Endocrine disruptors in Adansonia digitata (Linn) extract induce alteration of female Wistar rats' oestrous cycle, hormone and lipid profiles.

OBJECTIVE: Hexane-acetyl acetate (HAAF) and acetyl acetate-methanol fractions (AAMF) but not aqueous methanol (AQMF) and aqueous fractions (AQF) of Adansonia digitata Linn root bark induce reproductive effects in female Wistar rats. The current study investigated the exclusive components of HAAF, AAMF, AQMF, and AQF of Adansonia digitata Linn root bark and the effect of AAMF on the female Wistar rat's oestrous cycle progression, and hormone and lipid profiles. METHODOLOGY: Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry explored the components of HAAF, AAMF, AQMF, and AQF. Mature female Wistar rats with a proven 4-5-days oestrous cycle were synchronised and randomly assigned into three treatment groups of 30 rats each on the day of proestrus. For seven days, rats in the different groups received 0, 150, and 300 mg kg-1 body weights of AAMF, respectively. Six rats were euthanised from each group based on a standard oestrous stage-timed sequence. The oestrous stage, hormone profile (oestrogen, progesterone, progesterone/oestrogen ratio, and FSH) and lipid profile (Total cholesterol-TC, Triglycerols, High-HD and low density-LD lipid cholesterol) of the euthanised rats were determined. RESULTS: tricosene, cyclopentadecanone 2-hydroxy-, oleic acid, and 9,17-octadecadienal, were exclusively found in HAAF and AAMF. The oestrous stage, serum hormone and lipids varied significantly (p < 0.05) between treatment groups. AAMF fraction induced sustained progesterone levels and depleted oestrogen levels, and TC and LDL were inversely related to serum oestrogen levels. DISCUSSION: The results suggest a depression of oestrogen and sustenance of progesterone-mediated effects, respectively, on GnRH surge. Oleic acid in AAMF may be responsible for its reproductive effects. CONCLUSION: AAMF fraction of A. digitata (L) root bark disrupts the endocrine activity in female Wistar rats. The oleic acid component of the AAMF fraction may be responsible for modulating the activities of reproductive hormones. The authors recommend further studies to ascertain the significance of Adansonia digitata extract's oleic acid in regulating the female reproductive cycle.

Bioactivity profiles of six baobab fruit pulp powders via planar chromatography hyphenated with effect-directed analysis.

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit pulp has a high nutrient content and has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes (e.g., as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent) that may help protect against chronic diseases. Six different baobab fruit pulp powders were investigated using three different extractants and analyzed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) hyphenated with antibacterial bioassays and enzyme inhibition assays. The developed non-target effect-directed screening was performed after extraction with pentyl acetate - ethanol 1:1 (V/V) on the HPTLC plate silica gel 60 using toluene - ethyl acetate - methanol 6:3:1 (V/V/V) as mobile phase system and derivatization via the anisaldehyde sulfuric acid reagent for detection. The physico-chemical profiles of the six baobab fruit pulp powder extracts were comparable, although the intensity of some zones was moderately different. The following effect-directed profiling via tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition assays as well as antibacterial Aliivibrio fischeri and Bacillus subtilis bioassays revealed one prominent multipotent bioactive compound zone in common, more or less active in all five studied (bio)assays. Via the recording of high-resolution mass spectra, this compound zone was tentatively assigned to coeluting saturated (palmitic acid 16:0 and stearic acid 18:0), monounsaturated (oleic acid 18:1), and polyunsaturated (linoleic acid 18:2 and linolenic acid 18:3) fatty acids. This finding was confirmed by other studies, which already proved individual activities of fatty acids. The first (bio)activity profiling of baobab fruit pulp powders via HPTLC-effect-directed analysis revealed that the baobab fruit could be considered as a functional food, however, further research is needed to study the impact on health and the influences on the bioactivity arising from different climates, years and soils or regions.

Potential valorisation of baobab (Adansonia digitata) seeds as a coffee substitute: Insights and comparisons on the effect of roasting on quality, sensory profiles, and characterisation of volatile aroma compounds by HS-SPME/GC-MS.

