile. & Moringa oleifera Lam. are well known drugs in Ayurveda for their wound healing property as they possess krimighna action or ability to kill foreign pathogens. Ingudi & Shigru leaves are used for wound healing purpose. Therefore leaves of both the plants were selected for antimicrobial study against surgical wound infection causative organisms. Methods: Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of leaves of both plants at 10, 20, 30% concentrations were tested for antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Zone of inhibition of extracts were determined, then activity index & IC50 value was calculated. Results: Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn.) Delile. & Moringa oleifera Lam. inhibited the growth of all the tested strains of bacteria. Aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn.) Delile has more potent action against microorganism Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, ZOI (15mm,11mm,19mm respectively), AI(0.6, 0.61, 0.70 resp.), IC50 (1.778, 1.586, 1.196 resp.). Conclusion: Leaves of Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn.) Delile possess good antimicrobial effects against microorganism Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes compared to Moringa oleifera Lam. Efficacy is very much significant against Klebsiella aerogenes.Â

Axillary shoot bud multiplication as a safest mode of micropropagation to obtain clonal progeny was revealed through the application of molecular marker technique in Balanites aegyptiaca. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to evaluate the genetic constancy of micropropagated plantlets chosen from a clonal collection of shoots that originated from mature nodal explants (mother plant). Out of 20 ISSR primers screened, ten primers yielded reliable and reproducible patterns of amplified products in all the tested plants. In this study, on an average, 11.7 bands were amplified per primer. A total of 117 bands were scored for the tissue culture-raised plantlets; 115 amplification products were monomorphic and 2 bands were polymorphic. Based on the ISSR band data, 98.2 % genetic uniformity was detected among the regenerants. Thus, the amplification products validated that the plantlets were true-to-type in morphological or growth characteristics when compared with the mother plant.

Ingudi ( Balanites aegyptiaca Linn. Delile) known as ‘Desert D ate’ is a small evergreen tree, It is traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments i.e. jaundice, intestinal worm infection, wounds, malaria, syphilis, epilepsy, dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoid, stomach aches, asthma, fever etc . This review summarizes the medicinal efficacy of Ingudi ( Balanites aegyptiaca Linn. Delile).

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the leaf traits and branching patterns between Acacia tortilis, Balanites aegyptiaca and Ziziphus mauritiana seedlings, three species occurring in the same range in the Sahel, a semi-arid tropical area of Africa. Study Design: Seeds used in this experiment were collected from a semi-arid area (16°20’N, 15°25’W), from species growing in their natural range in the Sahel. Seeds were after transferred at the experimental site where they were germinated and grown in a common garden experiment, on an area of 1300 m². Place and Duration of Study: The experimental site was located at around 400 km south of the seed origin (17°33'N, 14°55'W). The experiments were carried out between October 2002 and October 2004. Methodology: The seedlings were watered three days a week from the beginning of the experiment until July 2004. Thereafter, seedlings were assessed at 11 months, 16 months old, and at 24 months after the seed germination date. In the assessment, we measured the length (LGU) and the number (NGU) of growth units, the number of nodes (Nnode), and leaves (Nleaf), and the single (Aleaf) and total (Afoliage) leaf areas. Results: Following the water stress, Nleaf and Aleaf only decreased in A. tortilis, to tightly control the transpiration. Aleaf increased in B. aegyptiaca and Z. mauritiana, due to persistent leaves flushed before the water stress. Afoliage, NGU and Nnode were generally consistent, while LGU decreased in B. aegyptiaca. The defoliation in dry season despite the watering suggested an endogen control, allowing the species to escape harsh conditions in their natural range. Conclusion: The study do not support the hypothesis according to which species naturally coexisting are likely to display similar trend in leaf traits and branching patterns in response to drought. The study has been limited to three weeks of water stress and deserves to be extending to provide more insight into traits pattern for a longer period of water stress.

