Search

Traditional medicines play a very important role in the health care system in Sudan, Cadaba glandulosa , Aristolochia bracteolata , Boscia senegalensis and Nymphaea lotus are used in folkloric medicine to remedy some diseases. The methanolic extracts were used to evaluate antioxidant activity to the plants which were mentioned above. B senglensis was shown high activity equal to 87+1, while N. lotus was represented 82+2. Also A. bracteolate and C. glandulosa exhibited moderate values (54+0.03 and 41+0.04 respectively).

The objective of this study is to analyze the dendrochronological potential of two Sahelian species (B. senegalensis and S. birrea) and to evaluate the relationships between their growth rings and the climate. The study was conducted in 2016 in the Ferlo area of Senegal. The biological material consists of wood slices, taken from the trunks of these adult woody species at 0.30 m and 1.30 m from the ground after they have been felled. The technique used to examine the slices consists in identifying their rings, establishing their structures, inter-dating them and studying the relationship between the identified rings and climatic factors. The results showed that the species had thin, clear, highly visible and sharp rings. The limit of growth is marked by a line of parenchyma. Intradatation series carried out on the chronologies made it possible to estimate the ages of the individuals, which vary from 10 to 38 years for B. senegalensis and from 29 to 50 years for S. birrea. Their average growth rates are estimated at 0.906 mm/year and 0.89 mm/year respectively. The chronological sequences are 29 years (1987-2016) for B. senegalensis and 38 years (1964-2012) for S. birrea. The results revealed that there is no significant correlation between the growth chronologies of B. senegalensis and the climatic regressors (temperature and precipitation). In contrast, the ring-climate relationship shows that in S. birrea winter precipitation positively influences ring growth while temperature has no effect on ring growth in this species. This study provides a better understanding of the response of forest ecosystems to possible climate change, particularly in the current context of sustainable forest management.

The present investigation aimed at evaluating the effect of powder fractionation based on particle size on the chemical composition in macronutrients, polyphenol contents, and antioxidant properties of powders of Boscia senegalensis seeds, Dichrostachys glomerata fruits, and Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces. Significant differences (p

International audience; The objective of this study is to analyze the dendrochronological potential of two Sahelian species (B. senegalensis and S. birrea) and to evaluate the relationships between their growth rings and the climate. The study was conducted in 2016 in the Ferlo area of Senegal. The biological material consists of wood slices, taken from the trunks of these adult woody species at 0.30 m and 1.30 m from the ground after they have been felled. The technique used to examine the slices consists in identifying their rings, establishing their structures, inter-dating them and studying the relationship between the identified rings and climatic factors. The results showed that the species had thin, clear, highly visible and sharp rings. The limit of growth is marked by a line of parenchyma. Intradatation series carried out on the chronologies made it possible to estimate the ages of the individuals, which vary from 10 to 38 years for B. senegalensis and from 29 to 50 years for S. birrea. Their average growth rates are estimated at 0.906 mm/year and 0.89 mm/year respectively. The chronological sequences are 29 years (1987-2016) for B. senegalensis and 38 years (1964-2012) for S. birrea. The results revealed that there is no significant correlation between the growth chronologies of B. senegalensis and the climatic regressors (temperature and precipitation). In contrast, the ring-climate relationship shows that in S. birrea winter precipitation positively influences ring growth while temperature has no effect on ring growth in this species. This study provides a better understanding of the response of forest ecosystems to possible climate change, particularly in the current context of sustainable forest management.

International audience

The exploitation of woody plant resources is one of the peasant strategies adopted in dealing with food shortages, especially for vulnerable households. This paper focuses on the inventory of some scientific and technical contributions relating to the socio-economic and environmental importance as well as some ecological characteristics of Boscia senegalensis (Pers.) Lam. ex Poir. Detailed study of scientific documents including scientific articles and theses as well as the documents provided by Sahara Sahel Food was used in this study. It, however, emerges based on the bibliographic analysis that this resource is of capital importance for Sahelian communities. This importance can be seen in human nutrition (especially in lean season), traditional pharmacopoeia, traditional cowpea storage as well as its role in livestock feed. The great peculiarity of the species also lies in its strong capacity for resilience. Indeed, in the Sahel this polycaule shrub of the Capparaceae family often occupies ecosystems at the final stage of degradation. However, some cases of threats have been mentioned in this species. The analysis of the current state of knowledge on B. senegalensis has thus made it possible to highlight the urgent need to undertake an in-depth scientific research on the current state of its stands, his reproductive strategies, and the characterization of its varieties. This new knowledge, once acquired, will help in formulating sustained recommendations for its valorization in Niger.br /> L’exploitation des ressources vegetales notamment ligneuses constitue l’une des strategies paysannes adoptees pour faire face aux deficits alimentaires surtout pour les menages vulnerables. Cette synthese bibliographique dresse l’etat des lieux de quelques contributions scientifiques et techniques relatives a l’importance socio-economique et environnementale ainsi que quelques caracteristiques ecologiques de Boscia senegalensis (Pers.) Lam. ex Poir.. L’exploitation minutieuse de documents scientifiques en ligne notamment des articles scientifiques et des theses ainsi que les documents fournis par Sahara Sahel Food a servi a la realisation de cette etude. Il ressort de l’analyse bibliographique que cette ressource revet une importance capitale pour les communautes saheliennes. Il s’agit de son importance dans l’alimentation humaine (surtout en periode de soudure), son usage dans la pharmacopee traditionnelle, son importance dans le stockage traditionnel du niebe ainsi que son role dans l’alimentation du betail. La grande particularite de l’espece reside aussi dans sa forte capacite de resilience. En effet, au Sahel cet arbuste polycaule de la famille des Capparaceae occupe souvent des ecosystemes au stade ultime de degradation. Cependant quelques cas de menaces ont ete evoques sur cette espece. L’analyse de l’etat des lieux des connaissances existantes sur B. senegalensis a permis ainsi de mettre en evidence le besoin urgent d’entreprendre des recherches scientifiques approfondies sur l’etat actuel de ses peuplements, ses strategies de reproduction ainsi que la caracterisation de ses varietes. Ces nouvelles connaissances, une fois acquises contribueront a formuler des recommandations soutenues pour sa valorisation au Niger.

