A review of the role of the Cucurbitaceae family in food security in West Africa (original) (raw)
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Agronomic characterization of eighteen cucurbitaceae cultivars used for food in Niger
Journal of Applied Biosciences, 2014
Objective: Agronomic potentialities of 18 cucurbitaceous cultivars from two species were assessed in a period of two years on the experimental field of the University Of Niamey Faculty Of Sciences. The experiment was a complete random block. Seventeen (17) cultivars of the Lagenaria siceraria species of which only one species from the Citrullus colocynthis. Methodology and results: Thirteen (13) characteristics were studied. Variance analyses showed that there was very significant difference (p= 0.05) between cultivars for all studied characteristics, except the duration of the emergence, the date of fructification, the width of the fruit and the weight of the seed the first year. In this way, short-cycle and long cycle cultivars, as well as productive and less productive cultivars are identified. Correlations between the different characteristics showed that the yield in berries is very positively correlated to the weight of a berry (r = 0.76) and the number of seeds per berry (r = 0.61) and negatively with the width (r =-0.66) and the length (r =-0.73) of a seed. The average production in berries is 17 per plant in the first year against 6 the second year. Better productivity is achieved with Citrullus colocynthis, which gave 82 berries per plant the 1 st year. The average yield in seeds was 180.15 kg / ha in the first year and 704.30 kg / ha, in the second year. Conclusion and application of results: Niger cucurbitaceous are unknown and the results of this study show that they have a lot of potentiality and can contribute to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, especially in its food security and fight against poverty programs, since they represent an important source of income for the population.
Food and medicinal relevance of Cucurbitaceae species in Eastern and Southern Africa
Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 2021
Background The traditional use of medicinal plants is an integral part of African culture and plays a major role in African societies. For centuries, plants have been used to cure diseases and till date, a vast majority of the African people especially in rural communities depend on the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various ailments. Main body The Cucurbitaceae family has a diversity of medicinally relevant species which also play significant roles in food security in Africa. While some are underutilised and are sourced from the wild, others are domesticated and cultivated for food. This review therefore highlights the significance of Cucurbitaceae species in Eastern and Southern African countries. The use of various species in the traditional food and medicine systems of these countries is documented. The review further discusses some poisonous species with close resemblance to edible plants. The fatal effect of consuming any part of such plant species like young or ...
African Journal of Biotechnology, 2016
The present study aimed to evaluate some agronomical, physical and nutritional characteristics of seeds of three species of Cucurbitaceous, namely Citrulus lanatus, Lagenaria siceraria and Cucumeropsis edulus. Agronomic experiments were investigated over a two-year period during which, some agronomic performances of the tested varieties were evaluated. The physical characteristics of the collected fruits were also determined. The nutritional composition of the seeds, in particular their moisture, oils and proteins contents were then evaluated. Finally, the physicochemical characteristics, such as acidity, peroxide index, saponification index and the composition of fatty acids present in the oils extracted from seeds were performed. Results show that the species of C. lanatus and L. siceraria germinated respectively five and seven days after sowing. The flowering was observed 36 and 42 days, respectively, after sowing while the fructification appeared 44 and 58 days after sowing. According to results obtained during the two years of experimentation, the three species of Cucurbitaceous investigated in the present study could be ranged in short-cycle species (C. lanatus and L. siceraria) and long cycle species (C. edulus). Moreover, C. lanatus could be classified as the most productive as compared to others species of Cucurbitaceous plants investigated in the present study. C. edulus seeds are the longest (1.76 and 1.83 cm) in opposition to the seeds from C. lanatus (1.33 and 1.49 cm). Results of physicochemical analyses revealed the presence of fat (49.5-51.9%), with a high protein contents (18.46-31.41%). The composition of the fatty acids detected in oils extracted from seeds showed a strong concentration of linoleic acid (66.65%) and the presence of oleic acid (13.76%). The high unsaturated fatty acids proportion detected in oils from L. siceraria seeds was 80.40%. The saturated fatty acids detected were C16:0 and C18:0; and were more concentrated in the species of C. lanatus.
Nutritive value of some Cucurbitaceae oilseeds from different regions in Cameroon
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
The nutritive value of five species of Cucurbitaceae (egusi) seeds from different bio-climatic regions in Cameroon was studied. These seeds are Cucumeropsis mannii, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Lagenaria siceraria and Cucumis sativus. The results show that the nutritional value of these seeds does not depend on the climatic region but on the species. Their moisture, crude fibre and ash levels are similar to those of soybean, peanuts, sesame and sunflower seeds, but their carbohydrate levels are lower. The Cucurbitaceae seeds and their defatted cakes are rich in proteins (28 to 40.49 and 61 to 73.59% respectively). They also contain high lipid levels similar to those of the other oilseeds. These seeds can thus be considered as sources of proteins and oils.
