In vitro biological activities of aqueous extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. & Thonn.) taub. and Aframomum citratum (C. Pereira) K.Schum from three Agroecologic Zones in Cameroon

Objective: To investigate some phytochemical constituents and biological activities of twelve samples of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach & Thonn.) taub. and nine samples of Aframomum citratum (C. Pereira) K. Schum fruits collected in the bimodal forest zone (ZONE V), the unimodal forest zone (ZONE IV) and the highlands zone (ZONE III) in Cameroon. Methods: Fresh fruits extracts were obtained by aqueous infusion (100 °C during 15 min) and evaluated by spectrophotometric methods for total polyphenol (TPP), total flavonoids (TFLV) contents and antioxidant (DPPH, total antioxidant capacity by the phosphomolybdenum method, iron reducing power or ferric reducing antioxidant power and inhibition of beta carotene discoloration assays) and anti-inflammatory (inhibitions of protein denaturation and 5-LOX represented by INH.PROT and INH.5- LOX respectively) properties. Principal component analysis was performed. Results: For both species, fruits from ZONE V have the highest TPP, TFLV levels and biological activities. TPP and TFLV content of Aframomum citratum and Tetrapleura tetraptera fruits are positively and significantly (P<0.05) correlated. The biological activities of all extracts (0.25, 2.5, 25, 250 mg/mL) were dosedependent and the extracts have shown strong antioxidant and anti- inflammatory activities, but less than references (ascorbic acid, diclofenac, quercetin, and butylated hydroxytoluene). There was a positive correlation between TPP, TFLV and total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and inhibition of beta carotene discoloration assays, and inverse correlations were observed with the IC50 (g/mL) of DPPH, INH.5-LOX and INH. PROT assays for both species. Conclusions: The fruits exhibit variabilities and those from ZONE V for both species are economically and healthcare challenging for herbalists, pharmaceutical firms, scientists and consumers. Indeed, most important extraction yield of bioactive compounds correlated with significant biological activities and the use of less material compared with an implementation in other Agro-ecologic Zones with the same results are noted.

In vitro biological activities of aqueous extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. & Thonn.) taub. and Aframomum citratum (C. Pereira) K.Schum from three Agroecologic Zones in Cameroon

Objective: To investigate some phytochemical constituents and biological activities of twelve samples of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach & Thonn.) taub. and nine samples of Aframomum citratum (C. Pereira) K. Schum fruits collected in the bimodal forest zone (ZONE V), the unimodal forest zone (ZONE IV) and the highlands zone (ZONE III) in Cameroon. Methods: Fresh fruits extracts were obtained by aqueous infusion (100 °C during 15 min) and evaluated by spectrophotometric methods for total polyphenol (TPP), total flavonoids (TFLV) contents and antioxidant (DPPH, total antioxidant capacity by the phosphomolybdenum method, iron reducing power or ferric reducing antioxidant power and inhibition of beta carotene discoloration assays) and anti-inflammatory (inhibitions of protein denaturation and 5-LOX represented by INH.PROT and INH.5- LOX respectively) properties. Principal component analysis was performed. Results: For both species, fruits from ZONE V have the highest TPP, TFLV levels and biological activities. TPP and TFLV content of Aframomum citratum and Tetrapleura tetraptera fruits are positively and significantly (P<0.05) correlated. The biological activities of all extracts (0.25, 2.5, 25, 250 mg/mL) were dosedependent and the extracts have shown strong antioxidant and anti- inflammatory activities, but less than references (ascorbic acid, diclofenac, quercetin, and butylated hydroxytoluene). There was a positive correlation between TPP, TFLV and total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and inhibition of beta carotene discoloration assays, and inverse correlations were observed with the IC

Efecto de la densidad de siembra en el desarrollo vegetativo del aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) en plantaciones forestales / Effect of sowing density on the vegetative development of aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) in forest plantations

En este trabajo es estudiado el efecto de dos densidades de siembra de la palmera aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) sobre su crecimiento en altura; cuantificamos la proporción de plantas según sexo y determinamos los requerimientos ecológicos de iluminación y forma de copa del aguaje. El estudio se desarrolló en dos subparcelas con diferente densidad de siembra que fueron monitoreadas por 6 años después de 6 años de haber sido plantadas. Los resultados muestran que los individuos presentan mayor altura promedio y por lo tanto mayor crecimiento a mayor densidad de siembra. Es así que a los 12 años de establecidas las plantaciones, los individuos tuvieron en promedio 15.28 m y 13.1 m de altura a densidades de siembra mayores y menores, respectivamente. La proporción de palmeras fértiles se fue incrementando con el tiempo, siendo por lo general mayor a bajas densidades e incrementando en el tiempo la presencia de plantas femeninas. Existe una marcada competencia entre las copas de las palmeras por requerimientos de luz en las categorías buena y aceptable, por lo que se recomienda continuar con la evaluación y analizar el comportamiento futuro de las palmeras.

