Aims: The aim of this research was to contribute to the survey of ethnobotanical knowledge on the use of Dracaena camerooniana by the local communities’ bordering the tropical forests of Uíge province. Study Design: The data collections were carried out using the semi-structured interview method. The approch methods are an ethnobotanical and socio-economics surveys populations of the study area. Place and Duration of Study: The study was undertaken in the province of Uíge, Republic of Angola, from April 2016 to March 2018, period that covers the dry and rainy season. Methodology: The surveys consisted in drafting a questionnaire beforehand to apprehend the knowledge and multiples uses of D. camerooniana among the surrounding population. The interview were conducted in Kikongo language and in Portuguese according to the mastered by the people surveyed. Results: The findings show that tropical forest zones of Congolese guinea/Zambian located in Uíge Province, is full of high value non-wood forest products (NWFPs) including D. camerooniana Baker (locally called Nzala bakala or Nsala bakala). This plant species is a wild green vegetable essence appreciated by the local population and is an additional source of financial income for subsistence farmers and Hunter-gatherers. Knowledge of D. camerooniana consumption was transmitted from generation to generation by oral tradition. The study also shows that D. camerooniana is well known and used by the local communities of Uíge. Finally, the consumption and commercialization of NWFPs, such as the leaves of D. camerooniana contribute in strengthening nutrition, health, food diversity, income and livelihoods. Conclusion: Despite its importance in food security and socioeconomic terms in both rural and urban areas, few scientific researchers have been fully interested in its valorization. In addition, the phytochemical studies should be carried out to discover the nutritional, toxic, and medicinal properties of this plant.
The forests and savannahs of Mucaba municipality in northern Angola hold enormous potential for plant-based non-timber forest products (NTFPs), including wild food plants (WFPs). Mucaba communities have accumulated a wealth of traditional knowledge on the use of wild edible plants over their long history. However, few studies have highlighted this unique and globally attractive culture. The ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 9 villages in Mucaba Municipality in September and October 2020. A total of 65 local informants were interviewed (35 women and 30 men), and their traditional knowledge of wild edible plants was documented. A total of 46 wild edible plants, belonging to 25 families and 30 genera were documented. These plants are consumed as wild edible vegetables, seasonal fruits, spice substitutes for tea, and forest alcoholic drinks. The traditional knowledge of wild edible plants held by the villagers of Mucaba is rich but is in danger of being lost among the younger generation. Therefore, the diversified cultivation of these local plants would allow their sustainable use and conservation especially of the endangered species in this part of Angola.
The aim of the present work was to perform nutritional analysis of Dracaena camerooniana Baker. Nutrient determination was carried out according to standard methods. The nutritional profile of the leaves, roots and stems of D. camerooniana showed that these organs are rich in fibre (14.20-53.65%), proteins (4.47-18.58%), lipids (1.53-5.42%) carbohydrates (23.67-70.94%), ash (2.17-15.59%) and mineral elements, namely, K (535.07-1690.00 mg/100 g), Ca (315.87-1459.97 mg/100 g), Mg (95.41-498.83 mg/100 g), P (76.72-149.56 mg/100 g), Na (105.83-113.60 mg/100 g), Se (75.87-128.51 mg/100 g), Fe (40.88-228.30 mg/100 g), Mn (7.41-11.39 mg/100 g), Zn (2.94-5.83 g/100 g), Cu (2.30-2.80 mg/100 g), and Co (0.65-2.80 mg/100 g) The different levels of nutrient contents observed in the analyzed organs of D. camerooniana would be attributed to the accumulative capacities of the plant organs. It is therefore recommended (desirable) that further studies be conducted to determine the content of anti-nutritional factors in this plant on the one hand and to evaluate its pharmaco-biological properties on the other. Domestication of the plant should be done to ensure its conservation with the support of local farmers. Thus, the use of biotechnology would allow the availability of healthy plant material for both present and future generations.
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