In this study, the effect of the methanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits (BAE) on adult Toxocara vitulorum was evaluated after incubating the parasites in Ringer solution containing 10, 30, 60, 120 and 240 μg/ml of the methanolic extract, for 24h using light and scanning electron microscopic observations. Differences in response to BAE action were concentration dependent. These changes occurred in definite sequences in response to BAE concentration and were consisted of slightly swelling which became pronounced and so severe, with lips showed wrinkled cuticular surface and deformed sensory papillae on increasing the BAE concentration. The strongest effects were reached with the highest BAE concentration, where disorganization of the cuticle and body musculature was observed. Additionally, the ovicidal effect of BAE, at the previous concentrations, on the development of T. vitulorum eggs was examined after 12h exposure. The inhibitory activity of BAE on egg development was concentration dependent and the highest value reached to 100% with the concentration of 240 μg/ml. These results were compared with those observed in the worm cuticle and eggs following incubation in albendazole, as it was a broad-spectrum nematodicidal compound with well-known ovicidal activity.

Prosopis africana and Balanites aegyptiaca are native tree species in the West African Sahel and provide wood for fuel, construction and other essential products. A provenance/progeny test of each species was established at one relatively dry site in Niger, and evaluated at 13 years. Gross calorific value of the wood was determined for a random sample of trees in each test: gross CV and CVm 3 = gross calorific value in MJ kg −1 and MJ m −3 , respectively. The major objectives were to determine if gross CV was positively correlated with wood density and tree growth, and if gross CV and/or CVm 3 varied with rainfall gradients in the sample region. Provenances were grouped into a drier and more humid zone, and correlations were computed among all trees and separately in each zone. Results indicated that gross CV was not significantly correlated with density in either species. Gross CV was positively correlated with growth of P . africana (but not B . aegyptiaca ) only in the drier zone. Gross CVm 3 was positively correlated with growth of both species, and the correlations were stronger in the drier zone. Multiple regressions with provenance latitude, longitude and elevation indicated that provenance means for gross CV increased, in general, from the drier to the more humid zones. Regressions with gross CVm 3 were not significant. Results are compared with earlier research reports from the provenance/progeny tests and with other tropical hardwood species; and practical implications are presented for tree improvement and conservation programs in the region.

The effects of extracts of different parts of the perennial tropical plant Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del., including various solvent extracts of roots, methanol extracts from leaves, fruits, flowers and roots, partially purified saponins obtained from its roots and a standard saponin were studied on the life cycle (adult longevity, number of eggs, crawlers, adults, weight of adults and % wax content) of a laboratory-reared parthenogenic line of the mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). Extracts derived from various parts of B. aegyptiaca (leaves, fruits, flowers, and roots in methanol) affected the life cycle of M. hirsutus with a methanol root extract being the most effective at a concentration of 500 μg ml −1 . Partially purified saponin of B. aegyptiaca and the commercial bark saponin extract (Sigma) from Quillaja saponaria at a concentration of 500 μg ml −1 were effective in reducing the longevity of M. hirsutus . Significant reductions in oviposition by M. hirsutus were found for all the extracts at a concentration of 500 μg ml −1 . Extracts also affected the number of emerging crawlers, number of adults as well as the weight and wax content of emerging adults. These studies suggest that B. aegyptiaca plant extracts and saponins can be useful botanical insecticides for the protection of crops from mealy bugs.

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile. is one of the priority indigenous fruit trees for rural communities in the West African Sahel. As part of a participatory tree domestication program in Niger, phenotypic variation in fruit and seed morphology was assessed in four natural populations in eastern Niger. Measured variables were weight of the fruit, seed coat and kernel; length and width of the fruit and seed (25 trees per population, 30 fruits per tree). Derived variables were the tree’s coefficient of variation (CVs) for each measured variable, and two sets of factor scores from principal components analysis of tree means and CVs. ANOVA indicated significant variation in all measured variables due to trees nested in populations. ANOVA and simple linear regression indicated significant geographic variation in some variables: the drier parts of the sample region tended to have heavier fruits and kernels, longer/narrower seeds, and lower within-tree variability in fruit and seed width. Length and width were strongly correlated between fruits and seeds, fruit weight was moderately correlated with seed dimensions, and CVs of fruit weight and width were moderately correlated with the CV of seed width. Some hypotheses for the geographic variation are presented, and some practical implications of the correlations for tree domestication programs are discussed.

