Research Article
Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Traditional Uses of Griffonia simplicifolia (DC.) Baill. (Fabaceae) in Togo: Focus on Seed Oil
Dandonougbo Koffi*,
Ameyran Koami,
Souho Tiatou,
Kadanga Mawabena,
Kilimou Pyalo Magnoudewa,
Dandonougbo Novignon,
Dandonougbo Tossavi,
Melila Mamatchi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
118-127
Received:
11 July 2026
Accepted:
28 August 2026
Published:
20 September 2026
Abstract: Background and objective. Griffonia simplicifolia is a woody vine found in the secondary forests of West and Central Africa. Its seeds are an important source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor of serotonin, and contain an oil rich in linoleic acid. Traditional knowledge and uses of this oil remain poorly documented. This study aims to document the ethnobotanical knowledge relating to the species in Togo, with a particular focus on the seed oil. Methods. A snowball sampling survey was conducted using a KoBoToolbox questionnaire. Of the 262 respondents, 186 knowledgeable informants (71 per cent) were selected. Negative responses were also analysed to assess the geographical distribution of knowledge. Results. A marked regional contrast was observed: 66.4 per cent of positive responses in the Maritime region compared with 4.6 per cent in the Kara region, consistent with the coastal distribution of the species described in the literature. Leaves were the most frequently cited part (76.3 per cent), ahead of seeds (29.6 per cent), pods (17.7 per cent), flowers (11.8 per cent) and bark or stem (5.9 per cent). The leaves are mainly used as livestock feed. Only 17.7 per cent of informants described oil extraction, by pressing, solvent extraction or maceration, with yields ranging from 30 to 80 per cent. The main therapeutic uses relate to nervous disorders, wounds and skin conditions. Conclusion. This study provides the first overview of ethnobotanical knowledge of Griffonia simplicifolia in Togo and highlights the limited understanding of its seed oil, justifying further research into its utilisation.
Abstract: Background and objective. Griffonia simplicifolia is a woody vine found in the secondary forests of West and Central Africa. Its seeds are an important source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor of serotonin, and contain an oil rich in linoleic acid. Traditional knowledge and uses of this oil remain poorly documented. This study aims to doc...
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Research Article
The Common Vetch (Vicia Sativa L.) Cultivar “Mirzachul-2”: Morphobiological Characteristics, Productivity, and Agronomic Value
Utkirjon Jumanov*,
Khabibjon Kushiev,
Tojidin Kuliev,
Oybek Yunusov,
Begoyim Norbutayeva,
Abduvali Muminov,
Madina Gaybullayeva,
Gulmira Sapaeva,
Mahbuba Nuriyeva,
Sherzod Fozilov
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
128-135
Received:
15 September 2026
Accepted:
24 September 2026
Published:
14 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.20261405.12
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Abstract: Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is an important forage legume because of its high biomass productivity, protein content, biological nitrogen fixation, and adaptability to diverse agroecological conditions. The development of cultivars with high productivity and improved adaptation to saline and other environmentally stressful conditions is particularly important for sustainable forage production in Uzbekistan. This study aimed to characterize the morphobiological traits, phenological development, productivity components, and forage quality of the common vetch cultivar ‘Mirzachul-2’ and to evaluate promising breeding accessions used in its development. The cultivar originated from accession KGU-0084 maintained in the “Salt-Tolerant Plants” gene pool at the Research Institute of Agrobiotechnology and Biochemistry of Gulistan State University. Individual selection was initiated in 2008, followed by evaluation in breeding, control, and competitive variety-testing nurseries and subsequent State Variety Testing in 2021–2023. Seed germination under saline conditions, phenological stages, plant morphology, pod and seed productivity, and forage chemical composition were evaluated. Factor analysis was used to identify associations among economically important morphological traits and to select promising breeding materials. The “Mirzachul-2” cultivar showed 75% seed germination under the tested saline conditions and completed its developmental cycle in 237 days under autumn sowing. Green biomass productivity reached 100–120 centners ha⁻¹, while crude protein content was 20.8% of dry matter. Among the selected breeding accessions, accession No. 5 produced the highest seed yield per unit area (172.2 g m⁻²), whereas accession No. 3 showed high values for several reproductive traits. Overall, the results demonstrate the agronomic and forage potential of “Mirzachul-2” and provide useful breeding material for the development of productive common vetch cultivars adapted to challenging agroecological conditions.
Abstract: Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is an important forage legume because of its high biomass productivity, protein content, biological nitrogen fixation, and adaptability to diverse agroecological conditions. The development of cultivars with high productivity and improved adaptation to saline and other environmentally stressful conditions is particula...
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