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The efficacy of 23 bacterial isolates obtained from surface-sterilized stems and leaves of three medicinal plants (Aloe barbadensis Miller, Artemisia afra, and Moringa oleifera) was investigated in an endeavour to prevent the growth of Mycobacterium bovis using the cross-streak method. Endophytes were isolated by incubating sterile plant materials on nutrient agar at 30 °C for 5 days. Two isolates showing activity were subsequently utilized to produce the extracts. Whole-genome sequencing (WGC) was used to identify the isolates. Secondary metabolites produced after 7 days of growth in nutrient broth were harvested through extraction with ethyl acetate. The extracts were chemically profiled using gas chromatography–high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC–HRTOF-MS). NCBI BLAST search results revealed that the isolated endophytes belonged to the Pseudomonas and Enterobacter genera, based on WGC. Two endophytes, Aloe I4 and Aloe I3–I5 from Aloe barbadensis, exhibited potency based on the cross-streak method. The metabolite profiling of the selected endophytes identified 34 metabolites from Aloe I4, including ergotamine, octadecane, L-proline and 143 other metabolites including quinoline and valeramide, which inhibit microbial quorum sensing. These findings suggest that bacterial endophytes from medicinal plants, particularly Aloe barbadensis, hold promise as sources of antimycobacterial agents for human health applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the effect of traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs) on the level of food security in the rural area of Dlangezwa, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. A total of 100 respondents were selected using a simple random sampling method. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used to measure the food security status. The influence of TLVs on household food security was examined using an ordered logit model. Pumpkin leaves and blackjack were the most consumed traditional leafy vegetables in the study area, at 97% and 81%, respectively. The results from HFIAS showed that 17% of the households were food secure, 44% were mild food insecure, 26% were moderately food insecure and 13% were severely food insecure. The results from the chi2 test showed that there was a significant correlation between the intake of cowpeas (p = 0.02), blackjack (p = 0.01), and moringa (p = 0.02) with the degree of household food security in the surveyed houses. The ordered logit model's findings indicated that consumption of leafy vegetables, educational attainment, employment status, and marital status all had a substantial impact on the food insecurity of the households. The marital status of a household showed a positive and significant impact on the food insecurity situation, while educational level, employment status, and consumption of leafy vegetables showed a negative and significant impact. For enhanced household food security, there is a need for initiatives that encourage the use of a wide range of traditional leafy vegetables such as Moringa oleifera, Amaranthus, and cowpeas. More awareness should be made regarding the nutritional benefits that TLVs have. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera Lam. is listed In South Africa as Species Under Surveillance for Possible Eradication or Containment Targets (SUSPECT) under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 (NEM:BA), although it is widely used in some communities. We conducted this study to investigate local ecological knowledge (LEK) and perceptions about moringa in the rural communities of Limpopo Province (South Africa). We used a structured questionnaire and open-ended interviews with 106 informants to gather ethnobotanical data associated with utilisation and perceptions of moringa. We found that moringa is generally perceived positively and is used primarily for medicinal purposes, its nutrition value, as livestock feed, and for skin care. Most participants (76%) were unaware that moringa is an alien species and disagreed with NEM:BA regulations to restrict its spread or to eradicate it entirely due to the benefits they associate with it. We argue that listing moringa as SUSPECT could fuel conflict between rural communities that use it and management authorities. Rather, we would urge policymakers to adopt a holistic approach to sustainable conservation strategies that incorporates LEK in future planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The untreated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a lentivirus species that attacks immune cells (CD4+ T cells), causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV-positive people manage HIV/AIDS by using antiretroviral therapy (ART). The ART treatment regimen contains two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor/integrase strand transfer inhibitor. Tenofovir, an NRTI approved for managing HIV infection, is associated with hepatic steatosis and lactic acidosis, which are linked to mitochondrial toxicity and oxidative stress. Due to side-effects associated with ART, people living with HIV often use medicinal plants or a combination of medicinal plants