Journal of Applied Life Sciences International

Local Crops as Potential Dietary Strategies for Improving the Diet and Nutrition of Athletes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review

2026-11-05T07:42:20+00:00

The diets of athletes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remain poorly studied, and the available evidence raises several concerns: limited sports nutrition knowledge, inadequate energy intake, poor dietary diversity, frequent dehydration in hot climates and growing use of imported supplements that are costly and sometimes contaminated. This narrative review examines the extent to which local African crops and food resources can serve as the basis of a "food first" strategy for these athletes. PubMed/MEDLINE, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, HAL and African institutional repositories were searched for publications in English or French up to 30 August 2026, and the evidence was synthesised narratively, distinguishing trials in athletes from human studies in non-athletes and from food composition data. Five groups of foods were selected: cereals and pseudocereals (maize, sorghum, millets, fonio, amaranth); roots, tubers and plantains (cassava, yam, taro, sweet potato); legumes, oilseeds and one oil-rich tuber (cowpea, Bambara groundnut, groundnut, soybean, tiger nut); fruits, leaves and traditional beverages (moringa, baobab, cashew apple, hibiscus or bissap, coconut water, cocoa, kola); and edible mushrooms (Termitomyces, paddy straw mushrooms, oyster mushrooms). Based on their composition, these foods could contribute substantially to the nutritional adequacy of athletes' diets, although this has not yet been tested by whole-diet modelling. They provide carbohydrates with a range of glycaemic indices, useful for glycogen loading and replenishment, plant proteins whose quality improves when cereals and legumes are combined, critical micronutrients (iron, calcium, provitamin A, vitamin C), electrolytes (potassium, magnesium) and bioactive compounds (polyphenols, nitrates, caffeine). Soaking, germination and fermentation may reduce antinutritional factors and improve mineral bioavailability. Several obstacles remain: athletes' needs are poorly understood, crop-specific composition and glycaemic index data are lacking, local processing remains limited and standardised sports products are scarce. Above all, the available data, which come mainly from composition analyses, do not yet demonstrate any effect on athletes' performance, recovery or health: only a few small trials have tested these foods in athletes or trained individuals, and only one of them was conducted in SSA. Optimised products (energy bars, rehydration drinks, protein powders) should therefore be tested in controlled trials among African athletes before any recommendation is made.

Formulation and Characterisation of Functional Noodles Fortified with Bone-Setter (Cissus quadrangularis) Plant Powder

2026-10-16T10:29:54+00:00

Aim: The present study aimed to formulate and characterise functional noodles fortified with bone-setter plant (Cissus quadrangularis) powder and to evaluate their cooking, physical, and functional properties.

Methodology: Bone-setter plant powder was incorporated into noodles prepared from refined wheat flour, rice flour, whole-wheat flour, and guar gum. Six formulations were developed by varying the proportions of the ingredients. Guar gum was incorporated as a hydrocolloid to improve dough handling, water retention, and structural stability of the noodles. The formulations were prepared through mixing, dough development, sheeting, cutting, drying, and packaging. The selected noodle formulation was evaluated for optimum cooking time, cooking yield, cooking loss, moisture content, bulk density, percentage increase in volume, swelling index, swelling capacity, and solubility index. Standard methods were used to determine the cooking and functional characteristics of the developed noodles.

Results: The selected bone-setter plant–incorporated noodle formulation showed an optimum cooking time of 12 min. The cooking yield was 300%, indicating substantial water absorption and retention, with the cooked noodle weight reaching approximately three times the initial dry weight. The cooking loss was 9.6%, suggesting moderate leaching of soluble components into the cooking water. The dried noodles recorded a moisture content of 7.1%, reflecting effective drying and indicating potential suitability for storage. The bulk density was 0.65 g/mL, demonstrating moderate compactness and favourable packaging characteristics. A 350% increase in volume after cooking was observed, indicating marked expansion of the noodle structure during hydration. The swelling index was 2.0 g/g, confirming that the noodles retained approximately 2 g of water per gram of dry material. The swelling capacity and solubility index were 574.12% and 12.04%, respectively, indicating high hydration potential and a moderate release of soluble solids from the noodle matrix.

