Throughout history, harvesting of fruit from the wild has played a role in the livelihoods of people in South Africa. For the San, who lived in South Africa for thousands of years, wild fruits were a staple food during parts of the year (Fox & Norwood Young 1983). Among the Bantu people, who entered South Africa about two thousand years ago (Hammond-Tooke 1993), agriculture was the main way in which food was acquired, but they also collected food from the wild. Especially during times of hardship, when cattle herds were decimated or crops were destroyed, they relied on hunting and gathering of fruits and edible plants from the wild for survival (Shapera & Goodwin 1959; Stuart & Malcolm 1986; Bundy 1988). European people settling in South Africa learnt to use and appreciate wild fruits (van Dyk 1988). In the rural areas of the Southern African region, the utilization of wild fruits as a source of food has persisted, especially among black people (Walker 1989; Shackleton 1996; Rossiter, Pellegrin et al. 1997). There is increasing interest in the domestication and improvement of selected fruits, and their utilization as orchard crops, marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra) being the prime example (Nerd et al.1990; Holtzhausen, Swart & van Rensburg 1990; Nerd & Mizrahi 1993; Geldenhuys 2001; Taylor 2001; Barton 2001). Research into the wild fruits of South Africa has been mainly botanical or anthropological.

Thesis (Doctoral)--University of Stockholm, 1983. / Cover title. Abstract and summary in English and Swedish. English title: Nutritive values of wild Swedish plants : analyses and physiological studies of different components, with special reference to carbohydrates, proteins and ascorbic acid"--P. 1. Author's "Vilda växter som füda under 10 dagar vid en 250 km lang överlevnadsmarsch" appended as Supplement. Includes bibliographical references.

Submitted by Helena Souza Ronchi null (hsronchi@gmail.com) on 2017-04-18T18:43:50Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Helena Ronchi_Mestrado.pdf: 4630046 bytes, checksum: 4e3e8e4ff5df0e6404d7667cdbf167b9 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com) on 2017-04-18T20:01:31Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 ronchi_hs_me_bot.pdf: 4630046 bytes, checksum: 4e3e8e4ff5df0e6404d7667cdbf167b9 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-18T20:01:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ronchi_hs_me_bot.pdf: 4630046 bytes, checksum: 4e3e8e4ff5df0e6404d7667cdbf167b9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Esse trabalho tem como objetivo identificar o potencial das florestas nativas da Área de Proteção Ambiental – APA Corumbataí, Botucatu e Tejupá – perímetro Botucatu de fornecer recursos florestais para os usos medicinal e alimentício. A identificação das espécies nativas com usos medicinais e alimentícios ocorreu em duas fases. A primeira consiste em uma revisão de trabalhos científicos onde registram o uso (medicinal e alimentício) das espécies nativas encontradas na APA. E a segunda trata-se de um levantamento uso (medicinal e alimentício) das espécies nativas a partir do conhecimento dos proprietários rurais inseridos na APA. Para aquelas identificadas com esses usos foi calculado o valor potencial de exploração sustentável (VPES) para indicar se as espécies com tais usos podem ser exploradas sustentavelmente. O VPES foi avaliado para aquelas espécies que apresentaram freqüência de citação nas entrevistas maior ou igual a 40% e, também, para aquelas nativas na área da APA e que apresentam interesse em políticas públicas (Relação de espécies de interesse do SUS e a Lista de espécies nativas da sociobiodiversidade com valor alimentício). Na primeira fase, foram identificadas, na região da APA, 735 espécies nativas (de diferentes hábitos de crescimento), onde 219 espécies (30%) possuem o uso medicinal e 110 (15%) com o uso alimentício. No levantamento das espécies a partir do conhecimento dos proprietários rurais, foram identificadas 49 espécies, de 19 famílias diferentes, onde 65% dessas plantas possuem o uso como fonte de alimento, 28,6% como fonte de medicamento e 6% das plantas possuem os dois usos. Para ambas as fases, a família mais representativa, enquanto uso medicinal, foi a Fabaceae. Já para o uso alimentício, a mais representativa foi a Myrtaceae. E em relação ao VPES, 8 espécies atingiram o valor para serem exploradas sustentavelmente, porém muitas espécies que também poderiam ser exploradas não são por falta de pesquisas tanto