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The article presents the results of studies on species diversity and decorative features of plantations in Hanoi. The relevance of this research is justified by the failure to meet the standards of landscaping in the city in accordance with global recommendations and standards. The dendroflora of central Hanoi has 304 species (including varieties and forms) belonging to 253 genera and 104 families. The leading families are Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Asteraceae, Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae, Meliaceae, Verbenaceae, Myrtaceae, Moraceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Rosaceae, and Magnoliaceae. The Fabaceae family predominates by the the number of genera and species; and is followed by the Moraceae family. The greatest species diversity is observed among trees (151 species – 49.67 % of the total number). The most commonly used species in the urban gardening are Peltophorum pterocarpum, Delonix regia, Khaya senegalensis, Chukrasia tabularis, Ceiba pentandra, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Hopea odorata, Dracontomelon mangiferum, Alstonia scholaris, Lagerstroemia speciosa, and Terminalia mantaly. Evergreen species predominate among plantations of Hanoi; while deciduous (including shrubs and trees) have a smaller proportion. Of 151 species of trees, 70 are classified as decorative. Shrubs and herbs are inferior to trees by the number of species (58 species each – 19.08 %). Palm trees are the least numerous – 11 species (3.62 %). The decorative features of the main species have been determined. A list of trees with 3 or more decorative features, shrubs and herbs with 2 or more decorative features was compiled. In order to create a unique urban landscape in different seasons of the year it is recommended to use the species included in this list. For citation: Nguyen Thi Yen, Dang Van Ha, Parinova T.A. Species Diversity and Decorative Features of Plants Used in Landscaping of Hanoi. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 5, pp. 65–75. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-5-65-75

Background Trees of Bombax ceiba L. could produce a large number of viable seeds in the dry-hot valleys. However, the seedling regeneration of the species is difficult in these areas as mild drought often occur repeatedly which might be followed by heat stress. However, how the repeated drought affects the subsequent drought and heat tolerance of B. ceiba is not clear. In this study, chlorophyll fluorescence, soluble sugar content and lipid metabolism were measured for the drought-treated seedlings and heat-treated seedlings with or without drought hardening. Results Neither the first nor third dehydration treatments affected the photosynthetic activity and soluble sugar content of B. ceiba seedlings. However, they differentially affected the fluidity of the local membranes and the levels of diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid. Heat shock severely decreased the photosynthetic efficiency but drought priming reduced the effects of heat shock. Moreover, heat shock with or without drought priming had differential effects on the metabolism of soluble sugars and some lipids. In addition, the unsaturation level of membrane glycerolipids increased following heat shock for non-drought-hardened seedlings which, however, maintained for drought-hardened seedlings. Conclusions The results suggest that two cycles of dehydration/recovery can affect the metabolism of some lipids during the third drought stress and may enhance the heat tolerance of B. ceiba by adjusting lipid composition and membrane fluidity.

Gastrointestinal diseases, such as peptic ulcers, are caused by a damage in the gastric mucosa provoked by several factors. This stomach injury is regulated by many inflammatory mediators and is commonly treated with proton-pump inhibitors, histamine H2 receptor blockers and antacids. However, various medicinal plants have demonstrated positive effects on gastric ulcer treatment, including plants of the

Utilization of natural biopolymers has shown potential in generating innovations for tissue engineering applications. This study aims to fabricate scaffolds from cellulose acetate derived from kapok fiber. Cellulose is extracted from raw kapok fibers by alkali treatment and delignification then synthesized into cellulose acetate. Kapok cellulose acetate (KCA) is dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide to fabricate the scaffold. Materials were characterized using Attenuated Total Reflectance – Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). FTIR analysis has shown that cellulose was extracted from kapok and cellulose acetate was successfully synthesized. XRD analysis also confirmed the presence of cellulose acetate. Results have also shown that synthesized KCA seems to have higher crystallinity than commercially available cellulose acetate (CCA). The degree of substitution (DS) of KCA was found to be 2.85 which is close to the DS value of tri-substituted cellulose acetate. DSC analysis has shown lower glass transition temperature of 52.15°C but higher degradation temperature of 300.43°C than the CCA. Moreover, the values for the enthalpy of fusion for two endotherms of KCA (44.0556 J/g and 18.6946 J/g) are higher than the values for CCA by 344% and 261%, respectively; thus, indicating the higher degree of crystallinity for synthesized KCA samples.

