Thèse (M.Sc.)--Université Laval, 2003. / Bibliogr.: f. [103]-107. Publié aussi en version électronique.

Abstract Recently there has been a renewed impetus in the search for novel ingredients to be used in the cosmeticindustry and Baobab (Adansonia digitata L., Malvaceae) seed oil has received high interest. In this study,a commercial Baobab seed oil sample was characterised (fatty acid content) using GCxGC-ToF-MS and apilot study on the safety and efficacy of the seed oil was performed. The safety and efficacy of Baobab seedoil after topical application was determined using healthy adult female caucasian participants (n = 20).A 2× magnifying lamp was used for visual analysis, while for monitoring and evaluation of the irritancylevel, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hydration level of the skin, Chromameter®, Aquaflux®andCorneometer®instruments, respectively, were used. In addition, Aquaflux®and Corneometer®instru-ments were used to assess occlusive effects. Thirteen methyl esters were identified using GCxGC-ToF-MS.The major fatty acids included 36.0% linoleic acid, 25.1% oleic acid and 28.8% palmitic acid with 10.1%constituting trace fatty acids. The irritancy of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) in the patch test differedsignificantly compared to both de-ionised water (p < 0.001) and Baobab seed oil (p < 0.001) but the dif-ference between the irritancy of Baobab seed oil and de-ionised water was not significant (p = 0.850).The moisture efficacy test indicated a reduced TEWL (p = 0.048) and an improved capacitance moistureretention (p < 0.001) for all the test products (Baobab oil, liquid paraffin, Vaseline®intensive care lotionand Vaseline®). The occlusivity wipe-off test indicated an increased moisture hydration (p < 0.001) anddecreased TEWL particularly when Baobab oil was applied. Baobab possesses hydrating, moisturising andocclusive properties when topically applied to the skin. Baobab seed oil could be a valuable functionalingredient for cosmeceutical applications.

@Adansonia digitata@L. (Malvaceae) is a huge multipurpose tree of the savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa with high economic potential for local communities. The edible fruits and leaves are known for their high nutritional values and can be used fresh or processed. However, a high intra-specific variability regarding morphology, genetics and nutritional content of baobab and its products is documented for several African regions, while data for Kenya is largely lacking. This study aimed at documenting the genetic and morphological variability of baobab accessions in Kenya and at checking the presence of the newly described diploid baobab species @Adansonia kilima@. Samples were collected from 204 baobab trees from seven populations defined by geographical distance in South-eastern and Coastal Kenya at altitudes of 6-1,058 m asl. Leaf or bark samples for genetic diversity assessment were collected from all 204 trees, while leaves only from 65 and fruits from 76 trees (all in inland locations) for morphological analyses based on the publication Descriptors for Baobab. Nine microsatellite loci were used to assess genetic variation and results analysed with specific software because of the tetraploid nature of baobab. Overall genetic diversity was high and all loci were polymorphic. The mean gene diversity was 0.803 and observed heterozygosity was 0.907. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed low variation among populations (12.4%) and high variation within populations (87.6%). Bayesian clustering and Principal Coordinate Analysis divided the accessions into two clusters, one with only inland and one with coastal accessions. Although the presence of @Adansonia kilima@ was previously postulated for Kenya, flow cytometry did not detect any among the analysed samples as only tetraploids were observed. Regarding morphological characteristics, no differences among the fruit accession from inland populations were found (no fruits were collected in coastal areas). Leaf morphological data showed significant differences between inland and coastal populations with longest leaflets and leaf petioles in accession from the Coast, thus confirming the results obtained for genetic analysis. This study contributes to the overall knowledge of the genetic diversity of baobab in Kenya and can contribute to the development of germplasm conservation strategies and domestication programs for baobab.