sobre a sua produtividade quanto manejo. / This work aims to identify the potential of the native forests of the Environmental Protection Area - APA Corumbataí, Botucatu and Tejupá - Botucatu perimeter of natural resource management for medicinal and food uses.The identification of native species with medicinal and food uses occurred in two phases. The first one consists in a literature review of scientific studies where the use (medicinal and food) of the native species found in the APA is reported. The second phase is a survey of the use (medicinal and food) of the native species from the knowledge of the rural owners inserted in the APA. The potential value of sustainable exploitation (VPES) will be calculated to indicate whether species with such uses can be sustainably exploited.The VPES was evaluated for those Species that presented frequency of citation in interviews greater than or equal to 40% and also for those native to the area of the APA and that stand out in public policies (List of species of interest of the SUS and List of species Native of sociobiodiversity with food value). In the first part, 735 native species (different growth habits) were identified, where 219 species (30%) had medicinal use and 110 (15%) with alimentary uses. In the surveying of the species from the knowledge of the rural owners, 49 species were identified, from 19 different families, where 65% of these plants have their use as food source, 28.6% as a source of medicine, and 6% of the plants have both uses. For both phases, the most representative family, as medicinal use, was Fabaceae. On the other hand, within the alimentary use, the most representative was Myrtaceae. Regarding the VPES, 8 valuable exploitation species to be exploited in a sustainable way, however many species that are also exploited are not for lack of research on their production.

This research examines an edible and medicinal plant species, Balsamorhiza sagittata Pursh (Nutt) (balsamroot, or spring sunflower). Included are: 1) a study of literature concerning previous uses and potential agronomic applications of B. sagittata; 2) an ecological study to assess the general habitat requirements of B. sagittata at three populations in the Northwestern Plateau of British Columbia; and 3) an agronomic study of B. sagittata, the main purpose of which is to explore the development of the species in a cropping system or as a horticulture plant. Ethnobotanical literature confirms that B. sagittata has a long tradition as a highly significant food and medicinal resource on the Northern plateau. A review of botanical and range literature indicates that the species is an ecologically important forb in sagebrush ecosystems. Ecological data collectci:l was significantly different between the field sites. The only variable that was statistically similar at the Pavilion Mountain, Hat Creek Valley and Botanie Valley research locations was the number of blooms on the B. sagittata plants. Furthermore the data did not indicate significant correlations to explain variation in the number of B. sagittata plants between sample plots. Preliminary agronomic experiments indicate that B. sagittata can be propagated by seed, both in a greenhouse and at a field location. Treating seeds with ethylene before stratification significantly increased seed germination. / Graduate

OPTIMIZING MICRONUTRIENT INTAKE OF LACTATING WOMEN IN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, THROUGH INCREASED WILD EDIBLE PLANT CONSUMPTION Kerry Pearson Micronutrient consumption in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is insufficient to meet the needs of lactating women. Inadequate intake negatively impacts the health of both the mother and infant. Increasing consumption of wild edible plants has been recommended to combat these deficiencies, but information has not yet been provided on which types of wild plants should be eaten or in what quantity. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal mixture of wild edible plants that needs to be consumed to meet the micronutrient needs of lactating women in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This was done by creating optimization models using linear programming. Components of these models included identifying gaps between current micronutrient intake and recommended intake levels and the creation of composite nutrient profiles for groups of wild edible plants available in KwaZulu-Natal. One model calculated the optimum amount of wild edible plants that would need to be consumed in addition to the current diet to meet micronutrient recommendations. A second semi-isocaloric model calculated the optimum amount of wild edible plants that would need to be consumed if half the additional calories would replace an equivalent number of calories of the main staple food, maize. A combination of 250g leafy vegetables and 349g fruit, replacing 54g of maize meal, was determined to be the best model. This mixture will meet the micronutrient needs of 50% of lactating women and would add only 192 calories to the diet. The same blend will meet the needs of 75% of women for all nutrients except calcium, zinc, thiamin, and riboflavin. It is hoped that increased use of wild plants will also increase physical activity and make the consumption of high quality animal products more economically feasible. Understanding forces that have brought about current dietary patterns in this population and working in tandem with other nutrition intervention programs will be the best way to successfully implement these goals. More complete information is needed on the nutrient profiles of wild edible plants in South Africa and on how anti-nutrients in these plants effects bioavailability of nutrients and the health of the consumer. Despite these limitations, it is clear that a reasonable increase in wild edible plant consumption can have a tremendous positive impact on micronutrient consumption of lactating women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivos principais utilizar reações enzimáticas para a degradação de resíduos de laboratório e na síntese de álcoois quirais. Na primeira parte foi realizada uma triagem de microrganismos e enzimas hidrolíticas, objetivando a biorreciclagem de hexano presente no resíduo contendo uma mistura hexano-acetato de etila. Esta mistura é largamente utilizada para purificação de compostos químicos por cromatografia líquida. O método de biorreciclagem consistiu na hidrólise enzimática do acetato de etila, viabilizando, dessa forma, a recuperação do hexano puro de forma simples e rápida, pois os produtos dessa reação são altamente solúveis na fase aquosa. Na segunda parte do trabalho, avaliamos o potencial catalítico de diversas plantas comestíveis em reações orgânicas de óxido-redução visando à síntese enantiosseletiva de álcoois quirais. As reações escolhidas, para tal propósito, foram a redução de cetonas pró-quirais e a resolução cinética de álcoois via oxidação enantiosseletiva. Em muitos casos, os enantiômeros foram obtidos, separadamente, com pureza enantiomérica de até 99% dependendo da planta utilizada como biocatalizador. / The present work had as main goals the use of enzymatic reactions to degrade laboratory residues and to synthesize chiral alcohols. In the first part, it was carried out a screening of microorganisms and hydrolytic enzymes aiming the biorecycling of hexane from laboratory residues (a mixture of hexane-ethyl acetate). This misture is widely employed to purify chemicals by liquid chromatography. The biorecycling consists of enzymatic hydrolysis of ethyl acetate in a biphasic system. Due to the high solubility of the undesired products from this reaction in the aqueous phase, the hexane was easily recovered. To evaluate the possibility of treatment of effluents in a high amount, we carried out the biorecycling in a continuous system with tubular reactor using immobilized lipase (Novozyme 435). By the use of this system, the hydrolysis ratio was around 70% with no lost of enzyme stability along 6 hours work. In the second part of the work, we evaluated the catalytic potential of several edible plants in oxido-reduction reactions aiming the enantioselective synthesis of chiral alcohols. The chosen reactions were the reduction of prochiral ketones and the kinetic resolution by enantioselective oxidation. In several cases, depending of the plant employed as biocatalyst, the (R) or (S)- enantiomer were obtained in high enantiomeric purity (up to 99%). For example, the Arracacia xanthorrhiza B. (mandioquinha) performed an efficient enantioseletive reduction of 1-(4-bromophenyl)ethanone to the (S)-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethanol with 98% e.e. (enantiomeric excess), while the a Manihot esculenta (mandioca) gave the (R)-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethanol with 90% e.e. Some plants showed a good oxidative performance. For example, Coriandrum sativum L. (coentro) gave the quantitative oxidation of 1-(4-methyphenyl)ethanol to the 1-(4-metilphenyl)ethanona.

