Arnal-Peyrot F and Adrian J (1974) Effect of gums and mucilages on digestibility. Baobab (Adansonia digitata) leaf. Annales de la Nutrition et de L'Alimentation, 28(6): 505-521.
A study with rats.
Barminas J T, Carles M and Emmanuel D (1998) Mineral composition of non-conventional leafy vegetables. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 53(1): 29-36.
Six non-conventional leafy vegetables consumed largely by the rural populace of Nigeria were analyzed for mineral composition. Mineral contents appeared to be dependent on the type of vegetables. Amaranthus spinosus and Adansonia digitata leaves contained the highest level of iron (38.4 mg/100 g and 30.6 mg/100 g dw, respectively). These values are low compared to those for common Nigerian vegetables but higher than those for other food sources. All the vegetables contained high levels of calcium compared to common vegetables, thus they could be a rich source of this mineral. Microelement content of the leaves varied appreciably. Zinc content was highest in Moringa oleifera, Adansonia digitata and Cassia tora leaves (25.5 mg/100 g, 22.4 mg/100 g and 20.9 mg/100 g dw, respectively) while the manganese content was comparatively higher in Colocasia esculenta. The concentrations of the mineral elements in the vegetables per serving portion are presented and these values indicate that the local vegetables could be valuable and important contributors in the diets of the rural and urban people of Nigeria. The mean daily intake of P, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn were lower than their recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). However, the manganese daily intake was found not to differ significantly (p = 0.05) from the RDA value.
Becker B (1984) Wild plants in the nutrition of the population of arid regions in Africa: 3 case studies from Kenya and Senegal. Gottinger Beitrage zur Land- und Forstwirtschaft in den Tropen und Subtropen, 6: 343.
Diet in the Turkana and Sambura districts of northern Kenya and in Ferlo, nothern Senegal, inhabited mainly by nomadic or seminomadic pastoral peoples, but with crops grown in some parts, was investigated and traditional use of wild plant species, in diet or as medicine, and mode of preparation, if any, were ascertained largely by questions addressed mainly to the women. The most important food plants, providing fruits, berries, nuts, seeds or leaves, were in Turkana. Hyphaene ventricosa, Cordia sinensis, Salvadora persica, Boscia coriacea and Dobera glabra; in Samburu Grewia tenax, G. villosa, Cyphostemma maranguensis, Cordia sinensis and Hyphaene coriacea; in Ferlo Adansonia digitata, Balanites aegyptiaca and Ziziphus mauritiana and among the Peulh ethnic group also Boscia senegalensis and Cassia obtusifolia. In the 3 districts about 80, 170 and 20 indigenous species were consumed, contributing theoretically about 10% of dietary energy and considerable amounts of minerals and vitamins, especially A and C and riboflavin, leaves of C. obtusifolia and C. maranguensis being particularly valuable. Plant foods were useful at the start of the rainy season, when stable items were scarce, but the potential supply of edible species, totalling nearly 800 for the whole Sahel area, remained largely unexploited.
Becker B (1983) The contribution of wild plants to human nutrition in the Ferlo (Northern Senegal). Agroforestry Systems, 1(3): 257-267
In this arid part of Senegal (covered by open woodland) the most important food plants are Adansonia digitata, Balanites aegyptiaca, Ziziphus mauritiana, Boscia senegalensis and Cassia obtusifolia. A further 20 species are used to a smaller extent. Their main value is in supplying vitamins A, B
Bille J C and Houerou H N le (1980) Measuring the primary palatable production of browse plants. Browse in Africa, 185-195, International Livestock Centre for Africa; Addis Ababa; Ethiopia.
Results, mostly from the International Biological Programme, on DM production of Acacia spp., Adansonia digitata, Balanites aegyptiaca, Commiphora africana, Guiera senegalensis and Pterocarpus lucens, presented as a function of trunk diam., are reviewed. Productivity variation and the effect of climate are discussed.
Cook J A, VanderJagt D J, Dasgupta A, Mounkaila G, Glew R S, Blackwell W and Glew R H (1998) Use of the Trolox assay to estimate the antioxidant content of seventeen edible wild plants of Niger. Life Sciences, 63(2): 106-110
Although wild edible plants of the western Sahel and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa are consumed to some extent at all times of the year, greater amounts are consumed when cereal harvests are insufficient to support the populations living in these areas. The purpose of this study was to use a recently reported Trolox-based assay to measure the total antioxidant capacity of aqueous extracts of 17 plants that we gathered from southern Niger. The antioxidant contents of the aqueous extracts were compared to those of spinach and potato. Of the 17 plants, 11 had a greater antioxidant content than spinach and 14 had a greater antioxidant content than potato. The leaves of Tapinanthus globiferus had the greatest antioxidant content, and the fruit of Parinari macrophylla had the lowest. In general, leaves contained more antioxidants than either fruits or seeds. The total antioxidant capacity of the aqueous was relatively high, indicating that the wild plants of the western Sahel may contain substantial amounts of water-soluble flavonoid glycosides, which are potent antioxidants and have been shown to have anticancer properties.