Ceiba pentandra and Parmotrema perlatum lichen are two illustrious spices. Apart from their benefit as aromas, These are known for various therapeutic activities. Both are well known as appetizers. Decoctions of theses powders are used to relieve cough, anorexia and helminthiasis etc. Though several studies on antimicrobial activities of these two plants are available, studies on resistant microorganisms and anti tubercular activity are very limited. Hence, the author made an attempt to identify the phytochemical constituents present in methanolic and n-hexane extracts of Ceiba pentandra and Parmotrema perlatum using phytochemical tests and GC-MS method then to evaluate antibacterial activity against 5 resistant microorganisms by microtitre broth dilution method using ciprofloxacillin & streptomycin as reference standards. Methanolic extracts of Parmotrema perlatum and Ceiba pentandra had shown a considerable antibacterial activity than n-hexane extracts and exhibited 90% growth inhibition against H37Rv resistant strain of mycobacterium at 80 & 320 micrograms/ml respectively. N-hexane extracts of both species were found to be poorly effective against H37 Rv.

Reforestation in Madagascar often relies on a few tree species with known properties. Species selection may consider aspects like human use, growth characteristics and animal use. Here, we investigated the use of the kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) as a food source for vertebrates during the dry season in North West Madagascar. We observed 21 native vertebrate species (five lemurs, five bats and 11 birds) feed on or within C. pentandra during this period of low food availability, 48% of which are known seed dispersers. As a fast-growing species, C. pentandra may therefore be suitable for inclusion in reforestation and forest restoration efforts to facilitate seed dispersal, natural forest regeneration and animal movement between adjacent forest fragments.

Bio charcoal Briquette is a product made from biomass with a carbonization process and compressed with a certain shape. This study aims to examine the calorific value and burning rate of corncob and kapok randu (Ceiba Pentranda) randu (Ceiba pentranda) skin briquettes with variations in the composition of ingredients. The briquette were produced in 5 stages: First, the main material for cobs and kapok randu (Ceiba Pentranda) randu skin is dried in the sun for 3 days so that the weight of the ingredients is reduced by 20%. Second, the carbonization of the main material with a temperature of 400˚C for 60 minutes with a furnace and then materials that has been crushed is sieved with a sieve 50 mesh. Third, compressed briquettes with corncob composition and kapok randu (Ceiba Pentranda) skin in the following ratios of A (100%: 0%), B (75%: 25%), C (50%: 50%), D (25%: 75 %), E (0%: 100%) with 10% w/w tapioca starch as binder. Fourth, the dry the briquette under the sun for 3 days (20 hours) and roasted with a temperature of 100˚C for 60 minutes. Fifth, after dried, the samples were then characterized their moisture content, calorific value, and burning rate. The results show that the highest moisture content value in sample E is 3.3303% and the lowest moisture content in sample B (2.4587%). The highest calorific values are sample E which is 6195.05 Cal / grams. While the lowest calorific value was found in sample D (25% corn cobs and 75% kapok randu (Ceiba Pentranda) skin), which was 3803.96 Cal / grams. The lowest burning rate was found in sample E (100% kapok randu (Ceiba Pentranda) skin) with a value was 0.0448 grams / minute. While the highest burning rate was found in sample D (25% corn cobs and 75% kapok randu (Ceiba Pentranda) skin) with the value was 0.0622 grams/minute.

En los procesos químicos de la industria textil y del papel se generan importantes cantidades de aguas residuales contaminadas con colorantes, mismas que requieren ser tratadas antes de ser desechadas. La ingeniería de procesos ha desarrollado diversos tratamientos para la remoción de estos contaminantes, como la coagulación y la aireación anaeróbica, destacando en los últimos años la adsorción con materiales de origen biológico, mejor conocida como biosorción. En este trabajo se propone un proceso de biosorción para la remoción de azul de metilo en agua, usando fibra kapok obtenida del árbol de Ceiba (Ceiba pentandra), que fue sometida a un tratamiento con sulfito de sodio para reducir su hidrofobicidad y se caracterizó mediante técnicas espectroscópicas y termogravimétricas. El diseño del proceso requirió de obtener la isoterma de adsorción para el sistema fibra kapok + agua + azul de metilo, encontrando un comportamiento del del tipo III y que pueden ser representados por el modelo matemático empírico de Freundlich ( y ). El proceso propuesto considera biosorbedores por lotes, encontrando que con dos etapas es posible remover el 99% de los colorantes, reduciendo hasta un 60% la masa de biosorbente utilizada, comparada si se usa una sola etapa.