Balanites aegyptiaca, a forest species of socio-economic interest for rural people, was chosen to be planted in the frame-work of the Great Green Wall project in Senegal. Although in vastly demand during food scarcity period before crops harvest, the species’ fruit is poorly valued despite its important production. In this study, the fruit pulps were harvested at maturity and the biochemical characteristics were accessed in order to better understand the fruit’s nutritional value. The moisture, sugars, proteins, amino acids, ash, fat, minerals and some vitamins were determined by standard methods of analysis. The results indicated that the fruits are a good alimentary source of sugar, minerals (mainly potassium) and ascorbic acid. The pulp proteins were qualitatively balanced, but were present only in weak quantities. Its caloric value is high due to the high concentration of sugars. Low humidity should allow a fairly good postharvest fruit conservation. The dietary intake of this fruit for local people is very valuable especially in terms of nutrition.Keywords: Balanites aegyptiaca, pulp, biochemical, nutritional valueAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 13(2), pp. 336-342, 8 January, 2014

In vitro propagation technique of Balanites aegyptiaca, a multipurpose woody tree was studied. Nodal segments including axillary bud from mature tree were used as an explant and their morphogenetic potential was tested on MS media with various concentrations (2.5–15.0 μM) of 6-benzyladenine (BA), Kinetin, and Thidiazuron alone or in combination with different concentrations (0.5–2.5 μM) of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Nodal segments showed axillary bud proliferation in almost all media tried. MS medium containing 12.5 μM BA alone was effective for inducing multiple shoots (5.0 ± 0.22) with an average shoot length (3.7 ± 0.26 cm) in 67% of cultures. A better shoot differentiation and elongation was achieved in a combined treatment of BA (12.5 μM) and NAA (1.0 μM). Half strength MS medium supplemented with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) gave the best result for rooting. The maximum frequency of root formation (68%), number of roots (5.3 ± 0.32) and root length (4.1 ± 0.38 cm) was obtained on half strength MS medium containing 1.0 μM IBA. The regenerated plantlets were potted and acclimatized successfully in a growth chamber and then moved to the greenhouse.

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile provides wood and other essential products for farming and pastoralist communities in the West African Sahel. In this region, mean annual rainfall decreases in general from south to north and from west to east, so one might expect clinal variation in fitness-related traits in relation to the rainfall gradients. This paper presents results from a provenance/progeny test of 11 provenances sampled in Niger and established at one relatively dry site in Niger. The objectives were to evaluate phenotypic correlations (Pearson r) between tree growth (height, stem diameter) and basic density of the wood, and clines in growth and density at 13 years. Tree growth and wood density were positively correlated, and the correlations differed among provenances. Mean tree height and stem diameter of provenances increased, in general, from the more humid to the drier parts of the sample region. Results suggest that selection of faster-growing trees could lead to an increase in wood volume and density in the subsequent generation, especially in certain provenances; that provenances from drier areas are better adapted to drought; and that tree improvement and conservation programs should collect seeds from populations in the drier areas for planting and conservation.