International audience; The objective of this study was to develop allometric models for estimating the biomass of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich) Hoscht and Boscia senegalensis (Pers.) Lam. ex Poir. The inventory of these ligneous was carried out at Widou Thiengoly (North of Senegal). The sample consists of 43 individuals of Boscia senegalensis and 15 individuals of Sclerocarya birrea. The selected individuals were dendrometrically characterized before being cut, compartmentalized (trunk, branches, and twigs) and weighed entirely. Simple regression tests were performed to examine the most explanatory dendrometric parameter (x) for biomass (y) according to two types of models: the linear model (y = ax + b) and the polynomial model of degrees 2 (y = ax2 + bx + c). The criteria for selection and validity of the models are based firstly on the tests of normality, nullity, heterogeneity and autocorrelation of the residues. The results showed that the most explanatory dendrometric parameter of the biomass was the crown surface for Boscia senegalensis and the 1.30 m diameter for Sclerocarya birrea of all the tests performed, the second-order Polynomial model is the best predictor of above ground biomass for these two species. Thus, the allometric models established to predict the biomass of these two species are: y = 0.0023x2 + 0.4851x - 0.0519 for Boscia senegalensis and y = 0.35x2 + 10.35x - 12.90 for S. birrea; with very significant correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.85 and 0.94 respectively. These results can be used for a sequestered carbon assessment study and will play a role in monitoring the carbon market in Africa.

Background Arid and semi-arid areas of West Africa are highly subject to climate change effects. This is combined to other drivers such as population growth and livestock number increase. To cope with such changing environment, endogenous adaptation strategies of poor local communities rely on the use of natural resources through empirical knowledge. Unfortunately, these knowledge and practices are insufficiently known to policy makers, and this hampers their consideration in the elaboration of adaptation strategies. A household survey was conducted in the Sillia village in northern Burkina Faso using semi-structured interviews. This study identified most used (preferred) species in this changing environment together with their ethnobotanical use value (VUET). Results Overall, 86 ligneous species were listed in seven (7) use categories: human nutrition, fodder, fuel, traditional medicine, handicraft, construction and trade. From the 86 species, 11 appeared the most preferred by local population (VUET ≥ 6). Except Piliostigma reticulatum and Boscia senegalensis, all these species were part of the 21 very vulnerable species as revealed by the study. Tamarindus indica, Balanites aegyptiaca, Lannea microcarpa and Vitellaria paradoxa are the first most preferred species (VUET ≥ 7) and also most vulnerable (IV > 2.5). In this changing environment, Cassia sieberiana, Combretum micranthum, Balanites aegyptica have, for instance, become the main species used in traditional medicine replacing Ximenia americana, Coclospermum tinctorim, Maytenus senegalensis and Securidaca longepedunculata, formerly used for this need. Also, Piliostigma reticulatum is the main species used in farm lands to combat low soil fertility. Pterocarpus lucens and Adansonia digitata are the main fodder species both during dry and rainy seasons. Apart from the household surveys, vegetation survey was conducted on 96 plots in Sillia. The results showed that 25 species cited in the household surveys had locally disappeared, 22 were rare, 5 were abundant and the others were relatively abundant. Certain collection practices of given species in many use categories increase their vulnerability. Conclusion This study documented preferred species in the adaptation strategies to changing environments and also assessed their vulnerability status under human influence; it is therefore of great use for designing sustainable management.

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of successive grinding and sieving processes on the physicochemical properties of powders obtained from Boscia senegalensis seeds, Dichostachys glomerata fruits and Hibiscus sabdariffa calyxes. Plant powders were fractionated into four granulometric classes and their properties were compared to those of unsieved powders. Mean particle size exerted a significant influence (p