Submitted by José Rodrigo de Araujo Guimarães (rodrigoagronomoal@yahoo.com.br) on 2018-08-06T14:27:57Z No. of bitstreams: 1 CARACTERIZAÇÃO FÍSICO-QUÍMICA E COMPOSIÇÃO MINERAL DE Pereskia aculeata Mill., Pereskia grandifolia Haw E Pereskia bleo (Kunth) DC..pdf: 1218066 bytes, checksum: 25200ec41273cd0bdc54b9ad8dd8601d (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Lucia de Grava Kempinas (algkempinas@fca.unesp.br) on 2018-08-06T14:40:21Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 guimaraes_jra_dr_botfca.pdf: 1218066 bytes, checksum: 25200ec41273cd0bdc54b9ad8dd8601d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-06T14:40:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 guimaraes_jra_dr_botfca.pdf: 1218066 bytes, checksum: 25200ec41273cd0bdc54b9ad8dd8601d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-06-08 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Ora-pro-nobis é uma planta alimentícia não convencional de elevado potencial nutricional utilizada, principalmente, em comunidades tradicionais como alimento proteico. Objetivou-se neste trabalho realizar a caracterização físico-química e análise de minerais em Pereskia aculeata Mill., Pereskia grandifolia Haw. e Pereskia bleo (Kunth) DC. plantas conhecidas como ora-pro-nobis. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental Lageado, e as avaliações realizadas no Departamento de Horticultura da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas da UNESP. Para este estudo foram utilizadas mudas das três espécies de ora-pro-nobis e conduzidas em campo com espaçamento 1,0 x 1,0 m entre fileiras e plantas. O experimento foi constituído de um total de 168 plantas, sendo 56 de cada espécie, P. aculeata, P. grandifolia e P. bleo, respectivamente. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas (sólido solúveis, pH, acidez titulável, açúcares redutores, teor de umidade e cinzas, fibra bruta, gordura, ácido ascórbico, compostos fenólicos, pigmentos - clorofila a, clorofila b, antocioninas e carotenoides), proteína e minerais (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn). Pode-se concluir que as três espécies avaliadas apresentaram-se como excelentes fontes de proteína, fibras, ácido ascórbico, ferro, zinco, cálcio e coloração atraente, por suas folhas possuírem cores verde escura. P. bleo apresentou maior teor de ácido ascórbico, teor de umidade, alto teor de lipídeos, ferro e zinco. P. grandifolia apresentou maiores teores de proteína e compostos fenólicos e P. aculeata apresentou maiores teores de fibras. Por fim, esta caracterização pode subsidiar estudos futuro para inclusão em dietas alimentares, por estas plantas apresentarem elevado potencial nutricional. / Ora-pro-nobis is an edible plants with a high nutritional potential, mainly used in traditional communities as a protein food. The objective of this work was to perform the physicochemical characterization and analysis of minerals in Pereskia aculeata Mill., Pereskia grandifolia Haw. and Pereskia bleo (Kunth) DC. plants known as ora-pronobis. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm Lageado, and the evaluations carried out at the Department of Horticulture of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of UNESP. For this study, seedlings of the three ora-pro-nobis species were used and conducted in the field with spacing 1.0 x 1.0 m between rows and plants. The experiment consisted of a total of 168 plants, 56 of each species, P. aculeata, P. grandifolia and P. bleo, respectively. Physical and chemical analyzes (solid soluble, pH, titratable acidity, reducing sugars, moisture content and ashes, crude fiber, fat, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, pigments - chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, anthocyanins and carotenoids), protein and minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn). It can be concluded that the three evaluated species presented as excellent sources of protein, fibers, ascorbic acid, iron, zinc, calcium and attractive coloring, because their leaves have dark green colors. P. bleo presented higher content of ascorbic acid, moisture content, high lipid content, iron and zinc. P. grandifolia presented higher levels of protein and phenolic compounds and P. aculeata had higher fiber contents. Finally, this characterization may support future studies for inclusion in dietary diets, because these plants present high nutritional potential.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivos principais utilizar reações enzimáticas para a degradação de resíduos de laboratório e na síntese de álcoois quirais. Na primeira parte foi realizada uma triagem de microrganismos e enzimas hidrolíticas, objetivando a biorreciclagem de hexano presente no resíduo contendo uma mistura hexano-acetato de etila. Esta mistura é largamente utilizada para purificação de compostos químicos por cromatografia líquida. O método de biorreciclagem consistiu na hidrólise enzimática do acetato de etila, viabilizando, dessa forma, a recuperação do hexano puro de forma simples e rápida, pois os produtos dessa reação são altamente solúveis na fase aquosa. Na segunda parte do trabalho, avaliamos o potencial catalítico de diversas plantas comestíveis em reações orgânicas de óxido-redução visando à síntese enantiosseletiva de álcoois quirais. As reações escolhidas, para tal propósito, foram