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El Bilali H, Dan Guimbo I, Nanema RK, Falalou H, Kiebre Z, Rokka VM, Tietiambou SRF, Nanema J, Dambo L, Grazioli F, Naino Jika AK, Gonnella M, Acasto F. Research on Moringa ( Moringa oleifera Lam.) in Africa. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1613. [PMID: 38931045 PMCID: PMC11207860 DOI: 10.3390/plants13121613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
While Moringa oleifera Lam. is gaining importance in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, it is unclear whether research is following the quick pace of its development on the continent. Therefore, this article analyzes the landscape of research dealing with moringa in Africa. This systematic review draws upon 299 eligible articles identified through a search carried out on the Web of Science in April 2023. Research on M. oleifera is rather recent in Africa but interest is increasing among scholars. While the research field is multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral, the literature seems to focus on biological and environmental sciences. Moreover, research is performed mainly in South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana. The analysis suggests a significant potential contribution of moringa to food security and nutrition, climate change mitigation/adaptation, farming systems resilience, and livelihoods. Its versatility and diverse applications and uses make moringa particularly interesting for developing countries, such as African ones. However, this review also underscores some factors hindering its development. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen research on moringa to unlock its potential in Africa. Investments in research, innovation, and development can help address the many challenges that Africa faces and contribute to the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Iro Dan Guimbo
- Department of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests, Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey P.O. Box 237, Niger;
| | - Romaric Kiswendsida Nanema
- Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, PB 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso; (R.K.N.); (Z.K.)
| | - Hamidou Falalou
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Niamey BP 12404, Niger;
| | - Zakaria Kiebre
- Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, PB 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso; (R.K.N.); (Z.K.)
| | - Veli-Matti Rokka
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland;
| | | | - Jacques Nanema
- Programme Agrinovia, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, 03 BP, Ouagadougou 7021, Burkina Faso;
| | - Lawali Dambo
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey P.O. Box 237, Niger;
| | - Francesca Grazioli
- Alliance Bioversity International—CIAT (Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical), Via San Domenico 1, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Abdel Kader Naino Jika
- Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey P.O. Box 237, Niger;
| | - Maria Gonnella
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Filippo Acasto
- Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Ouaga 2000—Secteur 54, Arrondissement n. 12, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso;
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Wylie MR, Merrell DS. The Antimicrobial Potential of the Neem Tree Azadirachta indica. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:891535. [PMID: 35712721 PMCID: PMC9195866 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.891535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Azadirachta indica (A. Juss), also known as the neem tree, has been used for millennia as a traditional remedy for a multitude of human ailments. Also recognized around the world as a broad-spectrum pesticide and fertilizer, neem has applications in agriculture and beyond. Currently, the extensive antimicrobial activities of A. indica are being explored through research in the fields of dentistry, food safety, bacteriology, mycology, virology, and parasitology. Herein, some of the most recent studies that demonstrate the potential of neem as a previously untapped source of novel therapeutics are summarized as they relate to the aforementioned research topics. Additionally, the capacity of neem extracts and compounds to act against drug-resistant and biofilm-forming organisms, both of which represent large groups of pathogens for which there are limited treatment options, are highlighted. Updated information on the phytochemistry and safety of neem-derived products are discussed as well. Although there is a growing body of exciting evidence that supports the use of A. indica as an antimicrobial, additional studies are clearly needed to determine the specific mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and in vivo safety of neem as a treatment for human pathogens of interest. Moreover, the various ongoing studies and the diverse properties of neem discussed herein may serve as a guide for the discovery of new antimicrobials that may exist in other herbal panaceas across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina R Wylie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - D Scott Merrell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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