The seeds of Africa's majestic baobab are often discarded or poorly utilized. Few studies explored its potential as a coffee substitute, while the key volatile compounds are still unknown. These compounds were hypothesized to be responsible for baobab's sensory acceptance. In this study, the physicochemical, sensory, and key volatile composition of brews from coffee beans and baobab seeds subjected to different roasting conditions were reported. Roasting increases pH while reducing acidity, total soluble solids, lightness (L*), redness/greenness (a*), and yellowness/blueness (b*) in coffee and baobab brews. Phenolic contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increased roasting intensity in baobab while degrading in coffee. Significant variability of volatile composition existed among coffee and baobab matrices and the roasting conditions. Nevertheless, the presence of several key coffee odorants in baobab from pyrazines, phenols, and furans chemical families, owing to their odour active value ≥ 1, likely contributed to its sensory acceptance.

Baobab pulp authenticity and quality control by multi-imaging high-performance thin-layer chromatography.

Globalization of trade and increasing demand for baobab fruit pulp powder (Adansonia digitata) has led to more adulteration incidence with physically similar products, e.g. sifted cereal flours. In this study, 135 baobab samples drawn from trees in Kitui and Kilifi (Kenya) and North and South Kordofan (Sudan) were used as the reference and compared with adulterated (with 10-30% sifted rice, maize and wheat flours) baobab samples using multi-imaging by high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The ethanol - water extracts were separated on a normal phase. Any differences were detected via multi-imaging (UV/Vis/FLD) including diphenylamine alanine o-phosphoric acid, p-anisaldehyde sulfuric acid and p-amino benzoic acid reagents. Raffinose was identified as a marker compound for cereal-based adulteration. The method accuracy (recovery of 95%) and detection from 10-30% flour addition onwards are sufficient to curb economically motivated adulteration, to control product quality and to ensure consumer protection for local and international trade.

Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab Fruit) Effect on Postprandial Glycemia in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Baobab fruits have been traditionally used in Africa due to their therapeutic properties attributed to their high polyphenol content. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of baobab fruit on postprandial glycaemia in healthy adults and to measure its bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The study (NCT05140629) was conducted on 31 healthy subjects. The participants were randomly allocated in the control group (oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); n = 16) and in the intervention group (OGTT, followed by administration of 250 mL baobab aqueous extract (BAE); n = 15). Total phenols, proanthocyanins, hydrolyzable tannins, and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and inhibition of O2•- and NO• methods) were quantified. Repeated measures ANOVA of mixed type and independent samples t-test were used. Glycemia incremental area under the curve (p = 0.012) and glucose maximum concentration (p = 0.029) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group. The BAE revealed high total contents of phenols, proanthocyanins, and hydrolyzable tannins, as well as a strong capacity to scavenge superoxide anions and nitric oxide radicals and a high antioxidant activity. In conclusion, this study encourages the use of this food component as a promising source of natural antioxidants and a hypoglycemic agent under glucose load acute conditions.

Structure and rheology of pectic polysaccharides from baobab fruit and leaves.

Linkage patterns and relaxation dynamics of baobab (Adansonia digitata) polysaccharides have been investigated by means of linkage analysis and rheometry. The fruit polysaccharide was mostly xylogalacturonan, with co-extracted α-glucan. The leaf polysaccharide consists predominantly of two domains, one branched at O-4 of the →2)-Rhap-(1→ residues and another branched at O-3 of the →4)-GalpA-(1→ backbone to single GlcpA-(1→ residues. Master curves of viscoelasticity of fruit polysaccharides manifested strong pH-dependency. At pH below the dissociation constant of galacturonic acid, dispersions showed liquid-like behaviour. In contrast, at neutral pH, a weak gel network formation was observed that destabilised rapidly under the influence of flow fields. The present work identifies xylogalacturonans from baobab fruit as polysaccharides with unique rheological characteristics that may point to new directions in food and pharmaceutical formulation.

Acylserotonins - a new class of plant lipids with antioxidant activity and potential pharmacological applications.

During analysis of components of baobab (Adansonia digitata) seed oil, several new fluorescent compounds were detected in HPLC chromatograms that were not found previously in any seed oils investigated so far. After preparative isolation of these compounds, structural analysis by NMR spectroscopy, UHPLC-HR-MS, GC-FID and spectroscopic methods were applied and allowed identification of these substances as series of N-acylserotonins containing saturated C22 to C26 fatty acids with minor contribution of C27 to C30 homologues. The main component was N-lignocerylserotonin and the content of odd carbon-atom-number fatty acids was unusually high among the homologues. The suggested structure of the investigated compounds was additionally confirmed by their chemical synthesis. Synthetic N-acylserotonins showed pronounced inhibition of membrane lipid peroxidation of liposomes prepared from chloroplast lipids, especially when the peroxidation was initiated by a water-soluble azo-initiator, AIPH. Comparative studies of the reaction rate constants of the N-acylserotonins and tocopherols with a stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in solvents of different polarity revealed that N-acylserotonins showed similar activity to δ-tocopherol in this respect. The described compounds have been not reported before either in plants or in animals. This indicates that we have identified a new class of plant lipids with antioxidant properties that could have promising pharmacological activities.

