- Volume 12, Number 1 (2024)
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SHEA BUTTER AND OLEIN QUALITY IN IREPODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA
Adekunle Olufemi Adewale, Mariam Aisha Ibrahim
The shea tree, its biology, and cultivation belt have been extensively studied and documented, along with methods of extraction. In West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, rural women predominantly utilize traditional methods of shea butter extraction, despite the labor-intensive nature, due to its sustained earnings. Unlike Mali and Uganda, where dry extraction methods using hydraulic or screw presses are prevalent, such techniques are rarely employed in Nigerian shea localities. While mechanical devices for drying and size reduction exist, the kneading of shea paste remains unmechanized in Nigeria. This paper explores the prevailing methods of shea butter extraction in Nigeria, highlighting the...
PROFILE OF CYANOGENIC CONTENT, MOISTURE, AND COLOR IN ZAMBIA'S CASSAVA PRODUCTS
John Mwaba Kabwe, Mercy Chilufya Mwanza
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) stands out as one of the most widely cultivated root crops worldwide, playing a vital role as a primary calorie source for a significant portion of the African population. In 2014 alone, over 145 million tonnes of cassava were harvested from approximately 17 million hectares of land across Africa, highlighting its immense agricultural significance. Recognized for its high dietary carbohydrate content, cassava exhibits exceptional adaptability to various ecological conditions, making it a resilient and versatile food crop. This paper provides an overview of cassava cultivation, emphasizing its importance in African agriculture and its nutritional contributions to...
CHARACTERIZATION OF FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN HAPLOZANA NIGROLINEATA, ACANTHACRIS RUFICORNIS, AND PROTOMACRONEMA SPECIES: THREE EDIBLE ARTHROPODS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Marie Claire Nzobo, François Makosso
Lipids, encompassing both plant and animal molecules, are crucial components with diverse roles in biological systems. These molecules are highly efficient energy sources, providing approximately 39.5 kJ per gram, making them vital for sustaining metabolic activities. Apart from their energy reserve function, lipids play essential roles in constructing cell membranes, acting as both inter- and intracellular messengers, and serving as metabolic substrates. In comparison to carbohydrates and proteins, lipids offer a significantly higher energy yield, highlighting their importance in human nutrition. This paper provides an overview of the multifaceted properties and functions of lipids, emphasizing their critical role in supporting...
PROFILING LOCAL PLANT-BASED INFUSIONS IN BURKINA FASO: TECHNOLOGICAL, PHYSICO-CHEMICAL, AND MICROBIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Souleymane Traoré, Aminata Ouedraogo Sanou
Throughout history, plants have held significant value worldwide for their medicinal properties, with herbal teas emerging as a prominent avenue for harnessing their benefits. In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the development and consumption of herbal teas, driven by growing awareness of their health-promoting attributes. Herbal teas, long revered for their healing properties since ancient times, continue to play a vital role in global healthcare practices, particularly in developing countries where approximately 70 to 80% of the population relies on plant-based medicines. Tea infusion, ranked second only to water in worldwide beverage consumption, serves as a...