La reserve speciale botanique de Noflaye est un des rares ecosystemes particuliers de la zone des niayes de Dakar de par sa diversite floristique. Ce complexe est aujourd’hui menace par un certain nombre de facteur tel que l’urbanisation. Cette etude a ete realisee pour caracteriser la structure de la vegetation du milieu. L’utilisation de la methode des releves dendrometriques nous a permis de caracteriser la vegetation du milieu. Les resultats indiquent que la richesse floristique du milieu est de 65 especes ligneuses reparties en 50 genres et 31 familles avec une dominance des especes soudanienne (39%). L’analyse de la contribution specifique montre que Lepisanthes senegalensis (19,7%), Neocarya macrophylla (14,5%) et Grewia bicolor (13,4%) sont les plus frequentes dans le milieu. Les valeurs elevees de densite theorique, de densite reelle, de surface terriere et de recouvrement aerien montrent que le milieu est domine par des especes ligneuses de petit diametre (5 a 10 cm) a cime jointive. La regeneration est dominee par Boscia senegalensis (53%). Ces resultats obtenus sont importants dans la conservation du milieu et la mise en place d’un plan de gestion. Mots cles : Flore, vegetation, reserve speciale botanique, Noflaye, Senegal. English Title: Structure and dynamics of the flora and vegetation of the botanical reserve Noflaye (Senegal) The botanical special reserve of Noflaye is one of the rare special ecosystems of the zone of the niayes of Dakar because of its floristic diversity. This complex is now threatened by a number of factors such as urbanization. This study was carried out to characterize the structure of the vegetation of the environment. The use of the dendrometric survey method allowed us to characterize the vegetation of the environment. The results indicate that the floristic richness of the environment is 65 woody species divided into 50 genera and 31 families with Sudanese species dominance (39%). The analysis of the specific contribution shows that Lepisanthes senegalensis (19.7%), Neocarya macrophylla (14.5%) and Grewia bicolor (13.4%) are the most common in the environment. The high values of theoretical density, true density, basal area and overlying cover show that the medium is dominated by woody species of small diameter (5 to 10 cm) with contiguous crowns. Regeneration is dominated by Boscia senegalensis (53%). These results are important in environmental conservation and the implementation of a management plan. Keywords : Flora, vegetation, botanical special reserve, Noflaye, Senegal

Au Niger, lors des crises alimentaires, les graines de Boscia senegalensis, appele anza en langue local, constituent un des principaux aliments de cueillette de subsistance pour les menages ruraux. L’objectif de la presente etude etait de determiner la composition en acides amines des graines de Boscia issues de differentes methodes de desamerisation. La teneur en proteinestotaux et en 16 acides amines, dont les 8 acides amines essentiels, des graines non cuites et cuites ont ete determinees. Le resultat obtenu montre que la teneur en proteines varie de 16,11 a 22,82%. Les acides amines majeurs sont l’acide glutamique (2,32-3,33 %), acide aspartique (1,71-2,36 %) et la phenylalanine (1,34-2,19 %) tandis que la methionine, l’histidine, la threonine et la tyrosine sont les acides amines limitant dans toutes les graines. Des faibles teneurs sont aussi trouvees pour la lysine (0-1,31 %). L’acide amine essentiel majeur est la phenylalanine. Les essentiels mineurs sont la methionine et la threonine. De facon generale, les methodes de traitements traditionnelles influencent positivement la teneur en proteines et en certains acides amines essentiels des graines de Boscia senegalensis. In Niger, during food crises, Boscia senegalensis seeds, called Anza in the local language, are one of the main subsistence food crops for rural households. The objective of this study was to determine the amino acid composition of Boscia seeds from different deamerization methods. The protein and 16 amino acid content, including all 8 essential amino acids, of uncooked and cooked seeds were determined according to standard methods. The result obtained shows that the protein content varies from 16.11 to 22.82%. The major amino acids are glutamic acid (2.32-3.33%), aspartic acid (1.71-2.36%) and phenylalanine (1.34-2.19%) while methionine, histidine, threonine and tyrosine are the limiting amino acids in all seeds. Low levels are also found for lysine (0-1.31%). The major essential amino acid is phenylalanine and the minor essential amino acids are methionine and threonine (1.34-2.19%). In general, traditional processing methods positively influence the content of proteins and certain essential amino acids in Boscia senegalensis seeds.

Food insecurity is an almost permanent reality in Niger due to climatic hazards. This study is a contribution to the capitalization and enhancement of Community know-how in the exploitation of natural resources and addresses the role of spontaneous foods of plant origin in the search for diversity and dietary balance, specifically the potentialities of Boscia senegalensis. It is a species whose different parts are used for many purposes in Niger. The different recipes based on immature seeds processed in two departments of Niger, Banibangou and Bambeye are listed. To this end, a questionnaire was sent to 128 women in Bambeye and 114 in Banibangou. The recipes identified are those implemented by women from these different communities. A total of 7 recipes as well as their ingredients and methods of preparation have been identified. One is made from seeds only. Three (3) recipes are prepared in association with millet, cowpea, Gynandropsis gynandra leaves and Maerua crassifola. For two (2) recipes, the seeds are taken back with milk. Finally, one (1) recipe using Boscia senegalensis bark and Guera senegalensis leaves is used in postpartum women. In view of these results, it would be important to create the conditions for maintaining them, for their sustainable use, for their inclusion in agricultural and food statistics and for the dissemination of these revenues in other regions.

The general objective of this study is to describe the demographic structure and distribution according to topographic units of two woody species, Boscia senegalensis (Pers.) Lam. Ex Poir and Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hoscht in Widou Thiengoly (Ferlo) in northern Senegal. Stratified random sampling was used to carry out the study taking into consideration the topographic units (low background, pouring and tray). The ligneous inventory method consisted in carrying out vegetation surveys using a dendrometric approach with a minimum area of 2500 m2. The results obtained indicate that in the study area, the population of B. senegalensis is denser (42 ± 7.3 ind/ha) compared to that of S. birrea (6.1 ± 3.4 ind/ha). Topographic variability has a great influence on the life of the species. The study of the structure of individuals in diameter and height classes has shown that the population of B. senegalensis is shrubby and is generally renewed itself well, unlike that of S. birrea, which is more mature and whose lack of regeneration seems to compromise the renewal of the population. Given the total lack of regeneration of the species, this population, therefore requires more effective conservation strategies for its restoration.

