Browsing by Author "Potgieter, Sannette"

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    Phytochemical properties of a Namibian indigenous plant; Eembe (Berchemia discolor)
    (2010) Cheikhyoussef, Ahmad; Naomab, Erold; Potgieter, Sannette; Kahaka, Gladys K.; Raidron, Celestine Vida; MuAshekele, Hina
    The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical properties of Eembe (Berchemia discolor); one of the underutilized indigenous plant in Namibia. This species is distributed in the northern part of Namibia and has many general uses. The fruit is high in sugar and contains vitamin C. It is eaten fresh or dried and stored for use in the dry season. Dried fruit have a datelike flavour. Fresh fruit is fermented to make beer and wine. The bark is used medicinally and for basket dye. The wood is used for furniture, hut construction and other items. There have been no previous investigations on the bioactive metabolites of B. discolor in Namibia. B. discolor extracts (fruits, leaves and barks) were prepared by different organic solvents. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extracts was performed to investigate the presence of: Tannins, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Total Phenols, Steroids, Phlobatanins, Terpenoids, Cardiac Glycoside and Anthraquinone. The significance of Eembe (B. discolor) in traditional medicine and the importance of the distribution of its chemical constituents will contribute in elucidating the importance of this plant in ethnomedicine in Namibia.
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    Study on indigenous fruits and ethnobotanical uses in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions
    (2012) Cheikhyoussef, Ahmad; Embashu, Werner; Heita, Lusia; Potgieter, Sannette
    SUMMARY: Research into Indigenous Knowledge System Technology (IKST) has been receiving increasing attention from various research institutions and Government Ministries in Namibia during the last five years. Indigenous communities in Namibia possess a rich traditional knowledge expressed in many practices in their communities. Indigenous wild edible fruits are available within the Namibian 13 regions which provide a rich source of vitamins and fibres for indigenous people’s diet. The aims of this study were to record the different IKST practices on the indigenous fruit trees in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions. Three constituencies in Ohangwena region were surveyed; these including Okongo, Eanhana and Ondobe Constituencies. In Oshikoto region; only one constituency which is Onayena was included in the survey. A total of 65 respondents were interviewed; 54% women, 38% men and 8% both in group interviews. The majority of the people interviewed were in their thirty’s, with the youngest being 18 years old and the oldest being 98 years old. Thirty eight plant specimens were collected of which 24 are from Ohangwena and 15 from Oshikoto region, these specimens belong to 18 genuses and 23 species. Regarding to the indigenous knowledge; most of the respondents indicated that their knowledge on indigenous fruits was learnt mainly through their parents. Almost all of the respondents reported that the indigenous fruits and their products have social values such as it is presented to guests at special ceremonies, weddings, etc. In addition to their social values; health values have been reported also especially with regard to has flu. Some people depend on these fruits and their by-products to get income, for example Distilled liquor from Eembe (Berchemia discolor), Palm fruits (common practice in Oshikoto region). Most of the peoples reported that the traditional beer and wines are the main products made from these fruits.