with ART to promote adherence and diminish the side-effects and cytotoxicity. The Moringa oleifera (MO) tree from the family of Moringaceae is among the medicinal trees studied in managing HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. The MO tree extracts have been reported to have inhibitory activity primarily against HIV due to their bioactive compounds. However, there is a scarcity of knowledge about the use of the MO tree amongst HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART in South Africa and its effect on patient compliance and outcomes. Thus, this review aims to outline the impact of MO aqueous leaf extract on oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in human HepG2 liver cells after exposure to antiretrovirals such as tenofovir. The review will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the potential protective effect of MO aqueous leaf extract on tenofovir-induced cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera Lam (syn. M. ptreygosperma Gaertn.) leaves are globally acclaimed for their nutritional content and mitigation of malnutrition. In most impoverished rural communities including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal of South Africa, powdered leaves of Moringa oleifera are applied as a nutritional supplement for readily available food such as porridge for malnourished children and even breast-feeding mothers. Widely practiced and admired is also the use of the plant seed in the do-it-yourself purification of water by rural South Africans. This study aimed at identifying the chemical and nutritional marker compounds present in South African Moringa oleifera seed oils using high resolution 1-2-dimension gas chromatography in order to give scientific validation to its uses in cosmetics and particularly in culinary practices. Results obtained from two-dimension tandem mass spectrometry chemical signature revealed over 250 compounds, five times more than those reported from one-dimension gas chromatography. Whereas previous reports from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis reported oleic acid (70–78%) as the major compound from oil samples from other countries, M. oleifera seed oil from South Africa is marked by cis-13-octadeaconic acid with 78.62% and 41.9% as the predominant monounsaturated fatty acid in the hexane and dichloromethane extracts respectively. This was followed by cis-vaccenic acid, an isomer of oleic acid at 51% in the acetone extract, 9-octadecanoic acid-(z)-methyl ester at 39.18%, 21.34% and 10.06% in dichloromethane, hexane and acetone extracts respectively. However, a principal component analysis with R2 = 0.98 of the two-dimension tandem mass spectrometry cum chemometric analysis indicated n-hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, 9-octadecanoic acid-(z)-methyl ester and cis-vaccenic acid with a probability of 0.96, 0.88, 0.80 and 0.79 respectively as the marker compounds that should be used for the quality control of moringa seed oils from South Africa. This study demonstrates that South African Moringa oleifera oils contain C-18 monounsaturated fatty acids similar to oils from Egypt (76.2%), Thailand (71.6%) and Pakistan (78.5%) just to mention but a few. These fatty acids are sunflower and olive oil type-compounds and therefore place moringa seed oil for consideration as a cooking oil amongst its other uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulching is regarded as the most important of the three conservation agriculture principles in increasing crop yield in the short term. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of mulch type and mulch application rate on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), physiological and yield responses of cowpea. A multi-locational (two locations) and multi-seasonal (two seasons) study was carried out under rainfed conditions in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Three mulch types (Moringa oleifera stems; Moringa oleifera leaves and twigs; and Vachellia karroo leaves and stems) were uniformly spread on the surface at four rates (0, 3, 6, 9 t/ha). The application of mulches, regardless of the rate and type, improved cowpea chlorophyll content and agronomic parameters, such as stem diameter and plant height. Grain yield at Syferkuil responded to the mulching effect in both seasons, while at Ofcolaco, differences were only observed in one of the seasons. Cowpea under control discriminated against 15N more than under mulched treatments, resulting in more than 70% of the nitrogen being derived from air compared to 50% in mulched plots. This study demonstrated that organic surface mulches improved the physiological responses of cowpea and that organic surface mulches with a lower C:N ratio significantly reduced BNF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems of malnutrition constitute a major challenge in South Africa, particularly affecting the underprivileged populations of the Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces. The present study aimed to gain an understanding of how to improve the nutritional intake of South African university student mothers and their children by the introduction of Moringa oleifera in their food. Focus