Dako D Y (1981) Potential of dehydrated leaves and cocoyam leaf protein in the Ghanaian diet. Nutrition Reports International, 23(1): 181-187.
Dark green leafy vegetables, Hibiscus sabdariffa, baobab (Adansonia digitata), Amaranthus hybridus and cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), commonly consumed in Ghana and protein extract from cocoyam leaves were examined. Dried leaves were fairly rich in protein, 13 to 25%, and leaf protein extract had 45% protein. Dried leaves were also rich in fibre and minerals. The essential amino acid compositions of the dried leaves and cocoyam leaf protein were similar, apart from total sulphur amino acids 1.6 and 2.4%, respectively, of protein. Protein values obtained with rats from dried cocoyam leaves and cocoyam leaf protein were similar, except for protein efficiency ratio, 0.89 and 1.37, compared with casein 3.58; true digestibilities were 87.9, 89.3 and 96.2%, respectively. The probable use of cocoyam protein is discussed.
Diagayete M (1981) Tannin contents of African pasture plants and their effects on analytical results and in vitro digestibility. Landwirtschaftliche Forschung. Sonderheft 37, 416-426.
Tannin contents of 42 samples of West African forage plants (2 grasses, 2 herbaceous legumes, 4 legume pods and 34 samples of tree and shrub leaves) were determined photometrically, and were >5% of DM in 11 samples and >20% in 4. There were significant correlations between the contents of crude fat and total phenolic compounds, and between CP in the acid detergent fibre and tannin content. There was a highly significant logarithmic relationship between in vitro protein digestibility and tannin content. This was thought to explain the very low digestibility of CP of Acacia albida and Adansonia digitata in trials with wethers.
Dicko Toure M S and Houerou HN le (1980) The contribution of browse to cattle fodder in the sedentary system of the Office du Niger. Browse in Africa, 313-319, International Livestock Centre for Africa; Addis Ababa; Ethiopia
Characteristics and relative abundance data were presented for 3 Acacia spp., Adansonia digitata, Balanites aegyptiaca, Bauhinia rufescens, Boscia senegalensis, Cadaba farinosa, Combretum spp., Commiphora africana, Feretia apodanthera, Guiera senegalensis, Grewia bicolor, Pterocarpus lucens and Ziziphus mauritiana. The grass cover was dominated by Schoenefeldia gracilis, Loudetia togoensis, Diheteropogon hagerupii, Brachiaria antholata, Pennisetum pedicellatum, Cenchrus biflorus, Elionurus elegans, Zornia glochidiata and Borreria spp. Seasonal variations in grazing behaviour clearly demonstrated interactions with forage availability and herd management. Grazing time was in inverse ratio to fodder availability and palatability.
Ezeagu I E, Petzke K J, Lange E and Metges C C (1998) Fat content and fatty acid composition of oils extracted from selected wild-gathered tropical plant seeds from Nigeria. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society, 75(8): 1031-1035
As the search for alternative sources of food to alleviate hunger continues, this study was undertaken to determine the fat content and the fatty acid composition of 15 lesser-known wild tropical seeds gathered in Nigeria. Results were contrasted with five tropical soybean varieties (Glycine max). The fat content varies from less than 1% (Pterocarpus santalinoides, Daniellia ogea) to 59% (Entandrophragma angolense). The fatty acid composition of most of the wild and mostly leguminous seeds differed considerably, compared to the composition of tropical soybeans. The oil of Adansonia digitata, Prosopis africana, Afzelia lebbeck, Enterolobium cyclocarpium, and Sesbania pachycarpa contained high proportions of linoleic and oleic acid as well as palmitic and linolenic acid. Seeds of Milletia thonningii, Lonchocarpus sericeus, and S. pachycarpa were much higher in linolenic acid and relatively poor in linoleic acid, compared to soybeans. The content of saturated fatty acids was higher than that of soybeans, resulting in lower polyunsaturated/saturated (P/S) ratios (0.83-2.12) than observed in soybeans (P/S = 3.4), with the exception of the composition of S. pachycarpa (P/S = 3.15). Some of these less familiar wild seeds could be used as sources for industrial or edible oils, provided that possible toxic constituents could be removed.
