Reseach articles

Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana

2026-03-17T08:54:36Z

Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana Gwamba, John; Imathiu, Samuel; Kinyuru, John; Onyango, Arnold; Motaung, Masa Veronica Morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)] is a nutrient-dense underutilized legume that can address proteinenergy and micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries. An ethnographic study using a snowball sampling method was conducted in Kweneng, Ghanzi, Southern, and Central districts of Botswana. The survey sought to gather and document information about demographic characteristics, traditional use, cultural norms, harvesting, processing, preservation, and health benefits of morama beans. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to assess and rate the respondent(s) perceptions on traditional utilization and potential of the bean. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic grouping. It was found that morama bean is distributed in Botswana’s sandy desert regions and is consumed by people who are native or migrated into these areas. Roasting in heated sand (mean=4.93) and boiling fresh beans with water or milk (mean=4.49) were the most popular methods of cooking morama beans. Across the four districts, morama bean was found to be an important component in traditional food and medicinal mixtures for undernourished infants, and expectant and lactating mothers, mostly prepared with soft porridge. Respondents cited a significant lack of scientific knowledge about the bean’s medicinal properties (mean=1.27–1.38), indicating the need for additional research. The nutritious density of morama beans (mean=4.87) and their potential for processing into value-added products (mean=4.10) were known to the respondents. As a result, the bean has a high potential to improve food and nutrition security in these communities.

Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana

2026-03-17T09:00:26Z

Nutritional profile and bioactive contents of Englerophytum magalismontanum fruits from Botswana

2026-03-17T08:55:04Z

Nutritional profile and bioactive contents of Englerophytum magalismontanum fruits from Botswana Mokwena, Kaone Kgotla; Bultosa, Geremew; Seifu, Eyassu; Gwamba, John; Khumoetsile, Thabo Among underutilized indigenous wild fruits, Englerophytum magalismontanum (Sond.) has the potential for nutritional improvement and economic development of arid and semi-arid regions. In view of this, E. magalismontanum fruits pulp collected from Kanye and Molepolole, Botswana was evaluated. Survey conducted to document on the traditional knowledge of E. magalismontanum fruits showed that the respondents were aware on fruits use for human consumption, jam, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage making. The proximate, mineral and vitamin C contents determined by Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) except for moisture and fat. The moisture content was 66.2 % for Molepolole and 70.6 % for Kanye and after drying (60 °C) reduced to 14.2 % and 16.2 %, respectively. The percentage ash, fiber, protein, fat, available carbohydrate (CHO) and vitamin C (mg/100 mL) contents were ranged 2.1–2.4, 4.9–5.2, 1.4–2.2, 2.0–3.5, 70.1–74.6, and 7.0–7.3, respectively and energy content was 17.7 kcal/100 g. Phytochemical tests showed presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides, and absence of alkaloids and saponins. The total phenolics and flavonoids contents determined using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods showed significant variations (p < 0.05) because of bioactive compounds biosynthesis variability with different environments. Variations in the mineral contents were insignificant (p > 0.05) except for manganese and copper. The calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper contents (mg/100 g, db) were ranged 177.7–207.5, 105.6–112.9, 68.9–69.4, 5.1–9.9, 10.3–15.0, 4.2–4.7 and 0.5–1.1, respectively. The study showed the fruit bears a significant content of CHO, fiber, vitamin C, phenolics and minerals to support nutrition and for functional foods development. The E. magalismontanum fruits can be exploited for health benefits which can illuminate acceptability of wild fruits to ultimately motivate conservation. For future research, functional foods development using fruits, assays on bioavailability and antioxidants activities are recommended. Journal article

Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana

2026-03-17T08:56:10Z

Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana Gwamba, John; Imathiu, Samuel; Kinyuru, John; Onyango, Arnold; Motaung, Masa Veronica Morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)] is a nutrient-dense underutilized legume that can address protein-energy and micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries. An ethnographic study using a snowball sampling method was conducted in Kweneng, Ghanzi, Southern, and Central districts of Botswana. The survey sought to gather and document information about demographic characteristics, traditional use, cultural norms, harvesting, processing, preservation, and health benefits of morama beans. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to assess and rate the respondent(s) perceptions on traditional utilization and potential of the bean. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic grouping. It was found that morama bean is distributed in Botswana's sandy desert regions and is consumed by people who are native or migrated into these areas. Roasting in heated sand (mean = 4.93) and boiling fresh beans with water or milk (mean = 4.49) were the most popular methods of cooking morama beans. Across the four districts, morama bean was found to be an important component in traditional food and medicinal mixtures for undernourished infants, and expectant and lactating mothers, mostly prepared with soft porridge. Respondents cited a significant lack of scientific knowledge about the bean's medicinal properties (mean = 1.27–1.38), indicating the need for additional research. The nutritious density of morama beans (mean = 4.87) and their potential for processing into value-added products (mean = 4.10) were known to the respondents. As a result, the bean has a high potential to improve food and nutrition security in these communities.