a redução de cetonas pró-quirais e a resolução cinética de álcoois via oxidação enantiosseletiva. Em muitos casos, os enantiômeros foram obtidos, separadamente, com pureza enantiomérica de até 99% dependendo da planta utilizada como biocatalizador. / The present work had as main goals the use of enzymatic reactions to degrade laboratory residues and to synthesize chiral alcohols. In the first part, it was carried out a screening of microorganisms and hydrolytic enzymes aiming the biorecycling of hexane from laboratory residues (a mixture of hexane-ethyl acetate). This misture is widely employed to purify chemicals by liquid chromatography. The biorecycling consists of enzymatic hydrolysis of ethyl acetate in a biphasic system. Due to the high solubility of the undesired products from this reaction in the aqueous phase, the hexane was easily recovered. To evaluate the possibility of treatment of effluents in a high amount, we carried out the biorecycling in a continuous system with tubular reactor using immobilized lipase (Novozyme 435). By the use of this system, the hydrolysis ratio was around 70% with no lost of enzyme stability along 6 hours work. In the second part of the work, we evaluated the catalytic potential of several edible plants in oxido-reduction reactions aiming the enantioselective synthesis of chiral alcohols. The chosen reactions were the reduction of prochiral ketones and the kinetic resolution by enantioselective oxidation. In several cases, depending of the plant employed as biocatalyst, the (R) or (S)- enantiomer were obtained in high enantiomeric purity (up to 99%). For example, the Arracacia xanthorrhiza B. (mandioquinha) performed an efficient enantioseletive reduction of 1-(4-bromophenyl)ethanone to the (S)-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethanol with 98% e.e. (enantiomeric excess), while the a Manihot esculenta (mandioca) gave the (R)-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethanol with 90% e.e. Some plants showed a good oxidative performance. For example, Coriandrum sativum L. (coentro) gave the quantitative oxidation of 1-(4-methyphenyl)ethanol to the 1-(4-metilphenyl)ethanona.

Submitted by Bernardo Tomchinsky null (btomchinsky@hotmail.com) on 2017-05-30T20:10:08Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Tomchinsky final com ficha.pdf: 3771625 bytes, checksum: 6ee327f4dc86e1050651148a6c23adcf (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com) on 2017-05-31T17:59:51Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 tomchinsky_b_dr_bot.pdf: 3771625 bytes, checksum: 6ee327f4dc86e1050651148a6c23adcf (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-31T17:59:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tomchinsky_b_dr_bot.pdf: 3771625 bytes, checksum: 6ee327f4dc86e1050651148a6c23adcf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-05-26 / O Brasil é o país com a maior biodiversidade do mundo, o que não se reflete na dieta da população, que obedece um regime monótono baseado em poucas espécies alimentícias. Os condimentos seguem a mesma lógica, sendo que os mais consumidos no país são espécies exóticas, muitas vezes cultivadas em outros países e importadas. A exploração sustentável dos recursos vegetais, inclusive espécies condimentares, pode representar a valorização e resgate cultural, preservação do meio ambiente com a exploração de recursos florestais não madeireiros, geração de renda para toda a cadeia produtiva, desenvolvimento de novos produtos e pode trazer benefícios na saúde coletiva com a diversificação da alimentação e uso de substâncias bioativas. Ao longo do trabalho são abordados diferentes aspectos referente a prospecção de plantas condimentares no Brasil. Partindo de questões relativas a legislação e normatização ao longo da revisão, no primeiro capítulo é abordado o uso histórico de plantas condimentares e alimentícias no Brasil colonial; na sequência é analisado o mercado de plantas condimentares, especificamente de insumo (sementes) e os produtos disponíveis nos mercados e por último é realizada uma análise sobre as plantas condimentares disponíveis no Brasil. No capítulo 1, através de análises de trabalhos de 18 autores que estiveram no Brasil entre os séculos XVI e XVII são levantadas 729 citações de plantas alimentícias, das quais foi possível identificar 124 espécies. Destas, 60% eram nativas. Em um curto período foram introduzidas diversas espécies exóticas no país. Entre as plantas condimentares, as pimentas do gênero Capscicum eram as mais importantes e entre as alimentícias a mandioca, abacaxi, batata-doce e milho foram as mais citadas. É possível dizer que neste período ocorreu uma rápida e intensa troca de plantas com outras regiões do mundo. A presença de espécies exóticas e naturalizadas, nativas da Américas, evidenciam a intensa troca entre populações indígenas. Muitas espécies nativas caíram em esquecimento e desuso e seu resgate poderia contribuir com a preservação destas espécies e de seu ambiente de ocorrência. No capítulo 2, o objetivo foi compreender aspectos sobre o mercado de plantas condimentares no Brasil, com foco nos insumos disponíveis para os produtores e produtos disponíveis ao mercado consumidor. Para a análise do mercado de insumos de plantas condimentares foram analisados os catálogos de 12 empresas que trabalham neste segmento. E para o estudo dos condimentos