Knowledge, attitudes and practices in tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) use and conservation in Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Background Tamarindus indica L is one of the indigenous fruit tree species that traditionally contributes to food security and ecosystem stability in sub-Saharan Africa. We hypothesized that the indigenous people of Eastern Uganda have used T. indica for generations and developed practices that promote its conservation and therefore we expected that they possess an elaborate indigenous knowledge (IK) system and that most of them have planted the species. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of IK, attitudes and practices on the use and conservation of T. indica.MethodsA cross sectional survey was conducted in two districts purposively selected from the T. indica natural range. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews and observation were used to collect data. Data was processed using qualitative analytical methods.Results Tamarindus indica was highly valued by the majority of the population. Tamarindus indica was used for food, medicinal, cultural, social, environmental amelioration and income generation purposes. The population possessed a high level of IK about T. indica evidenced by 18 categories of uses and multiple modes of use. Fruit pulp was the most commonly used tamarind product. Relative frequency of citation of the different uses provides insight into usage levels and IK possessed. The communities’ food and medicinal uses concurred with scientific reports of health benefits of consuming T. indica. Approximately half of respondents had T. indica on their compounds or homegardens (53%). Fifty two percent of the tamarind population was self-propagated, 45% were planted while the propagation history for the remaining 3% was not known. Constraints towards planting T. indica included limited land, long maturation period and low monetary value. Fifty three percent of those who were growing T. indica did not carry out any silvicultural practices. The majority of T. indica encountered (87%) was intercropped with other crops or trees. Several beliefs and taboos regarding T. indica persist.Conclusion Tamarindus indica has a high use value in the study area evidenced by multiple uses. Indigenous knowledge and uses concurred with scientifically proven nutritional and medicinal attributes of T. indica in literature which is significant given current trends towards affordable functional foods. The high level of IK has not translated into high rates of planting T. indica. There is need to encourage value-addition so as to maximize T. indica benefits and enhance conservation.

Chemical Composition and Microbial Contaminants of Poha Beer: A Local Nonalcoholic Beverage in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana

“…e major source of these electrolytes therefore is the pulp of tamarind (Figure 4). Our results also confirm earlier reports that tamarind contains high amounts of Ca 2+ and K + as such Poha Beer is a good source of minerals, especially K and Ca [27,71]. e ratio of Na + /K + < 1 was recorded through all the samples and is highly recommended by WHO due to its importance in the body for controlling high blood pressure [72].…”

Tamarind Extract Inhibits Cytochrome P450 (Cyp3a4 Isozyme) - An in Vitro Study

“…It showed the differential effect on cytochrome P450 activities with an order of inhibitory potential as CYP2C9>CYP3A4>CYP2D6 having IC 50 of 76.69, 359.02, and 493.05 µg/ml [12]. In earlier studies, the data were consistent compared to the IC 50 of the selective inhibitors of our study to the particular CYPs reported earlier [6,[13][14][15][16][17]. The concentration-inhibition curves of the medicinal plants Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus emblica aqueous extracts on CYP3A4 activities were observed that P. amarus aqueous extract possessed inhibitory effects on CYP3A4 with IC 50 of 74.30±1.21, 34.80±0.34, 180.40±2.53, 49.41±0.52, and 2.07±0.03 µg/mL, respectively.…”

“…The various parts of the plant are used for its antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anticancer, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiasthmatic property [4,5]. In African sub-Saharan populations, T. indica is reported to be the most useful tree which serves as ethnomedicine for humans and veterinary field and also has cultural uses [6].…”

Valorization of byproducts from tropical fruits: Extraction methodologies, applications, environmental, and economic assessment: A review (Part 1: General overview of the byproducts, traditional biorefinery practices, and possible applications)

“…Fruit pulp is the most commonly used tamarind product (Ebifa‐Othieno, Mugisha, Nyeko, & Kabasa, ), which is known for its high antioxidant activity (Sandesh, Velu, & Singh, ). In the seed (Table ), between 21 and 36 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g of phenolic compounds were found, which was directly related to the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts (Suksomtip, Ukrisdawithid, Bhusawang, & Pongsamart, ).…”