This report describes in vitro shoot induction and plant regeneration from nodal segments of Balanites aegyptiaca on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 6-benzyladenine (BA), thidiazuron (TDZ) and kinetin (Kin) (0.5–20.0 μM). MS medium supplemented with BA (12.5 μM) was the most effective in inducing bud break and growth and also in initiating multiple shoot proliferation. However, the optimal level of TDZ supplementation to the culture medium was 5.0 μM. Shoot cultures were established by repeatedly subculturing the original nodal explants on the same medium. Highest number of shoots (11.5 ± 0.7) and shoot length (5.0 ± 0.2 cm) were achieved when cultures were subcultured on MS medium supplemented with 12.5 μM BA and 1.0 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The shoots regenerated from TDZ supplemented medium when subcultured to hormone free MS basal medium considerably increased the rate of shoot multiplication and shoot length by the end of fifth subculture. Rooting of the shoots was achieved on MS medium augmented with 1.0 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) plus 0.5% activated charcoal followed by their transfer to half strength MS basal medium. The in vitro raised plantlets with well developed shoots and roots were successfully established in earthen pots containing garden soil and were grown in greenhouse with 70% survival rate. The results of this study provide the first successful report on in vitro direct plant regeneration of B. aegyptiaca.

Browse production is difficult to measure non-destructively without some level of subjectivity combined with a lack of accuracy and reproducibility. This study examined the possibility of using ground-based photographs to estimate browse production. Thirty five sample trees of Acacia dudgeoni and Balanites aegyptiaca were selected. Tree crown area (CA) was measured from twodimensional images using computer-based image analysis. Browse biomass from destructive sampling was correlated with CA and measured tree variables. The results from the regression analysis indicated that all models were significant (all p values < 0.05) for the two species but the predictive power was low for Acacia (r2 < 0.50) compared to Balanites (r2 > 0.75). The establishment of a relationship between browse and crown area (CA) estimated from photographs or the field measured crown area (PCA) indicated that the fit of the relationship was better for PCA (r2 adjusted = 0.75) compared to CA (r2 adjusted = 0.73) for Balanites. For Acacia, regression coefficients for CA and PCA were 45% and 33%, respectively. The image analysis technique could offer an objective method for estimating biomass changes by browsing, lopping and seasonal leaf fall when coupled with dendrometric measures. Keywords: available browse, binary image, biomass equations, carrying capacity, dry savannaAfrican Journal of Range & Forage Science 2007, 24(2): 63–71

A mixture of deltonin and 25-isodeltonin (approx. 1 : 1) was found to be the molluscicidal principle in seeds of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. The disposition in the schistosomiasis vector Biomphalaria glabrata and in mice was studied. Snails were exposed to 3H-labelled saponin in water. Administration to mice was oral (O) and intravenous (IV). Snails absorbed the compounds rapidly and showed a high degree of bioaccumulation. The highest concentration was found in the foot followed by the intestines. Snails could excrete the compounds from all organs investigated. Saponin given orally to mice was partly hydrolysed in the intestine, a fraction of genuine and hydrolysed compound being absorbed. Genuine saponin given IV was rapidly distributed to the liver, kidney (medulla), lung and spleen. Compounds did not pass the placenta nor enter the CNS. Excretion was mainly biliary, a minor fraction being excreted in the urine all as genuine compound. About 80% was excreted within 72 hr. While only two (more lipophilic) metabolites were formed in significant amounts by the mice, three such metabolites were seen in extracts of snails. The final toxic agent and the mode of action to target snails remains to be further investigated.

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) is an important tree in the semi-arid ecosystem with beneficial attributes. However, very little information is available in its reproductive biology. In order to better control the reproduction system of B. aegyptiaca , three experimental approaches are used: floral morpholgy, fluorochromatic procedure and hand pollination. The floral morphology shows that B. aegyptiaca flowers are hermaphrodite and gathered in several types of inflorescence (clusters, fascicles or glomerules). They blossomed asynchronically and nectar is exuded by the flowers. Top ovary holds five anatropous ovules. The second approach consisting in fluorochromatic procedure reveals a pollen with 3 apertures and a viability rate of 92%. This viability decrease down to 50% after a storage at -5°C for 7 days. Finally, the hand pollination proves that B. aegyptiaca is a partially auto-compatible plant and the main vectors of pollination are Halictidae (Hymenopterae) and Dipterae. Key Words: Balanites aegyptiaca , fluorochromatic test, pollen, pollination, auto-compatible. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.3(1) 2004: 30-46