Huq R S, Abalaka J A and Stafford W L (1983) Folate content of various Nigerian foods. Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture, 34(4): 404-406.
Data on folate levels in food from three localities and at different times of year are tabulated. The foods analysed included red peppers, okras, African spinach [Amaranthus sp.] baobab leaf [Adansonia digitata], egusi [Cucumeropsis sp.] seeds, carrots, tomatoes, mangoes, oranges, cowpeas, maize, rice, millet, sorghum, sweet potatoes and cocoyams. Levels of folate were generally low, sweet potatoes, with 1.93-1.96 mu g/g dry weight, being the richest source.
Okafor J C (1980) Trees for food and fodder in the savanna areas of Nigeria. International Tree Crops Journal, 1(2-3): 131-141
Fifty-one species of edible-product trees in 46 genera of 27 families have been identified during field surveys of the savanna region, which occupies 86.4% of Nigeria's land area. This paper outlines the results of studies on their taxonomic variation, nutritional importance, uses in livestock feed and the suitability of various propagation techniques. The species discussed include Adansonia digitata, Annona senegalensis, Ficus, spp., Tamarindus indica and Ziziphus spp. (for fruits), Butyrospermum paradoxum [parkii] and Borassus aethiopicum (for oils) and many sources of vegetables, condiments and beverages.
Prem Nath and Denton L (1980) Leafy vegetables in Nigeria. Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter, 42: 14-17.
The results of an expedition to collect and identify leafy vegetables, in cultivated form, as volunteer plants or in the wild, are tabulated and areas of availability are shown on a map. Details are given of material of several species of Amaranthus, two of Telfairia, two of Basella, two of Gnetum as well as of Corchorus olitorius, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Lactuca sativa, Nasturtium officinalis, Adansonia digitata, Talinum triangulare and Celosia argentea.
Prentice A, Laskey M A, Shaw J, Hudson G J, Day K C and Jarjou L M A (1993) The calcium and phosphorous intakes of rural Gambian women during pregnancy and lactation. British Journal of Nutrition, 69(3): 885-896
The Ca and P intakes of 148 pregnant and lactating women in a rural village in The Gambia, West Africa, have been estimated by direct weighing of food on a total of 4188 d. The Ca and P contents of local foods were determined by analysis of raw ingredients, snack foods and prepared dishes. Information about the contribution of mineral-rich seasonings was obtained. Efforts were made to discover unusual sources of Ca that might not be perceived as food by subject or observer. The main contributors to daily Ca intake were shown to be leaves, fish, cereals, groundnuts and local salt. Cow's milk accounted for only 5 %. of Ca intake. Unusual sources of Ca were discovered, namely baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit and selected earths, but these were consumed infrequently and their contributions to Ca intakes were small. Cereals and groundnuts were the main sources of P. Ca and P intakes (mg/d) were shown to average 404 (SD 110) and 887 (SD 219) respectively. Seasonal changes in the availability of leaves, cereals and groundnuts resulted in variations in Ca and P intakes. The rainy season was associated with increased Ca intakes (by 16 %) but decreased P consumption (by 15 %). No difference was observed in Ca intake between pregnant and lactating women but P intake in lactation was 11 % higher than that in pregnancy during the post-harvest season. The implications of these low Ca intakes require investigation.
Saka J D K and Msonthi J D (1994) Nutritional value of indigenous wild trees in Malawi. Forest Ecology Management, 64(2-3): 245-248
The edible portions of 16 edible wild fruits were analysed for moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash and minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, P, K, and Na). The total carbohydrate and energy contents were calculated. Trichilia emetica, Strychnos spinosa, Azanza garckeana, Ximenia caffra and Parinari curatellifolia gave the highest levels of protein (17.0%), fat (31.2%), fibre (45.3%), ash (11.2%) and carbohydrate (88.2%), respectively. The highest and lowest energy values were found for Strychnos spinosa (1923 kJ 100 g-1) and Azanza garckeana (810 kJ 100 g-1), respectively. Bauhinia thonningii afforded the highest dry matter content (91.6%). The highest contents of Ca, Mg, Fe, P, K and Na were found for Adansonia digitata (1156 mug g-1), Syzigium guineense (2247 mug g-1), Syzigium guineense (758 mug g-1), Trichilia emetica (3164 mug g-1), Ximenia caffra (41 79 1 mug g-1) and Flacourtia indica (589 mug g-1), respectively.