Thesis (M. A. (Anthropology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata), with more than 300 cultural and ethnobotanical uses in Africa has been identified as one of the most important savanna trees to be conserved, domesticated and valorised on the continent. A decline in baobab populations due to overexploitation could have a significant negative effect on African livelihoods. Therefore, it is important to determine potential strategies for the conservation of this tree species. The study aimed to explore the cultural significance and ethnobotanical use, as well as conservation of baobab trees by the Sagole community in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Furthermore, the conservation efforts of this community and the provincial government were also elucidated. In the Sagole community 40 local community members, aged 20 years and older, were selected via convenience sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was employed to collect information on the cultural significance of baobab trees to members of this community. Research questions focussed specifically on identifying folk taxonomy, the transfer of species-specific information to younger generations, and cultural taboos pertaining to the baobab. It has been discovered that young people of Sagole are not well versed in the cultural value pertaining to baobabs. Furthermore, members of the community and the village head (chief) have limited knowledge related to taboos associated with this species. Thus, when individuals transgressed a taboo related to this tree species there is no formal punishment. Sagole community members use baobab trees for various purposes such as food and medicine. The species is used medically to cure various ailments. Most inhabitants in the community harvest this tree. The most common plant parts harvested for cultural use are the fruits, bark, roots and leaves. However, community members have limited knowledge about the taboos related to harvesting of this majestic tree.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Pretoria, 2000. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on July 17, 2006). Includes bibliographical references (p. 118-122).

Le baobab est un arbre qui pousse à l'état sauvage en Afrique et ailleurs dans le monde où le fruit est consommé sous différentes formes. Si l'écologie et la botanique de la plante ont été bien étudiées, il y a peu d'information disponible sur la composition biochimique d'une manière générale et même inexistante chez les espèces malgaches en particulier. Cette étude s'inscrit dans le contexte du développement et de la valorisation des produits locaux en Afrique. Elle a pour objectif principal de mieux caractériser la pulpe des fruits de baobabs issus d'échantillons de diverses provenances de Madagascar et d'Afrique. A cette fin, elle s'est attachée dans un premier temps à caractériser et à quantifier les principaux éléments nutritifs comme les glucides, les acides aminés, les lipides, les polyphénols, la vitamine C, les acides organiques, les éléments minéraux et les arômes. La caractérisation biochimique de la pulpe a révélé une forte acidité titrable (102 meq/100g) et une teneur élevée en acide ascorbique (jusqu'à 312 mg/100g) et en polyphénols de (60,24 à 137,81mg/100g et de 329 à 1705,98 mg/100g) ainsi qu'un potentiel antioxydant très fort et une bonne source de Ca 658 mg/100g.Une évaluation du potentiel de ce fruit pour une valorisation à plus grande échelle à travers une amélioration des procédés de transformation existant en Afrique a été réalisée. L'identification d'une approche de stabilisation et de conservation du nectar par voie conventionnelle (pasteurisation) a été réalisée. Nos résultats ont montré que le nectar est aussi nutritif que les fruits usuels et que sa stabilisation peut se faire par une pasteurisation en utilisant le barème 70°C/10 min. L'analyse sensorielle du nectar après chaque étape de traitement ou de conservation (42 j) n'a pas montré de modification organoleptique du produit quelque soit la température de stockage Deux approches empiriques classiques (modèles d'Arrhenius et de Ball) ont été utilisés pour décrire la cinétique de dégradation thermique de la vitamine C du nectar.Enfin, une étude de faisabilité de l'utilisation de la spectrométrie proche infrarouge pour la caractérisation des origines et pour la détermination des teneurs en constituants biochimiques a été réalisée. Ce travail a permis de montrer qu'il était possible de doser la matière sèche, les protéines, le fructose et le potassium.Une séparation des espèces basée sur l'analyse des spectres semble aussi pouvoir être réalisée via leur appartenance aux sections (brevetubae, longitubae). / Baobab tree is growing wild in Africa and elsewhere in the world. Fruits are consuming in different ways. Plant ecology and botanic are well detailed, but generally few information is available on biochemical composition and even nothing about Malachi species. This study takes place in the development and valorization of African local fruits program. The main objective is to characterize baobab fruit pulp samples coming from both Madagascar and Africa. First, the main nutriments were characterized and quantified, such as, carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, polyphenols, vitamin C, organic acids, minerals and aroma compounds. Biochemical characterization of the pulp showed high level of total acidity (102 meq/100g), ascorbic acid (till 312 mg/100g), polyphenols (from 60.24 to 137.81mg/100g) and anti oxidant potential.To valorize the fruit at larger scale, evaluation of its potential was realized trough improvements of existing processing techniques in Africa. A conventional approach (pasteurization) was realized to stabilize and store nectar. Data show nectar is as nutritive than fresh fruit with pasteurization schedule at 70°C/10min. Sensory analysis of nectar after each step of process doesn't show organoleptic difference relative to storage temperature. Two classical empirical approaches (Arrhenius and Ball models) were used to describe kinetic of thermal degradation of C vitamin of nectar.At least, Near Infra Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) was tested, to determine geographical origins and levels of biochemical compounds. Dry matter, proteins, fructose and potassium were quantified. Species segregation with NIRS seems possible by means of belonging to brevetubae and longitubae sections.