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. Bas.: Bombax pentandrum L. Large deciduous tree, in forest galleries and on banks of rivers and lakes. C.N.: mafuma, mufuma (kb); mafumeira (pt). Uses: artefacts. Conservation: LC (IUCN 2017); VU (MINAMB 2018a, Costa et al. 2019) F.Monteiro 549 (LUAI, LISC), Published as part of Monteiro, Francisca, Costa, Esperança Da, Kissanga, Raquel, Costa, José Carlos & Catarino, Luís, 2022, An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of Quiçama National Park, Angola, pp. 1-67 in Phytotaxa 557 (1) on page 21, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.557.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6985699, {"references":["IUCN. (2017) IUCN Red List of Threatened species. Vers. 3, May 2017. Available from: www. iucnredlist. org (accessed 10 December 2021).","MINAMB (Ministerio do Ambiente de Angola). (2018 a) Lista vermelha de especies de Angola extintas, ameacadas de extincao, vulneraveis e invasoras. Ministerio do Ambiente, Luanda, 45 pp.","Costa, E., Adao, T., Pedro, M., Catarino, S. & Romeiras, M. M. (2019) Plantas Ameacadas em Angola-Estado Actual. Revista Internacional em Lingua Portuguesa 35: 31 - 43. https: // doi. org / 10.31492 / 2184 - 2043. RILP 2018.35 / pp. 31 - 43"]}

In this study, a novel kapok fiber-supported liquid extraction (KF-SLE) method was developed for conveniently extracting analytes from oil samples. Natural kapok fiber without any pretreatment was directly used as an oil support medium. The extraction device was conveniently constructed by directly packing some kapok fibers into a syringe tube. Due to the fibrous property of the kapok fiber, no filter plate was needed. The cost of a KF-SLE device was as low as 0.5 CNY. The KF-SLE process was conveniently conducted using a simple three-step protocol: (1) the oil sample without any pretreatment including dilution was added directedly; (2) then, the oil-immiscible extractant was added; (3) after waiting a certain time for static extraction, the extractant was eluted out by pressing the kapok fibers with the syringe plunger. The extractant could be directly transferred for subsequent instrumental detection. For the feasibility and proof-of-concept study, the method was applied to quantify four synthetic flavor chemicals in edible oils. Satisfied quantification results were obtained with the correlation coefficient (R

En el recinto Quimis del Cantón Jipijapa, en la zona Sur de Manabí, Ecuador, se realizó una investigación relacionada con la caracterización de la producción apícola en la Asociación Aroma y Miel, cuyo sustento para las abejas en la producción de miel son las especies del bosque seco tropical. Dicha miel es aprovechada por los residentes locales involucrados para, entre otros usos, comercializarla. El objetivo de este estudio se basó en caracterizar la producción apícola en un sistema cooperativo asociado al bosque seco tropical. Se seleccionaron siete apiarios activos distribuidos dentro del recinto, dónde se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 38 familias miembros de dicha Asociación. Los resultados muestran que, los meses de mayor floración se enmarcan entre marzo hasta inicios de octubre. El tipo de miel en su mayoría la obtienen de varias flores (28 citaciones) y solo 10 entrevistados citaron optar por una sola flor, siendo esta la flor de la especie Ceiba trichistandra. Los apicultores hacen capturas de la abeja reina y dividen la colmena en lo que llaman su nuevo proyecto reina. Más del 50 % de los entrevistados afirmaron que no alimentan sus abejas, en tanto que clasifican las mieles, basados en el sabor, el color y su contextura, de acuerdo con la flor de la que proceden. El 50 % realizan la trasportación fuera del recinto. Los apicultores desconocen la totalidad de las especies melíferas que florecen durante todo el año, evidenciado en los datos presentados en el calendario floral resultante de esta investigación.