Twenty one compounds (twelve flavonoids, four benzoylglucarate isomers, two phenolic acids, two glucosinolates, and one saccharide) were identified from the B. senegalensis aqueous methanolic extract using LC-ESI-MS technique. Among the identified compounds, quercetin-O-sinapoylglucoside-O-glucoside (13) and quercetin-di-O-benzoyl glucoside (16) are newly identified natural products.B. senegalensis aqueous methanolic extract showed strong inhibitory effect against H5N1 viruses and moderate antitumor activity against three carcinoma cell lines.

The maize is one of the most produced worldwide cereals. Its conservation in stock is attacked by many pests that cause huge loss to the qualitative and quantitative level. Several alternative methods of control resulting in the insecticidal plants replace chemical pesticides. Among these methods, fumi-gation has proved very effective on insects’ food stored. In the present work, fumigating insects of Sitophilus zeamais to different doses of fresh crushed leaves of Boscia senegalensis showed strong insecticidal activity of this plant depending on the locality. Leaves of two localities, Dakar and Richard Toll have been tested. Statistical analysis of the mortality rate expressed in cu-mulative frequencies showed a significant difference (p

Detailed chemical investigation of Boscia senegalensis (Per) Lam. ex Poir. led to the isolation of one new flavonol glycoside, rhamnocitrin-3-O-β-D-(6''-O-E-feruloyl)-glucopyranoside named bosenegaloside A (1), with seven known compounds, rhamnocitrin-3-O-β-D-(6''-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside (2), rhamnocitrin3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol-β-D-glucopyrinoside (4), lasianthionoside A (5), 3,7dimethyl-1-octene-3,6,7-triol-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), syringin (7), and austroside B (8). The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated from spectroscopic data and by comparison of these data with previously published results. The inhibitory activity of the isolated compounds on soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) was assessed. Compounds 1-3 potently inhibited sEH activity with IC50 values of 12.8 ± 0.5, 18.4 ± 0.2, and 11.3 ± 0.9 µM, respectively.

Over the last decades agroforestry parklands in Burkina Faso have come under increasing demographic as well as climatic pressures, which are threatening indigenous tree species that contribute substantially to income generation and nutrition in rural households. Analyzing the threats as well as the species vulnerability to them is fundamental for priority setting in conservation planning. Guided by literature and local experts we selected 16 important food tree species (Acacia macrostachya, Acacia senegal, Adansonia digitata, Annona senegalensis, Balanites aegyptiaca, Bombax costatum, Boscia senegalensis, Detarium microcarpum, Lannea microcarpa, Parkia biglobosa, Sclerocarya birrea, Strychnos spinosa, Tamarindus indica, Vitellaria paradoxa, Ximenia americana, Ziziphus mauritiana) and six key threats to them (overexploitation, overgrazing, fire, cotton production, mining and climate change). We developed a species-specific and spatially explicit approach combining freely accessible datasets, species distribution models (SDMs), climate models and expert survey results to predict, at fine scale, where these threats are likely to have the greatest impact. We find that all species face serious threats throughout much of their distribution in Burkina Faso and that climate change is predicted to be the most prevalent threat in the long term, whereas overexploitation and cotton production are the most important short-term threats. Tree populations growing in areas designated as 'highly threatened' due to climate change should be used as seed sources for ex situ conservation and planting in areas where future climate is predicting suitable habitats. Assisted regeneration is suggested for populations in areas where suitable habitat under future climate conditions coincides with high threat levels due to short-term threats. In the case of Vitellaria paradoxa, we suggest collecting seed along the northern margins of its distribution and considering assisted regeneration in the central part where the current threat level is high due to overexploitation. In the same way, population-specific recommendations can be derived from the individual and combined threat maps of the other 15 food tree species. The approach can be easily transferred to other countries and can be used to analyze general and species specific threats at finer and more local as well as at broader (continental) scales in order to plan more selective and efficient conservation actions in time. The concept can be applied anywhere as long as appropriate spatial data are available as well as knowledgeable experts.

The proximate compositions, minerals and amino acids contents of Detarium microcarpum, Gardenia erubescens, Parkia biglobosa, Adansonia digitata pulp, seeds of Boscia senegalensis and leaves of A. digitata were studied and quantified in Burkina Faso. Using the conventional procedures described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, proximate analysis was done. The minerals were determined by spectrometry and photometry. The profile and total amount of amino acids were determined by reverse phase HPLC using Pico-Tag method. The results showed that the protein content were ranged from 1.10 ± 0.20 to 24.23 ± 0.15%, total carbohydrate varied from 6.7 ± 0.11 to 79.73 ± 1.69%, lipids varied from 1.11 ± 0.08 to 4.65 ± 0.12% and ash from 1.16 ± 0.1 to 11.76 ± 0.10%. These results allowed distinguishing species which are potential sources of protein, calories and micronutrients. Consumption of these tree products can help to overcome nutrients deficiency that is prevalent in poor urban and rural areas of Burkina Faso.Keywords: Food composition, nutrition, food insecure, wild trees, Burkina FasoAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(15), 1807-1812

This study describes a glucocapparin determination method. Based on rapeseed determination of glucosinolate (GSL), the equation of the average straight regression line is Y = 100.42X – 0.03 (R2 = 0.9998). Enzymatic hydrolysis of glucocapparin extracted from leaves and fruits of B. senegalensis, analyzed by SPME-GC-MS confirmed the presence of methylisothiocyanate as the main hydrolysis glucocapparin product. Monitoring glucocapparin contents in B. senegalensis leaves and fruits collected in 4 localities in Senegal showed differences between organs according localities and periods of harvest. Glucocapparin content was very high in dry season particularly in January and the lowest rates were recorded during the rainy period between August and November.