Procedures were developed for micropropagation of Balanites aegyptiaca using axillary bud explants obtained from mature trees. Cultures were established in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.1 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The effects of kinetin on shoot growth and proliferation in vitro was also investigated. Results show that shoot multiplication required 2.5 mg/l of BAP. Shoot length was significantly affected by the presence of BAP or 6-furfurylaminopurine (Kin). Rooting of shoots in vitro was achieved on MS medium containing 20 mg/l of the auxin, indolebutyric acid (IBA). Rooted shoots acclimated and were successfully transferred into soil, with 48% of the plantlets surviving. Key words : Balanites aegyptiaca, micropropagation, rooting. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.2(11) 2003: 421-424

Summary Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of amplified nifH gene fragments was used to study the diazotrophic community of soil samples under Acacia tortilis ssp. raddiana (legume tree) and Balanites aegyptiaca (non-legume tree), two dominant plant species growing naturally in the dryland part of Senegal. Samples were taken along transects from the stem up to 10 m distance from it, at depths of 0–0.25 m and 0.25–0.50 m. Sampling was done in the dry season (25 June 1999) and in the rainy season (28 August 1999). The community structure and diversity of the bacterial groups from the different samples was analysed further using different techniques, such as statistical analysis and diversity index evaluation of the band patterns. Diazotrophic diversity was lower under B. aegyptiaca than under A. tortilis ssp. raddiana. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis and ANOSIM tests showed a significant effect of the tree on the diazotroph assemblages. SIMPER analysis showed that the major elements responsible for the dissimilarity are a member of the genus Sinorhizobium, which is characteristic of the samples taken under A. tortilis ssp. raddiana and a member of the cluster Bradyrhizobium for the samples taken under B. aegyptiaca. Forty-four major bands were partially sequenced, yielding 33 different nifH sequences, which were used in phylogenetic reconstructions. Most sequences were affiliated with the alpha- beta- and gamma-proteobacteria. Five nifH sequences were identical to those of Pseudomonas stutzeri, and one sequence showed 100% similarity to that of Azotobacter vinelandii. Four bands were affiliated with the Cyanobacteria and a single one with the Firmicutes. For both trees, there were also clear differences between the samples taken in the dry and rainy seasons. Only for the samples taken under A. tortilis ssp. raddiana was a significant difference found between the two sampling depths.

Effects of scarification, giberellic acid and dry heat treatments on the germination of Balanites aegyptiaca seeds from Sudanian savanna in Burkina Faso

Seeds of Balanites aegyptiaca stored for one year were germinated using cold and boiling water pre-treatments and different sowing orientations. Whole fruits were soaked in cold water for (18, 24 and 48 hours, respectively), while extracted sun dried seeds were immersed in boiling water for 7 minutes. Seeds of each treatment were sown in three orientations (seeds laid vertically with stalk end downwards, seeds laid horizontally and seeds laid vertically with stalk end upwards). The results showed a very high significant difference between treatments and sowing orientations. Soaking for 18 and 24 hours and untreated seeds resulted in higher germination. Also, sowing seeds horizontally or vertically with stalk end downwards had higher germination. The study recommend germinating Balanites seeds, after extraction of seed by soaking of fruits for 18 hours and sowing without germination pre-treatment in horizontal orientation.