With rapid industrial development, the water pollution due to industrial wastewater discharge also increases. Wastewater containing heavy metals such as Lead (Pb(II)) has been one of the serious global issues. It is because lead has a high level of toxicity and very harmful to the environment as well as human body even at low level of concentration. One of the emerging methods for removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution is called biosorption. It is adsorption process using biomass-based adsorbent or can be called biosorbent. One of biomass material that can be used for the biosorbent for removal of Pb(II) is Kapok wood sawdust. In this study, biosorbent based Kapok sawdust has been successfully prepared. The effects of pH and contact time on the adsorption performance of the biosorbent have been studied. The adsorption tests were carried out with variations in pH 4, 5, 6, and 7 and with variations in contact time of 30, 60, and 90 minutes. The amout of Pb(II) adsorbed was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The adsorption test results showed that the equilibrium contact time required for the biosorbent to absorb Pb(II) was 60 minutes, while the pH optimum was achieved at pH = 7. Furthermore, from the adsorption test results, it has also been concluded that the optimum adsorption capacity (qe) 4.83 mg/g and removal percentage (96.6%) was achieved by Adsorbent A (i.e. Kapok sawdust biosorbent activated with 0.2 M HNO3).

Mantchoua is a fermented seed condiment produced from kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) seeds in Burkina Faso. In this study, the microbiology of Mantchoua from raw material to final product was investigated in samples from two production sites (Pô and Bobo-Dioulasso). Four processing methods of Mantchoua production were characterized by determination of numbers of Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria (AMB), Bacillus spp. and pH. A total of 251 Bacillus spp. from 619 AMB isolates were identified using M13-PCR and ITS-PCR typing, 16S rRNA and gyrA gene sequencing. AMB and Bacillus spp. counts in raw material ranged between 4.2-4.7 log10 CFU/g and 3.8-4.1 log10 CFU/g in kapok seeds and between 2.2-2.3 log10 CFU/g and 1.1-1.8 log10 CFU/g in ash lye solution, respectively. Microbial counts in seeds mash during fermentation ranged between 9-10.9 log10 CFU/g for AMB and between 8.6-10.5 log10 CFU/g for Bacillus spp. In dried Mantchoua, AMB counts ranged between 7.7-10.4 log10 CFU/g while Bacillus spp. counts ranged between 7.5-10.3 log10 CFU/g. The fermentation of Mantchoua involved different species of Bacillus spp. At Bobo-Dioulasso pilot plant, B. subtilis subsp. subtilis dominated (50% of the Bacillus isolates) followed by B. cereus sensu lato (28% of the Bacillus isolates) while at Pô traditional production site, B. cereus sensu lato dominated (54% of the Bacillus isolates) followed also by B. subtilis subsp. subtilis (26% of the Bacillus isolates). For the Mantchoua processes including ash lye solution, pH were consistently higher during fermentation (pH 8.6-8.9), and the number of isolated B. cereus sensu lato were lower.

Extensive processes and costly precursors for the fabrication of existing sorbents for oil spills urges to look for more renewable sorbent sources. In this work, hollow, tubular, cellulosic fibers (kapok, Ceibapentandra) were successfully converted to carbon sponges by pyrolysis at increasing temperature and time. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the complete carbonization of the kapok fibers at 800 °C. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images revealed that the carbonized kapok fibers maintained their original tubular structures, suggesting high surface area. Water contact angle measurement showed improved hydrophobicity, with a maximum value of about 135°. The carbonized fibers were able to hold selected organic and oil solvents ranging from 16-20 times the weight of the fibers. The fiber pyrolyzed at 400 °C for 0.5 h showed the highest sorption capacity at 45.56 g/g for palm oil, almost matching that of raw kapok.

Twenty grower male rabbits of mixed breeds were used to evaluate the effect of Kapok seed meal on sperm production and sperm storage capacity: Five bucks each were randomly assigned to each of four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets containing decorticated Kapok seed meal at 0), 10, 15 und 20% levels. After 8 weeks of ad libitum feeding, four bucks per treatment were randomly selected from each treatment group, sacrificed and their testes evaluated for sperm production, the efficiency of spermatogenesis and sperm storage capacity. The results did not show any significant differences (P>0.05) between the treatments in Daily sperm production (DSP), Daily sperm production/ gram testis (DSP/g) as well as in gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. These results suggest that decorticated Kapok seed meal had no significant effect on sperm production in breeding bucks at an inclusion level of up to 20%. KSM may thus be a useful source of protein for rabbit bucks.