Group Discussion was implemented at two previously historically disadvantaged universities with predominantly black student populations, namely the University of Fort Hare and the University of Limpopo. Findings from the participants' discussion about food habits and barriers to healthy eating show that there is a gap between healthy eating knowledge and eating habits. Despite the high level of awareness of the importance of nutritional intake, most of the study participants and their children consume less healthy foods. Due to the high cost of healthy food and their limited income, student mothers face substantial financial constraints when trying to make healthy changes in their food habits. Moreover, student mothers' positive beliefs about the nutritional benefits of Moringa are insufficient to encourage its consumption. Finally, student mothers agree about using Moringa as a nutritional supplement. Maize porridge (pap) appears to be the preferred staple food for Moringa supplementation because of its palatability, satiating power, availability, affordability, and ease of preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The poly-phenolic compounds of Moringa oleifera leaves fluctuate in different seasons. • The highest level of Gallic acid, Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Quercetin 3,4-diglycoside, Quercetin, TPC and TFC were found in autumn. • The lowest EC 50 were found in the leaves collected in autumn and winter as an indication of high antioxidant activity as compared to spring and summer. Moringa Oleifera commonly known as miracle tree, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. It is used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and other infections. In order to optimize the time of harvesting Moringa plant leaves, it is important to understand how various environmental factors like season affects its chemical composition especially secondary metabolites. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOFMS) was used for the comprehensive characterization of methanol extract from Moringa Oleifera leaves from different South Africa calendar-based seasons. Some compounds such as Gallic acid, Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Quercetin 3,4-diglycoside, Quercetin 3-O-glucoside were quantified. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and DPPH scavenging assay were measured as response to the seasonal variations. A total number of 29 Polyphenolic compounds were identified. In overall, trend of Polyphenolic content as a function of the season was as: autumn > winter > summer> spring. The highest level of Gallic acid, Catechin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, quercetin 3,4-diglycoside, quercetin, TPC and TFC were found in autumn. The lowest EC 50 were found in the leaves collected in autumn and winter as an indication of high antioxidant activity as compared to spring and summer. The results from the current study showed a strong evidence that seasonal variation have an impact on the secondary metabolites production. Thus, the best recommended harvesting season is autumn and summer because in winter though gave also high secondary metabolites, there is less biomass during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moringa tree is a rising star in South Africa where it is increasingly playing a variety of social and economic roles, especially among the rural poor. Also known as the horseradish tree, moringa has been referred to as the miracle or magic tree because of its reported health, nutrition and some industrial applications. Through document review, this paper reviews these claims that include the treatment of cancer and diabetes, and its nutritional value to humans, livestock and crops plants, among other applications. Drawing from lessons in the commercialization of Rooibos and cannabis cases, the article highlights learning points that could aid South Africa identify and commercialize some aspects of the moringa as part of its economic development efforts and creating the envisaged knowledge economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera (moringa) trees excel mainly in tropical and sub-tropical regions and are known to thrive in a wide range of soil types. The recent rise in moringa production in various agro-ecological zones of South Africa could be attributed to its multiple benefits, including nutritional and medicinal properties. Since its introduction as a cultivated crop, there has been a growing interest from farmers, researchers and government on various aspects of the tree such as its morphology, chemistry, growing conditions, production, processing and utilisation. We reviewed the work done on moringa within the South African context in terms of production, growing conditions and cultivation practices. The involvement of government departments on moringa-oriented activities and its consumption as food were also reviewed. In addition, gaps were outlined on its utilisation that need to be addressed, and recommendations provided on what could be done to ensure successful production of moringa in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out in the five districts of the Limpopo Province in South Africa to determine the