Documentation and Nutritional profile of some selected food plants of Otwal and Ngai sun counties Oyam District, Northern Uganda

Wild food plants play an important role in the diet of inhabitants of Oyam District. Some of these plants are drought-resistant and gathered throughout the season. These foods are an important source of nutrients. However, there is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the nutrient content of these indigenous plants. The purpose of this study was to document and assess the nutrient and mineral content of some of these plants. Ethnobotanical surveys were used to collect data through formal and informal interviews and focused group discussions. Voucher specimens were collected during field excursions and deposited at Makerere Herbarium. Nutrients and mineral analyses were carried out through known laid down procedures. Wild and cultivated fruits, seeds, underground organs and vegetables from Ngai and Otwal Sub counties were analysed for mineral elements that is; calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus concentrations. Also nutrients such proteins, beta carotene, vitamin C and dietary fibre were determined. A total of 20 plant samples were analysed comprising both wild and domesticated food plant species so as to give a basis in comparison in nutrient and nutrient element. On average, vegetables were found to be rich in nutrients and minerals compared to seeds, fruits and roots. The wild food plant species were rich sources of nutrient element for example the highest concentration of calcium was found in copper leaves 867.59 mg/100g compared to 47 mg in broccoli or 77 mg in okra. Plant species that showed high iron contents [>30%] were leaves of swamp hibiscus, African spider flower, fruit of Tamarind, Black night shade and Jews mallow. It was also noted that among the food plant species analysed, fruits were low in nutrients and mineral elements. Some of these food plants were also considered to have medicinal properties by the locals such as African spider flower, Rattle pod among others. However, it should be noted that there is a general decline in the consumption of wild plants, despite the apparent high nutritional values. The conservation of wild food plants is not taking place among the communities in the study area, thus the poor rural communities who are limited on balancing their diet could be faced with diseases associated with nutrient deficiencies.Keywords: Wild food plants; Nutrient; MineralAfrican Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Volume 13 No. 2 April 201

Proximate nutrient composition of some wild edible medicinal plants from Uganda

There are high levels of malnutrition especially among children in Africa. In Uganda,this is compounded by widespread food insecurity. There are various wild edible plantspecies in Uganda. However, little research has been carried out to document andvalidate the claims associated with their use. A study was, therefore, carried out toanalyse the nutritional contents of six commonly used wild edible medicinal plantspecies from Nebbi district in Northwestern Uganda. These plants were Erythrococcabongensis, Grewia trichocarpa, Leptadenia hastata, Nymphaea lotus, Oxygonumsinuatum and Talinum portulacifolium. The plants were selected mainly because oftheir use as both food and medicine. All the selected plant species have documentedmedicinal uses among the local communities in Nebbi district where they are used.However, many of them are often neglected and underutilized, despite their potentialtherapeutic and nutritional benefits. The vitamin C, β-carotene, macronutrient, calcium,iron, magnesium, phosphorous and sodium compositions of the selected edible parts ofthe plant species were analysed. With the exception of Grewia trichocarpa fruits andNymphaea lotus seeds, the leaves of Talinum portulacifolium had higher Fe (4.54±0.07mg/100g), P (0.31±0.01 mg/100g), Mg (0.3±0.3 mg/100g), β-carotene (0.275±0.00μg/100g) and crude ash (22.13±0.19%) contents than the rest of the plant species. Theleaves of Leptadenia hastata had higher levels of vitamin C (17.93±2.01 mg/100g) thanthe leaves of other plant species. All the plant species analysed were richer in iron thanthe common cabbage Brassica oleracea var capitata. There were significantdifferences in the nutritional contents of the plant species analysed (p<0.05). However,the nutrient values of the plant extracts were generally much lower, providing a smallpercentage of Recommended Dietary Allowance or Recommended Nutrient Intakes(RNI) values. The vitamin C, β-carotene and other nutrient contents of most of theplant species analysed were generally comparable or even higher than those of thecommon cabbage in some instances. Consumption and conservation of these plantspecies should be encouraged by local authorities because they not only supplement thelocal staples with the much needed nutrients, but they could also have medicinalproperties.Key words: Wild, edible, Medicinal plants, Nutrient, Food-security, food,underutilized, Ugand