Twenty grower rabbit bucks of mixed breeds were used in the evaluation of the effects of Kapok seed meal on performance, gut morphology and the haematology of male rabbita to ascertain its suitability as a protein source for rabbits in general and breeding bucks in particular. Five bucks each were randomly assigned to each of 4 isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets conatining decorticated Kapok seed meal at 0, 10, 15 and 20% levels. After 8 weeks of ad libitum feeding, the result showed that dietary treatment had no significant effect (P>0.05) on performance. With regard to GIT morphology, treatments significantly affected the absolute and relative weights of the stomach (P0.05) by treatment. The haematology of the animals showed significantly higher (P0.05) to each other. Erythrocyte count in the control diet was significantly higher(P0.05). the differential count showed a significant increase (P0.05). Blood constants were unaffected by treatment (P>0.05). All haematological values were within normal ranges. It is concluded from these results that Kapok seed meal as a protein source will support growth, performance and other physiological processes in raabbit bucks.

Resumen: Saccopteryx bilineata es un murcielago de distribucion geografica amplia en el Neotropico, pero en Colombia hay muy poca informacion sobre su biologia y ecologia del refugio. En esta contribucion se presenta una descripcion de los refugios que S. bilineata utiliza en la region Caribe colombiana, especialmente en areas de bosque seco tropical. Aunque se ha documentado que comparte refugios con muchas especies de murcielagos, este trabajo presenta el primer registro donde S. bilineata comparte refugio con Molossus molossus y el uso como refugios o sitios de percha de arboles de las especies Brownea ariza , Caesalpinea coriaria y Ceiba pentandra . Se ratifica la alta plasticidad ecologica de la especie en cuanto al tipo de refugios disponibles, asi como cohabitar con otras especies de murcielagos. SHELTERS AND ROOSTING SITES OF Saccopteryx bilineata (CHIROPTERA: EMBALLONURIDAE) IN THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN: Saccopteryx bilineata is a bat of wide geographical distribution in the Neotropics, but in Colombia there is very little information about its biology and roost ecology. This contribution presents a description of the shelters that S. bilineata uses in the Colombian Caribbean region, especially in areas of tropical dry forest. Although it has been documented that it shares shelters with many species of bats, this work presents the first record where S. bilineata shares refuge with Molossus molossus and the use as shelters or roosting sites of species of Brownea ariza , Caesalpinea coriaria and Ceiba pentandra . The high ecological plasticity of the species is ratified in terms of the use of available environments and shelters, as well as cohabiting with other bat species.

Hepatotoxicity is the major physiological defect in the body that adversely effects the body and is responsible for the drug toxicity deposition. The liver is a large organ that helps to eliminate the toxins and eliminate the food toxins through metabolism through enzymes like cytochrome P450enzyme. The liver enzymes were altered due to the changes in liver function and integrity. But the liver tissue could regenerate itself, and any permanent damage to the tissue cannot be recovered. These drugs also cause damage to the liver tissue. The extraction solvents like methanol, ethanol and ether are very toxic and not considered safe. Even though they are dried up completely, there will be some traces remaining in the extracts. The study of the hepatoprotective activity of the extracts was performed in two methods like CCl4 and paracetamol method. The estimation of the liver enzymes was done to determine the hepatoprotective activity. The hepatoprotective herbs and the formulations incorporating their extracts have been patented too, and the use and applications have been significant. The extracts were tested in two doses, like 100 and 200. As it is seen, the 200mg/kg of the extract showed better activity compared to the standard drug and the extract at the lesser dose that is the 100mg/kg.