Salami L I and Okezie U N (1994) The nutritional composition and storage stability of millet (Pennisetum americanum) supplemented with varying levels of baobab (Adansonia digitata) flours. Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 31(3-4): 211-218
This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of treatment (storage) on the nutritional value of "Bulum mardam" based on millet and baobab seed flours (BSF). "Bulum mardam" a traditional gruel based on 100% millet flour served as the control in this study. Other gruels contained varying levels of BSF. Standard assay methods were adopted to analyze the parameters selected for use. These mixtures were analyzed for various nutritional attributes. The nutrients increased with increase in the percentage of BSF in the blends. Sensory evaluation showed that the blends were significantly different (P < 0.05) from the control. The 85 : 15 blend (millet : BSF) was preferred by the taste panelists. The pH of these blends decreased with storage. However, the titratable acidity TA increased with storage for all blends.
Smith G C, Dueker S R, Clifford A J and Grivetti L E (1996) Carotenoid values of selected plant foods common to southern Burkina Faso, West Africa. Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 35(1): 43-58
Six edible plants common to West African diet were analyzed for vitamin-A precursors α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and cis-isomers of β-carotene. They were fresh leaves of Adansonia digitata, Ceiba pentandra, Hibiscus sabdarifa, and Vigna sp., dry leaves of Adansonia digitata, and flower and seed pulp of Adansonia digitata, Biwa orellano, Hibiscus sabdarifa, and Parkiia biglobosa. Plants were chosen because they were important to diet and were colored, with dark green, pink, orange, and yellow preferred. Color was assumed to reflect carotentoid concentrations. Four of the six were wild edible species, two were cultivated. Both fresh and dry samples were analyzed. On a weight basis, fresh samples contained twice the carotenoid content as dry samples. Colors did not reflect carotene content for the analyzed carotenoids. Fresh kapok leaves (Ceiba pentandra) contained twice the beta-carotene content of the reference food fresh spinach (Spinacea oleracea).
Toure S F, Michalet Doreau B, Traore E, Friot D and Richard D (1998) Occurrence of digestive interactions in tree forage-based diets for sheep. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 74(1): 63-78
The effect of browse level in the diet on the in vivo dry matter digestibility (DMD) in sheep and the DM degradation of peanut hay in the rumen of cattle-fed tree forage-based diets were investigated in order to detect the occurrence of digestive interactions between diet components. Selected browse species Acacia albida pods, Pithecellobium dulce, Adansonia digitata and Calotropis procera leaf samples were collected in the central regions of Senegal, sundried and stored in LNERV animal barns for in vivo trials. Classical in vivo balance trials were performed for each tree forage sample. The proportion of browse in the applied diet varied between 0 and 75% of DM. Regression and difference procedures were both tested to estimate the DMD of the browse component of the diet. DMD capacity in the rumen of three young Gobra bulls fed the browse-based diets was estimated by measurement of the in sacco dry matter degradation profile of a standard sample, peanut hay. For each sample, large variations were observed when the browse DMD was calculated by difference. Both total ration DMD and rumen DM degradation capacity were significantly (p lt 0.001) influenced by browse level in the diet. However, non-linear response of total diet DMD to increasing levels of browse was observed only in A. digitata and P. dulce indicating occurrence of digestive interactions in those species. Rumen DM degradation capacity varied according to plant species which played a major role in the observed digestion profile. Results suggest that the digestion of tree forages-based diets may be influenced by digestive interactions but the large variations observed in plant species show their importance. Optimal DM degradation occurred at 15-30% of browse level in the diet for both A. albida and A. digitata while for P. dulce it was at 50%. Corresponding browse digestibility was of 50%, 47.1%, 51.3% and 60.7% DM for A. albida, A. digitata, P. dulce and C. procerarespectively. Further work using the regression method in a wider range of browse species could help confirm between-species variations.
Addy E O and Eteshola E (1984) Nutritive value of a mixture of tigernut tubers (Cyperus esculentus L.) and baobab seeds (Adansonia digitata L.). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 35(4): 437-440
The seeds of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) and the tubers of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) were analysed chemically for their proximate composition and amino acids. The tubers contained 47.9% digestible carbohydrates, 32.8% oil and 3.8% crude protein. The baobab seeds contained 24.1% digestible carbohydrate, 29.7% oil and 28.4% crude protein. A mixture of the vegetables was prepared from three parts of the tigernuts and one part of baobab seeds, by weight, such that a 10% crude protein meal was obtained. The chemical score of the mixed vegetable was 51%, based on limiting amino acids, i.e. those which contain sulphur. The level of antinutritive substances, such as tannin and tryptic inhibitors, in the raw vegetable were reduced by soaking or boiling.
