Micromineral Content of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) Leaves Grown on Zeolite-Amended Sandy Soil

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla), a popular leafy vegetable grown mainly for its ease of production and nutritional content, is normally used as a good source of microminerals iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Improving plant uptake of Fe and Zn could assist in reducing micromineral deficiencies in humans, which are a global problem. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Council, Stellenbosch to assess the response in micromineral and soil trace elements uptake in Swiss chard grown under zeolite and sandy soil. The experiment consisted of four treatments, with six replicates arranged in a randomized complete block design. Zeolite was applied at 0%; 10%; 20% and 30% in combination with sandy soil. Swiss chard was harvested for micromineral analysis 143 days after transplanting. Soil samples were also collected at the end of each growing season. Swiss chard leaves were analysed for Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu content with soil samples also analysed for the same elements. The study found that zeolite did not improve Swiss chard uptake of Fe, Zn and Mn. Soil Fe also had an inverse relationship to zeolite application while the residual effect of zeolite showed the same trend, but only in the second season. This study indicated that zeolite cannot be used to improve micromineral uptake by Swiss chard but can be used to rectify heavy metal-infested soils

Medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes mellitus 2015

Diabetes mellitus is one of the common endocrine disorders prevalent in almost all of the countries. This chronic pathology is characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defective insulin action, insulin secretion, or the combination of both. Prolonged persistence of elevated blood glucose level consequently caused a series of complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiomyopathy. Currently available synthetic drugs for treating this disease are found to be associated with many adverse effects. The use of plants in medicine is an age-long practice in various parts of the globe for both preventive and curative purposes. Several warnings have been issued over lack of quality control, scientific evidence for the efficacy, and potential adverse effects of herbal remedies including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity among others. Despite all of these, reliance on herbs as medicine for the management of diabetes mellitus is still much practiced by a large proportion of the world population because they are readily available and affordable with perceived reduced toxicity. Therefore, with the upsurge of interests in medicinal plants, there is a need for thorough scientific investigations of these plants for both efficacy and potential toxicity. In this issue, we present some recent advances in the use of medicinal plants for treating diabetes mellitus. B. Pang et al. (“Innovative Thoughts of Treating Diabetes from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine”)presented a review article on the contribution of traditional Chinese medicine to the development of alternative and complementary medicine for the treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus. In another paper (“Effect of Rhizoma Coptidis (Huang Lian) on Treating Diabetes Mellitus”), B. Pang et al. discussed the efficacy and safety of Rhizoma Coptidis in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In another study (“Evaluation of the Effects of Cornus mas L. Fruit Extract on Glycemic Control and Insulin Level in Type 2 Diabetic Adult Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial”), R. Soltani et al. reported the results of a clinical trial on the effect of Cornus mas L. fruit extract on hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients. In addition, W. Liu et al. (“The Effects of Chinese Medicine on Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signal Pathway under High Glucose Condition”) present a valuable review on some compounds implicated in the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway as a mechanism of action involved in the antihyperglycemic activity from Chinese medicine. Furthermore, A. O. T. Ashafa and M. I. Kazeem (“Toxicopathological Evaluation of Hydroethanol Extract of Dianthus basuticus in Wistar Rats”) reported on the effects of Dianthus basuticus (a Basotho plant with acclaimed antidiabetic activity) on some biochemical parameters and histology of Wistar rats. Finally, X.-J. Li et al. (“TCM Formula Xiaoyaosan Decoction Improves Depressive-Like Behaviors in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes”) evaluated the effect of traditional medicine formula, Xiaoyaosan, on the cognitive function of diabetic rats. After the first volume of this special issue that was published in 2014, we hope that this issue will present additional valuable information for scientists and clinicians

Insecticidal activities and chemical composition of the essential oil from Tarchonanthus camphoratus (L.), leaves against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, and Sitophilus oryzae (L.)

The essential oil of Tarchonanthus camphoratus dry leaves growing in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa was obtained by hydrodistillation and evaluated for its repellent effect, contact and fumigation toxicity against both Sitophilus zeamais and Sarocladium oryzae. Chemical composition of the essential oil was analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The study revealed that the essential oil of T. camphoratus had no contact and fumigation toxicity against stored insect pests, S. zeamais and S. oryzae. The oil, however, showed good repellent activity of over 50% after 24 h for all the concentrations used on both S. zeamais and S. oryzae. A total of 27 compounds accounting for 73% of the total oil composition were identified of which sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, (59.18%), were the most dominant. These results suggest that the essential oil of T. camphoratus could be considered a potential control agent of stored grain pests as a repellent

Growth and yield parameters of three cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) lines as affected by planting date and zinc application rate

Cowpea is one of the most important food legumes in most African countries. Cowpea is a valuable source of dietary protein for both humans and their livestock. There is limited information available on cowpea production and suitable agronomic practices, such as planting date, to best suit different environmental conditions in South Africa. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two locations on cowpea production and the effect of planting date as affected by zinc application rate. Field experiments were conducted at two locations (Bien Donne’ and Nietvoorbij) in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, using two planting dates (2 October and 2 November), three cowpea lines (Veg1, M217 and Qukawa) and three zinc (Zn) fertiliser application levels (0 kg/ha, 15 kg/ha and 30 kg/ha) during the 2015 growing season. The experimental design was a randomised complete block with five replicates. The results showed that Veg1 and Qukawa lines performed significantly better in both vegetative and reproductive parameters when compared to M217 at both locations. Application of zinc fertiliser significantly (p<0.05) affected seed iron content in Veg1 and M217 at Bien Donne’ and seed iron content in M217 and zinc content in Veg1 at Nietvoorbij. Significance: • Cowpea lines Veg1 and Qukawa were the best performing lines in all parameters measured, making these two lines suitable for dual purpose cultivation. • Planting cowpea in November, rather than October, increased the crop production efficiency. • Cowpea showed a better overall total yield in the sandy soil of Bien Donne’ than in the sandy loam clay soil of Nietvoorbij. Open data set:  https://osf.io/u4veb/?view_only=45d90f5cd93949fb90cd0ee45055f92

Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L. R. Rr.]) Varietal Loss and its Potential Impact on Smallholder Farmers in Northern Nigeria: A Review

Pearl millet is an alternative source of livelihood for poor farmers who use it to supplement food and income. Pearl millet has high medicinal value and its consumption reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, constipation and anemia. Pearl millets is an excellent source of protein and fiber, and a great source of starch, making it a high-energy food. It is an exceptional food source for babies from six months of age because it has high nutrients and is easily digestible. Pearl millet is the most widely cultivated millet varieties in the world. The cereal crop is grown in arid, infertile, marginal lands in Africa and Asia, and cope with unpredictable climatic conditions. Nigeria is the second largest producer of pearl millet in the world with tremendous amount of pearl millet diversity. However, there is growing recognition that the diversity of pearl millet in northern Nigeria is vastly diminishing thereby affecting the livelihood of smallholder farmers. This paper reviews the erosion of pearl millet, multiple drivers of loss of local varieties of pearl millet, and presents some of the strategies that can be implemented to save the erosion of its diversity in northern Nigeria

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by traditional healers for the treatment of cancer in Hammanskraal and Winterveld, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

Background: Knowledge of medicinal plants used by the traditional healers are mostly confined among the locals and the adherents, hence, proper enquiry and documentation can help the ever dynamic scientific world to find permanent cure to the menace of such deadly diseases such as cancer. This study aimed at (1) specifically recording medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of cancer in Hammanskraal and Winterveld, South Africa, and (2) documenting the different methods of preparation and administration of those medicinal plants as recorded during the study. Method: An open-ended semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 90 willing traditional healers in Hammanskraal and Winterveld area, Tshwane Municipality, South Africa to document plants used for cancer treatments. The study was conducted over a period of six months (July – December, 2018). Descriptive statistics was used to present the obtained data. Results: The study recorded twenty-eight plant species belonging to 18 families for the treatment of different types of cancer. Plant species in the Fabaceae family particularly Lessertia frutescens (L.) Goldblatt and J.C. Manning, Senna italica Mill and Trifolium pratense L. were the most prominently mentioned (highest citation frequency) by the traditional healers for lung, and skin cancer treatment. Based on the citation frequency, the most treated cancer by the traditional healers is in the order: skin cancer &gt; lung cancer &gt; breast cancer &gt; prostate cancer &gt; cervical cancer. The method of preparation included decoction(32.3%), infusion (29%), paste (16.1%) and maceration (22.6%). Conclusion: In addition to the documentation of indigenous knowledge related to the use of medicinal plants in the traditional management of cancer in South Africa, this study opens a vista for investigations into the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the documented plants. Keywords: Cancer; Indigenous plants; Medicinal plants; South Africa; Traditional practitioners

Antimicrobial activity of Alepidea amatymbica

ArticleAlepidea amatymbica Eckl. & Zeyh (Apiaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases including asthma, influenza, and diarrhea in South Africa. The antimicrobial activities of the acetone and methanol extracts of the leaf, stem, rhizome, and root of the species were assessed in an effort to validate the traditional medicinal uses of this herb, especially for the treatment of infectious diseases. Ten bacterial and three fungal species were bioassayed using the agar dilution method. All the extracts demonstrated appreciable activities against three Gram-positive bacteria. These bacteria have been implicated in different respiratory diseases. The inhibitory activity of some of the extracts against pathogens implicated in diarrhea diseases further validated the use of the herb in traditional medicine. Except for acetone leaf extract against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger, all the extracts showed more than 50% mycotic inhibition with activity ranging from 51.39% on A. niger to 81.11% on Penicillium notatum at 5 mg mL−1 which was the highest concentration tested in the study. The ability of the herb to inhibit the growth of various bacteria and fungi species is an indication of the broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential of A. amatymbica; this further validates the use of the herb for various diseases by the people of the Eastern Cape

Ethnomedicine in South Africa: The role of weedy species

ArticleSome weedy plant species have competitive advantage over other species found growing in the same habitat due to their efficient utilization of mineral resources, adaptability to the environment and comparative high fecundity. They are often caught in the web of conservation policy which causes the indiscriminate eradication of these species without consideration for other potential economic importance. This review elucidates the medicinal importance of weedy species found growing in South Africa. Twenty four plant families and 34 species were implicated in the treatment of twenty one diseases and sicknesses by the different natives of South Africa. The importance of this work on the future management of weedy species is briefly discussed

Effects of Veld Degradation on Biomass Production in the Arable Lands of South Africa

This paper reviews the impacts of veld degradation on species diversity, veld ecological condition. The major focus of this review is to assess the major critical factors that contributeto veld degradation. It is imperative to revitalize information on the effects of veld degradation in the South African pastoral farming systems. Current studies have indicated the limited research gaps that identify the adverse effects of veld degradation on species composition and biomass production. Grazing behavior in different grazing patterns has not been clear. Finally, this review will assist farmers, policymakers, and pastoralists to broaden their knowledge on policy development, and appropriate the veld management practices, coping measures of veld degradation, particularly those from resource-poor communities. Whereby, livestock production is the focus for food security and poverty alleviation. However, the use of legumes intercropped with temperate grass species can improve animal performance and herbage production during critical periods. The review further evaluates the veld management practices and their ability in providing adequate foliar cover with the use of the edible perennial grass plant that ensures long-term sustainable production with maximum economic returns during critical grazing seasons