Explorative in vitro evaluation of the inhibitory effect of Vitellaria paradoxa seed oil extract on Staphylococcal conjunctivitis

More exploration on medicinal plants and other natural products in the present era of increase in poverty level and multi-drug resistance has become crucial. The aim of this study is to explore the inhibitory activities of Vitellaria paradoxa seed oil extract on isolated staphylococcal conjunctivitis. Cultured sample of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a patient’s eye discharge in the Teaching Hospital Laboratory of the Imo State University, Nigeria having been diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis at the eye Clinic. After the incubation period, the diameter of zones of inhibition both horizontal and vertical were measured. Concentrations (100, 50 and 25mg/ml) of the ethanolic seed oil extract of V. paradoxa were assayed for the antibacterial activity - Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) using the agar well diffusion method. Ethanolic seed oil extract of V. paradoxa at concentration of 100mg /ml exhibited the highest zone of inhibition at 37.4mm for 24hrs followed by 50mg /ml and lowest using 25mg/ml (5.0mm) indicating a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on Staphylococcal conjunctivitis. S. aureus isolated from conjunctivitis swab was susceptible to ethanolic seed oil extract of V. paradoxa at 100mg/ml, 50mg/ml and 25mg/ml concentrations, suggesting ethanolic extract of V. paradoxa oil as possessing antimicrobial property. Further exploration for its use as an ocular anti-bacterial agent is recommended.

Woody Species Composition, Diversity And Structure of Vegetation of Peri-Urban Park in Leo, Burkina Faso

This work aims to fill a gap in knowledge of the Burkina Faso Southern Sudanese flora and vegetation. The woody vegetation of the forest park of the Scholl Complex in Léo comprises a total of 26 families, 63 genera and 81 species including native and introduced ones. The fallow is the unit that contains all families and genera and 93% of species. The most abundant species of units of the Park are Terminalia avicennioides (Combretaceae), Piliostigma thonningii (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae), Daniellia oliveri (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae), Vitellaria paradoxa (Sapotaceae), Detarium microcarpum (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae), Diospyros mespiliformis (Ebenaceae), Annona senegalensis (Annonaceae) and Pteleopsis suberosa (Combretaceae).The species that regenerate the most and that will ensure the sustainability of the peri-urban forest resources are Gardenia erubescens (Rubiaceae), Piliostigma reticulatum (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae), Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis, Terminalia avicennioides (Combretaceae), Diospyros mespilifomis and Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae). The most threats on vegetation and flora of the School Complex are fraudulent human exploitation, parasitic pressure and progressive intrusion of Azadirachta indica.Peri-urban park resources conservation measures concern the replanting of vegetation in degraded areas and incentives for wood production for local populations. A management program for threatened or rare species, control of invasive alien plants and domestic animals and the development and improvement of habitat to create a future urban park.

ESTIMATION OF SHEA TREES (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. GAERTN.) FRUIT PRODUCTION BY ASSESSING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN YIELD PARAMETERS AND DENDROMETRIC FEATURES IN NORTHERN OF CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Vitellaria paradoxa, commonly known as the shea tree, is a tree of the family Sapotaceae and represents a traditional African food plant. It has been claimed to have the potential to improve nutrition, boost food supply, foster rural development, and support sustainable land care. Despite its multiple potentials, statistical data relating to its production are non-existent and/or unexploited in several African communities. To contrast this tendency, the present study aims to assess the intra-seasonal variation in fruit production of a sample of 115 shea trees and then to establish a correlation between yield parameters and several dendrometric features. Dendrometric (i.e. tree height, trunk girth, and crown basal area) and pomological (i.e. fruit and nut length and width) parameters, as well as yield parameters by monitoring daily fallen fruit from each sampled shea tree, carried out for five years consecutively, were considered for this study. The results showed inter-year fluctuation of shea fruit/nut number and shea fruit/nut weight. In addition, the results showed a significant increase in the annual average of shea fruit/nut yield per tree and as well per girth and/or crown basal area interval class, randomly generated by Sturge and Yule's formula. Interestingly, potentially high producing trees emerged within each considered interval class. Then, observed intraclass variation between trees determining shea yield can be exploited in selecting elite shea trees.