High-intensity ultrasound processing of baobab fruit pulp: Effect on quality, bioactive compounds, and inhibitory potential on the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) compared with thermal treatments on baobab fruit pulp (BFP) quality and bioactive properties were investigated. HIU treatments, particularly at intensities of 687.5 W/cm2 for 5 min, and 344 W/cm2 for 15 min significantly (p < 0.05) increased the cloudiness index, ascorbic acid (AA) retention, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity besides a more potent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition relative to thermally treated samples. Moreover, the physicochemical parameters, colour index, and browning index were maintained with HIU besides lower 5-hydroxymethylfurfural values than thermal processing. HPLC analysis revealed that the content of most phenolic compounds was the highest in HIU treatments besides a 235-256% increase in procyanidin C1 compared with control samples. The AA retention following HIU treatments was 87.62-102.86% compared to 30.47-61.90% in thermally treated samples. Our analyses portrayed ultrasound as a feasible alternative to conventional thermal processing of BFP.

Xylogalacturonan-enriched pectin from the fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata: Structural characterization and antidepressant-like effect.

The low methyl-esterified and acetylated xylogalacturonan (DM 20 %, DA 2 %, Mw ∼ 58 kDa) was isolated by water extraction for 4 h × 2 at 50 °C (yield 23 %) from the pulp of baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata L.). Subsequent tightening of the conditions for water extraction by mean increasing the temperature to 70 °C and time to 12 h led to the co-extraction of small amounts of starch components and RG I with xylogalacturonan. Structural analysis (DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography, HPSEC, monosaccharide analysis, NMR spectroscopy) revealed that about 12 mol. % of 1,4-linked α-GalpA residues were substituted by single ß-Xylp residues at the O-3 position. The xylogalacturonan was found to possess an antidepressant-like effect in mice. The study offers using the baobab fruit as a rich source of soluble dietary fiber - water-soluble pectin with beneficial physiological effect.

Effect of Methanol Extract of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Fruit Pulp on NG-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) Induced Hypertension in Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Most available drugs used for management of hypertension have presented a plethora of challenges which genuinely called for development of therapies from natural sources. AIM: This study investigated the effect of methanol extract of Adansonia digitata fruit (MEADF) pulp on NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension in rats. METHODS: Fourty eight (48) wistar rats divided into six (6) groups (eight rats each) were employed. The induction of hypertension was achieved using L-NAME (40mg//kg body weight) by oral gavages. The induced rats were treated with MEADF pulp (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) and Ramipril (10 mg/kg) and the remaining three groups serve as control. Serum haemodynamic and biochemical modifiable parameters were determined using standard assay procedures RESULTS: Administration of MEADF to the rats exerted a dose-dependent lowering effect on the elevated systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate towards the normal physiological threshold. At 400 mg/kg of MEADF, there was significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum lipid profile and biomarkers associated with endothelial dysfunction [angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity], inflammation (C-reactive protein and interleukin-1ß), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and cardiac injury (creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase activities). However, serum concentrations of nitric oxide, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, total bilirubin and albumin were not significantly (p < 0.05) different from those found in normal control group. CONCLUSION: This study therefore demonstrates that MEADF possesses an in vivo ACE inhibitory activity, hypotensive potential and the ability to avert further degeneration of biochemical and physiological upsets associated with L-NAME induced hypertension.

Aqueous extract of Adansonia digitata prevents Cadmium Chloride-induced testicular damage in Wistar Rats.

OBJECTIVES: The role of aqueous extract of Adansonia digitata was investigated against cadmium chloride-induced testicular damage in Wistar Rats. METHODS: Thirty (30) male Wistar Rats weighing (150-170) were divided into six groups (n=5). Group A served as control and received oral administration of phosphate buffer saline; group B received 800 mg/kg A. digitata only; group C were injected intraperitoneally with single dose 2 mg/kg b.w cadmium chloride; group D were injected intraperitoneally with single dose 2 mg/kg b.w cadmium chloride and treated with 800 mg/kg aqueous extract of A. digitata; group E received 300 mg/kg vitamin E only; group F were injected intraperitoneally with single dose 2 mg/kg b.w cadmium chloride and treated with 300 mg/kg vitamin E. After 21 days, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, the testes were excised fixed in Bouins fluids for histological analysis and the other homogenized in 5% sucrose solution for determination of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activity, biochemical assay. RESULTS: The group treated with cadmium chloride plus A. digitata caused significant decrease in MDA levels with significant increase (p<0.05) in antioxidant activities and biochemical enzymes when compared to cadmium chloride only group. CONCLUSIONS: Aqueous extract of A. digitata appears to have ameliorative effect against cadmium chloride-induced testicular damage. This could be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compound.