Conclusion: The incorporation of Cissus quadrangularis powder enabled the development of functional noodles with satisfactory cooking, physical, and functional characteristics. The selected formulation demonstrated good water uptake, high cooking yield, low moisture content, and favourable swelling behaviour. Therefore, bone-setter plant powder has potential as a value-added functional ingredient in noodle production. Further studies should assess proximate composition, mineral and phytochemical content, sensory acceptability, microbial quality, shelf stability, and consumer acceptance before commercial application.

In-vitro Antisickling Activity, Pharmacognostic Characterisation, and Proximate and Elemental Composition of the Aqueous Stem Extract of Celosia argentea L. (Amaranthaceae)

2026-10-28T12:01:15+00:00

Background: Celosia argentea L. is an edible and medicinal plant whose leaf antioxidant activity and the anatomy and chemical composition of its different organs have been studied. The in-vitro effect of an aqueous stem extract on erythrocyte sickling was investigated alongside descriptive pharmacognostic and compositional analyses.

Methods: Plant specimens were authenticated at the IFE Herbarium, Obafemi Awolowo University (voucher IFH18418). The aqueous stem extract was assessed at 2, 4 and 8 mg/mL in deoxygenation-induced inhibition and reversal assays using HbSS blood. Vanillic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid served as assay-specific comparison controls. Macroscopic and microscopic characters were studied and recorded using standard methods. Proximate composition and mineral concentrations in the prepared digest solutions were measured by standard laboratory methods.

Results:The reported inhibition was 87.79%, 96.29% and 97.62%, whereas reversal was 76.42%, 90.93% and 92.97%, at 2, 4 and 8 mg/mL, respectively. The inhibitory comparison-control value was reported as 63.51%; reversal calculated from the displayed p-hydroxybenzoic acid measurements was 63.51%. Mean stem length was 23.2 ± 1.81 cm (n = 10). Leaves were amphistomatic, with anomocytic and anisocytic stomatal complexes and contrasting anticlinal-wall patterns on the two surfaces.The powdered stem contained 21.80% crude protein, 17.71% crude fibre and 18.03% ash. Sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium were detected in the digest solutions.

Conclusion: The extract was associated with lower observed erythrocyte sickling in two descriptive in-vitro assays. Unspecified biological replication, incomplete control reporting and the absence of mechanistic, toxicity or clinical testing preclude efficacy or safety claims. Further work requires independent biological replication to validate assay and chemical characterization.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risk Factors Associated with Non-communicable Diseases among Private-sector Workers in Porto-Novo (Benin)

2026-10-29T12:33:54+00:00

Background: Cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors are relevant to workplace health, but their combined profile among private-sector workers in Porto-Novo is insufficiently described.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of certain non-communicable diseases and characterise associated risk factors among private-sector workers in Porto-Novo (Benin Republic).

Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 92 private-sector workers in Porto-Novo. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, blood pressure, and behavioural data were collected using a questionnaire and standardised measurements. A CS20M digital body composition scale, with a precision of 100 g and a maximum capacity of 150 kg, was used to measure body mass and certain body composition parameters. Height was measured using a portable 2-metre stadiometer and a flexible, non-stretchable tape measure, with a precision of 0.1 cm. Blood pressure was measured using an LD526 electronic blood pressure monitor. Blood pressure was measured using a validated digital upper-arm oscillometric monitor. Following a 5-minute seated rest, with feet flat on the floor and the back supported, two to three sequential readings were taken 1–2 minutes apart on a bare arm supported at heart level, with the mean value recorded as the final systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.55 ± 4.22 kg/m². 42.39% of the workers had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m², with 11.95% classified as obese. A significant proportion of participants also exhibited high blood pressure readings. Diabetes was found in 4.34% of the participants. Family histories of hypertension and diabetes were reported by 32.6% and 21.7% of the workers, respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between stress and high-intensity physical activity (p = 0.02), as well as between stress and time spent sitting while working (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of several NCD risk factors among private-sector workers in Porto-Novo, notably overweight, high blood pressure, sedentary behaviour, occupational stress, and insufficient physical activity.

