Sodium alginate/guar gum based nanocomposite film incorporating β-Cyclodextrin/persimmon pectin-stabilized baobab seed oil Pickering emulsion for mushroom preservation

The poor biological, mechanical and water-resistance properties of sodium alginate/guar gum film (SG) limit its application in food preservation. To overcome this disadvantage, we added β-Cyclodextrin/persimmon pectin-stabilized baobab seed oil Pickering emulsion (BOPE) to enhance the mechanical and water resistance properties of SG film, and added green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPS) and Lycium ruthenicum extract (LA) to improve the biological properties of the film. The properties of BOPE was optimized using Box-Behnken design (BBD). Scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared results revealed the change of structure and molecular interaction in the SG film after the addition of AgNPS, LA, and optimized BOPE. The 2.0%BOPE-loaded film containing AgNPS/LA with the enhanced mechanical, barrier, BO retention, and biological properties not only improved the preservation effect on mushroom (A. bisporus), but also maintained structural stability. Thus, the 2.0%BOPE-loaded SG/LA/AgNPS film has considerable potential in active packaging applications.

Bimetallic nanoparticles and biochar produced by Adansonia Digitata shell and their effect against tomato pathogenic fungi

Adansonia digitata L. is a royal tree that is highly valued in Africa for its medicinal and nutritional properties. The objective of this study was to use its fruit shell extract to develop new, powerful mono and bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) and biochar (BC) using an eco-friendly approach. Silver (Ag), iron oxide (FeO), the bimetallic Ag-FeO NPs, as well as (BC) were fabricated by A. digitata fruit shell extract through a reduction process and biomass pyrolysis, respectively, and their activity against tomato pathogenic fungi Alternaria sp., Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Fusarium equiseti, and Fusarium venenatum were detected by agar dilution method. The Ag, FeO, Ag-FeONPs, and BC were characterized using a range of powerful analytical techniques such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR), dynamic light scatter (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. The fabricated Ag, FeO and Ag-FeO NPs have demonstrated a remarkable level of effectiveness in combating fungal strains. UV-Vis spectra ofAg, FeO, Ag-FeONPs, and BC show broad exhibits peaks at 338, 352, 418, and 480 nm, respectively. The monometallic, bimetallic NPs, and biochar have indicated the presence in various forms mostly in Spherical-shaped. Their size varied from 102.3 to 183.5 nm and the corresponding FTIR spectra suggested that the specific organic functional groups from the plant extract played a significant role in the bio-reduction process. Ag and Ag-FeO NPs exhibited excellent antifungal activity against pathogenic fungi Alternaria sp., S. sclerotiorum, F. equiseti, and F. venenatum. The current study could be a significant achievement in the field of antifungal agents since has the potential to develop new approaches for treating fungal infections.

Potential Effect of Baobab's Polyphenols as Antihyperlipidemic Agents: In Silico Study

Adansonia digitata L. is an African tree commonly called baobab. This tree is effectively used in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular disorders. Hyperlipidemia is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor associated with the increased incidence of mortality worldwide. This study aimed to demonstrate the mechanism of baobab polyphenols in the activities of hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and pancreatic lipase as lipid metabolic enzymes. Molecular docking and an incentive for drug design showed that all the polyphenols in baobab bound to the proteins with higher affinity and a lower binding energy compared with simvastatin as the positive control (ΔG: from -5.5 kcal/mol to -6.5 kcal/mol). The same polyphenols exhibited a considerable binding affinity to pancreatic lipase (ΔG: from -7.5 kcal/mol to -9.8 kcal/mol) in comparison with the control and HMG-CoA reductase. Quercetin showed the best docking score from the selected Baobab polyphenols (ΔG = -9.8 kcal/mol). The root mean square deviation (RMSD) results indicated that stable epicatechin and quercetin complexes were demonstrated with HMG-CoA reductase, and other less stable complexes were developed using rutin and chlorogenic acid. Moreover, the analysis of the root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) simulation results was consistent with that of the RMSD. The RMSF value for all the baobab polyphenols, including the crystal control ligand, was kept between 0.80 and 8.00 Å, similarly to simvastatin, and less than 4.8 Å for pancreatic lipase. Chlorogenic acid, quercetin, epicatechin, and rutin had negative ΔG binding scores from highest to lowest. The same ligands displayed more negative ΔG binding scores than those observed in HMG-CoA reductase and crystal control ligand (methoxyundecyl phosphinic acid) in their simulation with pancreatic lipase. In conclusion, baobab polyphenols interact with HMG-CoA reductase and pancreatic lipase to inhibit their substrate binding and block their activity.