In vitro bioaccessibility and bioavailability of iron from fenugreek, baobab and moringa.

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a common nutritional disorder worldwide. Sustainable food-based approaches are being advocated to use high and bioavailable dietary iron sources to prevent iron deficiency. The study investigated the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of iron from some plant products. Total iron levels in the samples were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Fractionation of the iron from the digested extracts was carried out by centrifugation and ultrafiltration. Iron bioavailability was determined using an in vitro simulated peptic-pancreatic digestion, followed by measurement of ferritin in Caco-2 cells. The highest amount of bioaccessible iron was obtained from moringa leaves (9.88% ± 0.45 and 8.44 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), but the highest percentage bioavailability was from baobab fruit pulp (99.7% ± 0.13 and 1.74 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) respectively. All the plant products, except for baobab, significantly inhibited iron uptake from FeSO4 and FAC, with fenugreek sprout being the most inhibitory.

Hydromethanolic Extracts from Adansonia digitata L. Edible Parts Positively Modulate Pathophysiological Mechanisms Related to the Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome includes a cluster of risk factors for many pathological conditions, including hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Adansonia digitata L. (also known as baobab) is used in traditional African Medicine and recent studies showed that it improves the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of action associated with the beneficial effects of extracts from the edible parts of baobab (fruit pulp, leaves, raw and toasted seeds), evaluating their inhibitory activity against: alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and pancreatic lipase. Baobab fruit pulp and leaf extracts resulted to be the most active ones and were then tested on the differentiation process of SW-872 human liposarcoma cells to mature adipocytes. The addition of these latter extracts did not affect triglyceride accumulation, indicating a neutral impact on this parameter. The findings here reported help to explain the growing amount of evidence on the biological properties of baobab and provide suggestions about their use in food and nutraceutical fields.

Ultrasound-assisted adsorption/desorption for the enrichment and purification of flavonoids from baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit pulp.

This work described the purification and enrichment of flavonoids from baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit pulp (BFP) by ultrasound-assisted adsorption/desorption procedure using macroporous resins. Four resins were tested and HPD-500 polar resin exhibited the best adsorption/desorption properties. Based on preliminary experiments and literature reports, the effects of various ultrasonic conditions including high power short time (HPST, 540 W for 5 min), medium power medium time (MPMT, 270 W for 15 min) and low power long time (LPLT, 45 W for 30 min) as well as different temperatures (T = 25-45 °C) on the adsorption of Total Flavonoids Content (TFC) were investigated in comparison with orbital shaking/no sonication (NS). Also, the effect of ultrasound on the desorption capacity and recovery of TFC was determined at different concentrations of ethanol (30-100%). Remarkably, ultrasonic treatment significantly increased the adsorption/desorption capacity and recovery and shortened the equilibrium time. The pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models better delineated the adsorption process under ultrasound. Moreover, the adsorption process was both spontaneous and thermodynamically favourable with physical adsorption and multilinear intraparticle diffusion being the predominant mechanisms of the whole process. HPST treatment at 25 °C with 80% ethanol as the desorption solvent most noticeably enhanced the adsorption/desorption of flavonoids and contributed to the highest recovery of TFC, Total Phenolic Content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity in addition to a 5-8-fold reduction in total sugar and acid contents when compared with NS treatment. Moreover, HPLC analysis revealed that the content of nine out of thirteen phenolic compounds from the HPST treatment was the highest, and the individual flavonoids content increased by 2-3-fold compared with the other treatments. Our analyses suggested that ultrasound can be employed as a practical approach to intensify the adsorption and desorption of functional compounds in BFP.

Ameliorative activity of Adansonia digitata fruit on high sugar/high fat diet-simulated Metabolic Syndrome model in male Wistar rats.