Pharmacognostic, antioxidant and acute toxicity studies of Vitellaria paradoxa stem bark and root extracts

Most of biochemical reactions in the body generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)which are involved in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress-related disorders like diabetes,nephrotoxicity, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, inflammation and neurological isorders. Antioxidants are used to protect the cells or tissues against potential attack by ROS. Most medicinal plants possess a rich source of antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids among others. These phytochemicals are currently pursued as an alternative and complimentary drug. The study was carried out to ROS. Most medicinal plants possess a rich source of antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids among others. These phytochemicals are currently pursued as an alternative and complimentary drug. The study was carried out to determine Pharmacognostic, antioxidant and acute toxicity of Vitellaria paradoxa root and stem bark. The Vitellaria paradoxa was extracted with water and methanol, screened for their phytochemical properties and antioxidant effects. Chemo-microscopical studies revealed the presence of cellulose cell wall, lignin, calcium oxalate crystals, tannins, starch and mucilage while calcium carbonate was absent in the stem bark but present in the root. The average moisture contents were 7.30% and 6.80% in stem bark and root respectively. The water and ethanol/alcohol extractives were 24.0% and 20.0% for stem while 25.50% and 19.0% for the root respectively. Alkaloid, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, triterpenes, carbohydrate and phenols were detected in both aqueous and methanol extracts while anthraquinones was absent in all the extracts. The DPPH radical scavenging ability of the extract showed the following trend Ascorbic acid ˃ Stem bark extract˃ Root extract. Toxicity of the samples was expressed as LD50, it was found above 5000 mg/kg and did not cause mortality in all the tested rats. These results suggested that Vitellaria paradoxa root and stem bark have moderate antioxidant potentials. Further study is necessary for isolation and characterization of active antioxidant agents which can be used to treat various oxidative stress related diseases.

The Current State of Knowledge of Shea Butter Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertner.) for Nutritional Value and Tree Improvement in West and Central Africa

Vitellaria paradoxa (C.F.Gaertn.) is a multi-purpose tree species distributed in a narrow band across sub-Saharan Africa. The species is integrated into cropping and agroforestry systems as a nutritional and economic resource, which provides a range of environmental services. Integration of the species into land-use systems provides an essential source of livelihoods and income for local populations. The economic potential of the shea butter tree derives from its edible products, which also serve cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. To understand the current state of knowledge about V. paradoxa, this paper summarizes information about the ecology, population structure, and genetic diversity of the species, also considering compositional variation in the pulp and kernels, management practices, and efforts towards its domestication. Despite the great potential of the shea butter tree, there are some gaps in the understanding of the genetics of the species. This review presents up-to-date information related to the species for further domestication and breeding purposes.

Potential of shea fruit-based ingredients for the feed industry

Background The cost involved in feeding poultry is very high especially in most developing countries. To this end, the effectiveness of the fruit pulp of Vitellaria paradoxa (shea), an agro-industrial by-product that is discarded in the processing of the nut for shea butter extraction was investigated on twelve poultry birds assigned to three groups A, B and C (control). Dried samples of the fruit pulp were analysed for their nutrients. Results Proximate analysis of the shea fruit pulp revealed a carbohydrate content of 41.14%, crude fibre 26.62%, crude protein 10.34%, ash 9.23%, crude fat 3.55% and 9.13% for moisture. It also contained essential minerals such as Ca (587 mg /100 g dw), Na (138.30 mg /100 g dw), Mg (1358 mg /100 g dw), K (771.5 mg /100 g dw), Fe (29.88 mg/100 g dw), Zn (40.31 mg/100 g dw) and Cu (8.11 mg/100 g dw). Heavy metals such as Cd, Mn, Pb and Cr were below detectable limits. Measured parameters were live body weights and some selected blood chemistry tests. Broilers in groups A and B fed on shea fruit pulp formulated with maize meal showed a significant growth performance in weight (p < 0.05) as compared to group C fed on maize meal only. Selected blood chemistry tests carried out included Ca, Na, K, Albumin, Triglyceride and Chloride. Statistical analysis showed that formulated feed had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on blood chemistry values of broilers, however, there was an insignificant effect (p > 0.05) in the control group, fed on maize meal only. Conclusion The fruit pulp of Vitellaria paradoxa could be considered a good source of macro and micronutrients and could be used as a supplement in poultry feed.

Preparation and characterization of Zinc metal soap from shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)

Zinc metal soaps are of great importance in the manufacture of personal care products and other industrial applications. Variations in the soaps and their properties are usually due to the type of oil used in the synthesis. Shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa), being a valuable industrial raw material, was investigated for the synthesis of zinc metal soap. Locally obtained shea butter was characterized, refined and used to synthesize metal soap of zinc which was characterized. The zinc soap produced exhibited an off-white appearance, pH of 7.8, non-foaming, and no free alkalinity present. The functional groups in the soap were confirmed by FTIR.

Tendances climatiques, perceptions des gestionnaires des parcs à karité sur la productivité du karité (Vitellaria paradoxa) au Bénin.