A Review of the Toxicity and Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plant Species Used by Herbalists in Treating People Living With HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Introduction: Despite concerns about toxicity, potentially harmful effects and herb-drug interactions, the use of herbal medicines remains widely practiced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Uganda. Objective: The objective of the paper was to comprehensively review the literature on the toxicity and chemical composition of commonly used medicinal plant species in treating PLHIV in Uganda. Methods: We reviewed relevant articles and books published over the last sixty years on ethnobotany, antiviral/anti-HIV activity, toxicity, phytochemistry of Vachellia hockii, Albizia coriaria, Bridelia micrantha, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Erythrina abyssinica, Gardenia ternifolia, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Psorospermum febrifugium, Securidaca longipendunculata, Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum chalybeum and their synonyms. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Discussion: Most of the plant species reviewed apart from P. febrifugium, S. longipedunculata and C. sanguinolenta lacked detailed phytochemical analyses as well as the quantification and characterization of their constituents. Crude plant extracts were the most commonly used. However, purified/single component extracts from different plant parts were also used in some studies. The U87 human glioblastoma was the most commonly used cell line. Water, ethanol, methanol and DMSO were the commonest solvents used. In some instances, isolated purified compounds/extracts such as Cryptolepine and Psorospermin were used. Conclusion: Cytotoxicity varied with cell type, solvent and extract type used making it difficult for direct comparison of the plant species. Five of the eleven plant species namely, A. coriaria, C. sanguinolenta, G. ternifolia, P. febrifugium and Z. chalybeum had no cytotoxicity studies in animal models. For the remaining six plant species, the crude aqueous and ethanol extracts were mainly used in acute oral toxicity studies in mice. Herbalists reported only A. coriaria and W. ugandensis to cause toxic side effects in humans. However, selective cytotoxic plant extracts can potentially be beneficial as anticancer or anti-tumour drugs

Ethno-botanical uses of Ugandan edible wild fruit species

Edible wild fruit tree species are known to provide enormous products and services to several rural communities worldwide. Products derived from such edible wild fruit tree species and related conservation issues are not adequately documented. The objectives of this study were to document the uses/products derived from five most preferred edible wild fruit tree species of Gulu district; how their products are harvested; how they are locally managed; if there are any constraints to cultivation and local strategies for conservation. The five edible wild fruit species used in this study (Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn, Vitex doniana Sweet, Borassus aethiopum Mart, Tamarindus indica L. and Annona senegalensis Oliv.) were earlier identified from household heads in Gulu district as most preferred. Data on these were collected using questionnaires, interview guides, field visits, home observation and photography. The main uses and products which were established included fruits, fuel-wood, charcoal, medicinal, timber among others. Modes of harvests varied with each product. No management system was in place for any fruit tree species. Wild fruits have several products not yet documented. Willingness to cultivate these fruit trees is low. It is, therefore, important to raise awareness on the demises of mismanaging these tree species, set and implement adequate conservation measures

Nutritional Profile Of Some Selected Food Plants Of Otwal And Ngai Sub Counties, Oyam District, Northern Uganda

Wild food plants play an important role in the diet of inhabitants of Oyam District. Some of these plants are drought-resistant and gathered throughout the year. These wild foods are an important source of nutrients. However, there is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the nutrient contents of these indigenous plants. The purpose of this study was to document and assess the nutrient and mineral contents of the selected food plants. Ethnobotanical surveys were used to collect data through formal and informal interviews and focused group discussions. Voucher specimens were collected during field excursions and taken to Makerere Herbarium for proper identification. Nutrients and mineral analyses of wild and cultivated fruits, seeds, underground organs and vegetables from Ngai and Otwal sub counties were carried out using known procedures. They were analysed for mineral nutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus concentrations. Additionally nutrients such proteins, beta carotene, vitamin C and dietary fibre were determined. On average, vegetables were found to be richer in organic nutrients and minerals followed by fruits and seeds in that order. Generally the wild food plant species were found to be richer sources of mineral nutrient than their cultivated relatives. For example, the highest concentration of calcium 867.59 mg/100g was found in Acalypha bipartita leaves compared to 294.18 mg/100g in Cleome gynandra . Plant species that showed high iron contents [>30%] were leaves of swamp hibiscus, African spider flowers, fruist of Tamarind, Black night shade and Jews mallow. It was also noted that among the food plant species analysed, fruits were low in nutrients and mineral elements. Some of these food plants were also considered to have medicinal properties by the locals such as African spider flower, Rattle pod among others. However, it should be noted that there is a general decline in the consumption of wild plants, despite the apparent high nutritional values. The conservation of wild food plants is not taking place among the communities in the study area, thus the poor rural communities who are limited on balancing their diet could be faced with diseases associated with nutrient deficiencies

Assessment of Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni contamination in wetland soils and plants in the Lake Victoria basin

