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Moringa oleifera grows well in different parts of Africa, including Ghana, and throughout the world as it can tolerate moderate cold and severe drought. Dubbed as the "Miracle Tree," Moringa has a number of nutritional, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. It is also used as a cure for diabetes and various forms of cancer. Another promising use of this plant is the production of biodiesel. However, such application demands vast cultivation areas and this can lead to competition with the cultivation of crops for food, forestry, and environmental protection. Furthermore, it requires suitable cultivation schedules that favor the growth of pods containing oil-rich seeds. The present work investigates the availability of land for Moringa cultivation in Ghana to increase the energy production from the plant. The study reports on an overview of the soil, water, and climatic conditions that favor Moringa oleifera cultivation and oil production, the conversion of Moringa oleifera oil to biodiesel, and the performance of Moringa oleifera biodiesel versus mineral diesel as well as the commercial enhancement of the Moringa product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors and cultural practices significantly influence the secondary metabolites in plants, e.g., glucosinolates, depending on the cultivar of each species. The present study analyzed the in- fluence of specific environmental factors (e.g., temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity), elevation, and fertilization (i.e., nitrogen and sulfur) on the glucosinolate content in leaves of wild-grown Moringa oleifera from three agro-ecological zones in Ghana and selected M. oleifera accessions cultivated under semi-controlled field conditions. The results showed that climate did not significantly influence total glucosinolate content in leaves of both wild-grown and cultivated accessions of M. oleifera, while elevation significantly influenced the total glucosinolate content of wild-grown plants. Fertilization had no significant impact on the total glucosinolate content of the cultivated accessions. Furthermore, wild-collected M. oleifera leaves from the three agro-ecological zones did not reveal a significant difference in their total glucosinolate content. For the cultivated accessions of M. oleifera, the agro-ecological zone, harvest time, and accession and the interactions among these factors significantly influenced the total glucosinolate content. The results suggest that selecting suitable accessions, choosing suitable locations, and applying appropriate cultivation practices could contribute to optimizing the production of health-promoting Moringa plants with special emphasis on glucosinolate content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus can cause weight loss of about 20 to 90% of untreated stored maize seeds. This study assesses four plants (Lantana camara, Moringa oleifera, Citrus sinensis and Hyptis suaveolens) extracts as seed maize protectants against the two insects in Ghana. The study was laid out in a CRD with three replications. Dried powders (5 and 10% w/w) and aqueous extracts (0.05 and 0.1 g/mL) of the botanicals were evaluated for their insecticidal activity with untreated control and Actellic included as checks. Oviposition and survivorship of insects decreased in grains treated with plant extracts. The phytochemical analysis revealed that compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins and phenolic, steroids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, phlobatannins, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids were recorded in all four plant extracts. These compounds may have caused lower progeny emergence, inhibitory effect, repellent action and antifeedant effect to S. zeamais and P. truncatus in grains treated with the botanicals. Maize seeds treated with botanicals after 10 weeks in cribs recorded a reduction in the percentage of seeds damaged and weight loss caused by the two insects compared to the untreated seeds. The study proposes that the botanicals tested, especially H. suaveolens have the potential to enhance quality seed production thereby boosting growth in the seed industry. The botanicals are recommended for use by seed producers and farmers to control P. truncatus and S. zeamais in stored maize seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The asexual and sexual stages (gametocytes) of Plasmodium falciparum parasites are known to respond differently to antimalarial drugs. Herbal products with extended treatment regimens and inadequate dosing information are widely used to treat malaria in Ghana. This study set out to determine the in vitro activity of selected herbal extracts on the development of asexual and sexual stage malaria parasites. Methods. The 72-hour SYBR Green 1-based in vitro drug assay was used to determine the asexual parasite growth inhibitory effects exhibited by aqueous extracts of Alchornea cordifolia, Polyalthia longifolia, Moringa oleifera, and Mangifera indica on the NF54, CamWT_C580Y, and IPC 4912 strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The effects of exposure of asexual and early-stage NF54 gametocytes to varying concentrations of the aqueous herbal extracts were assessed by microscopy after 7 days of continuous culturing in the presence of the herbal extract. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening were also performed on the herbal extracts. Results. In the SYBR Green 1 assay, aqueous extracts of Alchornea cordifolia exhibited moderate (IC50 of 5.8, 17.4, and 15.8 μg/ml) and Mangifera indica exhibited low (IC50 of 65.4, 96.7, and 81.7 μg/ml) activities against the NF54, Cam WT_C580Y, and IPC 4912 parasites, respectively, whilst Polyalthia longifolia and Moringa oleifera were inactive. Long-term treatment of NF54 parasites with 1 mg/ml of Polyalthia longifolia produced the highest densities of gametocytes and the least (56%) inhibition of asexual parasites on Day 7. Long-term treatment of NF54 parasites with 10 μg/ml Alchornea cordifolia resulted in complete parasite (asexual and gametocyte) clearance on Day 7. Conclusions. Alchornea cordifolia exhibited a 'moderate' activity against the three parasites tested in the 72-hour SYBR Green 1 assay and also effectively cleared both asexual parasites and gametocytes. Long-term treatment of malaria parasites with herbal extracts mimics a treatment regimen and should be used to determine the antimalarial properties of herbal extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera), a green leafy vegetable, is a good source of minerals and vitamins which could be consumed as part of diet to improve human health and well-being. Drying M. oleifera leaves could make it readily available for use as a food fortificant. The objectives of the study were to determine micromineral and β -carotene content of dried M. oleifera leaves, and leaf-incorporated local dishes, and also assess school children's (4-12 yr) acceptability of dried M. oleifera leaf-incorporated local dishes and feasibility of introducing dried leaves into a school lunch menu. M. oleifera leaves were solar dried, milled into powder, and packaged into polythene bags. Moisture level in the dried leaves and pH were determined. Minerals in the leaf powder were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry ( AAS). Beta-carotene levels were determined by spectrophotometry. Acceptability tests of dishes fortified with M. oleifera leaf powder were conducted with score sheets (Smileys) on a 5-point hedonic scale of 'Like Extremely' to 'Dislike Extremely', and dishes ranked to determine preference. Dried M. oleifera leaves contained high levels of micronutrients: 0.36 ± 0.04 mg/100 g Copper (Cu); 5.80 ± 0.68 mg/100 g Manganese (Mn); 20.96 ± 1.37 mg/100 g Iron (Fe); 6.79 ± 1.82 mg/100 g Zn; and 21.42 ± 1.67 mg/100 g β-carotene. The dishes showed significant levels of these minerals compared to the nonfortified dishes ( P < 0.05). M. oleifera leaf-fortified dishes were also highly acceptable to the children (highest mean score of 5.0 ± 0 of 5 and lowest of 3.50 ± 1.43 of 5). M. oleifera leaf powder contains high levels of the micronutrients β-carotene, Zn, Mn, and Fe, comparable to levels found in amaranth and spinach. M. oleifera leaf-fortified local dishes were well accepted by children in Ada-East district. M. oleifera leaf fortified dishes could be good sources of β-carotene and other minerals for children vulnerable to malnutrition in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera is amultipurpose plant used in Ghana and most parts of Africa. Its high mineral, protein, and vitamins content has enabled its use as a nutraceutical and panacea for various diseases. This study aimed at measuring the micro- and macroelements content of dried Moringa oleifera leaves using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic (EDXRF) and assessing its toxicological effect in rats. Acute toxicity (5000 mg/kg) and a subacute toxicity studies of the leaf (40 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg) extract were conducted in rats. Blood samples were assessed for biochemical and haematological parameters. Results showed significant levels of thirty-five (35) elements (14 macroelements and 21 microelements) in M. oleifera extract. There were no observed overt adverse reactions in the acute and subacute studies. Although there were observed elevations in liver enzymes ALT and ALP (P < 0.001) and lower creatinine levels in the extract treated groups, no adverse histopathological findings were found. Moringa oleifera dried leaf extract may, therefore, be reasonably safe for consumption. However, the consumption of Moringa oleifera leaves should not exceed a maximum of 70 grams per day to prevent cumulative toxicity of these essential elements over long periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera grows well in different parts of Africa, including Ghana, and throughout the world as it can tolerate moderate cold and severe drought. Dubbed as the "Miracle Tree," Moringa has a number of nutritional, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. It is also used as a cure for diabetes and various forms of cancer. Another promising use of this plant is the production of biodiesel. However, such application demands vast cultivation areas and this can lead to competition with the cultivation of crops for food, forestry, and environmental protection. Furthermore, it requires suitable cultivation schedules that favor the growth of pods containing oil-rich seeds. The present work investigates the availability of land for Moringa cultivation in Ghana to increase the energy production from the plant. The study reports on an overview of the soil, water, and climatic conditions that favor Moringa oleifera cultivation and oil production, the conversion of Moringa oleifera oil to biodiesel, and the performance of Moringa oleifera biodiesel versus mineral diesel as well as the commercial enhancement of the Moringa product., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Mohammed Takase et al.)