Vegetative propagation of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex. A. Rich. and Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. in northern Cameroon. Abstract — Introduction.Thesuckeringandtheairlayeringmethodsofthreemultipurposefruittrees, B. aegyptiaca, D. mespiliformis and S. birrea, were studied in Kering (Sudano-Sahelian zone of Came- roon) in order to contribute to the low-cost propagation of these overexploited species. Materialsand methods.Threerepresentativestationsofthislocality(homegardens,bushandriverbanks)wereselec- ted. A study was carried out with 90 trees per species in each of these stations. A preliminary ground investigation under these 90 selected trees per species was carried out to detect natural root suckering or ground layering. Then, the possibilities of induction of suckers at the beginning of the rainy season by partial wounding or complete cutting of roots and the aptitude for air layering at the end of the rainy season were tested on these selected samples. Results and discussion. The S. birrea species presented a high aptitude for natural root suckering compared with the two other species. D. mespi- liformissuckered reasonably well, whereas B. aegyptiaca, a much grazedfodder species, showed here a weak aptitude for natural suckering. The station effect on suckering was significant, with a higher frequency of the suckers on the river banks. The natural terrestrial layering was not noticed on the total of 270 trees investigated. The induction of root suckering realised at the beginning of the rainy season by the method of complete cutting of roots appeared more effective after 9 months (mean rate of 57.7% for all species) compared with the method of partial wounding of roots (rate of 37.7%). The light amplified root suckering on stressed roots. Induced suckers generally appeared on the proximal side (near the stem of the mother tree) of the stressed roots, but also on the distal side. Realised at the end of the rainy season, the air layering trials of B. aegyptiaca showed 95% success, whereas the two other species were refractory after 5 months of observation. Conclusion. Besides genetic, phy- siological and environmental factors that could influence the success of air layering or root suckering of these species, S. birrea and D. mespiliformis were predisposed in this ecosystem to root suckering, while B. aegyptiaca can be easily propagated by air layering. This opens up new ways for the mul- tiplication of these wild fruit-bearing species overexploited by the populations. Cameroon/Balanitesaegyptiaca/Diospyrosmespiliformis/Sclerocaryabirrea/Sudano- Sahelian region / plant propagation / vegetative propagation / suckering / layering Multiplication vegetative de Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex. A. Rich. et Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. au nord du Cameroun.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of boiling on in vitro bioactivities potency of Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile (desert date) aqueous extract, a juice used traditionally for cooking ready-to-eat millet flour paste. Methods: Desert date fruits (1.5 kg) were soaked in water (1:2, fruit: water) for 24 h and sieved. The extract was divided into two parts - fresh extract (Fext) and boiled extract (Bext) which was obtained by boiling a portion of Fext for 10 min. The extracts were tested against the stomach cancer cell line SGC7901 and for antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-icrylhydrazyl DPPH, hydroxyl radical and ferric reducing power methods. Results: Both fresh extract (Fext) and boiled extract (Bext) exhibited pronounced antioxidant activity with DPPH values of 88.2 and 97.0 %, respectively, at hydroxyl radical concentration of 5 mg/ml. The extract contained a significant amount of vitamin C (42.3 and 38.9 mg/100 g for Fext and Bext, respectively). Boiling had significant effect (p < 0.01) on its antioxidant activity and also on its cytotoxic effect (56 % and 44 % dead cells respectively for Bext and Fext at respectively, at a concentration of 200 μg/ml). Conclusion: It is concluded that B. aegyptiaca aqueous extracts have remarkable cytotoxic activity against stomach cancer cell SGC7901.

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (Zygophyllaceae) is a tropical tree that has many folk uses in various countries. The bark extract is used for the control of the fresh water snails that act as intermediary host of Schistosoma.Study the molluscicidal activity and chemical constituents of seed oil and seed glycosides of B. aegyptiaca against Monacha cartusiana and determine the structure-activity relationship.Two bioassay methods (residual film application and the leaf dipping technique) were used to evaluate the toxicity effect of the seed oil and glycosides, in concentrations of 1.000, 0.500, 0.250 and 0.125%. The seed oil was analysed by GC/MS. Acid hydrolysis and chromatographic separation were used to study the seed saponins.The bioassay of B. aegyptiaca against the land snail, M. cartusiana, indicated the activity of the seed oil and the high activity of the seed saponins. The seed glycosides gave 30.0, 53.3, 73.0 and 73.3% mortality for concentrations of 0.125, 0.250, 0.500 and 1.00%, respectively. The LC(50) values were 0.335 and 0.256%, respectively. The seed oil was analysed by GC/MS. Acid hydrolysis of the seed saponins gave a mixture of diosgenin, yamogenin and 3,5-spirostadiene.To study the structure-activity relationship, a triterpenoidal saponin and a triterpenoidal saponins rich extract (of Zygophyllum coccenum) were proven to be inactive. Thus, the activity is associated with the steroidal, not triterpenoidal saponins. Moreover, a spirostane aglycone without sugar moiety, was found to be inactive and attained the activity by glycosidation.