In this work, the effect of two planting distances of Mauritia flexuosa on its height is studied, quantified the sex ratio and ecological requirements needed by the species, e.g. light and crown shape. We conducted this study in two plots, each one with a different planting distance, which were monitored throughout 6 years starting after 6 years of the establishment of the plantations. Increased planting distance in between individuals gave increased average height and thus increased growth. Individuals planted with higher vs lower distances grew in average 15.28 m and 13.1 m in height respectively. The proportion of fertile palms increased throughout time and was lower in plantations with higher palm densities. The presence of female individuals increased also with time. There was a strong competition among palm crowns related to light requirements in good and acceptable categories. We recommended to continue with the evaluation and future analysis of this species' behavior.

Vegetative and reproductive phenology of Butia purpurascens Glassman (Arecaceae) under the effects of leaf harvesting / Fenologia vegetativa e reprodutiva de Butia purpurascens Glassman (Arecaceae) sob efeitos da extração de folhas

Butia purpurascens is an endemic and threatened palm tree species that occurs in open areas of the Brazilian Cerrado, predominantly in southwestern Goiás. The leaves of this palm tree are harvested by local people to fabricate brooms. This study evaluated changes in vegetative and reproductive phenology in two different natural populations of this palm tree: one population with leaf harvesting and another non-harvested population. Twenty plants were monitored in each area for 23 months. The phenophases were related to the temperature and precipitation averages for a 30-year period. Leaf sprouting occurred throughout the year, with a slight reduction in periods of low temperatures and low rainfall. The first spathes emerged in March and flowering began during the dry season (June), continuing until January of the following year, concurrent with the period of most intense fruiting. Flowering and fruiting appear to be triggered by periods of drought, which are commonly observed in the Cerrado. The harvested sites produced significantly fewer leaves, spathes, inflorescences and infructescences than the non-harvested sites. Thus, the supply of resources to the local fauna is possibly reduced in sites under leaf exploitation, which in the long term can represent damage to the palm tree population’s structure and dynamics. Other socioeconomic and ecological studies about the effects of leaf harvesting in B. purpurascens are necessary to enable strategies for sustainable use, devise management alternatives and conserve this threatened palm species.

Butia purpurascens é uma palmeira endêmica e ameaçada que ocorre em áreas de cerrado sentido restrito do sudoeste goiano e tem suas folhas extraídas pela população local para a confecção de vassouras. O estudo avaliou variações na fenologia vegetativa e reprodutiva em duas populações naturais da palmeira em Jataí, GO: uma área sem extração e outra com extrativismo foliar. Vinte indivíduos foram monitorados em cada área durante 23 meses. As fenofases foram relacionadas às medias de temperatura e precipitação por um período de 30 anos. O brotamento foliar ocorreu ao longo de todo o ano, embora tenha reduzido nos períodos de menor temperatura e pluviosidade. A emissão das primeiras espatas se iniciou em março e a floração teve início durante a estação seca (junho), perdurando até janeiro do ano seguinte, concomitante ao período de intensa frutificação. Floração e frutificação parecem ser desencadeadas por períodos de estiagem, comum no Cerrado brasileiro. Áreas com extração produziram número significativamente menor de folhas, espatas, inflorescências e infrutescências do que áreas sem extração. Assim, a oferta de recursos para a fauna local é reduzida em áreas sob extrativismo, o que pode prejudicar a estrutura e a dinâmica populacional da palmeira, em longo prazo. Outros estudos sócio-econômicas e ecológicos sobre os efeitos da extração foliar em B. purpurascens são necessários para permitir estratégias de exploração sustentável, alternativas de manejo e a conservação dessa espécie atualmente ameaçada.

Successional stage, fragmentation and exposure to extraction influence the population structure of Euterpe precatoria (Arecaeae) / Influencia de la etapa de sucesión, fragmentación y exposición a la extracción en la estructura poblacional de Euterpe precatoria (Arecaeae)

The neotropical palm Euterpe precatoria is subject to extraction for its valuable palm heart. The development of management and conservation practices for this species requires understanding of its population structure, dynamics, and traditional use across the range of environments it inhabits, from different successional stages in continuous forest to forest fragments. Here, we analyzed how the population structure of E. precatoria varies with successional stage, fragmentation, and exposure to extraction. Since E. precatoria recruitment increases with disturbance, we expected seedling density to be higher in secondary forests and fragments relative to primary forests. The study was conducted from 2007-2008 in the Caribbean Slope of Costa Rica at Braulio Carrillo National Park (BCNP), La Selva Biological Station (LSBS), Manú Center, and Finca El Progreso (FEP). The first two sites had continuous primary and secondary forests (BCNP had one extracted primary forest); the last two consisted of primary forest fragments. Population structure was variable, with greater densities in the extracted primary forest, and in the secondary forests, as compared to primary forests and fragments. Palms <5m across all sites represented 50-90% of the total number of individuals. In sites that suffered historical over-extraction, local communities have lost the tradition of consuming this species. Understanding how population dynamics is affected by extraction and succession is essential to the design of sustainable management programs rooted in community participation.

