Indigenous knowledge, phytochemistry and sensory evaluation of Fadogia ancylantha (masamba a tea) from Chiradzulu, Ntcheu and Mzimba districts in Malawi

Abstract

Fadogia ancylantha is one of the valued medicinal plants that remains neglected and underutilised in Malawi. In regions where Fadogia ancylantha leaves are traditionally used for medicinal purposes, there is lack of scientific understanding regarding indigenous knowledge, chemical composition and organoleptic properties.The objective of this study was to understand he indigenous knowledge, phytochemical composition and organoleptic properties of Fadogia ancylantha. The study was conducted in March, 2019. This study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. In indingenous knowledge and utilisation survey, simple random and snowball sampling procedures were used to select sites and 150 respondents fron Chiradzulu, Ntcheu and Mzimba districts and data was analysed using SPSS version. Chi-square test was used to determine significant differences or associations in parameters of interest between the three districts. Phytochemical screening of Fadogia ancylantha leaves was done using the standard procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. For organoleptic properties structured questionnaires was used in data collection on organoleptic attributes from 50 respondents randomly selected from Mzuzu and Nthungwa. Data collected were subjected to One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that respondents had substantial knowledge of the plant's commercial uses. The main use of the plant was tea making with 70% of the respondents considered tea making as, followed by its use as a medicine 2%, and a combination of tea and medicine of 25 % in all three districts. Phytochemical analysis has shown that Fadogia ancylantha contains flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins and anthraquinones, and absence of alkaloids and anthocyanins. The organoleptic evaluation demonstrated that air drying was preferred, followed by sun drying, and oven drying was the least. This study confirms and highlights the potential of Fadogia ancylantha as both a medicinal and nutritional resource in Malawi. However chemical compound of Fadogia ancylantha from three districts needs quantification. Keywords: Fadogia ancylantha, indigenous knowledge, phytochemicals, organoleptic properties, traditional uses, medicinal value, flavor, aroma, texture and mouthfeel.