The impact of waste disposal on trace metal contamination was investigated in eleven wetlands in the Lake Victoria Basin. Samples of soil, water and plants were analysed for total Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni concentrations using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The trace metal concentrations in soil were the highest in Katanga wetland with the highest mean concentrations of 387.5±86.5 mg/kg Zn, 171.5±36.2 mg/kg Pb, 51.20±6.69 mg/kg Cu and 21.33±2.23 mg/kg Ni compared to the lowest levels observed at Butabika (30.7±3.2 mg/kg Zn, 15.3±1.7 mg/kg Pb, 12.77±1.35 mg/kg Cu and 6.97±1.49 mg/kg Ni). Katanga receives waste from multiple industrial sources including a major referral city hospital while Butabika is a former solid waste dumpsite. Wetland soil near a copper smelter had a Cu concentration of 5936.3±56.2 mg/kg. Trace metal concentrations in industrial effluents were above international limits for irrigation water with the highest concentrations of 357,000 μg/L Cu and 1480 μg/L Zn at a Cu smelter and 5600 μg/L Pb at a battery assembling facility compared to the lowest of 50 μg/L Cu and 50 μg/L Zn in water discharged from Wakaliga dumpsite. Uptake of trace metals from soil differed from plant to plant and site to site. Higher levels of trace metals accumulated in the root rather than in the rhizome and the least amount was in the leaf. The study identifies industry as a potential source of trace metal contamination of water and the environment pent-up need for policy intervention in industrial waste management

Application of algae in biomonitoring and phytoextraction of heavy metals contamination in urban stream water

Biological technologies for wastewater remediation techniques employed to remove contaminants in urban stream water are increasingly receiving attention worldwide. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the concentrations of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron in algal biomass and establish the feasibility of using algae in phytoextraction and bio-monitoring of environmental quality. Analysis of algal biomass samples in the Nakivubo urban stream ecosystem, Kampala, Uganda, showed that there was contamination by lead, cadmium, copper and zinc as indicated by enrichment factor and pollution load index values. It is suspected that industrial and vehicular emissions are the major sources of these pollutants. Calculated bio-concentration factor was = 1000 but with low concentration thresholds in each element, suggesting that algal biomass was a very good heavy metal accumulator. The bio-concentration values in algal biomass were found to be in the order of copper > zinc > lead > cadmium in the Nakivubo Channelized stream. In conclusion, algae can be a promising aquatic bio-filter plant for phytoextraction and bio-monitoring of polluted urban stream ecosystems and wastewater

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in the urban stream sediments and its tributaries

Globally, aquatic ecosystems are highly polluted with heavy metals arising from anthropogenic and terrigenous sources. The objective of this study was to investigate the pollution of stream sediments and possible sources of pollutants in Nakivubo Channel Kampala, Uganda. Stream sediments were collected and analysed for heavy metal concentration using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The degree of pollution in Nakivubo channelized stream sediments for lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron was assessed using enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index and pollution load index. The results indicated that (1) the sediments have been polluted with lead, cadmium and zinc and have high anthropogenic influences; (2) the calculation of geo-accumulation index suggest that Nakivubo stream sediments have background concentration for copper, manganese and Fe (Igeo ≤ 0); (3) factor analysis results reveal three sources of pollutants as explained by three factors (75.0 %); (i) mixed origin or retention phenomena of industrial and vehicular emissions; (ii) terrigenous and (iii) dual origin of zinc (vehicular and industrial). In conclusion, the co-precipitation (inclusion, occlusion and adsorption) of lead, cadmium and zinc with manganese and iron hydroxides, scavenging ability of other metals, very low dissolved oxygen and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH in stream water could account for the active accumulation of heavy metals in Nakivubo stream sediments. These phenomena may pose a risk of secondary water pollution under sediment disturbance and/or changes in the geo-chemistry of sediments

Heavy metal assessment and water quality values in urban stream and rain water

Water quality monitoring in developing countries is inadequate, especially in stream water affected by urban effluents and runoff. The purpose of this study was to investigate heavy metal contaminants in the Nakivubo Stream water in Kampala, Uganda. Water samples Nakivubo Channelized Stream, tributaries and industrial effluents that drain into the stream were collected and analysed for the total elemental concentration using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that: 1) the wastewater was highly enriched with lead and manganese above the maximum permissible limit; 2) the levels of dissolved oxygen were below the maximum permissible limit, while the biological oxygen demand was above the maximum permissible limit. All industrial effluents/wastewater were classified as strong (> 220 mg/L). Factor analysis results reveal two sources of pollutants; 1) mixed origin or chemical phenomena of industrial and vehicular emissions and 2) multiple origin of lead (vehicular, commercial establishment and industrial). In conclusion, Nakivubo Channelized Stream water is not enriched with heavy metals. These heavy metals (lead, cadmium and zinc) were rapidly removed by co-precipitation with manganese and iron hydroxides and total dissolved solids into stream sediments. This phenomena is controlled by pH in water