influence of soil physical and chemical properties on the nutritional composition of moringa leaves. Soil samples under moringa canopy and 5 m away from the base of the trees as well as fresh leaf samples were collected from 31 moringa plantations in Limpopo Province during the summer season (November 2015 to January 2016). Soils at a depth of 0 to 30 and 30 to 60 cm were grouped according to textural classes and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The harvested leaves were dried at room temperature and their nutritional compositions were determined. The study revealed improved soil nutritional composition under moringa trees, mainly in areas where the trees were more than three years old as compared to control. A higher nutritional composition was also recorded in soils with higher clay content relative to low clay soils. The results of leaf nutritional composition revealed no significant differences between the soil textural classes. The study concluded that moringa can be produced in many locations and on diverse soils of the Limpopo Province without negatively affecting leaf nutritional composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera is an important plant with nutrients concentrated in the leaves. The leaves have high nutritional potential, which can contribute significantly towards human and animal nutrition. Therefore, the tree can feed communities when other foods are typically scarce. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of planting density on biomass and nutritional composition of Moringa oleifera planted under the semi-arid conditions of the Limpopo Province. The study was conducted at Eiland (NBef Organic Farm) over two consecutive years, 2014-15 and 2015-16. The initial and post-planting physical and chemical properties of the soil at the site were carried out at depths of 0 to 30 and 30 to 60 cm. The experiment was established as a randomized complete block design and replicated eight times. The treatments included planting densities of 5 000, 2 500, 1 667 and 1 250 plants ha-1. Data collection included total dry matter yield, leaf yield (kg ha-1) and leaf nutritional composition. Results from the soil analysis revealed slight acidity and very low nitrogen content (0.08%) at all sampling depths before moringa establishment. In addition, excessive magnesium, manganese and copper contents in the soil were recorded. Soil properties such as phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, organic carbon and nitrogen were reduced after the first harvest. During the second harvest, similar soil nutrient reductions followed the same trend as compared to the first harvest except for phosphorus, which showed an increase as compared to initial soil sampling at the second harvest. During harvests 1 and 2, the increase in planting density resulted in increased biomass production. Planting densities also did not affect moringa leaf nutrient composition. The study showed that a population of 5000 plants ha-1 produced the highest biomass yield of more than 1.5 ton ha-1. This study also revealed that moringa contains a high level of leaf nutrients even under marginal production conditions, irrespective of the planting density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe wasting affects 16 million children globally, while 159 million children have stunted growth. In South Africa, some 2.3 million children are undernourished. Snacking plays a pivotal role in the diets of children; however, the consumption of unhealthy snacks or 'junk' food poses a serious risk to a child's nutritional status. The aim of this study was to determine the snacking preferences of children as well as develop a snack supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) and assess the effect of MOLP on the nutritional composition and consumer acceptability of the snack. Moringa oleifera was selected for snack development because it is nutrient-rich. A preliminary survey (n = 77) was carried out to determine the type of snacks commonly given to children, prevalence of vegetable consumption, and utilisation of MOLP as a food source. A questionnaire containing both open- and closed-ended questions was used in the survey. Using referenced methods, snack samples containing, 0% (control), 1%, 3% and 5% (w/w) MOLP were prepared. Standard methods were used to evaluate the quality of the snacks in terms of colour, texture, nutritional composition and consumer acceptability. The survey results showed that 87% of the caregivers gave children snacks daily. The snacks commonly given to children were savoury (73%), fruity (53%), dairy (46%) and sugary (43%) types. The snacks containing 1% MOLP were almost as acceptable as the control in terms of all sensory attributes evaluated, including overall acceptability. They had higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, iron and crude protein, but less fat compared to the control. The results indicate that snacks supplemented with MOLP can contribute to improving food and nutrition security status of children among vulnerable population groups. • Effect of moringa leafy powder (MOLP) on the quality of snacks investigated. • Snacks containing up to 1% MOLP acceptable and nutritionally superior to