Delisle H, Bakari S, Gevry G, Picard C and Ferland G (1997) Provitamin A content of traditional green leaves from Niger. Original Title: Teneur en provitamine A de feuilles vertes traditionnelles du Niger. Cahiers Agricultures, 6(8): 553-560
As part of a study on vitamin A intake of preschool children in Niger, traditional green leaves as locally processed were sampled for provitamin A determination, using HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). A total of 168 samples from 15 plant species were collected from three different villages in western Niger, two in Bouza district and one in Ouallam district. The main species available and consumed throughout the year, supply sources, and processing methods, were identified in a preliminary study. In both districts, most women are involved in drying leaves. Dried greens are used year-round, mostly in soups served with the staple dish of millet, while fresh leaves are mainly prepared during the rainy season, either boiled or steamed with millet flour. Plant species found in both areas are usually processed similarly, but not all species were found in a given site. Samples of processed leaves were collected during the rainy season. In a given village, three different women provided a sample of every leaf species available for every processing method used. Weighed specimens of dried or fresh cooked leaves were wrapped in opaque plastic bags, quickly frozen, and shipped to Montreal on dry ice for analysis. Provitamin A carotenoid determinations were done in duplicate with the results expressed as total provitamin A carotenoid (mu-g of retinol equivalents RE) per 100 g. Moisture content was also determined for all samples after drying in a conventional oven for 48 to 72 h. The average provitamin A level for the 57 samples of dried leaves was 2,273 +- 1,152 RE/100 g, ranging from a low of 861 in Adansonia digitata to a high of 3,681 in Ceratoteca sesamoides (Table 1). The variance was very high and significant differences were observed among plant species and collection sites. Residual moisture did not vary according to species and site, and therefore could not explain the observed differences. Fresh boiled leaves had on average 1,333 +- 596 RE/100 g fresh weight, and steamed leaves 928 +- 526 RE (Table 2). For fresh leaves, in addition to species and site, the cooking method was significantly associated with the provitamin A level. For the four species cooked either way (Figure 1), boiled leaves had a higher provitamin A content than steamed leaves, both on a fresh and dry weight basis, this difference could not be ascribed to cooking time. Per dry weight unit (Table 3), leaves collected in the dried state had roughly half the provitamin A content of samples cooked fresh, and steamed leaves had half as much provitamin A as boiled samples of the same species. After adjustment for the processing method, species with the highest level of provitamin A, on a dry weight basis, were Allium cepa (onion greens), C. sesamoides (false benniseed) and Hibiscus sabdarifa (red sorrel). Despite wide variations in the provitamin A content of green leaves, these food items can be major contributors of vitamin A for children in the study areas. Depending on the species and type of dish, a small portion could provide from 11% to 104% of the safe vitamin A intake level for young children (Table 4). The study suggests that in rapid dietary assessments, fresh boiled greens should be distinguished from other green leaf dishes, in view of their provitamin A content. Based on children's food intake data, the estimated contribution of green leaves was on average two-thirds of the safe vitamin A intake level, but with a wide range. The real contribution of green leaves to vitamin A requirements may however be much lower, as the bioavailability of green leaf carotenoids is likely much lower than was assumed until recently, and as requirements may be increased in these children as a result of high exposure to infection. Elucidation of the above issues is needed for relevant food-based strategies to be advocated for the prevention of vitamin A deficiency in tropical Africa.
Glew R H, VanderJagt D J, Lockett C, Grivetti L E, Smith G C, Pastuszyn A and Millson M (1997) Amino acid, fatty acid, and mineral composition of 24 indigenous plants of Burkina Faso. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 10(3): 205-217
The leaves, seeds, flowers, and fruit of many indigenous plants are staples of populations who inhabit the Sahel region of Africa. They serve to supplement the nutrients provided by cereals such as millet and sorghum. However, there is a lack of comprehensive compositional data regarding the nutrient content of these indigenous plants. In this report, we present nutritional data for 24 plant materials collected in Burkina Faso, including their content of amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals. Three plants contained 20 to 37% protein (on a dry weight basis): Vigna sp., Hibiscus esculentus, and Parkiia biglobosa. Relative to a WHO protein standard, three plants scored relatively high: Voadzeiia subterranea, Pennisetum americanum, and Bixa orellana. Plants which contained large amounts of the essential fatty acids linoleic or alpha-linolenic acid were Vigna sp., Hibiscus esculentus seeds, Parkiia biglobosa seeds, and Vitex doniana fruit. Three plants were rich in iron: Adansonia digitata, Bixa orellana, and Xylopia sp. The fruit and seeds of Hibiscus esculentus were an excellent source of zinc. The plant foods with the highest calcium content were Adansonia digitata leaves, Hibiscus sp., and Bombax costatum. These data show that in terms of both quality and quantity there are numerous spontaneous desert plants that can serve as significant sources of essential amino acids, essential fatty acids and trace minerals for populations living in the western Sahel.