disponíveis no mercado brasileiro foram analisados os catálogos de 62 empresas que trabalham neste setor no Brasil. Entre as empresas de sementes que atuam no Brasil são comercializadas 55 espécies consideradas condimentares, com maior destaque para as hortaliças-condimento e as pimentas do gênero Capsicum. Sobre os produtos disponíveis no mercado para consumidores, foram encontradas 107 tipos de condimento simples (não misturado) e 145 temperos mistos, entretanto nas duas categorias poucas espécies ou misturas são brasileiras. Com estes dados é possível ponderar que a produção de diferentes espécies cultivadas fica limitada ao acesso às sementes e mudas disponíveis no mercado e que o mercado de plantas condimentares no Brasil é bem estabelecido, mas dominado por espécies exóticas e produzidas, em grande parte, fora do país, enquanto espécies nativas do Brasil são negligenciadas e poderiam ocupar um espaço maior no mercado nacional. No capítulo 3, foi estudada a ocorrência e o uso de plantas condimentares no Brasil, a partir de ampla revisão de literatura. Das 923 espécies com uso condimentar disponível no Brasil, 499 são nativas do país, entretanto, ainda muitas são subutilizadas. As plantas levantadas foram divididas em 22 categorias de uso. A distribuição das plantas pelo Brasil por estados e biomas reflete de certa forma a biodiversidade de cada região, assim como o número de estudos e coletas realizadas por região. Existem diversas oportunidades interessantes para a exploração econômica destas plantas, faltando entretanto estudos sobre sua composição química e segurança, além de trabalhos sobre seu manejo sustentável e nível de conservação. Neste processo questões referentes a conservação de cada espécie, porte e hábito de crescimento devem ser levadas em conta. Com todos os resultados obtidos, é possível concluir que apesar de bem estabelecida, a cadeia produtiva de plantas condimentares ainda possui algumas limitações, sobretudo no cultivo comercial no Brasil e a exploração de espécies nativas do Brasil. A produção delas ainda é restrita assim como a sua disponibilidade em apenas alguns setores do mercado. Ainda há um enorme potencial para o uso de plantas nativas do Brasil na alimentação humana. Mas seriam necessários estudos referentes a composição, segurança, manejo e produção de cada uma destas espécies, para viabilizar sua exploração sustentável. Este estudo não esgotou o assunto sobre o tema, visto que outras espécies podem ser adicionadas ou retiradas destas listas, de acordo com novos trabalhos que surgirem. / Brazil is the country with the biggest biodiversity in the world, which is not reflected in the diet of the population, which obeys a monotonous regime based on few edible plants. Condiments follow the same logic, and the most used in the country are exotic species and imported from other countries. Sustainable exploitation of plant resources, including spice species, can represent cultural recovery, preservation of the environment through the exploitation of non-timber resources, generation of income for the entire production chain, development of new products and can bring health benefits and food and nutrition safety. Throughout this work are discussed different aspects regarding the prospecting of condiment plants in Brazil. Based on issues related to legislation and regulations and definitions presented in the revision, the first chapter addressed the historical use of condiment and food plants in colonial Brazil; In the sequence the market of condiment plants, specifically of input (seeds) and the products available in the markets, were analyzed. In the last chapter an analysis was performed on the condiment plants available in Brazil. In chapter 1, through the analysis of works of 18 authors that were in Brazil between the XVI and XVII centuries, 729 citations of food plants were raised, of which it was possible to identify 124 species. Of these, 60% are native from Brazil. In a short period, several exotic species were introduced in the country. Among the spice plants, Capscicum peppers were the most important for the local people and cassava, pineapple, maize and sweet potatoes were the most cited crops. It is possible to say that during this period there was a rapid and intense exchange of plants with other regions of the world. The presence of exotic and naturalized species native to the Americas evidences the exchange among indigenous populations. Many native species have fallen into disuse and their rescue could contribute to the preservation of these species and their environment of occurrence. In Chapter 2, the objective was to understand aspects of the market of condiment plants in Brazil, focusing on the inputs available to producers and products available to the consumer market. For the analysis of the market of spice plant inputs, the catalogs of 12 seed companies working in this segment were analyzed. And for the study of condiments available in the Brazilian market, the catalogs of 62 companies working in this sector in Brazil were analyzed. Among the seed companies operating in Brazil, 55 species commercialized are considered condiment, with emphasis on the vegetables-condiment and the peppers of the genus Capsicum. About the products available on the market for consumers, 107 types of simple condiment (unmixed) and 145 mixed condiments were found, although