Effects of crude methanol extract of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp on Naja nigricollis venom-induce toxicity in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effects of Crude Methanol Extract of Adansonia digitata Fruit Pulp on Naja nigricollis Venom-Induce Toxicity in Wistar rats.

METHODS

A. digitata was extracted using 70% methanol and median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of both the extract and venom were determined using the up-and-down method. Sixty Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 10 groups of 6 rats each and were administered with normal saline, venom only, venom + antivenom, 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg crude methanol extract (CME) pre-envenomation, 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg CME post-envenomation, and venom + antivenom + 250 mg/kg CME, respectively. Blood samples were collected 8-h post-envenomation in EDTA and plain sample bottles. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) test was carried out on the EDTA blood samples while serum was harvested and used for Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) assays.

RESULTS

LD₅₀ of the CME and venom was >5,000 mg/kg and 0.889 mg/kg, respectively. N. nigricollis-induced oxidative stress was evident in group B through increased % haemolysis, MDA and lowered SOD activities. The groups treated with antivenom only, 250 mg/kg CME post-envenomation and antivenom +250 mg/kg CME significantly (p<0.05) reduced EOF, MDA values and increased SOD. The CME revealed better ameliorative effect than protective via inhibition of EOF, MDA values and increased SOD activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The CME when administered singly showed more ameliorative properties and the combination of CME with antivenom for protection was not as effective as when compared to single administration.

Not all species will migrate poleward as the climate warms: The case of the seven baobab species in Madagascar

It is commonly accepted that species should move toward higher elevations and latitudes to track shifting isotherms as climate warms. However, temperature might not be the only limiting factor determining species distribution. Species might move to opposite directions to track changes in other climatic variables. Here, we used an extensive occurrence data set and an ensemble modelling approach to model the climatic niche and to predict the distribution of the seven baobab species (genus Adansonia) present in Madagascar. Using climatic projections from three global circulation models, we predicted species' future distribution and extinction risk for 2055 and 2085 under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs) and two dispersal scenarios. We disentangled the role of each climatic variable in explaining species range shift looking at relative variable importance and future climatic anomalies. Four baobab species (Adansonia rubrostipa, Adansonia madagascariensis, Adansonia perrieri¸ and Adansonia suarezensis) could experience a severe range contraction in the future (>70% for year 2085 under RCP 8.5, assuming a zero-dispersal hypothesis). For three out of the four threatened species, range contraction was mainly explained by an increase in temperature seasonality, especially in the North of Madagascar, where they are currently distributed. In tropical regions, where species are commonly adapted to low seasonality, we found that temperature seasonality will generally increase. It is, thus, very likely that many species in the tropics will be forced to move equatorward to avoid an increase in temperature seasonality. Yet, several ecological (e.g., equatorial limit, or unsuitable deforested habitat) or geographical barriers (absence of lands) could prevent species to move equatorward, thus increasing the extinction risk of many tropical species, like endemic baobab species in Madagascar.

Can the supplementary consumption of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruit pulp improve the hemoglobin levels and iron status of schoolchildren in Kenya? Findings of a randomized controlled intervention trial

PURPOSE

In the rural Kenyan diet, the bioavailability of iron is low and predisposes the population to iron deficiency. Fruit pulp of the indigenous baobab tree contains significant amounts of vitamin C, which enhances non-heme iron bioavailability. We studied the impact of baobab fruit pulp (BFP) consumption on the hemoglobin (Hb) and iron status of Kenyan schoolchildren.

METHODS

The single-blind randomized controlled intervention trial was implemented daily among apparently healthy schoolchildren aged 6-12 years with hemoglobin level < 12.2 g/dl. For 12 weeks, children in the intervention group (n = 29) received a drink with BFP, while the control group (n = 29) received an isoenergy drink without BFP. At baseline and endline, blood samples were taken.

RESULTS

The development of hemoglobin, ferritin (FER) and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) did not differ significantly between the intervention and control groups. However, in the intervention group, Hb levels improved slightly (2.2%), while they decreased slightly (1.2%) in the control group. Levels of geometric means of sTfR remained almost unchanged (0.7%) in the intervention group and slightly worsened (2.7%) in the control group. In both the groups, geometric mean of FER levels decreased, yet to a smaller extent in the intervention (17.3%) than in the control (26.0%) group.

CONCLUSION

Even though no significant effects of BFP could be detected in this study, the identification of products such as BFP remains pertinent to help improve non-heme iron absorption in the most vulnerable populations.