Nordeide M B, Hatloy A, Folling M, Lied E and Oshaug A (1996) Nutrient composition and nutritional importance of green leaves and wild food resources in an agricultural district, Koutiala, in Southern Mali. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 47(6): 455-468
This paper discusses the nutrient composition and the nutritional importance of green leaves and wild gathered foods in an area with surplus food production in Mali. In this West African country, there is little information about the nutrient composition and the nutritional quality of foods in general, and of wild gathered foods in particular. Food frequency was collected in two cross-sectional surveys. Focus group discussions with women in the area were used to collect information about seasonality, availability and preparation of various foods. Selected food samples were collected for chemical analysis of nutrient composition. The food samples of green leaves (Adansonia digitata, Amaranthus viridis, Tamarindus indica, Allium cepa), seeds and flour (Parkia biglobosa) and fruits (Tamarindus indica) were analysed for water, energy, fat, protein, minerals, amino acids and carotenoids. Availability and use of the foods varied with seasons. In the rainy season, wild gathered foods (e.g. A. digitata) were used as much as fresh cultivated foods (e.g. A. viridis and A. cepa). The wild food resources were more frequently used in rural than in urban areas, with A. digitata as the dominating green leaves. Green leaves were rich in energy, protein and minerals (calcium, iron). Leaves of A. viridis were, in particular, rich in beta-carotene (3290 mu-g/100g). Chemical score in dried green leaves varied from 47 (A. cepa) to 81 (A. digitata), with lysine as the first limiting amino acid. P. biglobosa fermented seeds, with 35% fat and 37% protein were a complementary source of lysine in the diet. Based on the seasonality, the frequency of use and the nutrient contents of selected green leaves and wild gathered foods in Koutiala district, it is concluded that these traditional and locally produced foods are valuable and important nutrient contributors in the diet both in rural and urban areas, but most important in rural areas.
Obizoba I C and Anyika J U (1994) Nutritive value of baobab milk (gubdi) and mixtures of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) and hungry rice, acha (Digitaria exilis) flours. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 46(2): 157-165
The baobab milk and fermented baobab/acha flour mixtures were analyzed chemically for their proximate, ascorbate, mineral and antinutrient composition. The dry pulp scraped from baobab fruits was kneaded, made into solution, extracted through cheese-cloth and stored frozen until analyzed. The acha and baobab grains were cleaned, fermented for 24 to 120 hours, dried and hammermilled into fine flours. The unfermented flours served as controls. The standard assay methods of AOAC were selected for use for the analysis of the nutrients and the antinutrients. The mixtures were composed of 70% acha and 30% baobab flours (70:30 protein basis). The baobab milk contained more protein (1.5%) and minerals (Fe, 17.8 mg; Ca 134.2 mg) than those of human milk (protein, 1.3%, Fe, 0.2 mg, Ca 30 mg) and cow milk (Fe, 0.1 mg; Ca 1.20 mg) and most leading national commercial infant formulas e.g. cerelac (Fe, 10.0 mg). The composite flours contained more nutrients than the baobab or the acha flour alone. The BF96 had greater advantage over other BF flours as a supplement to acha. The mixtures are within the reach of lower income group and can be incorporated into their diets.
Oliviera J F S (1974) The nutritional value of some foods consumed on San Tome Island. Ecology of Food & Nutrition, 3(3): 237-242.