Objectif. Pour une meilleur comprehension des interactions entre Termites et ligneux dans les parcelles de reboisement de la Grande Muraille Verts au Senegal, nous nous sommes interesse a l’attaques des Termites sur les ligneux. Methodologie et resultats. Dans chaque parcelle, une superficie d’un hectare a ete delimitee. Le nombre d’especes ligneuses, ainsi que le nombre d’individus de chaque essence attaques ont ete denombres. Les especes de Termites qui les attaquent ont ete inventoriees. Cette etude a permis de recenser 15 especes ligneuses attaquees par 14 especes de Termites. Les especes les plus attaquees sont Boscia senegalensis et Balanites aegyptiaca . Les especes du genre Acacia ne sont attaquees que sur les parties dont l’ecorce a ete enlevee. Les especes des genres Psammotermes , Microcerotermes et Odontotermes s’attaquent plus aux ligneux. Conclusion et application des resultats: Cette etude a permis de connaitre d’avantage la diversite des termites et des essences vegetales dans les parcelles de reboisement mais aussi les interactions qui existent entre les termites est les essences vegetales. Mots Cles: Termites, ligneux, attaques, zone semi-aride English Abstract Objective: To better understand interactions between Termites and ligneous in the plots of reafforestation in the Great Green Wall of Senegal, we are interested in Termites attacks on ligneous. Methodology and results: In each plot a surface of one hectare was delimited. The number of ligneous species as weel as the number of individual of each attacked spicy were counted. The termites species that attack them were made an inventory of this survey has allowed to make an inventory of fifteen ligneous species attacked by fourteen Termites species. The most attacked species are B oscia senegalensis and Balanites aegyptiaca . The species like Acacia are only attacked on the sides the bark of which was abstracted. The species like (such as) Psammotermes , Microcerotermes and Odontotermes attack most on ligneous. Conclusion and Application of results: The study to know the advantage of diversity of termites and plant species in reforestation plots but also the interactions between termites is the plant species Keywords: termites, ligneous, attacks, half dry area

Several technologies reputedly minimize losses of stored cowpea grain to bruchid beetles on low resource farms in Africa. Side by side comparison of these different postharvest storage methods can provide the basis for deciding which performs best. We compared six different technologies for cowpea storage: (1) grain mixed with ash; (2) mixed with sand; (3) fumigated with phostoxin; (4) admixed with the stems and leaves of Boscia senegalensis (Pers) Lam ex Poir, a potential botanical insecticide; (5) disinfested using a solar heater, and; (6) hermetically sealed in triple-layer plastic bags. Sampling was done at thirty-day intervals over five months of storage. Counts were made of (i) adult emergence holes, (ii) dead larvae and (iii) surviving bruchid larvae and adults. Controls, which consisted of infested cowpea grain stored in cloth bags, were damaged extensively. Boscia senegalensis -treated grain suffered similar severe damage. All other treatments suppressed bruchid population increases as was evident from the much lower counts of emergence holes and lower numbers of surviving or dead insects.

Geologist Mike Talbot and I set forth by camel in search of Wadi Azaouak in December 1973. Mike becomes the target of an amorous male camel. We discover the amazing water clarifying properties of Boscia senegalensis. We witness the impact of the drought upon the Tuareg people and learn of corruption in high places. We investigate the results of a severe rainstorm on dune erosion and develop a model of natural desertification. I learn from the local Tuareg of the destruction of the city of Darwin in tropical northern Australia by Hurricane Tracy on December 24, 1973. An attempted coup in the capital Niamey makes departure from the airport problematic.

The experimental aspect of the corrosion inhibition potentials of Boscia senegalensis was carried out using gravimetric and linear polarization techniques as well as scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), whereas the theoretical aspect was studied using the density functional theory calculations to be performed and modeling the electronic structures of some extract constituents, including physiosorptive interactions with the Fe surface. The analyses of the experimental results showed that the inhibition efficiency increased with increase in concentration of the inhibitor and decreased with increase in temperature. The efficiency of the extract in HCl was 70%. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption of extract onto the metal surface was spontaneous, exothermic, and supported the physical adsorption process. FTIR results showed that the inhibition mechanism was an absorption process through the functional groups present in the extract and that of the inhibited. Surface morphology also revealed that corrosion product confirmed the protection offered by the extract on the surface of the metal immersed in the acid media. The data obtained were fitted into various adsorption isotherms, though the Freundlich isotherm was found to be the best fit.

Boscia senegalensis et Colocynthis vulgaris sont des plantes utilisees dans la medecine et la pharmacopee traditionnelles au Tchad pour traiter le diabete. Les extraits hydroalcoliques des graines de Boscia senegalensis et des fruits de Colocynthis vulgaris ont ete evalues sur les lapins albinos dont l’hyperglycemie a ete provoquee par administration du D(+)-glucose par voie orale. L’extrait de Boscia senegalensis, caracterise par des alcaloides, des saponosides, des tanins et des mucilages, presente une activite optimale a la dose de 250mg/kg, tandis que l’extrait de Colocynthis vulgaris manifeste une activite maximale a la dose de 100mg/kg, ses constituants essentiels etant les alcaloides, les tanins, les terpenoides et les mucilages.