Undersökningens målsättning var att utveckla en sås baserad på torkat baobabfruktkött. Baobab är ett träd som främst växer i Afrika och både fruktköttet, kärnorna, bladen och barken kan användas som livsmedel eller örtmedicin. Frukten har ett högt näringsinnehåll av både makronutrienter och mikronutrienter. Torkat fruktkött utvunnit från baobabfrukten användes för att skapa en stabil emulsion som smaksattes för att passa som sås till en vegansk havre/algburgare. För att undersöka vilka smaksättningar som konsumenterna gillar utfördes ett gillandetest i en matbutik. Dessutom användes en semi-tränad panel för att utföra ett beskrivande test med havre/algburgare och baobabsås. Havre/algburgarens smakprofil hade utvecklats från tidigare projekt av Aventure AB. Det beskrivande testet undersökte hur baobabsåsens smak, pH-värde och viskositet påverkar havre/algburgarens smakprofil. Undersökningarna visar att konsumenterna föredrar en sås baserad på en emulsion med lägre viskositet och att de inte gillade en neutral baobabsås. Konsumentundersökningen visade även att när baobabsåsen sväljs resulterar det i en sämre munkänslan som kan bero på de olösliga partiklarna i baobabfruktköttet. De olika smaksättningarna av emulsionerna påverkade havre/algburgarens sensoriska profil olika, den sudanska smaksättningen maskerade smaken och doften av alg medan den neutrala emulsionen ökar intensiteten av brända doften och den brända smaken i havre/algburgaren. / The study will provide a sauce based on dehydrated baobabpulp. Baobab is a tree mostly grown in Africa of which the pulp, kernels, leaves and bark can be used for food applications or as herbal medication. The fruit has a high nutritional value of both macronutrients and micronutrients. During the study, dried pulp extracted from the baobab fruit was used as an emulsifier and flavoring of a sauce adapted for a vegan oats/kelpburger. In order to investigate which flavor the consumers prefer and to determine the taste of the end product, an acceptance test is carried out in a grocery store. A semi-trained panel was used to perform a descriptive test with oats/kelpburger and baobab emulsion. The sensory profile of the oat/kelpburger were developed from a previous project av Aventure AB. The descriptive test examined how the baobabsauce taste, pH and viscosity of affect the sensory profile of oats/kelpburger. The studies show that consumers prefer a sauce based on an emulsion with a lower viscosity and do not like a neutral baobabsauce. Upon swallowing, the level of liking of texture decreases and this may be due to insoluble particles in the baobabpulp. The different flavorings of the emulsions affected the oat/kelpburger's sensory profile differently, the Sudanese emulsion masked the taste and aroma of kelp while the neutral emulsion increased the intensity of the burnt taste and aroma of the oat/kelpburger.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Environmental Sciences by Coursework and Research Report. Johannesburg 24 March 2016 / In southern Africa, the baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an economically important trees because it contributes significantly to the livelihoods of local people, particularly in northern Limpopo in South Africa (the southern-most edge of the baobab distribution). All parts of the baobab are useful and considered important for subsistence and commercial uses. Understanding factors that affect fruit and seed production is important to better characterize the long-term success of tree populations. Some adult baobab trees have high fruit production (50 −299 fruits per tree, per year) and are subsequently called ‘producers’ or ‘female’ trees, while there are other trees that produce fewer fruits (< 5 fruits per tree, per year) that are called ‘poor-producers’ or ‘male’ trees. For this study, baobab fruit dimensions (mass, length, volume and ratio) were, measured and compared between artificially- and naturally-pollinated producer and poor-producer trees. Fruit dimensions were also correlated to the number of seeds per fruit. Using 2D geometric morphometric analysis, baobab fruit shapes were analyzed and compared to determine if fruit shape differs between fruits formed on producer and poor-producer baobab trees. I found no significant difference in fruit shape between producer and poor-producer baobab trees. Although, artificially-pollinated trees produced bigger and more uniform shaped fruits and contained more seeds in comparison to the smaller unevenly shaped fruits produced by naturally-pollinated trees. Furthermore, I compared fruit and seed production between naturally-pollinated producer/poor-producer and between artificially-pollinated producer/poor-producer trees that occur on different land use types (i.e. nature reserves, rocky outcrops, plains, fields (land use for agricultural purposes) and villages) in Northern Venda, South Africa. There was a significant difference in fruit and seed production between naturally and artificially-pollinated producer and poor producer trees that occur on different land use types. On average, producer trees yielded more seeds than poor-producer trees. The highest fruit and seed production was recorded in fields and villages. Seed mass variation also differed significantly between producer and poor-producer trees and between the different land use types. A very weak negative relationship between baobab seed number and mass was found in both producer and poor-producer baobab trees. Baobab seed viability was estimated using a 0.1% tetrazolium solution, 100% viability was found in all tested seeds from both producer and poor-producer baobab trees. Result of this study may aid with the identification of land use types where baobabs have the lowest seed production and therefore require additional conservation effort to ensure that fruits are harvested sustainably. The estimation of seed production may improve the ability to estimate the total seed oil that is available in each land use type. / M T 2016