Remote Sensing-Based Assessment of Carbon Stock Dynamics in the Kalounayes Classified Forest, Senegal, West Africa

2026-10-30T13:11:57+00:00

Tropical forests serve as major carbon sinks and play a crucial role in climate change mitigation. Since their carbon sequestration capacity can be enhanced through sustainable management, the development of reliable spatio-temporal monitoring methods is essential. This study analyses the evolution of carbon stocks in the Kalounayes Classified Forest (Casamance, Senegal) from 1996 to 2026, using satellite remote sensing data. The methodological approach involves the use of Landsat imagery (ETM+, OLI, and TIRS), the calculation of the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and the estimation of above-ground, below-ground, and total biomass as well as carbon stocks using biomass models based on NDVI. The results reveal contrasting vegetation dynamics, characterised by an improvement in NDVI between 1996 and 2026. Furthermore, the mean values for biomass (above-ground, below-ground, and total) and carbon stocks have gradually increased, indicating a diffuse regeneration of forest stands. Conversely, a substantial decline in the maximum biomass and carbon values points to the gradual disappearance of the densest, carbon-rich stands, which have been replaced by more homogeneous vegetation of intermediate density. These findings highlight a structural degradation of the forest, despite an apparent improvement in mean biomass values; they underscore the importance of strengthening sustainable management, forest conservation, and remote sensing-based monitoring strategies to preserve the carbon sequestration potential of the Kalounayes Classified Forest in the face of climate change.

Environmental Education and Students’ Behaviors: An Analysis of Knowledge and Attitudes toward the Environment in Madagascar

2026-10-31T10:37:29+00:00

Background: Human activities in Madagascar are causing severe environmental degradation, and despite conservation efforts, environmental education is seen as essential to improve awareness, attitudes, and behaviours for sustainable development.

Aims: This study aims to analyse students’ levels of knowledge and attitudes towards the environment to evaluate their engagement and sense of responsibility towards environmental challenges in Madagascar.

Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive survey design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Life Sciences, Ecology, and Conservation, University of Andrainjato Fianarantsoa, Madagascar, between January and June 2025.

Methodology: The survey was conducted among 80 full-time undergraduate students enrolled in life sciences, ecology, and conservation programmes. Structured questionnaires were administered to assess respondents' environmental literacy and attitudes. Data were analysed to assess the correlation between environmental knowledge and attitudes.

Results: The findings reveal a high level of environmental knowledge and an overall positive attitude towards the environment among the 80 surveyed students. However, statistical analysis indicated a weak or nearly non-existent relationship between their theoretical knowledge and their practical environmental attitudes (r = .052, P = .564).

Conclusion: Higher education students with sound levels of environmental literacy constitute a valuable asset for the promotion of environmental education in Madagascar. To foster sustainable development, this study recommends strengthening targeted environmental education initiatives at all academic levels, with the active involvement of the State, non-governmental organizations, and international partners.

In-silico Screening of Endophytic Fungal Metabolites from Stevia rebaudiana as Potential Therapeutics against Multidrug-Resistant Poultry Pathogens

2026-10-31T12:48:14+00:00

Resistance to available antimicrobials constitutes a significant challenge to medicine, with animals identified as critical reservoirs of resistant pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii continue to gain attention and are capable of multidrug resistance including resistance to carbapenems. This study determined the susceptibility profiles of P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii and the potential of selected fungal metabolites from Stevia rebaudiana against selected pathogens from poultry farms in Ogbomoso. Ten poultry faecal samples were collected from five poultry farms for the isolation of P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii using Glutamate Starch Phenol Red and CHROMagar, respectively, following standard methods. Bacteria were identified by their distinct colonial and biochemical features and antibacterial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. The pharmacokinetic profiling of bio-metabolites from endophytic fungi associated with Stevia rebaudiana was determined by molecular techniques. A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa were isolated from all the poultry faecal samples. Gentamycin, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were the most effective antimicrobial agents with 53.8% and 46.2% sensitivity, respectively. The presence of phenolic compounds, sterols and fatty acids showed that the plant contains diverse secondary metabolites with potential antimicrobial properties. Most metabolites showed favourable predicted absorption properties with intestinal absorption ranging from 71% to 95% across the metabolites. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate profiles were positive for benzene acetic acid, cis-9-octadecenoic acid and ergosterol. The total clearance for all metabolites ranged from 0.159 to 2.032 Log ml/min/kg. Conclusively, metabolites from S. rebaudiana demonstrated favourable predicted pharmacokinetic properties as potential drug candidates. Molecular simulation studies are essential to validate these bio-metabolites as potential alternative antimicrobials against these resistant pathogens.