Boscia senegalensis is a drought resistant shrub whose seeds are used in West Africa as food. However, the seeds, or hanza, taste bitter which can be cured by soaking them in water for 4-7 days. The waste water resulting from the processing takes up the bitter taste, which makes it unsuitable for consumption. When used for irrigation, allelopathic effects were observed. Glucosinolates and their breakdown products are the potential causes for both the bitter taste and the allelopathic effects. The objectives of this study are to identify and quantify the glucosinolates present in processed and unprocessed hanza as well as different organs of B. senegalensis, to analyze the chemical composition of the processing water, and to pinpoint the causal agent for the allelopathic properties of the waste water. Hanza (seeds without testa), leaves, branches, unripe and ripe fruits were collected in three populations and subjected to glucosinolate analyses. Methylglucosinolates were identified in all plant parts and populations, with the highest concentrations being found in the hanza. The levels of methylglucosinolates in the hanza reduced significantly during the soaking process. Waste water was collected for 6 days and contained large amounts of macro- and micronutrients, methylglucosinolate as well as methylisothiocyanate, resulting from the conversion of glucosinolates. Waste water from days 1-3 (High) and 4-6 (Low) was pooled and used to water seeds from 11 different crops and weeds. The High treatment significantly delayed or reduced germination of all the plant species tested. Using similar levels of methylisothiocyanate as detected in the waste water, we found that germination of a subset of the plant species was inhibited equally to the waste water treatments. This confirmed that the levels of methylisiothiocyanate in the waste water were sufficient to cause the allelopathic effect. This leads to the possibility of using hanza waste water in weed control programs.

A new flavonol glycoside, bosenegaloside A, is isolated along with seven known compounds from Boscia senegalensis.

In West Africa Callosobruchus maculatus F. causes major losses during storage of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walper). The larvae of C. maculatus are parasitized inside the seeds by Dinarmus basalis (Rondani). African farmers introduce aromatic plants into storage systems at the beginning of the storage period that release toxic volatile compounds into the headspace of the stores. The susceptibility of C. maculatus and D. basalis to two plant sulphur-containing compounds, methylisothiocyanate (MITC) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), was analyzed under laboratory conditions. The adults of C. maculatus and D. basalis had the same susceptibility to MITC but the parasitoid was more susceptible to DMDS than its host. The larvae were less affected by the treatments than the adults; the seed coat acts as a barrier for volatile penetration. Susceptibility to DMDS was high when the C. maculatus larvae were extracted from the seeds. DMDS was more toxic than MITC and differences in penetration inside the seeds could explain these results. The higher susceptibility of D. basalis to the treatments could have consequences on biological control in storage systems. The presence or absence of leaves of the shrub Boscia senegalensis Lamarck (Capparaceae), which release MITC into the jar atmosphere could have an impact on numbers of C. maculatus and D. basalis. When D. basalis adults were put into the storage systems in the absence of B. senegalensis leaves, successive generations of the parasitoids maintained the C. maculatus population at a low density. In the presence of B. senegalensis leaves, the D. basalis population was more affected by the treatment than its host C. maculatus and was incapable of preventing the increase in bruchid population. This traditional method appears to increase seed weight losses by limiting the efficiency of the biological control.

The bruchid Callosobruchus maculatus causes major losses during the storage of the seeds of Vigna unguiculata in West Africa. An endemic parasitoid, the pteromalid Dinarmus basalis is present in the stores and can reduce the increase in bruchid populations. African farmers often place in the stores the leaves of a shrub, Boscia senegalensis Lam.(Capparaceae), which release methylisothiocyanate (MITC). This compound is toxic to adult bruchids and could reduce seed losses but its influence on the bruchid natural enemy D. basalis was hitherto unknown. The susceptibility of C. maculatus and D. basalis to MITC was assessed under laboratory conditions. The susceptibility of adults of both species towards MITC were similar. After a 24 h exposure, the LC 50 was respectively 0.48 and 0.54 mg/l for C. maculatus and D. basalis . The ovicidal activity of this compound was high; the LC 50 of C. maculatus eggs was 0.04 mg/l after a 24 h exposure to MITC. High MITC concentrations only slightly affected the survival of C. maculatus during its post-embryonic development in the seeds of V. unguiculata . Gas chromatographic analysis demonstrated that 25–35% of the MITC present in the atmosphere of the experimental jars was absorbed by the seeds but concentrations inside the cotyledons were too low to influence the survival of the C. maculatus larvae. The D. basalis larvae developing at the expense of their host inside the larval galleries, were more affected by the treatment. The introduction of B. senegalensis releasing MITC in the storage systems could reduce the density of the parasitoid population and so increase the seed losses by permitting the development of the bruchid population.