La palma neotropical Euterpe precatoria sufre un proceso de extracción ilegal debido al sabor y calidad de su palmito. El desarrollo de prácticas de manejo y conservación de esta especie requiere de la comprensión de su estructura y dinámica poblacional en los diferentes ambientes que coloniza. Analizamos cómo la estructura poblacional de E. precatoria varió con el estadio sucesional, la fragmentación y la exposición a la extracción. Esperábamos que la densidad de plántulas fuera mayor en bosques secundarios y fragmentos en relación con los bosques primarios. El estudio se realizó entre 2007-2008 en la vertiente del Caribe de Costa Rica en el Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo, la Estación Biológica La Selva, el Centro Manú y la Finca El Progreso. Los dos primeros sitios tenían bosques primarios y secundarios continuos (Braulio Carrillo tenía además un bosque primario extraído), mientras que los dos últimos representaban fragmentos de bosques primarios con una historia previa de extracción. La mayor densidad de plántulas se encontró en el bosque primario extraído y en los bosques secundarios, mientras que las palmas reproductivas fueron más comunes en los bosques primarios y en los fragmentos. Las palmas <5m en todos los sitios representaron el 50-90% del número total de individuos. En los sitios que históricamente sufrieron sobre-extracción, las comunidades perdieron la tradición de consumir esta especie. Comprender los factores que afectan la estructura poblacional es esencial para el diseño de programas de gestión sostenible basados en la participación comunitaria.

Extrativismo de bromélias no Estado do Paraná / Bromeliads wild harvesting in State of Paraná

Visando a contribuir para o melhor entendimento da participação da atividade extrativista no âmbito da comercialização de bromélias no Brasil, apresentou-se resultado de pesquisa que buscou: a) identificar e caracterizar os extrativistas de bromélias formalmente registrados e os informais no Estado do Paraná; b) identificar e caracterizar as metodologias de coleta, o preparo e vias de comercialização das plantas coletadas; c) levantar a opinião dos extrativistas sobre facilidades e dificuldades desta atividade. O extrativismo de bromélias no Paraná foi identificado em 12 municípios, englobando 31 famílias extratoras, predominantemente concentradas no litoral do Paraná (n=10) e Município de Ortigueira (n=7). Foram identificados dois tipos básicos de extrativistas: residente e oportunista, com diferenças marcantes entre estes, especialmente no que se refere a volume e forma de extração. Foram identificadas 21 espécies submetidas ao extrativismo, sendo as mais frequentemente coletadas: Vriesea incurvata Gaudich. comercializada por 90% dos entrevistados, Nidularium innocentii Lem. (77%), Vriesea platynema Gaudich. (67%), Tillandsia stricta Sol. ex Ker Gawl. (55%) e Vriesea carinata Lem. (55%).

Aiming to contribute to the better understanding of the wild harvesting participation in the context of the bromeliads trade, the results from a study focused on: a) identifying and to characterizing the bromeliads wild harvesters (formally and not formally registered) in the State of the Paraná; b) identifying and characterizing the harvesting methodologies, preparation and trade routes, and c) surveying the harvesters opinion on the facilities and difficulties of bromeliads wild harvesting are presented. The bromeliads wild harvesting was detected in 12 municipalities at Parana State, involving 31 harvester families, most of them concentrated at the coastal zone (n=10) and Ortigueira Mun. (7). Two basic harvester types were identified: resident and opportunist with outstanding differences between them especially related to volume and forms of extraction. A total of 21 bromeliads species were identified as submitted to wild harvesting, being the more frequently collected: Vriesea incurvata Gaudich. (cited by 90% of the interviewed harvesters), Nidularium innocentii Lem. (77%), Vriesea platynema Gaudich. (67%), Tillandsia stricta Sol. ex Ker Gawl. (55%) and Vriesea carinata Wawra (55%).

Improving Nutrition and Health through Non-timber Forest Products in Ghana.

Nutrition and health are fundamental pillars of human development across the entire life-span. The potential role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in improving nutrition and health and reduction of poverty has been recognized in recent years. NTFPs continue to be an important source of household food security, nutrition, and health. Despite their significant contribution to food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods, these tend to be overlooked by policy-makers. NTFPs have not been accorded adequate attention in development planning and in nutrition-improvement programmes in Ghana. Using exploratory and participatory research methods, this study identified the potentials of NTFPs in improving nutrition and food security in the country. Data collected from the survey were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 16.0). Pearson’s correlation (p<0.05) showed that a significant association exists between NTFPs and household food security, nutrition, and income among the populations of Bibiani-Bekwai and Sefwi Wiawso districts in the western region of Ghana. NTFPs contributed significantly to nutrition and health of the poor in the two districts, especially during the lean seasons. The results of the survey also indicated that 90% of the sampled population used plant medicine to cure various ailments, including malaria, typhoid, fever, diarrhoea, arthritis, rheumatism, and snake-bite. However, a number of factors, including policy vacuum, increased overharvesting of NTFPs, destruction of natural habitats, bushfires, poor farming practices, population growth, and market demand, are hindering the use and development of NTFPs in Ghana. The study also provides relevant information that policy-makers and development actors require for improving nutrition and health in Ghana.