RNA sequencing identified novel target genes for Adansonia digitata in breast and colon cancer cells

Adansonia digitata exhibits numerous beneficial effects. In the current study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of four different extracts of A. digitata (polar and non-polar extracts of fruit powder and fibers) on the proliferation of human colon cancer (HCT116), human breast cancer (MCF-7), and human ovarian cancer (OVCAR-3 and OVCAR-4) cell lines. RNA sequencing revealed the influence of the effective A. digitata fraction on the gene expression profiles of responsive cells. The results indicated that only the polar extract of the A. digitata fibers exhibited anti-proliferative activities against HCT116 and MCF-7 cells, but not ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the polar extract of the fibers resulted in the modulation of the expression of multiple genes in HCT116 and MCF-7 cells. We propose that casein kinase 2 alpha 3 (CSNK2A3) is a novel casein kinase 2 (CSNK2) isoform in HCT116 cells and report, for the first time, the potential involvement of FYVE, RhoGEF, and PH domain-containing 3 (FGD3) in colon cancer. Together, these findings provide evidence supporting the anti-cancer potential of the polar extract of A. digitata fibers in this experimental model of breast and colon cancers.

In Wistar Rats Challenged with Sodium Arsenite

Arsenic exposure is an issue of concern in developing countries, consequently leading to arsenicosis which has been implicated in the development of cancers. The stem bark of Adansonia digitata (SBAD) has many traditional medicinal uses. The aim of the present study was to assess the antigenotoxic and hepatoprotective effects of methanol extract of SBAD (MESBAD) against sodium arsenite - induced toxicities in Wistar rats. These were assessed using the micronucleus induction assay and liver function tests with histology respectively. Thirty (30) rats distributed into six groups of five animals each were used for the experiment. Negative control (distilled water and rat pellets only), positive control [2.5 mg/kg body weight of sodium arsenite (SA)]. Test animals were challenged with SA and treated with 300 or 400 mg/kg body weight of MESBAD. The phytochemical analysis was also carried out according to standard procedures. The SA significantly (p<0.05) increased the activities of aspartate aminotransferace (AST) and the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (nMPCEs) induced in the bone marrow as compared with the negative control. Treatment with MESBAD significantly (p<0.05) reduced the activities of AST and nMPCEs induced, histopatological examination of the liver showed that MESBAD reduced the severe portal and central venous congestion induced by SA, phytochemical analysis showed that MESBAD possess high concentration of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and total polyphenols. Methanol extract of the stem bark of Adansonia digitata mitigates SA-induced toxicities probably through radical scavenging activities.

Functional principles of baobab fruit pedicels - anatomy and biomechanics

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Fruit pedicels have to deal with increasing loads after pollination due to continuous growth of the fruits. Thus, they represent interesting tissues from a mechanical as well as a developmental point of view. However, only a few studies exist on fruit pedicels. In this study, we unravel the anatomy and structural-mechanical relationships of the pedicel of Adansonia digitata, reaching up to 90 cm in length.

METHODS

Morphological and anatomical analyses included examination of stained cross-sections from various positions along the stalk as well as X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy. For mechanical testing, fibre bundles derived from the mature pedicels were examined via tension tests. For establishing the structural-mechanical relationships, the density of the fibre bundles as well as their cellulose microfibril distribution and chemical composition were analysed.

KEY RESULTS

While in the peduncle the vascular tissue and the fibres are arranged in a concentric ring-like way, this organization shifts to the polystelic structure of separate fibre bundles in the pedicel. The polystelic pedicel possesses five vascular strands that consist of strong bast fibre bundles. The fibre bundles have a Young's modulus of up to 5 GPa, a tensile strength of up to 400 MPa, a high density (>1 g cm-3) and a high microfibril angle of around 20°.

CONCLUSIONS

The structural arrangement as well as the combination of high density and high microfibril angle of the bast fibre bundles are probably optimized for bearing considerable strain in torsion and bending while at the same time allowing for carrying high-tension loads.

The Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) in Southern Kenya-A Study on Status, Distribution, Use and Importance in Taita-Taveta County

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a multipurpose, drought resistant, wild fruit tree, endemic to arid and semi-arid lands of Sub-Saharan Africa. Baobab populations have been showing a lack of regeneration, and therefore causes concern for the species survival. This study investigated the state, distribution and use of baobabs in an under-researched population in Kenya, to identify the potential for further use and development of baobab resources. A baobab population was chosen in Taita-Taveta County, covering a sample area of 2015 km². A systematic stratified transect survey was done to map baobab distribution using 49 transects (0.5 × 3 km each). The diameter at breast height and other indicators were measured on all baobabs in the transects to assess population status and health. A household survey (n = 46) and focus group discussions (n = 12) were done following the transect survey to gain an idea on the uses and distribution of baobab. In total, 432 baobab trees were measured and recorded in the research area of 2015 km². The baobabs grew in two clusters (i.e., areas with a baobab density of ≥0.08 baobabs/ha). Both clusters showed rejuvenating populations. The main factors identified by the respondents, positively and negatively influencing baobab distribution were environmental factors, wildlife, human impact and commercial value. The study area shows a great potential for baobab to become an important part of the diet, due to its current use as an emergency food during food scarce times, and the relatively healthy and stable rejuvenating populations.