Aim: Plants used in the Far North Region of Cameroon by livestock farmers to manage Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in cattle and the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potentials of two of them (Boscia senegalensis and Tapinanthus dodoneifolius) were investigated in this study. Methods: Ethnoveterinary data were collected from 325 livestock farmers using semi-structured interviews from September 2011 to April 2012. The 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were first performed with five different solvents to choose the best extract of each plant based on these two factors. To achieve our aim, the ferric iron reducing activity (FIRA), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), Vitamin E and iron content were analyzed on extracts selected using current techniques. Results: The results showed that 12 plants of 08 different families are regularly used by farmers to manage FMD. It also demonstrated that acetone extract of T. dodoneifolius and methanolic extract of B. senegalensis are the extracts which showed the best total antioxidant activity and the best TPC. In general, T. dodoneifolius show the best antioxidant activity during the HRSA and FRSA analysis compared to B. senegalensis. Likewise, T. dodoneifolius content more phenolic compounds and tannins than B. senegalensis. Both plants contain proteins, saponins, tannins, phenols, alkaloid, and polyphenols which are known to have many biological activities. Conclusion: These results support the antioxidant activity of both plants and can justify their use by herders to treat FMD which is often followed by many secondary diseases. [J Intercult Ethnopharmacol 2015; 4(1.000): 40-46]

Objectif : Ce travail realise dans les parcours communautaires du Ferlo-Nord, le long du trace de la Grande Muraille Verte, a pour objectif d’etudier les caracteristiques essentielles de la vegetation ligneuse pouvant servir de reference a l’etude de sa dynamique ou toute autre etude necessitant un etat des lieux par rapport a la vegetation. Methodologie et resultats: La methode d’echantillonnage par releves dendrometriques utilisee, a permis d’obtenir 20 especes appartenant a 18 genres et 12 familles. La famille des Mimosaceae est la mieux representee, suivie de celles des Combretaceae, Asclepiadaceae et Papilionaceae . La distribution selon la hauteur et selon la circonference du tronc a 30 cm du sol des individus du peuplement montre une dominance de la strate arbustive. La regeneration plus importante a Widou est dominee par Balanites aegyptiaca, Calotropis procera et Boscia senegalensis qui semblent etre plus adaptees aux conditions climatiques severes et aux actions anthropiques croissantes. Conclusion : Cette etude a mis en evidence la regression de certaines especes ligneuses a interet multiple pour la population locale du Ferlo-nord et l’expansion d’autres moins utilisees. Ainsi, dans le cadre de la Grande Muraille Verte par rapport aux conditions du milieu (les aleas climatiques et les usages multiples par les populations locales), le choix d’especes adaptees et a proteger devra etre guide par cette presente etude. Mots cles : Ferlo ,structure, Flore , Ligneux. N ature and structure of woody vegetation along the Great Green Wall in the Ferlo region of Northern Senegal. Objective : The work done in the Ferlo North region,along the Great Green Wall aims to study the essential characteristics of woody vegetation in order to serve as a reference for the study of dynamics in other study areas. Methodology and results : the sampling method using dendrometric surveys indicated the presence of 20 species belonging to 18 genera and 12 families. The Mimosaceae family is the most highly represented, followed by the Combretaceae, Asclepiadaceae and Papilionaceae . Population distribution based on the height and the circumferences of trunks at 30 cm above soil level indicated a predominance of shrubs. The greatest regeneration potential was observed in Widou where Balanites aegyptiaca, Calotropis Procera and Boscia senegalensis dominated the landscape. These species are highly adapted to harsh climatic conditions and increasing human activities. Conclusion : This study showed the regression of some useful multi-purpose woody species for the local populations of North Ferlo whereas other less valuable species became dominant in the landscape. Thus, in the context of the Great Green Wall, this study is particularly useful in order to determine the choice of tree species for reforestation and protection. Keywords : Ferlo , structure , Flora , Trees.

The leaves of Boscia senegalensis are traditionally used in West Africa in cereal protection against pathogens, pharmacologic applications, and food processing. Activities of alpha-amylase, beta-amylase, exo-(1--3, 1--4)-beta-D-glucanase, and endo-(1--3)-beta-D-glucanase were detected in these leaves. The endo-(1--3)-beta-D-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) was purified 203-fold with 57% yield. The purified enzyme is a nonglycosylated monomeric protein with a molecular mass of 36 kDa and pIor = 10.3. Its optimal activity occurred at pH 4.5 and 50 degrees C. Kinetic analysis gave Vmax, kcat, and Km values of 659 U/mg, 395 s(-1), and 0.42 mg/mL, respectively, for laminarin as substrate. The use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the enzyme hydrolyzes not only soluble but also insoluble (1--3)-beta-glucan chains in an endo fashion. This property is unusual for endo-acting (1--3)-beta-D-glucanase from plants. The involvement of the enzyme in plant defense against pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi is discussed.

Boscia senegalensis est une microphanerophyte africaine. Des organes ont ete preleves sur des sujets provenant de plusieurs regions phytogeographiques du Niger. Des coupes anatomiques y ont ete realisees et colorees par les techniques de la double coloration au carmino-vert de Mirande. La plante comporte des adaptations morphologiques au niveau des tiges, feuilles et racines, qui lui conferent une large amplitude ecologique recouvrant les stations des plus humides aux plus xeriques.

The effect of hermetic storage alone or in combination with Boscia senegalensis has been evaluated against Callosobruchus maculatus . Analysis of gas concentrations within a 7-day period indicated that O 2 declined from 19.2 to 2.3% and CO 2 rose from 1.2 to 22.8%. Prolonged storage durations increased adult mortality, significantly increased the developmental time and induced 60–80% reduction in the F1 progeny. The use of hermetic storage in combination with B. senegalensis fruits, at 1.2 g/l (flask volume) reduced the emergence of the cowpea beetle, while 2.4–4.8 g/l completely inhibited the production of a new generation of C. maculatus .