A Review on the Economic Uses of Species of Cucurbitaceae and Their Sustainability in Nigeria
2017
The Cucurbitaceae family commonly known as the gourd family is an excellent example of a plant family with many economically useful species. They are native in most countries of the world, especially in the tropics, where they are cultivated in every country, state, and province. The Cucurbitaceae consists of many important food plants such as melon, pumpkin, squash, cucumber; useful plants for the production of items of utility such as bottle gourds, loofah, ornamental gourds, etc. Some species, example, bitter melon, cucumber, musk melon, etc are considered to have medicinal properties due to the presence of cucurbitacins, etc. Others such as Luffa, Cucurbita, etc are used as complementary dietary ingredient of feed for poultry and increasingly as a protein and vitamin supplement to aqua feeds. Members of this family such as Momordica, Cucurbita, Cucumis etc are also used as remedies for livestock. In addition, seed oil of melon is a source of biodiesel. This article briefly revie...
Nutritional Study on the Seeds and Fruits of Threecucurbits in South Western Nigeria
2017
A comparative study was carried out on the nutritional contents of the seeds and fruits of Cucumis melo (L.),Lagenaria breviflora (Benth) and Citrullus lanatus (Thunb). Proximate composition, Vitamin C content and phytochemical analysis of air-dried, powdered epicarp, mesocarp and seeds of the mature fruits were also carried out using standard procedures. Data on nutritional and phytochemical characteristics were collected andsubjected totwo - way analysis of variance (ANOVA)at p<0.05. Means were compared using LSD.Total sugar and vitamins C were detected in the other parts of the fruits except the seeds in the three Cucurbits. Percentage dry matter, fat, ash and crude protein were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the seeds than in the epicarp and mesocarp. Crude fibre was highest in the epicarp for C. melo(1.75 0.13), L. breviflora (1.85 0.07)and C. lanatus (2.18 0.07).
Asian Food Science Journal
Aims: The objective of this work was to contribute to the valorization of 3 local cucurbit oilseeds species grown in 2 producing regions of Côte d’Ivoire, namely the Kabadougou and the Moronou. Thus, a comparative study on the main nutritive and bioactive compounds of these cucurbits was conducted. Methodology: Mature dried seeds of Citrullus lanatus sp, Lagenaria siceraria Molina Standl, and Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin, locally named respectively Wlewle, Bebou and Nviele, were collected in the 2 regions, dehulled and processed for analyses. Standard procedures of AOAC, AFNOR and FAO were used for the determination of the nutritive and bioactive compounds. Results: Wlewle species exhibited the highest content of lipids (51.07±1.32%), energy caloric value (584.05±4.13 kcal/), polyphenols (141±23.97) and flavonoids (0.19±0.02) content. Nviele species had the highest protein (38.90±0.93%) and reducing sugar (70.62±1.03 mg/100 g) content. Bebou species exhibited the highest ash content (...
Nutritional Evaluation of Some Nigerian Pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.)
zef.de
Fruits of 10 accessions of Cucurbita collected from three agroecological regions of Nigeria were evaluated for their proximate values, phytonutrient and anti-nutrient compositions and mineral content. The results indicated that the moisture content of the accessions was high but did not vary significantly (P < 0.05) among the accessions. Protein values were significantly different among accessions and ranged from 8.29 to 12.56%. Crude fat content was low in all the accessions and varied from 1.15 to 2.63%. The genotypes varied significantly (P < 0.05) in carbohydrate content. The ȕ-carotene and lycopene values were comparable to values obtained in a popular but more expensive vegetable, tomato. The presence of these phytochemicals explained the medicinal action of the curcurbita fruits encountered in its therapeutic uses. The anti-nutritional factors analysed in the fruits namely, tannins (0.017 to 0.102 mg/100 g dry matter, DM) and phytates (0.002 to 0.021 mg/100 g DM) were lower than the range of values reported for most vegetables. All the minerals evaluated varied significantly among the cucurbita accessions. Potassium, magnesium, and calcium were the most prevalent minerals. The dendrogam on the bases of proximate evaluation grouped the accessions into two clusters with 'Awka-RV' and 'Uvu-watt' forming an outlier. However, only one cluster was formed when the characterization and discrimination among the accessions were considered using the mineral, phytonutrient and anti-nutrient content. These results revealed that cucurbita fruits contain appreciable amount of nutrients and therefore, can be included in diets to supplement our daily nutrient needs.
Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Properties of the Seeds of Six Selected Nigerian Cucurbit Germplasm
Journal of Plant Development
Biochemical characterization of the seed extracts of the seeds of six selected Nigerian cucurbit germplasm was carried out using standard biochemical procedures. All treatments were replicated three times and the results presented as mean ± S.E. On proximate analysis, percentage moisture ranged from (3.83±0.10%) to (5.17±0.65%) with the highest in Lagenaria breviflora (5.17±0.65%) while the least value (3.83±0.10%) was obtained in Cucurbita pepo. Crude protein composition ranged from (32.66-0.11) to (35.94±2.89%) the highest (35.94±2.89%) in Lagenaria breviflora while the least (32.66-0.11%) was for Cucurbita maxima. Crude carbohydrate ranged from (27.33±0.20) to (36.66±0.2) with the highest (35.66±0.20) in Citrullus lanatus while the least (27.33±0.20) was for Cucurbita pepo. Crude lipid analysis showed the range of values (31.33±0.27%) to (24.50±0.29%) with the highest in Cucumeropsis mannii while Citrullus lanatus had (24.50±0.29%). Crude fiber contents ranged from (15.83±1.23%) to (5.68±0.87%) with the highest (15.83±1.23%) in Cucurbita maxima while Lagenaria breviflora had (5.83±0.07%). Ash content revealed the range of values (9.17±0.52) to (5.86±0.29%) with the highest (9.17±0.52%) in Cucurbita maxima while the least (5.86±0.29%) was in Lagenaria breviflora. Analysis of available energy (kcal.) revealed the range of values (555.97±2.45) to (500.90±2.21 kcal) with the highest in Cucumeropsis mannii while Citrullus lanatus had (500.90±2.21 kcal). With significant difference (P≤0.05) in the contents of crude carbohydrates, lipids, crude fiber and available energy in (kcal). Mineral analysis revealed nitrogen (N) composition with a range of values (3.11±0.38) to (5.75±0.97 g/100 g) with the highest in Lagenaria breviflora while the least (3.11±0.38) g/100 g was in Citrullus lanatus. Sodium (Na) analysis revealed the range of values (11.83±0.79) to (31.67±2.43) g/100 g with the highest in Cucurbita pepo (31.67±2.43) g/100 g while Cucumeropsis mannii had the least (11.83±0.79 g/100 g). Magnesium (Mg) analysis similarly revealed range of values (22.00±1.18) to (34.60±2.17) g/100 g with the highest in Cucurbita maxima (34.60±2.17) g/100 g while the least value (22.00±1.18 g/100 g) was in Lagenaria siceraria. Similarly, calcium (Ca) analysis revealed the presence of the valuable mineral with a range of values (10.83±1.32) to (36.67±2.76) g/100 g) with highest (36.67±2.67 g/100 g) in Cucurbita maxima while the least (10.83±1.32 g/100 g) was obtained in Cucurbita maxima. Contents of phosphorus (P) revealed the range of values (4.50±0.66) to (5.71±0.98) g/100 g with the highest (5.71±0.98 g/100 g) in Lagenaria siceraria while least (4.50±0.66) g/100 g was obtained in Citrullus lanatus. More so, analysis of potassium (K) revealed a range of values (1,266.67±3.67) to (2,266.70±3.69 g/100 g) with the highest (2,266.70±3.69) g/100 g in the seeds of Cucurbita maxima while the least (1,266.67±3.67 g/100 g) was obtained in Citrullus lanatus. With significant difference (P≤0.05) among the species in the contents of sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Based on phytochemicals analyzed, tannin content was highest in the seeds of Citrullus lanatus with (29.66±2.26) while the least value (11.62±0.84) was obtained in Cucurbita maxima. Volatile oil analysis ranged from (25.47±1.90) in Lagenaria siceraria while the least (11.68±0.69) was obtained in Cucurbita pepo. There is significant difference (P≤0.05) in the contents of phenol between Citrullus lanatus and the other species. Also, similar trend have been found to occur in the composition of saponin glycosides, as well as the volatile oil. Based on these results, it can be asserted that seeds of the members of Cucurbitaceae are high in proximate, minerals and phytochemicals that could be harnessed as food by man as well as used in animal feed formulation strategies in addition to various vital applications of the phytochemicals evaluated in the seeds.
Nutritional and antioxidant potential of seeds from two Cucurbitaceae species from Senegal
European Journal of Chemistry
Cucurbits are largely grown in tropical and subtropical areas for nutritional and medicinal purposes. In Senegal, two species, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), are cultivated and their use include consumption of flesh or the whole fruit. In general, people don’t give importance to seeds which can have nutritional properties of great interest. Hence, the relevance of this study whose objective is to assess the nutritional and therapeutic properties of seeds. For that purpose, the seeds of watermelon and pumpkin were air-dried, manually shelled, ground, and subjected to assays including physicochemical determination, characterization of oils, phytochemical screening and antioxidant analysis. Proteins (28.46 - 32.85 %), fat (36.3 - 39.7 %) and carbohydrates (23.6 - 13.9 %) were the main chemical components found in watermelon and pumpkin seeds. Micro-elements such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, and iron were also found with potassium showing ...