Plant foods were prepared for eating, cooked or raw, by the local methods of San Tome island. Tables give weight of raw and cooked foods or edible part and, for the foods as eaten, the proximate composition and content of 10 amino acids, 8 minerals, 3 vitamins and several indices of protein quality. Highest content of thiamin was in baobab (Adansonia digitata) seed, 190 mu g/100 g, water 10%, and baobab pulp had 150 mu g, water 9%, both are eaten raw. Highest riboflavin was in cassava flour, 237 mu g/100 g, water 8.8%, probably from microorganisms during wet preparation of the flour. Highest niacin was in baobab pulp, 1.78 mg/100 g. Isaquente (Treculia africana) seed is boiled and eaten as dessert with sugar or butter, or cooked with rice or maize. It had, in 100 g cooked edible part, water 69, crude protein 4.6, fat 4.4, fibre 2.1, ash 0.97 g; energy 132 kcal (551 KJ); Ca 10, P 128, Fe 0.96 mg; thiamin 157, riboflavin 137 mu g; niacin 0.28 mg and tryptophan 1.37 g/16 g N. It had the highest Kuhnau's index (Sheffner, NAR 38, 2137) of 89 [protein quality relative to human milk]; the other foods had 54 to 67.Only cassava and baobab would make useful contributions of those 3 vitamins. Isaquente had the greatest potential as source of protein and energy, and might be of use as supplement during weaning. The other foods were bananas of a starchy and a sweet variety, hog plum (Spondias dulois), carambola (Averrhoa carambola), breadfruit (Artocarpus communis) and taro (Colocasia esculenta). Increased production of cereal and oil palm seemed more necessary than fish protein supplements to the diet of San Tome.
Proll J, Petzke K J, Ezeagu I E and Metges C C (1998) Low nutritional quality of unconventional tropical crop seeds in rats. Journal of Nutrition, 128(11): 2014-2022
As the search for alternative sources of food to alleviate hunger continues, this study was undertaken to determine the biological value in growing rats (BV) of proteins of some lesser known tropical seeds gathered in Nigeria. Antinutritional factors (trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid, oxalate, tannin, alkaloids) and amino acid compositions were also determined, and protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) was calculated using the amino acid requirement pattern of the preschool child and individual seed-specific correction factors for crude protein. A rat growth and balance study was conducted to determine digestibility, nitrogen-, and energy balance by feeding as the only unsupplemented protein source milled and heat-treated seeds of Adansonia digitata (Bombacaceae) and Prosopis africana, Lonchocarpus sericeus, Enterolobium cyclocarpium, Sesbania pachycarpa and Pterocarpus osun (Leguminosae) in comparison to casein fortified with methionine (control). Diets containing P. africana and L. sericeus seeds caused poor feed intake and weight loss in rats and were excluded from the nitrogen-balance test. Among the seed samples, S. pachycarpa followed by A. digitata showed the most advantageous nutritional quality [amino acid composition, digestibility, BV and net protein utilization (NPU)]. True digestibility was 82.9 and 74.5 vs. 98.5, BV was 64.6 and 70.0 vs. 90.4, and NPU was 53.5 and 52.1 vs. 89.0 for S. pachycarpa and A. digitata vs, casein (control), respectively. In terms of PDCAAS, lysine was the first limiting amino acid for S. pachycarpa (88%) and for A. digitata (58%). The PDCAAS of all essential amino acids was below 100% for E. cyclocarpium (e.g., cysteine + methionine: 37%) and for P. africana (e.g., threonine: 46%, except valine and a very high content of cycteine and methionine). In conclusion, all seeds tested in the rat balance trial were of inferior quality compared to casein. Before these tropical seeds could be used as food components or feed supplements, safety studies and proper processing to remove antinutritional factors and possible toxic constituents were required.
Saka J D K, Msonthi J D and Maghembe J A (1994) Proceedings of a regional conference on agroforestry research in the African miombo ecozone held in Lilongwe, Malawi, 16-22 June 1991. Forest Ecology and Management, 64(2-3): 245-248
The edible portions of 16 edible wild fruits were analysed for moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash and minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, P, K, and Na). The total carbohydrate and energy contents were calculated. Trichilia emetica, Strychnos spinosa, Azanza garckeana, Ximenia caffra and Parinari curatellifolia gave the highest levels of protein (17.0%), fat (31.2%), fibre (45.3%), ash (11.2%) and carbohydrate (88.2%), respectively. The highest and lowest energy values were found for Strychnos spinosa (1923 kJ 100 g-1) and Azanza garckeana (810 kJ 100 g-1), respectively. Bauhinia thonningii afforded the highest dry matter content (91.6%). The highest contents of Ca, Mg, Fe, P, K and Na were found for Adansonia digitata (1156 mug g-1), Syzigium guineense (2247 mug g-1), Syzigium guineense (758 mug g-1), Trichilia emetica (3164 mug g-1), Ximenia caffra (41 79 1 mug g-1) and Flacourtia indica (589 mug g-1), respectively.
