Department of Biotechnology

Geo-Nutritional Variability of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Seeds across Diverse Agro-Ecological Zones in Zimbabwe: Insights into Macro-nutrients, Micro-nutrients and Anti nutritional Factors

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Geo-Nutritional Variability of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Seeds across Diverse Agro-Ecological Zones in Zimbabwe: Insights into Macro-nutrients, Micro-nutrients and Anti nutritional Factors Magava, Kelvin; Chigu, Nomathemba; Chisango, Tawanda; Masaiti, Tanaka The baobab tree, Adansonia digitata, is a climate-resilient indigenous species native to sub-Saharan Africa that offers significant nutritional and economic potential through its pulp and seeds. This study investigated the proximate composition of baobab seeds collected from three distinct agro-ecological zones: Mashonaland East, Masvingo, and Manicaland, to assess how geographic origin influences nutritional quality. Standard AOAC protocols were used to analyze moisture, ash, crude protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate content. Results revealed regional differences: Manicaland exhibited the highest mean moisture (6.22 ± 0.02%) and crude protein (20.5 ± 0.01%) levels, while Mashonaland East had the highest crude fat content (23.9 ± 0.03%). Masvingo recorded elevated carbohydrate levels (39.7 ± 0.05%) and antinutrient concentrations, including tannins (10.12 ± 1.02 g/100g), phytates (4.56 ± 0.23 g/100g), and oxalates (2.64 ± 0.02 g/100g). Statistical analysis using a one-way ANOVA test and the Tukey HSD test, revealed that a significant difference (p < 0.05) exists between seed composition from differing provinces. This reiterated the effect of genetic or environmental variation of A. digitata. It was observed that geographical location plays a significant role in impacting the nutritional composition of A. digitata, as different zones possess different compositions of macronutrients, micronutrients, and antinutrients. Such spatial effects are important in determining suitable zones suitable for the utilization of particular varieties of A. digitata. This can range from those rich with proteins for particular animal feed compositions or those rich with oil compositions. Consideration should be given to how A. digitata seed products should be valorized at national levels.

Evaluation of wheatstraw, sawdust, banana fronds,maize cobs and cotton hulls substratecombinations for Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation.

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluation of wheatstraw, sawdust, banana fronds,maize cobs and cotton hulls substratecombinations for Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation. Silivani, Elyson; Chisango, Tawanda Jonathan; Chitindingu, Kudakwashe; Chigu Nomathemba, Loice The yield and quality of oyster mushroom is largely dependent on the chemical and nutritional content ofthe substrate. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of different individual substratesand substrate combinations on the perfomance of P.ostreatus for growth and sustainable developmentof the mushroom cultivation industry in Zimbabwe. Various individual substrates used as treatments,selected for the cultivation of oyster mushrooms were, wheatstraw, cotton hulls, sawdust, maize cobsand banana fronds each of 1kg and replicated 4 times. Various substrate combinations, also used astreatments were, cotton hulls and wheatstraw, cotton hulls and sawdust, cotton hulls and maizecobs,cotton hulls and banana fronds in the ratio 1:1. Each combination weighed 1kg and was replicated 4times.Compound substrates perfomed much better in terms of biological effi ciency and spawn runcompared to individual substrates. The highest biological effi ciency (76%) and spawn run(17 days) wereobtained from combining cotton hulls and sawdust. Spawn run was fastest(12 days) for cotton hulls andwheatstraw combination. Analysis in terms of economic return, revealed that mushroom production wasmost profi table using cotton hulls and sawdust as substrate with a benefi t-cost ratio of 5.7 compared toother combinations of agricultural residues. In terms of spawn run, yield and economic return, combiningcotton hulls and sawdust is highly recommended for farmers involved in the cultivation of Pleurotusostreatus to satisfy increasing consumer demand, whilst decreasing pressure on limited naturalresources and preventing ecosystems degradation.

Geo-Nutritional Variability of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Seeds across Diverse Agro-Ecological Zones in Zimbabwe: Insights into Macro-nutrients, Micro-nutrients and Anti nutritional Factors

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

An Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used to Manage Diabetes in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

An Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used to Manage Diabetes in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Dube, Moreblessing; Nyoni, Stephen; Konono, Kimberly Chido Cheryl; Chikwambi, Zedias Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion reaction. Medicinal plants are becoming a strong potential alternative to synthetic medication, diet, and exercise due to their reported fewer side effects, affordability, and availability. The study gathers traditional information about medicinal plants used for diabetes in Bulawayo province. Methods: Eighty traditional medical practitioners and twenty diabetes patients were recruited for the survey. Interviews, observations, and field surveys were used to collect data. Results: Ninety-seven plants were mentioned (40 cultivated plants and 57 indigenous plants). Only 49 plant species belonging to 28 families were identified at the National Herbarium, with Fabaceae recorded the highest (22%). Zanthoxylum capense (Thunb.) Harv., Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill and Monotes engleri Gilg. were fre quently used for diabetes management. In addition to having high ethnobotanical indices values, the identified plants were reported to be antidiabetic in the literature reviewed. Only five species were not reported. Tamarindus indica L. was cited 15 times, followed by Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (14 times) and Adansonia digitata L. (10 times). Herbal formulations were mainly infusion of fresh/dried parts(36%) or powder(13%) followed by decoction(12%) and cooking(6%), and were all administered orally. The commonly used plant parts were roots(32%), leaves(11, 5%), and fruits(7%). Discussion/Conclusions: Various diabetic effects reported by the participants were affirmed by the reviewed literature. The study recommends the use of ethnomedicinal plants as both alternative and complementary diabetic medicine.