Optimizing Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Production by Implementing an Innovative Cropping System in Daloa, Ivory Coast

2026-11-02T12:36:45+00:00

Background: Cassava production is important to food security and the rural economy in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire. This study assessed field yield responses of the Yavo cassava variety to chicken manure and rice husk charcoal, alongside reported soil measurements.

Methods: Cassava mini-cuttings were propagated for 45 days using four nursery substrates. The field experiment was described as a randomised complete block design with three treatments (unamended control, chicken manure, and rice husk charcoal), three blocks, and 90 planting positions. Soil particle-size distribution and physicochemical characteristics were reported before and after planting.

Results: The recorded fresh-root yields were 34.84 t/ha for the control, 54.63 t/ha for chicken manure, and 53.44 t/ha for rice husk charcoal. The reported treatment effect on yield was significant (p < 0.001), with both amended treatments differing from the control but not from each other. Mean numbers of tuberous roots did not differ significantly (p = 0.2364). Organic carbon, total nitrogen and organic matter were numerically higher in the post-planting soil sample, although these observations could not be attributed to individual treatments.

Conclusions: The reported results suggest differences in field yield among amendment treatments. However, discrepancies in field dimensions and incomplete information on nursery-to-field allocation, harvested area, yield conversion, and soil sampling limit interpretation. Confirmation of these details is necessary before firm conclusions can be drawn about productivity or soil changes.

Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Quercetin Supplementation on High-salt Diet-induced Alterations in Haematological Indices in Wistar Rats

2026-11-04T08:10:01+00:00

Background: Excessive dietary salt intake is associated with adverse cardiovascular and systemic effects; however, its impact on haematological indices and the potential protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin have not been fully elucidated.

Aims: This study evaluated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin, administered individually and in combination, on high-salt feeding (HSF)-induced alterations in haematological indices in Wistar rats.

Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats (180–220 g) were randomly assigned to seven groups (n = 5 per group): normal control, DMSO sham, olive oil sham, HSF (8% NaCl feed + 1% NaCl drinking water), HSF + omega-3 fatty acids (100 mg/kg), HSF + quercetin (20 mg/kg), and HSF + omega-3 fatty acids + quercetin. Treatments were administered orally for 42 days. Haematological parameters were assessed using an automated haematology analyser. Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test, with significance set at p <0.05.

Results: HSF significantly increased red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), red cell distribution width (RDW-SD, RDW-CV), total white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), while significantly reducing haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), neutrophil count, and the monocyte-eosinophil-basophil mixed differential (MDX) (p <0.05). Omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin individually attenuated several HSF-induced alterations, whereas combined administration generally produced greater restoration towards control values across erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet indices.

Conclusion: Chronic high-salt feeding induces significant alterations in erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet indices in Wistar rats, with the combined administration of omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin demonstrating greater protective effects than either intervention alone. These findings may suggest combined omega-3/quercetin supplementation as a potential nutritional strategy for mitigating salt-induced haematological disturbances.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Physical Activity among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Followed at Two University Hospitals in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: A Cross-Sectional Study

2026-11-06T11:26:07+00:00

Background: Although physical activity is an integral component of type 2 diabetes management, evidence on patients’ knowledge, attitudes and practices in Burkina Faso remains limited.

Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes and physical activity practices among adults with type 2 diabetes receiving outpatient care at two university hospitals in Ouagadougou.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted between June and August 2024 among 122 adult outpatients with confirmed type 2 diabetes who volunteered to participate. Information was collected on sociodemographic characteristics and predefined indicators of knowledge, attitudes and physical activity practice. Knowledge and attitudes were categorised as satisfactory or unsatisfactory and positive or negative, respectively; practice was classified as sufficient or insufficient according to the study’s operational criteria. Frequencies were compared using the chi-square test.