Institut de Technologie Alimentaire, Hann-Dakar, BP 2765, Senegal. Centre Regional de Recherche en Ecotoxicologie et Securite Environnementale (CERES/Locustox), km 15 Route de Rufisque, BP 3300 Dakar, Senegal. CIP (International Potato Center) – BP 08 0932Cotonou, Benin. Departement de Biologie Animale, Faculte des Sciences de Dakar, UCAD, BP 5005, Dakar, Senegal. Universite de Liege, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Unite de Chimie Generale et Organique, 2 Passage des Deportes -5030 Gembloux, Belgique. Universite de Liege, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Unite de Chimie Analytique, 2, Passage des Deportes -5030 Gembloux, Belgique.

In this study, we examined the toxicity and persistence of ground fresh leaves of B. senegalensis on the development of Callosobruchus maculatus , major insect pest of cowpea ( V. unguiculata ) in the sahelian area. The effect of the product has been evaluated over the three developmental stages (egg, larvae and adult) of C. maculatus . At high concentration (4 g/l of ground leaves), 100 % of adults were killed within 24 h of exposure to the leaf extract, and the development of newly laid eggs and neonate larvae was also inhibited. However, the ground leaves of B. senegalensis have a variable efficacy against the bruchid instars larva. The 2nd larvae stage (L2) of C. maculatus developing inside the seeds have proved to be highly susceptible while the 4th larval stage was relatively tolerant. The study of the toxicity persistence of the leaves of B. senegalensis showed that whatever its concentration, the efficacy of crushed leaves of B. senegalensis decreased with the storage time. At a concentration of 20 g/l, the effect of B. seneglensis can persist up to 7 days. Keywords : Biopesticides, Bruchids, cowpea, pest control, Niger

Glucocapparin (I) used in this study was isolated from the seeds of Boscia senegalensis (family Capparidaceae). The structure of (I) was determined on the basis of an extensive analysis of the spectroscopic data. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay of (I) showed a marked significant cytotoxic activity with LC 50 = 16.482 �g/ml. Compound (I) reduced the liberation of glucose from the liver of rabbits. The active concentration was 30 mg/ml showing that the in vitro anti-hyperglycaemic effect shown could be related to the traditional use of B. senegalensis seeds in Chad against type 2 diabetes.

Les écosystèmes sahéliens sont soumis à des pressions anthropiques et climatiques croissantes, avec des conséquences durables pour la végétation ligneuse. Les arbres jouent un rôle vital pour la population locale, et leur pérennité doit être assurée. La présente étude vise à caractériser la végétation ligneuse, ses utilisations et sa dynamique sur le long terme (1955-2012) dans la région sablonneuse du Ferlo au Sénégal, dans une zone anthropisée à proximité de deux forages. En 2012, des inven- taires ont été réalisés dans 30 placettes, ainsi que des enquêtes auprès d’éleveurs issus de 30 camps sur la dynamique de la végétation et l’utilisation des essences. Une base de don- nées historique a permis d’obtenir des don- nées complémentaires sur l’évolution de la diversité des essences ligneuses depuis 1955. Par ailleurs, une étude de la bibliographie a permis de recenser toutes les utilisations potentielles des essences. Ces données ont été analysées pour en extraire la dynamique des services d’approvisionnement, en calcu- lant des indices d’utilisation pour les essences et des indices de services pour l’écosystème. En 2012, pour un couvert arboré de 3 % et une diversité spécifique de 12 essences diffé- rentes, les peuplements étaient dominés par deux essences sahéliennes, Balanites aegyp- tiaca et Boscia senegalensis. Le rapport entre arbres jeunes et adultes atteignait 70,5 %, ce qui pouvait indiquer un bon équilibre des essences dans les peuplements, mais 95 % des jeunes plants correspondaient à trois essences seulement, Balanites aegyptiaca, Boscia senegalensis et Acacia tortilis. Concer- nant la valorisation des différentes essences, les plus couramment utilisées étaient B. aegyptiaca et B. senegalensis, mais aussi A. senegal, une essence rare, Adansonia digitata et Ziziphus mauritiana. Les données indiquent un déclin de la diversité spécifique et du nombre de jeunes arbres entre 1955 et 2012, accompagné d’une proportion croissante d’es- sences sahéliennes. Les indices d’utilisation et de service suggèrent une dégradation des services d’approvisionnement, ce qui pourrait indiquer une vulnérabilité croissante de ces écosystèmes.

This report describes in vitro micropropagation of Boscia senegalensis, so-called famine foods, that helped the people in Darfur and Kordofan, Sudan survive during the 1984–1985 famine. Four types of explants prepared from green mature zygotic embryos were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with 1–5 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA). The highest number of shoots per explant (14.3±0.9) was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BA, while the highest shoot length [(3.5±0.4) cm] was obtained with 1 mg/L BA. The shoot cluster, when subcultured to its same medium, significantly increased the rate of shoot multiplication by the end of the third subculture. The maximum mean number of shoots per explant (86.5±3.6) was produced after three multiplication cycles on 3 mg/L BA-supplemented medium. In vitro induced shoots were excised and rooted on half strength MS medium fortified with 0.25 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) to obtain complete plantlets. B. senegalensis-regenerated plantlets obtained in vitro for the first time, were hardened and 95% survived under greenhouse conditions.