the control. • Snacks containing up to 1% MOLP have a potential for alleviation of malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa is widely distributed across the globe for its multiple uses as well as high nutritive content and great economic attributes; subsequently it has been highly commercialised. Even though moringa is fast becoming an important crop in several parts of the world, in South African context, it is not recognised for such, and is listed on the Species Under Surveillance for Possible Eradication or Containment Targets (SUSPECT) under National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), since it is not native to South Africa. Where it is established in South Africa, people perceive the numerous qualities of moringa as beneficial and this can result in conflict generation between communities and policy makers who have to safe guard against alien and invasive species spread and impact. In this paper, we review the ecological, social and legal status of moringa in South Africa, and highlight the importance of conducting research on non-native species with the focus of improving evidence base prior listing of species on national regulations. Moreover, we highlight the need to also focus on social aspects of invasive species, using a cost–benefit approach to assist in decision making regarding control, management and eradication of moringa and other non-native plants. • In South Africa, moringa is on the Species Under Surveillance for Possible Eradication or Containment Targets (SUSPECT). • Moringa has the potential to be a conflict-generating species, particularly between communities and policy makers. • Listing of non-native species under NEMBA should be guided by impact-based evidence to ascertain their risks and benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutrient, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf powder (MLP) were measured to assess the potential of MLP for improving the nutritional and phytochemical profile of white maize soft porridge used as complementary food in selected rural areas of South Africa. Increasing the concentration of MLP from 0% to 3% resulted in significant increases in nutrient and phenolic concentration as well as the antioxidant activity of white maize soft porridge. For one of the soft porridge samples studied, when MLP was increased from 0% to 3%, the protein concentration of the porridge increased by approximately 11%; total mineral content (ash) by 67%; Zn by 60%; Fe by 45%; total provitamin A by 41%; total phenolics by 40%; and flavonoids (water extract) by up to 139%; and antioxidant activity increased 10% fold. The results indicate that MLP has a good potential for enhancing the nutritional and phytochemical properties of white maize soft porridge. • The potential of Moringa for use in complementary food. • White maize meal porridge supplemented with Moringa. • Moringa supplementation increased nutrient and phenolic concentration in porridge. • The antioxidant activity of white maize soft porridge was also increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera Lam , often grows well under cultivation in the tropics and sub-tropics. It does well in sandy to clayey soils and tolerates low rainfall. The plant is well-known for its nutritional and medicinal properties, hence it is fast gaining popularity in South Africa and the rest of the world. The objective of this study was to predict the suitable areas for cultivating M. oleifera in South Africa using climate and edaphic variables that significantly affect its growth and development. We used an Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) weight function to assign suitability weights to criteria and sub-criteria that affect the plant's growth and a predictive cultivation suitability map. Area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the model's performance. The Analytical Hierarchical Process indicated that the most influential variable determining M. oleifera cultivation were, minimum temperature, soil texture, annual rainfall, mean temperature and soil pH, respectively. Further, the results showed that approximately 16.5% (200,837 km2) of South Africa land area has optimal growth conditions, 17.8% (216,758 km2) suitable conditions, 46% (560,794 km2) less suitable conditions and 19% (240,699 km2) not suitable conditions for cultivating M. oleifera. The area under the curve (AUC) metric of our suitability model suggested that the map is 81% accurate for predicting the spatial suitability of cultivating M. oleifera in South Africa. The results also confirm that the use of AHP model with GIS weight function is useful for explicit identification of sites for M. oleifera cultivation for maximum production output. The results of this study can be useful information for the land-use policy makers and farmers for informed decision regarding the cultivation of M. oleifera in South Africa. • Moringa oleifera is fast gaining popularity in South Africa. • We predicted the spatial suitability of cultivating Moringa. • Minimum temperature mostly influences Moringa growth. • Soil pH has the least influence on Moringa growth. • 16.5% of South Africa area has optimal conditions for cultivating