In this work, the extraction procedure of a natural pigment from the flower of

Biofilm forming bacteria can cause serious health problems that are difficult to combat. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) synthesized from plant extracts have potential to fight and eradicate biofilmforming bacteria. In the present research, AgNPs were synthesized using leaf and bark extract of Erythrina suberosa Roxb. and Ceiba pentandra L. and their antibiofilm, antioxidant and antibacterial activity was checked. Phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts showed important bioactive compounds such as tannins, saponins, steroids, phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides. The AgNPs were synthesized and confirmed by visual color observation and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Visual color observation showed that the color of the leaf and bark extracts of E. suberosa and C. pentandra turned into brown. UV-Vis spectra analysis showed absorbance peak range between 430-450 nm. The antioxidant activity of the AgNPs was determined by FRAC (Ferrous reducing antioxidant capacity) assay. Synthesized AgNPs from all sources showed significant antioxidant activity. However, antioxidant activity of E. suberosa AgNPs was significant compared to other sources. Antibacterial activity and biofilm forming assay was analyzed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The synthesized AgNPs silver nanoparticles showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) antibacterial activity against all the bacteria. The maximum zone of inhibition was found in case of E. suberosa AgNPs bark extract against P. aeruginosa was 20±1.154 mm. The results of biofilm forming assay showed that the AgNPs from all sources significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited the activity of biofilms by all the tested bacteria. From results, it can be concluded that AgNPs synthesized from both plants can be used in developing antimicrobial compounds.

The study was carried out at Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, India using four different age gradations viz. ten, twenty, thirty and forty year old Ceiba pentandra wood samples. About one meter length billets from the felled sample trees were collected from each tree for analysis of pulpwood properties. The billet was debarked, cleaned and labelled for analysis. Four different age gradations of C. pentandra were subjected to physical and chemical analysis in order to recommend suitable rotation age for pulp and paper production. The physical properties viz. bulk and basic density, all the age gradations were moderate to high in range which indicated their suitability as pulp wood. In the chemical analysis, the lignin content was significant parameter which was also moderate for all the age gradations and hence proved their suitability. Considering this factor the result is investigated that the superiority of fifty year old wood was evident. The highest basic density (438.00 kg /m3) and bulk density (255.00 kg /m3) and lowest moisture content (10.50 per cent) was observed in forty year old wood samples. The chemical analysis in terms of ash content recorded was highest in ten year old sample (0.95 per cent). Among four, the highest fibre length was observed in forty year old (1219.92 μm) wood sample which is best for pulp and paper making.

Aims: The study was carried out to determine the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of fresh leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam., Pterocarpus santalinoides L’Herit DC and Ceiba pentandra L. on bacterial isolates; Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methodology: The plant leaves were dried, pulverized and phytochemical tests were done according to standard laboratory procedure. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were obtained from 20 g of the of the ground leaves. Antibacterial assay was carried out with Disc diffusion method on seven concentrations of the extracts ;100,50,25,12.5, 6.25,3.125,1.5625 mg/ml and compared with standard antibiotics. Isolated bacterial pathogens; Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.0 x 105 cfu /ml) were used as test organisms. Results: Alkaloids, steroidal aglycones, glycosides, proteins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, tannins, saponins, vitamins A and E were present in all the plant samples. Flavonoids and cardiac glycosides were not detected in Pterocarpus santalinoides and Ceiba pentandra, respectively. Anthracene glycoside was absent in all samples. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera showed antibacterial activities against all the bacterial isolates at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.125 mg/ml and 1.5625 mg/ml respectively. Pterocarpus santalinoides showed inhibitory activity only on Salmonella typhi at 3.125 mg/ml and Escherichia coli 1.5625 mg/ml MIC. Ceiba pentandra showed spectrum of antibacterial activity against all the bacterial isolates at 1.56 mg/ml MIC with exception of Salmonella typhi. E. coli was the most susceptible to the leaf extracts. Salmonella typhi was not sensitive to the leaf extracts of Ceiba pentandra, while Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were not sensitive to the leaf extracts of Pterocarpus santalinoides. Conclusion: It can be concluded that both aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts had antibacterial activity against the test organism, thus justifying their use in folklore medicine.

The success of reforestation depends on the production of quality seedlings in nurseries. Initial fertilization and mycorrhization are determinants that improve the growth of plants. The purpose of this study was to improve the quality of Ceiba pentandra seedlings using fertilization and mycorhization in nurseries. Seedlings of C. pentandra were subjected to various treatments (T1: Sterilized forest soil (100 %), T2: 90 % T1 + sterilized mycorrhizal inoculum (10 %); T3: 90 % T1 + mycorrhizal inoculum (10 %); T4: 90 % T1 + compost (10 %); T5: 80 % T1 + mycorrhizal inoculum (10 %) + compost (10 %)). The results showed an increase of 117.35 % in the dry stem weight of young Ceiba pentandra mycorrhizae (T3) seedlings compared to non-mycorrhizae (T2) seedlings. Growth parameters, roots, total leaf area were better with the treatment combining mycorrhization and compost application. Furthermore, the sturdiness quotient was identical for all substrates. Seedlings of Ceiba pentandra are highly dependent on mycorrhization. For rapid production of quality seedlings, fertilization could be coupled with mycorrhization.

GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry), FTIR (Fourier Transformed Infra-Red Spectroscopy), physicochemical analysis of Ceiba pentandra gum have been carried out. Ceiba pentandra exudate is brownish in colour, acidic and ionic gum. GCMS spectra of the gum indicated the presence Hellebrin, Glycine, Octadecane, Dasycarpidan, Octadecatrienoic acid, Tocopherol, Di isooctyl phthalate and Milbemycin. The FTIR spectrum of the gum indicated several functional groups, including –OH, N-H and C=C, C-Cl group.

West African Guinean forests are among the most diverse and threatened ecosystems in the world. The study aims to provide new insights about tree species patterns, abundance, and diversity for better management in Togo. Species diversity and density of trees were assessed in 170 plots randomly selected in the study area. Each tree with DBH >10 cm was identified and measured. Stem density, basal area, and diversity indices were calculated. In total, 243 species belonging to 170 genera and 44 families were identified in the study area. Five floristic groups were recognized. They are characterized respectively by Lophira lanceolata, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Daniellia oliveri association in Group 1; Theobroma cacao, Elaeis guineensis and Morinda lucida association in Group 2; Elaeis guineensis, Persea Americana and Albizia zygia association in Group 3; Cola gigantea, Senna siamea and Erythrophleum suaveolens association in Group 4 and Pycnanthus angolensis, Ceiba pentandra and Pseudospondias microcarpa association in Group 5. The Fabaceae, Moraceae and Malvaceae are the most represented families in the study area. The highest tree species diversity was observed in Group 4 (2.05 ± 0.61) and the lowest diversity in Group 2 (1.19 ± 0.64). Mean tree density ranges from 408.96± 202.17 (Group 1) to 273.90 ± 193.19 (Group 4). The highest tree basal area (27.99 ± 25.58 m2/ha) is obtained in Group 3 and the lowest (15.84 ± 13.44 m2/ha) is in Group 4. The presence of pioneer species in the study areas proves that the habitat has undergone serious anthropogenic disturbance events, which contribute to species loss. Key words: Diversity, sub humid mountains ecosystems, Togo, richness, tree species, disturbance factors.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biopolymer synthesized as storage granules by microbes in the cell’s cytoplasm under excess carbon and limited nitrogen conditions. This study aims to examine the production and optimization of PHA from Ceiba pentandra oil, a non-edible feedstock, by Cupriavidus necator. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, and inoculum for the production of PHA. To improve the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PHA, it was blended with polylactic acid (PLA) which possesses high bio-compatibility and bio-absorbability. Furthermore, batch mode cultivation of PHA in a 3-L bioreactor was performed under the optimized conditions (Ceiba pentandra oil—17.13 g/L, urea—1.34 g/L, and inoculum—53.42 mL/L), and 8.51 g/L (0.47 g PHA/g of Ceiba pentandra oil) of PHA product was obtained. The PHA was characterized by FTIR and the presence of functional groups such as C=O, OH, and CH were observed. 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy revealed the existence of hydroxy valerate (HV) and hydroxybutyrate (HB), and maximal decomposition temperature was identified to be 217.7 °C from TGA analysis. Therefore, Ceiba pendantra oil appears to be an attractive alternate carbon source for PHA production.

Ethnobotanical investigations by workers have revealed the use of juvenile leaves of Cissus populnea L. (ogbolo), Sesamum indicum L. (eeku),Gongronema latifolium Benth. (Madunmaro), Mangifera indica L. (Mongoro), Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (Odunkun) and Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (Araba) for preparing soups in Nigeria. In spite of this, the consumption of these traditional soups seems to be abandoned and only consumed during scarcity of commonly used vegetables such as Corchorus olitorius L. (Ewedu). Certain traditional soups are associated with particular Nigerian ethnic groups. As examples, Gongronema latifolium to Igbo people of southeast Nigeria, while Sesamum indicum to the Yorubas and Hausas, southwest and northern Nigeria respectively. For ethnomedicinal purposes Cissus populnea and Sesamum indicum soups enhance sexual performance in men as well as production and cleansing of sperm. Mangifera indica soup is used as anti-anaemic; Gongronema latifolium soup forms part of a recipe for the management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Ceiba pentandra soup is used for treating diarrhoea disorder. Despite the therapeutic and nutritional benefits of the soups, their consumption is gradually waning due to erosion of traditional knowledge and deforestation of medicinal plants occasioned by increasing urbanization. This review documents the therapeutic uses and pharmacological effects of six medicinal plants used as traditional soups, with the view that an awareness of their health benefits could lead to a resurgence of their consumption in diet.