The methanol extract of the fruit (edible mesocarp) of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., a popular plant from Sudan, widely employed in Sudanese folk medicine was screened for antimicrobial, antioxidant and some active phytochemical compounds. The extract showed the presence of saponin, terpenoids, phenolic compounds and alkaloids. The methanolic extract of the fruits extracted from B. aegyptiaca exhibited a strong antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay and a potent capacity in preventing linoleic acid oxidation. Methanol extracts (50 and 100 mg/ml) were tested on several microbial strains using agar-well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) and minimum fungal concentration (MFC) methods. These experiments were performed on ten bacterial strains (five Gram-positives and five Gram-negatives) and four fungal strains. Methanol extracts, particularly at concentration of 100 mg/ml was found to be active against all bacterial and fungal strains and it was comparable to standard antibiotics Gentamicin and Amphotericin B. These findings support some of the traditional applications of the fruit of B. aegyptiaca against microbial aliments. It is therefore recommended that further studies regarding fractionation, separation and purification of these active antimicrobial compounds are required, in addition to toxicological evaluation in vivo.Key words: Balaneties aegyptiaca, antibacterial, antifungal, phytochemical, antioxidant, methanol extract.

Balanites aegyptiaca(Balanitaceae) is a widely grown desert plant with multiuse potential. In the present paper, a crude extract fromB. aegyptiacaseeds equivalent to a ratio of 1 : 2000 seeds to the extract was screened for antiplasmodial activity. The determined IC50value for the chloroquine-susceptiblePlasmodium falciparumNF54 strain was 68.26 . Analysis of the extract by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected 6-phenyl-2(H)-1,2,4-triazin-5-one oxime, an inhibitor of the parasitic M18 Aspartyl Aminopeptidase as one of the compounds which is responsible for thein vitroantiplasmodial activity. The crude plant extract had a of 2.35 and showed a dose-dependent response. After depletion of the compound, a significantly lower inhibition was determined with a of 4.8 . Moreover, two phenolic compounds, that is, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenol, with determined IC50values of 50.29 and 47.82 , respectively, were detected. These compounds may contribute to thein vitroantimalarial activity due to their antioxidative properties. In anin vivoexperiment, treatment of BALB/c mice with the aqueousBalaniteextract did not lead to eradication of the parasites, although a reduced parasitemia at day 12 p.i. was observed.

Balanites aegyptiaca was investigated as a mosquito larvicide. LC50 and LC90 values and the nature of active constituents were studied. Second instar larvae were more susceptible than fourth instar larvae in all cases. The larvae of Anopheles arabiensis were more susceptible than Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti to its larvicidal effects. Saponins extracted from fruit kernel were tested against second and fourth instar larvae of the three mosquito species, and LC50 and LC90 values were determined. The saponin was more active than the water extract, indicating that the saponin may be the active compound.

Seeking an alternative approach for producing a larvicidal product from Balanites aegyptiaca plants, callus was produced from in vitro cultures of root explants and its larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae was evaluated. Concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm of saponins from the root-derived callus of B. aegyptiaca were used to determine larvicidal effects and consequent effect on adult emergence. A dose-dependent effect was observed. In a chronic mortality assessment (after 7 days of exposure), concentrations of 500 ppm or greater killed 100% of the test larvae population. Fifty parts per million showed no difference in larval mortality compared to the control (0 ppm); however, this concentration allowed one-fourth of the adult emergence of the control treatment. These results suggest that saponins from in vitro cultures of the root explant of B. aegyptiaca can be used as a larvicidal agent against A. aegypti larvae.