A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. June 2016 / The African baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a charismatic and iconic tree. This keystone species has highly specific moisture requirements for recruitment, a very slow life history, low dispersal capabilities, and is exposed to heavy, often destructive utilization by baboons, elephants and humans. These characteristics result in the reduced ability for baobabs to accommodate and respond to changing environmental conditions. During periods of unfavourable conditions, baobabs rely on the persistence of established individuals for the survival of the population. The Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa falls within the southern-most distribution of the baobab. A perceived lack of recruitment together with high numbers of dead large baobabs recorded in aerial surveys prompted concern over local population decline in the early 1990s. Long-term monitoring is necessary in order to quantify changes occurring within the KNP baobab population. For this reason Dr Ian Whyte sampled 424 baobab trees in northern KNP in 1995/1996 to describe population size-class distributions and elephant damage. Nearly all of these baobabs, with the addition of 486 individuals were resampled in 2001 by Michele Hofmeyr. This study resampled the majority of these 910 baobabs plus 126 individuals within 50m of those previously sampled, culminated in a data set spanning 18 years and most of the dominant vegetation and climatic zones within the baobab’s KNP range. Photographs taken in 1995/6 and repeated in 2013 allowed for simultaneous direct visual comparisons of elephant damage to baobab stems. This study aimed to record the temporal and spatial changes in the demographics of, and damage to, this sample of 1036 baobabs in order to define and evaluate the factors threatening KNP baobab persistence. The overall population stem diameter structure of baobabs in the KNP showed a healthy inverse J-shaped distribution, with a high proportion of smaller trees and a decreasing proportion of larger trees at each sampling snapshot. However no seedling recruitment was observed during intensive searches within 50m of sampled trees, accumulating in a total area of 4km2. Growth was only noticeable in sub-adult trees >0.15m and <1m in stem diameter. Annualised mortality increased three-fold between the periods 1995/6-2001 (0.25%) and 2001-2013 (0.79%). It is speculated that this increase in mortality is due to the cumulative effect of increased elephant damage, together with below average rainfall years of 2002 to 2013. Trees that had previously sustained severe and very severe damage contributed the highest proportion (32%) of mortality. When comparing sizeclasses, the majority of mortality (61%) was recorded within the <1m stem diameter size-class. However, a high proportion of very large trees (21% of the 4- 4.5m and 29% of the 5-5.5m stem-diameter baobabs sampled) had died from unknown causes. With no recruitment of seedlings evident and little recruitment between size classes, mortality alone was not enough to significantly change the baobab population structure between 1995/6, 2001 and 2013. This might change should more very large (>4m stem-diameter) trees die, as these size classes make up less than 2% of the population. At a spatial scale, maximum fire return interval, level of elephant damage and mean annual temperature all had significant impacts on the size-class distribution of baobabs. Longer (>30 years) maximum fire return intervals and higher mean annual temperatures (23°C) supported an inverse J-shaped baobab population structure whilst shorter (<30 years) maximum fire return intervals and lower mean annual temperatures (21-22°C) supported a bell-shaped population structure. Increases in bark damage over time correlated with increased elephant density (primarily attributed to mature male elephant density). Smaller baobabs – those less than <1m in stem diameter, generally escaped elephant utilization altogether, or suffered very severe damage by elephants. Despite a 3-fold increase in mortality and no recruitment over the 18 year study period, the KNP baobab population has maintained its inverse J-shaped population structure. The high proportion of mortality in the >4m stem diameter is however concerning as the persistence of these large baobabs is essential for the survival of the population during unfavourable conditions for recruitment.

Universiẗat, Diss., 2004--Frankfurt (Main). / Zsfassung in dt. und engl. Sprache.