Postprandial hyperglycemia and oxidative stress are important factors that worsen the health condition of patients with type 2 diabetes. We recently showed that extracts from Ceiba pentandra mitigate hyperglycemia in dexamethasone- and high diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Herein, we evaluated the postprandial regulatory properties and the antioxidant effects of the aqueous (AE) and methanol (ME) extracts from the stem bark of Ceiba pentandra. The phytochemical analysis of AE and ME was performed using the LC-MS technique and the total phenolic and flavonoid assays. Both extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit superoxide anion (O2•ـ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), protein oxidation, alpha-amylase, and alpha-glucosidase activities. The mode of enzyme inhibition was also determined in a kinetic study. AE and ME were both rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. ME was 2.13 and 1.91 times more concentrated than AE in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, respectively. LC-MS allowed the identification of 5 compounds in both extracts. ME and AE inhibited O2•ـ with IC50 of 51.81 and 34.26 μg/ml, respectively. On H2O2, they exhibited IC50 of 44.84 and 1.78 μg/ml, respectively. Finally, they exhibited IC50 of 120.60 and 140.40 μg/ml, respectively, in the inhibition of protein oxidation induced by H2O2, while showing IC50 of 39.26 and 97.95 μg/ml on the protein oxidation induced by AAPH. ME and AE inhibited alpha-amylase with IC50 of 6.15 and 54.52 μg/ml, respectively. These extracts also inhibited alpha-glucosidase, demonstrating IC50 of 76.61 and 86.49 μg/ml. AE exhibited a mixed noncompetitive inhibition on both enzymes, whereas ME exhibited a competitive inhibition on α-amylase and a pure noncompetitive inhibition on α-glucosidase. These results demonstrate that ME and AE scavenge reactive oxygen species and prevent their effects on biomolecules. Besides, ME and AE inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes. These properties may contribute to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia and regulate glycemia in diabetic patients.

The study focuses on investigating kapok fiber as an adsorbent for oily industrial wastewater. Kapok fiber, KF (Ceiba Pentandra) is a natural plant fiber that poses excellent hydrophobic-oleophilic characteristics, due to the presence of penetrable hollow lumen structure and waxy material on its surface. The objectives of this study are to investigate the morphology of raw and treated kapok fiber (KF) before and after adsorption of wastewater as well as to study the sorption capacity of KF (including raw KF, ethanol-treated KF and chloroform-treated KF) in wastewater. Hence, the morphology of raw KF and KF treated with oil are analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Besides, the sorption condition of different types of wastewater including emulsified wastewater, immiscible oil-and-liquid wastewater and non-oily wastewater on raw KF are studied in this experiment. From the study, the raw KF shows the best sorption capacity of oil (29.00g/g) compared to the ethanol-treated KF (18.22g/g) and Chloroform-treated KF (16.58g/g) as the treated KF has larger amount of cellulosic content (hydroxyl group) present on the wall of kapok, making it less oleophilic. On the other hand, raw KF has the lowest sorption capacity of water (0.59g/g) followed by ethanol-treated KF (3.05g/g) and chloroform-treated KF (3.20g/g) on non-oily wastewater. Kapok fiber shows great potential as oil sorbent on any type of oil owing to its excellent hydrophobicity-oleophilicity characteristic. In conclusion, the raw KF shows the best sorption capacity of oil compared to the ethanol-treated KF and chloroform-treated KF because the effectiveness is resulted from the hydrophobic waxy coating on the kapok surface. Besides that, the lower sorption capacity of water than oil is due to the incomplete removal of wax from the wall of kapok, making it a little hydrophilic (likes water) as compared to oleophilic (likes oil).