in the two categories few species or mixtures are Brazilian. With these data it is possible to consider that the production of different cultivated species is limited to the access to the seeds available in the market and that the market of condiment plants in Brazil is well established, but dominated by exotic species and produced, to a large extent, abroad of the country, while native species of Brazil are little explored, and could occupy a larger space in the national market. In chapter 3, the availability and use of condiment plants in Brazil was studied, from literature review. Of the 923 species with condiment use available in Brazil, 499 are native to Brazil, however many are still underutilized. The raised plants were divided into 22 categories of use. The distribution of plants by Brazil states and biomes reflects the biodiversity of each region, as well as the number of studies and collections carried out by region. There are several interesting opportunities for the economical exploitation of these plants, but there are a lack studies on their chemical composition and safety, as well as works on their sustainable management and conservation level. In this process questions regarding the conservation of each species, size and habit of growth and part used should be taken into account. With all the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that, although well established, the productive chain of condiment plants has some limitations, mainly in the commercial cultivation in Brazil and the exploration of native species of Brazil. Their production is still restricted and their availability are only in few sectors of the market. There is still enormous potential for the use of native plants in Brazil for human consumption. But studies on the composition, safety, management and production of each of these species would be necessary to enable their sustainable exploitation. This study has not exhausted the the subject, since other species can be added or removed from these lists, according to new researches.

The Angolan population has to deal with a high child mortality rate and various deficiency syndromes due to malnutrition. The diet is mainly based on carbohydrate rich plants, lacking important macro- and micronutrients. Currently the majority of cultivated plants originate from regions outside Africa. Although indigenous edible plant species are incorporated in the African diet, they only play a minor role and are often neglected in agricultural systems. The introduction of nutritive, fast-growing American fruit species as ananas, avocado or guava displace natural growing crops. In recent years the potential of wild edible plants to combat malnutrition, face climate change and deal with existing soil conditions has become of special concern. Leavy vegetables as Amaranthus spec., legumes as cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) or fruits as marula (Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. or baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) have gained public and commercial interest. However, only a few African edible plant species are cultivated in small plantations (“Fazenda”) or home gardens in the surrounding of villages. Horticultural or nutritional data are often incomplete and not representative. The scientific knowledge even impairs for species which are not cultivated and regarded only as snack or child food by the local population. Such plants as from the genus of chocolate berries (Vitex L.), vine rubber (Landolphia P.Beauv.) or Parinari Aubl. were of special interest for this PhD thesis. Iron and zinc are widely deficient in the diet of the Angolan population and plant products as fruits from Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. or leaves of Crassocephalum rubens (Juss. ex Jacq.) S.Moore can help to combat resulting syndromes. However, the obtained contents of the 43 plant species have to be verified on additional plant material as contents are known to vary. Nevertheless, the results serve as a baseline and represent first insights into the nutritive profile of the respective wild edible plants. Those important comparative values direct future research, although the inconsistency of plant individuals impede exact statements. On the other hand, this fact also bears a great research potential for studies on the effects of plant varieties, localities or age of tissues. Yields of the studied plant species and incorporated volumes of the edible plant parts are still unknown, but important parameters. The forest tree Caloncoba welwitschii Oliv. has spiny fruits with a delicious, fatty orange pulp. Besides our studies no research focus was ever directed to its nutritional potential although the pulp is appreciated by the local population. A high number of seeds in respect to a comparatively low amount of pulp probably impede nutritional analysis and agricultural interest. However, an in-depth analysis of existing varieties and an appropriate selection could improve the yield as the pulp is of special nutritional value. It contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, vitamin B1, B2 and E. The protein composition further revealed high amounts of indispensable amino acids (Thr, Val, Ile, Leu). The tree often remains in disturbed areas as it is usually protected against human placed fires. The rural population