Sena L P, Vanderjagt D J, Rivera C, Tsin A T C, Muhamadu I, Mahamadou O, Millson M, Pastuszyn A and Glew R H (1998) Analysis of nutritional components of eight famine foods of the Republic of Niger. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 52(1): 17-30
In the western Sahel, indigenous plants become important staples when cereal harvests are inadequate to support populations inhabiting that region of Africa. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutrient content of several of these edible wild plants. The leaves of the following seven plant foods were analyzed: Ziziphus mauritiana, Cerathotheca sesamoides, Moringa oleifera, Leptadenia hastata, Hibiscus sabdarifa, Amaranthus viridis, and Adansonia digitata. The fatty acid, vitamin E, carotenoid, selected mineral and amino acid contents of these plant foods were determined. These same analyses were performed on the fruit of the Adansonia digitata. In quantitative and qualitative terms, Amaranthus viridis was found to be an excellent source of protein. Its amino acid composition compared favorably to that of a World Health Organization (WHO) protein standard. It also contained considerable amounts of the two fatty acids that are essential in humans (linoleic and a-linolenic) and a number of minerals including iron, magnesium, calcium and zinc. The leaves of Hibiscus sabdarifa contained an appreciable quantity of protein the composition of which was comparable to the WHO standard. The mineral content of the leaves of this plant was also exceptionally high; noteworthy was its high zinc content. H. sabdarifa also contained significant quantities of the two essential fatty acids. Ziziphus mauritiana was an excellent source of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid and several of the metals including iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Its content of other essential nutrients, however, was rather low. In general, Adansonia digitata leaves were nutritionally superior to the fruit of the tree; however, the fruit did contain useful quantities of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and alpha-linolenic acid. The Leptadenia hastata leaves were an especially good source of lutein and beta-carotene. These data should be useful to the people who inhabit the western Sahel in helping them devise healthy diets during times when cereal staples are in short supply.
Sidibe M, Scheuring J F, Tembely D, Sidibe M M, Hofman P and Frigg M (1996) Baobab - homegrown vitamin C for Africa. Agroforestry Today, 8(2): 13-15
Baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruits were collected from 2-3 trees sampled in 3-5 villages in each of 3 regions in Mali, the pulp scraped out and separated from the seeds and fibres, and analysed for vitamin C [ascorbic acid]. There was a 3-fold variation in vitamin C content - indicating significant potential for selecting trees and clones with a high vitamin C content. The traditional grouping of baobab trees by bark colour was not useful as a means of selection, since high vitamin C contents were found in all 3 types (black, red and grey barked). The possibility of producing high vitamin C trees of baobab by grafting is discussed, and the potential importance of the tree fruit in raising nutritional standards in the region emphasized.
Smith G C, Clegg M S, Keen C L nad Grivetti L E (1996) Mineral values of selected plant foods common to southern Burkina Faso and to Niamey, Niger, West Africa. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 47(1): 41-53.
Wild and cultivated fruits, leaves, nuts, seeds. spices and vegetables from southern Burkina Faso and Niamey, Niger, were analysed for their copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc concentrations and compared to imported, exotic reference foods found within the study area. The species analysed covered a broad spectrum of local diet; 33 were wild and 16 were cultivated. The edible wild plants were often the highest in mineral concentrations. Five species analysed, exhibited consistently high mineral values, specifically, Adansonia digitata, Boerhavia diffusa, Cerathoteca sesamoides, Sclerocarya birrea and Xylopia sp. The latter was particularly high in zinc, an observation which suggests that there may be a solid rationale for local traditions which recommended its consumption during pregnancy and lactation. Respondents indicated that during times of drought, wild plants were not consumed in the volume they once were, due to changes of infrastructure and in famine relief programmes.
Szolnoki T W (1985) Food and fruit trees of The Gambia. 132pp. Published in conjunction with the Bundesforschungsanstalt fur Forst und Holzwirtschaft, Stiftung Walderhaltung in Afrika; Hamburg; German Federal Republic
After introductory sections on the utilization of food and fruit trees, detailed treatments are given for 40 species, with information on: scientific and common names; characteristics of trees and parts used; cultivation and propagation; food uses, with details on processing and cooking methods given for some species; other uses (including of timber etc.); and overall evaluation. The more intensively utilized species include: Adansonia digitata; Balanites aegyptiaca; Borassus aethiopum; Citrus spp.; Elaeis guineensis; Ficus gnaphalocarpa [F. sycomorus]; and Parkia biglobosa. A general discussion is presented on developing well-known and underutilized trees and shrubs for food use. Lists are included of common names (with botanical equivalents) in English, French, Fula, Jola, Mandinka, and Wolof; the lists of tribal names include some species not treated in the text.