Nutritional and Medicinal Values of the Three Most Used Plants in Chad: Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Corchorus olitorius L.

This review explores the nutritional and health benefits of three vegetable plants in Chad: Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Corchorus olitorius L. These plants are widely consumed by Chadian population, but few research studies have focused on their nutritional and health benefits. The aim is to stimulate research, investment, and in-depth studies on these plants to encourage their use and transformation in Chad. Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Corchorus olitorius L. are Malvaceae species with medicinal properties and traditional use in Chad. They contain essential amino acids and have antinociceptive, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic activities. Their extract has hypoglycemic potential as a preventative or adjunct therapy for pre-diabetes or diabetes. Hibiscus sabdariffa is rich in essential vitamins, including vitamin A, which is beneficial for eyes, anti-aging, and sight. Its vitamin C helps fight free radicals and ensures good resistance to infections. Corchorus olitorius L. has a nutritional composition ranging from 1.2 to 34.4 mg/100 g and is known for its mucilaginous seeds, young tops and leaves, and silky hair. These plants have potential medicinal applications in antidiabetic, anti-gastritis, and prebiotic fields, and play a significant role in neural development and health. Promoting their use in Chad requires conservation programs, public policies, and local population planting. Future research should focus on their nutritional and medicinal properties, targeting underutilized species to address micronutrient deficiencies. Enhancing bioconservative properties and communication of these plants’ virtues are crucial for their optimal availability and protection.

Mixed vitamin C and zinc diet supplements co-administered with artemether drug improved haematological profile and survival of mice infected with Plasmodium berghei

Iron and zinc deficiencies is common in malaria endemic areas and contributes to morbidity.Vitamin C and zinc combined supplements have been hypothesized as a remedy.This study evaluated the effect of different combinations of vitamin C and zinc on haematological parameters and mortality of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice(Mus musculus).A three-week trial was carried out to assess haematological changes and mortality of mice after 3-day artemether treatment co-administered with vitamin C-zinc supplements.Grouping was based on combinations of vitamin C and zinc.Weight,packed cell volume(PCV),white blood cell count(WBC),red blood cell count(RBC),haemoglobin concentration(HB),and mortality were assayed weekly.The supplement improved PCV,HB,mean cell volume(MCV)and mean cell haemoglobin(MCH).Mice mortality was higher in the absence of the supplement,though the difference was not significant(x^2=5.214,P=0.5167).Parasitaemia was not reduced by the supplement.A 30:70 vitamin C-zinc supplement performed better than other combinations used.Therefore,vitamin C-zinc supplement play roles in the management of malaria,since they improved PCV and HB,and lowered mortality rate,complementing the therapeutic effect of artemether.

Determination of Natural Radioactivity of the <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i>Linn (Roselle) Used in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

In this work, ten medicinal and nutritional leaves samples of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn imported from Mali and Burkina Faso in Côte d’Ivoire and sold on the market were collected. The analysis of these plants using High Purity Germanium detector (HPGE) gamma spectrometry showed the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K varied respectively in the range of (1.74 - 0.11) × 10−3 Bq/kg, (6.72 - 0.61) × 10−4 Bq/kg and (4.65 - 0.54) × 10−3 Bq/kg1 in the leaves of H. sabdariffa. The Average Annual Committed Effective Dose (AACED) values from leaves this plant varied from 251.492 × 10−6 to 68.133 × 10−6 mSv/y. These values found are below 0.30 mSv/y, the world average value for an individual. These results show that there is no radiological risk in consuming “bissap” leaves.