Metabolic syndrome is a complex of metabolic disorders characterized by oxidative stress which compromises cell functions and entails multiple organs pathologies. We investigated the therapeutic and protective potential of Adansonia digitata fruit -a potent antioxidant- in high sugar/high fat diet-simulated metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats. 42 male rats (140-200 g) were randomly divided into 7 groups. G1 was kept on standard laboratory diet (SLD) for all 9 weeks (negative control). 5 groups were fed high Sugar/high fat diet for 6 weeks then switched to SLD for another 3 weeks + oral treatment as follows: G2+ no treatment (positive control), G3-G5 + 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day aqueous A. digitata fruit respectively, G6 + 10 mg/kg/day Simvastatin. G7 + HS/HFD + 400 mg/kg/day A. digitata fruit simultaneously and was terminated at W6. Our results showed that G2-G6 develops dyslipidemia, hyperglycaemia, weight gain, elevated hepatic biomarkers, elevated creatinine and urea plus pathological derangements in the heart, liver and kidney tissues compared to negative control at W6. 200 mg/kg/day A. digitata fruit significantly ameliorated the induced dyslipidemia (P ≤ 0.001), hyperglycaemia (P ≤ 0.001) with a significant reduction in the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (P ≤ 0.000) after 3 weeks treatment. The fruit normalized the elevated hepatic biomarkers as well as creatinine and urea. A dose dependent partial reduction in lesion intensity was observed in the hepatic tissue while the heart and kidney showed mostly reversed to normal histology. The inflammatory infiltration was eliminated. Relevant results were observed for the two higher doses. The simultaneous treatment showed significant lower levels in all biomarkers investigated compared to positive control which could be interpreted as protective activity. A reduction of 4-11% in whole body weight was achieved. CONCLUSION: MetS was successfully simulated with a HS/HFD formula in male Wistar rats. Treatment with aqueous A. digitata fruit showed anti-Metabolic Syndrome potential reflected by weight loss, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycaemic, renal, hepatic and cardio-protective activities.

Characterizing the phenolic constituents of baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit shell by LC-MS/QTOF and their in vitro biological activities.

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit is a part of the baobab tree, a revered multi-purpose tree native to Africa with a myriad of potentials in providing shelter, food, medicine, clothing and as a valuable source of natural antioxidants. A massive quantity of baobab fruit shells (BFS) is generated as a waste from the baobab fruit processing representing significant economic and environmental challenges at the same time an opportunity for its valorization and commercial utilization. The present study explored the potentials of BFS as a source of phenolic compounds. For this purpose, the phenolic constituents of BFS were identified by LC-MS/QTOF analysis. Also, the Total Phenolic Chromatographic Index (TPCI), TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity were compared with the baobab seeds and pulp. The antidiabetic potential through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities was also compared with that of acarbose. The LC-MS/QTOF analysis led to the identification of 45 compounds, including quercetin, kaempferol, proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids and their derivatives, several of which had never been reported in baobab fruit. Moreover, the BFS showed higher TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity than the baobab seeds and pulp and inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes activities with much higher potency than acarbose. This research demonstrated the promising potentials of BFS as a good source of phenolic compounds that can further be utilized for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Nutrient evaluation and ruminal degradation of dry matter and protein from amarula (Sclerocarya birrea), macadamia (integrifolia) and baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) oilcakes as dietary supplements for ruminants.

Inadequate availability of feed ingredients significantly contributes to reduced animal production. Nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients for potential use in feed ration is key. Triplicate samples of oil extraction by-products viz.: amarula (Sclerocarya birrea), macadamia (integrifolia) and baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) oilcakes were analysed for proximate, mineral and amino acids content. To determine the in situ rumen degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) from the oilcakes, polyester bags were used to incubate triplicate subsamples of each oilcake in the ventral rumen of each of the three cannulated mid-lactating Holstein cows for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, or 48 h. Amarula oilcake (AOC) had higher (P < 0.05) CP, ether extract and essential amino acid content than macadamia (MOC) and baobab (BOC) oilcakes. Fibre fractions were higher (P < 0.05) in MOC and BOC than in AOC. While calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) concentrations were high (P < 0.05) in MOC and BOC, phosphorus (P) concentration was high (P < 0.05) in AOC. The effective degradability of DM and water-soluble, rapidly degradable fractions of DM and CP were high (P < 0.05) in AOC. Insoluble but degradable fraction of CP was high (P < 0.00) in BOC and effective degradation of CP was high (P < 0.05) in AOC and BOC. The AOC with its high CP, EE and essential AA can be used as both protein and energy source for ruminants. Seemingly, MOC and BOC can be used as supplements for fibre as well as Ca and K in ruminant diets. Hence, these non-conventional oilcakes have the potential to partially replace conventional oilcakes in ruminant diets. Evaluation of growth performance, nitrogen digestion and carcass characteristics in ruminants fed diets containing the AOC, BOC and MOC are recommended.

