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Currently, microencapsulation has become a viable method of nutrient delivery for the food industry. This work microencapsulated the bioactive compounds extracted from two neglected species (Balanites aegyptiaca and Ziziphus mauritiana) by freeze-drying. A combination of wall materials (whey protein and pectin; soy protein and maltodextrin) was chosen to prepare the microcapsules. The phytochemical and physicochemical characterization of the microcapsules was then carried out. The encapsulation yield ranged from 82.77% to 96.05% for Balanites and Ziziphus, respectively, whereas the efficiency was 76.18 ± 1.39% and 80.93 ± 1.71%. The stimulated in vitro gastrointestinal test showed that encapsulation increased the bioavailability of the bioactive compounds. The total carotenoids were the most bioavailable compounds with 85.89 ± 0.06% for Ziziphus and 70.46 ± 1.10% for Balanites, followed by total flavonoids for Zizyphus with 63.27 ± 1.56%. Furthermore, regardless of species or wavelengths, the HPLC analysis resulted in the identification of 17 bioactive metabolites. The predominant one was epicatechin, whose level ranged from 231.52 ± 5.06 to 250.99 ± 3.72 mg/100 g DW in Ziziphus and 91.80 ± 3.85 to 116.40 ± 4.09 mg/100 g DW in Balanites. In estimating the enzyme inhibition and antioxidant power, both studied fruits showed antidiabetic, inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. These findings suggest that natural bioactive compounds are abundant in the fruits of Z. mauritiana and B. aegyptiaca and could be a valuable source for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
RESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plants have contributed to food security and disease treatments to rural populations in sub Saharan Africa for many centuries. These plants occupy a significant place in the treatment of diseases, such as malaria. In Mali, malaria is the leading cause of medical consultation and death. This infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and children under 5 years. The general aim of this research was to collect data on the knowledge of traditional health practitioners on malaria in the Sélingué area; particularly to document how traditional healers conceptualize and diagnose malarial disease and to collect and identify medicinal plants or other substances used for their health and well-being. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted on simple and complicated malaria in six villages in Sélingué subdistrict in a period of 2 months. The ethnobotanical data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. In total 50 traditional healers were interviewed. RESULTS: Two concepts of malaria (simple and complicated malaria) were cited and 97 plants used to treat malaria were identified. Decoctions and bathing (whole body) proved to be the most commonly used mode of application. Food attitudes and mosquitoes are perceived to be the most important causes of the disease. Trichilia emetica, Mitragyna inermis, Sarcocephalus latifolius, Cassia sieberiana, Cochlospermum tinctorium, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Guiera senegalensis and Entada africana were quoted as the most used in the treatment of malaria. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about malaria and traditional treatment practices exist in Sélingué subdistrict. Herbal remedies are commonly used by people for the treatment of malaria because they are believed to be cost-effective and more accessible. Many of the plant species used for the treatment of malaria have not been well documented as well as their phytochemical and antimalarial activity.