Results: Participants had a mean age of 46.12 ± 10.9 years (range 26–69 years); 74 (60.7%) were women. Satisfactory knowledge was recorded for 95 participants (77.9%), while 87 (71.3%) had positive attitudes. However, 86 (70.5%) reported insufficient physical activity and only 36 (29.5%) met the study’s criteria for sufficient practice.

Conclusion: In this outpatient sample, favourable knowledge and attitudes coexisted with insufficient physical activity practice. Findings support the need to examine barriers to activity participation and to consider patient education that addresses the practical implementation of physical activity recommendations.

Quality of Life of Older People: Intra-urban Disparities among Three Neighbourhoods of Koumassi (Côte d'Ivoire)

2026-11-09T06:26:15+00:00

Background: Quality of life among older people is influenced by sociodemographic characteristics, social relationships and residential environments. In rapidly urbanising sub-Saharan African cities, differences in neighbourhood conditions may contribute to disparities in well-being among older residents. However, evidence on intra-urban variations in quality of life remains limited, particularly in Francophone West Africa.

Aims: To compare the quality of life (QoL) of older people in three Koumassi neighbourhoods with contrasting residential profiles and identify associated sociodemographic characteristics.

Study Design: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Campement, Sicogi and Sopim neighbourhoods of Koumassi, Abidjan Autonomous District, Côte d'Ivoire, during November and December 2022.

Methodology: A total of 196 people aged 65 years and over were recruited through purposive sampling; neighbourhood of residence was documented for 193 (76 Campement, 59 Sicogi, 58 Sopim). QoL was assessed using an 18-item adaptation of the World Health Organization Quality of Life brief assessment (WHOQOL-BREF), covering four domains (physical health, psychological, social relationships, environment) plus a single global QoL item, all transformed to a 0–100 scale. Analyses combined chi-square tests, non-parametric comparisons, principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regression, with a Bonferroni sensitivity correction.

Results: The sample was 54.9% female and 53.9% aged 65–70 years. Profiles differed markedly across neighbourhoods by marital status (P < .001) and sex (P = .002). The composite QoL score varied strongly by neighbourhood (Campement: 57.7 ± 6.2; Sicogi: 62.8 ± 6.7; Sopim: 67.5 ± 4.3; P < .001), Sopim scoring highest on the physical health, psychological and environmental domains. PCA extracted two components explaining 81.7% of total variance: the first (58.1%) loaded on the physical, psychological and environmental domains, the second (23.6%) on social relationships alone. Neighbourhood remained the strongest correlate of the composite score in the multivariable analysis, but it was almost completely confounded with marital status in this purposive sample (variance inflation factors up to 5.61), so their respective effects cannot be disentangled.

Conclusion: QoL among older people in Koumassi showed pronounced intra-urban disparities linked to residential setting rather than age. These exploratory findings support neighbourhood-differentiated social gerontology interventions and call for replication using stratified sampling.

Pouched Schistosomus Reflexus in a Non-descript Goat

2026-10-31T14:06:51+00:00

Schistosomus reflexus is a rare, severe congenital malformation associated with dystocia in ruminants and is reported less frequently in goats. This case report describes the clinical management and gross morphological features of a pouched presentation in a non-descript goat. A primiparous doe was presented to the Obstetrical Unit of the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Salem, following rupture of the water bag five hours before admission and protrusion of foetal abdominal viscera through the vulva. The doe's general clinical parameters were within normal physiological limits, and vaginal examination revealed an abnormally shaped foetus in posterior presentation. After lubrication of the birth canal, obstetrical manipulation, controlled traction and sequential disarticulation of foetal segments enabled vaginal delivery of a dead male foetus. Post-delivery examination revealed no maternal genital tract trauma, and the doe recovered uneventfully following postpartum treatment. Gross examination identified marked ventral curvature of the spinal column, exposed abdominal viscera, and fused or ankylosed limbs. The foetal structures formed two distinct anatomical masses, comprising cranio-thoracic and caudal components, enclosed by a continuous pouch-like membranous sac with areas of hair-bearing cutaneous lining. These observations supported the diagnosis of pouched schistosomus reflexus. The case documents a distinctive anatomical configuration in a goat and illustrates the clinical and morphological findings associated with its obstetrical management.