Moringa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 42-day study was designed to determine the mineral composition of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) and the response of Ross 308 broilers to dietary MOLM supplementation. Day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 500) were allotted to five treatments in completely randomized design with each group replicated five times with each replicate having 20 chicks. Birds received diets supplemented with MOLM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg feed, respectively and assigned T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. MOLM level that supported optimum variables was modelled using the quadratic function. At day 42, three birds per replicate were slaughtered to evaluate carcass and organ yields. Results of mineral assay indicate that MOLM was high in calcium, sodium, potassium, sulphur and iron. Daily feed intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio were the same among the groups with the exception of starter broilers on diet T1 that had higher ADG (p < 0.05) than those on the other diets. Final live weight (FLW), mortality and gizzard weight were influenced (p < 0.05) by MOLM supplementation. MOLM supplementation had no effect on other parameters measured. MOLM supplementation at 39.98 and 35.80 g/kg feed supported optimum FLW and ADG at starter phase and 46.88 g/kg feed MOLM supported optimum FLW at finisher phase. In conclusion, MOLM is a good source of nutrients and suitable for production of enhanced cut parts in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: White maize-based porridge is a staple food for about 80 per cent consumers in South Africa and in other sub-Saharan African countries contributing significantly to the diet of rural population in developing countries. White maize is deficient in some amino acids and over-dependency on its porridge may lead to high prevalence of malnutrition-related health conditions. Moringa oleifera (MO) and termite (Macrotermes falciger) are known to contain substantial amount of protein. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of powders from MO leaves and termite on the nutritional and sensory properties of instant maize porridge. Design/methodology/approach: Inclusion of MO and termite powder in instant maize porridge, using different treatments were considered using a completely randomised design. Factor levels were control (maize flour) cooked, blanched and uncooked MO samples. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23. Findings: Protein content of fortified instant maize porridge (FMP) significantly increased from 10.0 to 21.2 per cent compared to unfortified porridge, and this could be attributed to the substitution effect, as fresh uncooked MO leaves are reported to be high in protein. Mineral content of FMP was higher in zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium. Calcium values of FMP were higher (276.8 mg/100 g) compared to unfortified porridge (7.1 mg/100 g). Upon the addition of MO leaves and termite powder, the zinc content increased from 3.4 mg/100to 7.6 mg/100 g. Higher iron values (27.9-36.9 mg/100 g) were observed among fortified samples. The sensory result showed that control sample had higher acceptance than the fortified samples (p = 0.02). Sensory analysis showed that among fortified porridges, blanched sample was rated high for colour and texture, cooked sample was higher in taste and uncooked sample was higher for aroma. Control sample had higher acceptance than fortified porridges for taste. The results of this study showed that the addition of MO leaves and termite powder to instant maize porridge has led to a substantial increase in the nutritional value of FMP. Originality/value: This study was carried out to develop instant maize porridge fortified with MO leaves and termite powder suitable for infants, pregnant mothers and other maize consumers. The author aimed at improving the nutritional content of instant maize porridge by combining it with MO leaves and termite powders. The results showed that the addition of MO leaves and termite powders to instant maize porridge has led to a substantial increase in the nutritional value of FMP. Therefore, powder from MO leaves and termites could be used in complementary foods to increase protein and mineral contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor complementary feeding is a common practice in developing regions, including South Africa (SA), and is one of the main contributing factors to childhood malnutrition. This paper reviews the literature on complementary feeding practices in SA and the potential of fortifying home-prepared complementary foods with Moringa oleifera to improve their nutritional composition. Studies that investigated complementary feeding practices, indigenous crops, nutritional benefits of Moringa oleifera , and the use of MOLP as a fortificant both locally and globally were included in this review. In SA, maize meal and commercial cereal are the most commonly used complementary infant foods. The diet consumed by children from vulnerable households commonly has insufficient nutrients. Foods consumed are generally high in starch and low in other essential