Innovative application of helium-neon laser: enhancing the germination of Adansonia digitata and evaluating the hepatoprotective activities in mice

The laser pretreatment of seed is drawing pronounced attention from the scientific community for its positive impact in boosting germination, seedling , and growth of plants. In this study, the laser pretreatment of Adansonia digitata (A. digitata) seeds was evaluated. Eight laser treatments were conducted at different powers, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mW, with the two-time interval for each power at 2 and 4 min. The outcomes indicated that the most efficient irradiation was 10 mW/2 min which induces the highest germination rate and polyphenolic contents for seeds. Based on these results, the animal experimental design was processed to assess the hepatoprotective activity of A. digitata extracts obtained through the optimum laser preillumination to enhance the resistance of liver damage in mice. The total phenol and flavonoid contents and the antioxidant properties of the methanolic extracts were estimated in vitro. The CCl4 was used to induce hepatotoxicity in mice. The animals were divided into five groups. The sera of the treated animals were used for the determination of transaminases, and the liver homogenates were used for the determination of antioxidant status, and further liver tissues were subjected to verify the anti-apoptotic effect of A. digitata methanolic extract. The in vivo results showed that the methanolic extract exposed to laser treatment at 10 mW/2 min provided better hepatoprotective capacity than the other treatments. Administration of A. digitata extract not only offered a significant decrease in liver enzyme activity but also markedly improved the antioxidant status and reduced the apoptotic progression induced by CCl4 toxicity in liver tissue.

Plant Small RNAs: A New Technology for Skin Care

This study was performed on an aqueous extract of baobab seedcake enriched in small ribonucleic acids (RNAs) for cosmetic use. The seedcake is a by-product, obtained from Baobab seeds belonging to the Adansonia digitata species. A particular patented extraction process, named plant small RNA (PSR) technology, has been developed to retain some specific nutrient compounds, including small RNAs. Small RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), play an essential role in gene regulation. The biological potential of this new patented PSR extract was studied in skin fibroblasts and in ex vivo skin. To demonstrate the effect relative to the presence of small RNAs, the same extract in which small RNAs were removed was also tested. After observing the efficacy of PSR extract on collagen expression in ex vivo skin, different markers of senescence were investigated on fibroblasts aged by replicative senescence. The study of the expression of Drosha, an enzyme responsible for miRNA maturation, the expression of miRNA-19b, a biomarker of cellular aging, and the activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase showed more efficient activity of PSR extract, compared with small RNAs-free extract. Taken together, these studies demonstrate the potential of PSR extract for use in cosmetic end use applications.

In vivo antimalarial activity, toxicity and phytochemical screening of selected antimalarial plants

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Malaria continues to kill over a million people each year and in many populations affected by malaria, conventional drugs are often unaffordable or inaccessible. Historically, plants have been a prominent source of antimalarial drugs. Those plants currently used by indigenous people to treat malaria should be documented and investigated as potential sources of new antimalarial drugs.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate in vivo antimalarial activity, toxicity and carry out phytochemical screening of selected plants which have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Organic and water extracts of four medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria in traditional health systems of Msambweni people in Kenya were tested for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei and brine shrimp lethality. They were also screened for their major phytochemical constituents.

RESULTS

Aqueous extract of the stem bark of Adansonia digitata exhibited highest chemosuppression of parasitaemia, >60% in a murine model of Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Aqueous and organic extracts of Launaea cornuta and Zanthoxylum chalybeum were toxic to the brine shrimp (LD50<1000μg/ml) while aqueous and organic extracts of Adansonia digitata and aqueous extracts of Canthium glaucum were not toxic to brine shrimp (LD50>1000μg/ml). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids in all the crude extracts of the selected plant species studied. Sesquiterpene lactones and saponis were present in organic extracts but absent in the aqueous extracts of Adansonia digitata, Canthium glaucum, Launaea cornuta and Zanthoxylum chalybeum.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the crude extracts of Adansonia digitata and Canthium glaucum demonstrated promising antimalarial activity and there is potential for isolation of lead compounds from their extracts.