Objectifs : l’objectif de la présente étude était d’analyser les perceptions des gestionnaires des parcs à karité sur les effets du changement climatique sur la productivité des arbres de karité tout le long du gradient climatique au Bénin. Méthodologie et Résultats : 420 gestionnaires des parcs à karité dans les communes de Bohicon (au sud), Savè (au centre), Parakou, Bembèrèkè et Kandi (au nord) ont été soumis à un questionnaire semi-structuré relative aux caractéristiques sociodémographiques des personnes enquêtées, aux tendances des facteurs climatiques, aux indicateurs d’appréciation de l’effet des changements climatiques sur la productivité du karité et aux stratégies d'adaptation développées. Une analyse en composante principale suivi d’une analyse factorielle des correspondances ont été faites. Ensuite, une régression logistique polychotomique ordinale a été utilisée en vue d’étudier les déterminants de l’adoption des stratégies d’adaptation aux effets du changement climatique par les gestionnaires des parcs à karité. Les résultats ont montré que la température (38,65%), la pluviométrie (50,27%) et les vents violents (2,43%) sont les facteurs climatiques affectant négativement la productivité des arbres selon personnes enquêtées. L’association du karité avec les cultures annuelles et l’entretien périodique des peuplements ont été les principales stratégies d’adaptation au changement climatique développées respectivement par 98,33% et 48,55% des personnes enquêtées. La zone agroécologique, le sexe des gestionnaires des parcs à karité, l’appartenance à une organisation paysanne et la densité des arbres de karité ont influencé significativement (p < 0,05) le choix des stratégies d’adaptation développées. Conclusion et Application des Résultats : La variation des facteurs climatiques a provoqué selon les personnes enquêtées l’avortement des fleurs et par conséquent une diminution du rendement en noix des arbres. Le choix des stratégies d’adaptation par les gestionnaires des parcs à karité aux changements climatiques est fonction de la zone agroécologique, du sexe des gestionnaires des parcs à karité, de l’appartenance à une organisation paysanne et de la densité des arbres de karité. L’étude suggère une Avaligbé et al., J. Appl. Biosci. 2021 Tendances climatiques, perceptions des gestionnaires des parcs à karité sur la productivité du karité (Vitellaria paradoxa) au Bénin. 16238 analyse de l’efficacité de ces stratégies d’adaptation afin de mettre en place des paquets technologiques garantissant la durabilité de ce système agroforestier. Mots clés : Stratégie d’adaptation, facteurs climatiques, phénologie des arbres, systèmes agroforestier. Climate trends, perceptions of the shea park managers on the productivity of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) in Benin. ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to analyze the perceptions of shea park managers of the effects of climate change on the productivity of shea trees along the climatic gradient in Benin. Methodology and Results: 420 shea-park managers in the municipalities of Bohicon (located in the south), Savè (located in the centre), Parakou, Bembèrèkè and Kandi (located in the north) were subjected to a semistructured questionnaire. Socio-demographic characteristics of the people surveyed, trends in the climatic factors, criteria used to appreciate effect variability of climate parameters on shea trees’ productivity and the adaptation strategies developed were data collected. These data were analyzed using principal component analysis and correspondence factorial analysis. Then, an ordinal polychotomic logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of the adoption of the adaptation strategies to climate change by shea park managers. The results showed that temperature (38.65% of the respondent), rainfall (50.27% of the respondent) and wind (2.43% of the respondent) are climatic factors affecting negatively trees’ productivity. Intercropping of shea tree with annual crops and regular maintenance of the trees were the main adaptation strategies to climate change developed by 98.33% and 48.55% of the respondents respectively. The agroecological zone, gender of the shea park managers, membership of farmer organization and density of shea trees significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the choice of the adaptation strategies developed. Conclusion and Application of Results: The variation in climatic factors caused, according to the people surveyed, abortion of flowers and consequently a decrease in the trees’ nut yield. The choice of an adaptation strategies by shea trees park managers to climate change depends on the agroecological zone, gender of the managers, membership of farmers’ organization and density of shea trees. We suggested an analysis of the effectiveness of these adaptation strategies in order to develop crop management technology that guarantee the sustainability of this agroforestry system. Keywords: Adaptation strategy, climatic factors, tree phenology, agroforestry systems

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antioxidant activity of the stem bark of Anacardium occidentale L. and Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn, two medicinal plants from Poro region (Northern of Côte d'Ivoire)

Anacardium occidentale and Vitellaria paradoxa are two medicinal plants traditionally used by Ivorian, particularly in the treatment of diabetes, arterial hypertension and diarrhea. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and the antioxidant activity of the stem barks of A. occidentale L. and V. paradoxa. The stem bark of both plants was used for the aqueous extraction. Major chemical groups were identified using the tube staining method followed by confirmation by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by DPPH method. The results of phytochemical screening of plant extracts revealed the presence of polyphenols, anthraquinones, tannins, sterols, terpenes and saponins. In addition, the evaluation of the antioxidant activity by spectrophotometry using the DPPH method showed that all extracts had significant and different antioxydant activity compared to the reference molecule (Vitamin C, IC50 = 0.80 ± 0.70 µg/mL) with respective IC50 of 0.42 ± 0.32 µg/mL for V. paradoxa and 0.87 ± 0.77 µg/mL for A. occidentale. V. paradoxa therefore has the best antioxydant activity. These results could explain the therapeutic virtues of A. occidentale and V. paradoxa in the treatment of various pathologies.