Methanol stem bark extract of Adansonia digitata ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behavior: Involvement of the HPA axis, BDNF, and stress biomarkers pathways.

Background Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) is used locally in the management of depressive illnesses, and its antidepressant-like effect has been previously reported. The present study was aimed at determining the effect of the methanol extract of the stem bark of A. digitata (MEAD) on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and the possible mechanism responsible for its antidepressant activity. Methods Acute toxicity of MEAD was determined using the OECD guideline 420. The CUMS model was used to induce depression, and behavioral tests such as sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), novel-object recognition test (NORT), and tail suspension test (TST) were carried out in mice. The concentrations of plasma cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein in the brain were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed using colorimetric methods. Results The LD50 was established to be ≥5000 mg/kg. On CUMS-induced depression, MEAD significantly (p ≤ 0.05) and dose dependently reversed the weight loss, increased the line-crossing activity in OFT, increased sucrose consumption in SPT, decreased the duration of immobility in TST, and increased the novelty exploration time in NORT. The MEAD extract significantly (p ≤ 0.05) and dose dependently increased the levels of BDNF, decreased the levels of plasma cortisol, increased the levels of total SOD activity, and decreased the levels of plasma MDA. Conclusion Our findings show that MEAD ameliorates CUMS-induced depressive-like behavior and its effect is possibly mediated via the neuroendocrine, neurotrophic, and oxidative stress pathways.

Efficacy of a Methanolic Extract of Adansonia digitata Leaf in Alleviating Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia, and Oxidative Stress of Diabetic Rats.

Traditionally, in many countries, various parts of the Adansonia digitata (A. digitata) tree have been used in the treatment of many clinical ailments including diarrhea and dysentery. The phytochemical screening has indicated that the leaf extract of A. digitata contains flavonoids, saponins, mucilage, steroids, and alkaloids. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate the hyperglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of methanolic extract of A. digitata leaves (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) in diabetic rats. The extract was administered orally for six weeks in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The treatment with the extract caused a significant reduction in the blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 46.7%, 46.15%, 48.91%, 43%, 60%, 66%, 45.45%, and 30.4%, respectively, as compared to the diabetic group after the sixth week of treatment. The leaf extract also mitigated the decline of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level, RBCs count, hemoglobin level, packed cell volume (PCV %), and erythropoietin concentration in diabetic rats by 31%, 33.25%, 24.72%, 51.42%, and 220.68% with respect to the diabetic group. Also, the extract maintained the level of antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the diabetic rats. It also reduced the elevation in the white blood corpuscles (WBC) count in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. Our study, therefore, indicates that methanolic extract of A. digitata leaf exerts strong antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic properties in a dose-dependent manner by improving the hematological properties and redox parameters in the experimental diabetic rats.

Intake, digestibility, rumen protein synthesis, and growth performance of Malawi Zebu steers fed diets containing rangeland-based protein sources.

The study evaluated effects of feeding Malawi Zebu steers with diets containing baobab (Adansonia digitata) seed meal and white thorn tree (Vachellia polyacantha) leaf-meal as alternative protein sources to soybean meal on dry matter intake (DMI), total tract nutrient digestibility, rumen microbial nitrogen supply and growth performance. Thirty Malawi Zebu steers (181 ± 21.4 kg and 29 months), put into individual pens, were randomly assigned to three treatments (10 steers per treatment) made up of rangeland hay and maize bran with either baobab seed meal (baobab diet), V. polyacantha leaf-meal (Vachellia diet), or soybean meal (soybean diet, control) as the protein source. Steers fed the soybean and baobab diets had higher (P ≤ 0.05) DMI, final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and total tract nutrient digestibility of DM, NDF, CP and crude fat than those fed the Vachellia diet. Steers fed the soybean diet had the highest feed conversion ratio followed by those fed the baobab and Vachellia diets, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Steers fed the baobab diet had the highest rumen microbial N followed by the soybean- and Vachellia-fed steers in that order (P ≤ 0.05). Steers fed the baobab diet had higher microbial N supply, comparable DMI, ADG, FCR, and nutrient digestibility to the soybean diet. The baobab seed meal could be an alternative protein source to the soybean meal for beef production in Malawi.