nutrients, including good-quality protein. Impoverished individuals consume poor-quality foods as they are unable to afford a diversified diet with food from different food groups, such as protein, fruits, and vegetables. In SA, various programs have been implemented to reduce the incidence of childhood malnutrition. However, childhood malnutrition remains on the rise. This shows a need for complementary food-based strategies that can be implemented and sustained at a household level. This can be conducted through the use of accessible indigenous crops such as Moringa oleifera . Moringa oleifera contains essential nutrients such as proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it could possibly be used as a home-prepared complementary food fortificant to enhance nutritional composition. Before complementary foods can be fortified with Moringa oleifera , popular home-prepared complementary foods must be identified.

The effect ofMoringa oleiferaseed powder on water quality and the histology, haematology and growth ofOreochromis mossambicuswas investigated. Five dosage levels, 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg l–1, ofM. oleiferaseed powder were applied to aquadams®(high-density polyethylene plastic fishponds) fertilised with chicken manure in a completely randomised design and replicated twice. Bicarbonate alkalinity and potassium increased with increasingM. oleiferadosages, whilst turbidity decreased. Dissolved oxygen was significantly higher in allM. oleiferatreatments than in the control. Hepatic cord disarray, nuclei pleomorphism and cellular swelling were evident in the liver as theM. oleiferadosage increased. The testis histology showed degenerating sperm cells and atrophied seminiferous tubules in the 300 and 400 mg l–1treatments. The degree of histological alterations of the gills increased at dosages of 300 and 400 mg l–1. There were significant differences in the white and red blood cell counts, haemoglobin and haematocrit, and in the mean corpuscular concentration, haemoglobin and volume, between the different treatments. Fish growth decreased with increasing dosage. The histological and haematological parameters indicated that fish health was compromised at the highest dosage, leading to slow fish growth at the higher dosages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant activity of the leaves and flowers of the Moringa oleifera plant were investigated and the results were compared to those of selected vegetables (cabbage, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and peas). Antioxidant activity was determined by analysing the total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, reducing power and radical scavenging activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1 -picrylhydrazyl free radical method. The total phenolics content of moringa was almost twice that of the vegetables and the total flavonoids content was three times that of the selected vegetables. The reducing power of moringa was higher than that of the vegetables and the percentage of free radicals remaining was lower compared with the vegetables. These results combined show that moringa is a good source of antioxidants. This finding also explains why moringa forms part of the diet of people in many developing countries, especially in the southern hemisphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a plant that is commonly consumed as a nutritional supplement by some communities in South Africa. Contamination of moringa with toxic heavy metals could be deadly for consumers. However, some metal elements are essential for consumers in trace amounts. We therefore investigated the concentrations of heavy metals, including major and trace nutrient elements, in the soil and in the leaves and flowers of moringa grown on two farms in South Africa. After total digestion in the microwave, the concentrations of metals were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. No toxic heavy metals were detected in the leaves and flowers of moringa. On average, moringa contained higher concentrations of Ca (18 500 mg/kg) and Mg (5500 mg/kg) than selected vegetables (spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and peas). The concentrations of other major nutrients in moringa were similar to those of the vegetables. Based on reports of antioxidant activity, we also investigated the concentrations of flavonols (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol) in moringa leaves and flowers in comparison with the selected vegetables. A high concentration of flavonols is related to antioxidant activity. Plant and vegetable materials were extracted under reflux using an acidified methanol (1% HCI) solution and the flavonols were identified and quantified using reverse-phased high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Moringa leaves had higher concentrations of myricetin (1296.6 mg/kg), quercetin (1362.6 mg/kg) and kaempferol (1933.7 mg/kg) than vegetables (spinach: myricetin 620.0 mg/kg, quercetin 17.9 mg/kg, kaempferol 215.3 mg/kg). No major differences were found between the plants growing on the two farms. Moringa is thus nutritionally valuable and safe to consume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]