appreciate the ornamental flowers, its diverse medical applications and its ability to attract insects. This demonstrates the enormous potential wild edible plants can have protecting natural habitats and plant individuals. Useful species are safeguarded by locals and emphasizing the manifold utilizations and the nutritional potential of other species seem to be a promising opportunity protecting the natural environment. Benefits of indigenous food plants are therefore manifold. They already grow in surrounding areas and need no expensive cultivation techniques; they are likely more resistant to existing pests and cushion the effects of slash-and-burn farming on soil erosion and rising ground temperatures. Barren, acidic soils with high plant-available amounts of metals as aluminum and manganese impede the cultivation of commercial introduced crops. Application of fertilizers or soil amelioration techniques to enhance the yield are time and cost intensive. Otherwise, indigenous edible plant species are adapted to local growing conditions and grow without special care. Thus, the analysis of physical and chemical soil characteristics was conducted for eight traditionally utilized edible plants from the province Uíge. As plants evolved together with their parameters, they developed different strategies to deal with high amounts of plant-available metals. One example are accumulators, plants which contain extraordinarily high metal contents in their aboveground tissue. Anisophyllea quangensis Engl. ex Henriq., Landolphia lanceolata (K.Schum.) Pichon, Tristemma mauritianum J.F.Gmel., and Eugenia malangensis (O.Hoffm.) Nied. are first described to contain more than 1000 ppm aluminum in their dried leaves and can thus be categorized as Al-hyperaccumulator. These plants survive on marginal sides and bear additionally edible fruits with nutritional potential and small amounts of Al. For this reason, they are of special interest combating malnutrition and can at the same time cover and protect the ground. Diversifying the agricultural system with local growing plants seem to be a promising alternative to current monocultures of conventional crops. In course of the data evaluation, it became apparent that there is a huge lack of knowledge concerning wild edible plants in Africa. Comprehensive data about the nutritional profile, growing conditions, germination or yield only exist for model plants or common crops. Results of this PhD thesis therefore serve as first insight into the potential of a selection of wild edible plants from Angola. Exemplary a comprehensive literature review was conducted for the genus Landolphia P.Beauv. covering all research areas from rubber production over botanical investigations to mechanical studies. Striking are the close interactions of the different scientific disciplines. Ethnobotanical utilization patterns are closely linked to pharmacological studies or nutritional analysis. The subshrub Landolphia lanceolata, which is native to the D.R. Congo and Angola, was involved in all different analysis conducted in this thesis. Results and their complex interactions are briefly outlined. The rhizomatous species grows on fine sand in the savannah. The soil of the examined species from Uíge was extremely acidic and low in nutrients. However, high aluminum contents were found in the leaves indicating accumulation processes within the plant tissues. The aluminum content of the edible fruit pulp was further elevated, which, depending on quantity and frequency of consumption, can be a threat to human health. Other hazardous minerals were not found in the pulp. The delicious fruit contains further antioxidants, vitamin B1, C and E. Landolphia species can yield many fruits on one individuum, which are often sold on local markets and generate alternative income for the local population. Furthermore, leaves and roots of this species are known by traditional healers to relieve cough or rheumatism. Pharmacological studies already determined promising antiplasmodial activities of the root and leaf extract. The latex extraction from L. lanceolata roots is destructive and the obtained rubber of low quality. It is accordingly advisable to utilize other species of the genus Landolphia for rubber production. As illustrated by the many purposes of Landolphia lanceolata, indigenous plant species can help to overcome some of the major problems African populations have to face. Wild edible fruits diversify the local diet and are an important source of macro- and micronutrients. The protection of existing populations and their habitat as well as intensified cultivation can help to recover disturbed, open vegetation sites. Erosion can be prevented and the soil will be safeguarded without external support as power or fund requirements. Further, the economic situation of the rural population would be improved by the sale of products from the species. Another advantage of indigenous plants in contrast to conventional crops are their multipurpose applications. A lasting agriculture with minimum management requirements can be developed, render unnecessary fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. Investigations on wild edible plants therefore bear a great potential directing future research activities, inform the local population and implement sustainable utilization forms protecting the natural environment.