Abstract: Water from wastewater-polluted streams and dug-outs is the most commonly used water source for irrigation in urban farming in Ghana, but helminth parasite eggs in the water represent health risks when used for crop production. Conventional water treatment is expensive, requires advanced technology and often breaks down in less developed countries so low cost interventions are needed. Field and laboratory based trials were carried out in order to investigate the effect of the natural coagulant Moringa oleifera (MO) seed extracts in reducing helminh eggs and turbidity in irrigation water, turbid water, wastewater and tap water. In medium to high turbid water MO extracts were effective in reducing the number of helminth eggs by 94–99.5% to 1–2 eggs per litre and the turbidity to 7–11 NTU which is an 85–96% reduction. MO is readily available in many tropical countries and can be used by farmers to treat high turbid water for irrigation, however, additional improvements of water quality, e.g. by sand filtration, is suggested to meet the guideline value of ≤1 helminth egg per litre and a turbidity of ≤2 NTU as recommended by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for water intended for irrigation. A positive correlation was established between reduction in turbidity and helminth eggs in irrigation water, turbid water and wastewater treated with MO. This indicates that helminth eggs attach to suspended particles and/or flocs facilitated by MO in the water, and that turbidity and helminth eggs are reduced with the settling flocs. However, more experiments with water samples containing naturally occurring helminth eggs are needed to establish whether turbidity can be used as a proxy for helminth eggs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this new study was to determine the types and levels of major phytochemicals (non-nutrients) and nutrients in the different tissues from vegetative and flowering Moringa oleifera L. an important multipurpose crop. Rhamnose and acetyl-rhamnose-substituted glucosinolates were found in all of the M. oleifera tissues with different profiles depending on the tissue. In addition the tissues of M. oleifera had a relatively complex flavonoid profile consisting of glucosides, rutinosides, malonylglucosides and traces of acetylglucosides of kaempferol, quercetin and isorhamnetin. Fatty acid profiling of the different tissues showed that leaves were rich in palmitic (16:0) and linolenic (18:3) acid whereas seeds were predominated by oleic acid (18:1). Roots were rich in palmitic and oleic acid, whereas stems and twigs predominately contained palmitic acid. Potassium, magnesium and calcium were the predominant minerals in all of the tissues. Low levels of selenium were detected only in whole seeds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of herbs later in life is an important research area, yet there is little known about older adults' herb use in Ghana. This qualitative study offers a better understanding of the motivations for herb use among older adults in Ghana. Two separate focus group discussions were conducted for individuals who participated in a study investigating healthcare use among older adults in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. Nineteen older adults (10 males, 9 females) participated in the focus group discussions. Discussion responses were coded and analysed. Older adults used various kinds of medicinal herbs which include ginger (Zingiber officinale) , garlic (Allium sativum), moringa (Moringa oleifera), Bonto (Nicotiana tabacum) and Sorowisa (Piper guineense) for treating and preventing various illnesses and diseases. Reasons for herb use in later life included: (1) the perceived safety and efficacy of herbal remedies; (2) a lack of trust in conventional drugs; (3) cultural sensitivity of herbal remedies; (4) perception of positive health outcomes and status as a result of herbal medicine use; (5) unpleasant experiences of using western medications; and (6) the availability, accessibility and affordability of herbal remedies compared to conventional drugs. There was a lack of disclosure of herb use to healthcare professionals. In most cases, participants used herbs concurrently with pharmaceuticals without the knowledge of possible side effects and interactions. This paper provides evidence to suggest that the implementation of an intercultural healthcare system should be considered by the relevant authorities within the Ghana health sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]