Wild food plants used by people living with HIV/AIDS in Nakisunga sub-county, Uganda.
ABSTRACTThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a devastating impact on the victims' health, nutrition and food security. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other opportunistic infections calls for research into natural products to find solutions to this pandemic. This involves exploration of the readily available wild food plant species (WIFPs) and promotion of their consumption especially among the vulnerable and marginalised groups of people. In Nakisunga sub-county, WIFPs are consumed by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) because of their presumed nutrition and health benefits. Despite exploitation of WIFPs by PLWHA, there have been no empirical studies to document the indigenous knowledge on WIFPs' usage in Nakisunga sub-county. This study aimed at providing information regarding the consumption of WIFPs by PLWHA in Nakisunga sub-county because of their presumed nutritional and health benefits. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in which 60 semi-structured questionnaires were administered. A snowball sampling approach was used to identify other PLWHA in their respective villages since these people always met on clinic days and knew where each of them resided. Individual interviews were supplemented with direct observations and 3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) guided by a checklist of questions. Eighty-four WIFPs from 66 genera and 41 families were identified. Priority species were Abrus precatorius L., Amaranthus spinosus L., Physalis angulata L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and Solanum nigrum L. Fifty-six WIFPs were used as food only and 28 species served as food and medicine. The majority (43%) of WIFPs were herbaceous and mainly collected from the wild (75%). The most frequently consumed plant parts were the fruits (34%) and leaves (33%). These were consumed as snacks (23%) and vegetables (24%), respectively. Boiling (37%) was the commonest method of preparation used. Documentation of this indigenous knowledge on WIFPs' consumption by PLWHA will help promote them for wider usage and initiate scientific validation of their nutrient quality. In conclusion, there is a diversity of WIFPs in this area which are being added to the diets of PLWHA because of their presumed nutritional significance. These species need to be taken further for scientific validation of their nutrient quality and conservation measures devised for their sustainable production.
Key words: PLWHA, Wild food plants, Consumption, Documentation, Nutrition, Dietary diversity
INTRODUCTION
The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition that makes it difficult for the body to fight off infectious diseases [1]. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS by damaging specific lymphocytes (T-cells) which fight off invading germs in the body. When the number of T-cells falls to a low level (less than 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood), people with HIV become more susceptible to other infections and may get certain types of cancer that a healthy body would normally be able to fight off. About 64% of PLWHA in the world are in sub-Saharan Africa [2]. The Global Fund Guidelines for HIV/AIDS indicate that 135,000 people get infected with the virus [2]. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and other opportunistic infections exert great limitations for world health by causing serious debility, morbidity and mortality in the affected population.
About one million Ugandans are infected with HIV, a predominantly sexually transmitted virus that targets the immune system [3]. The 2011 Uganda AIDS survey indicator showed an increase in the HIV/AIDS prevalence amongst people aged between 15 to 49 years from 6.4% in 2006 to 7.3% in 2011 [4]. In Uganda, the prevalence of HIV is higher in urban areas than rural areas at 10%and 6%, respectively [5]. Consuming diverse diets offers protection against chronic diseases, and enhances the immune system in people living with HIV to combat AIDS opportunistic diseases [6, 7]. There is a diversity of WIFPs with good nutritive and therapeutic values that PLWHA can potentially add to their diet.
Fortunately, Uganda is endowed with many varieties of such indigenous food plants that have an outstanding potential to alleviate nutritional deficiencies among vulnerable groups [8]. Documentation of the WIFPs is vital because it creates awareness since a large proportion of PLWHA cannot afford to produce or buy exotic foods due to the high input costs and price implications, respectively. This study documented the WIFPs consumed by PLWHA in Kidondo, Luwule and Namayuba villages in Nakisunga sub-county, Mukono district in Uganda. Specific inquiry was made to find out the plant parts consumed, conditions managed, growth habits and habitats, side effects encountered after eating some of the plants, methods of food preparation and frequency of consumption.
METHODS
Study population
Sixty HIV-infected adults receiving services from Mukono Health Centre IV were contacted but of these only 33 responded. At recruitment, another 27 could not respond because they were bed ridden and unable to answer the questionnaire. These were substituted with 27 caregiver interviews. Subjects were eligible for the study if they were HIV-infected adults aged 15 years and above. Before interviewing any respondent, the study team members explained the objectives of the study and verbal consent to conduct the interviews was sought.
Ethnobotanical Survey
Sampling procedure
Field work for this study was carried out between May and August, 2012. A cross-sectional study design was employed and involved use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Three villages Kidondo, Luwule and Namayuba were randomly selected from Nakisunga sub-county, Mukono district, Central Uganda. All these villages are predominantly rural. Structured questionnaires were developed and pre-tested in a pilot survey and subsequently refined. The main research questions for the study were: (1) What WIFPs are consumed by PLWHA in Nakisunga sub-county? (ii) Where (collection sites) do the PLWHA get the WIFPs they consume? (iii) Which parts of the WIFPs are consumed and how are they prepared? (iv) How frequently are the WIFPs consumed? (v) What are the most preferred WIFPs? and (vi) How did the PLWHA acquire the knowledge concerning the roles of WIFPs? Purposive sampling was used to identify the first respondent (PLWHA) after which snowball sampling approach (non-probability sampling technique where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances) was used to identify other PLWHA in their respective villages. The snowball sampling approach was appropriate since these people always met at Mukono Health centre IV on clinic days so they knew each other [9].
Twenty individual interviews were conducted in each of the three villages using the local language (Luganda). The individual interviews were supplemented with direct observations and 3 focus group discussions (FGDs). Each FGD contained 10 members and had equal numbers of both sexes to avoid bias. After the discussions, field walks in WIFPS collection areas were made and plant vouchers collected. The vouchers were indexed as N.A. (Nabatanzi Alice) and deposited at the Makerere University Herbarium. They were named with reference to the Flora of Tropical East Africa.
Data analysis
Ethnobotanical data were transferred into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for cleaning and preliminary analysis. The dataset was then exported to SPSS statistical software Version 16.0 for Windows for statistical analysis. The data were coded and summarized as means and frequencies. Plant prioritization was based on frequency of mention.
RESULTS
Respondents' biographic details
Socio demographic characteristics of the respondents are summarized in Table 1. They show that the respondents were mainly from the Baganda tribe and equally balanced between Christians and Moslems. Most were less than 34 years of age and had low levels of education. Crop farming was the major source of employment.
Wild food plant species consumed by PLWHA
The respondents mentioned 84 WIFPs in this study (Table 2). These species belong to 41 families and 66 genera. Species from families Solanaceae (10%), Dioscoreaceae (8%) and Fabaceae (8%) were the majority. Most were collected from the wild (75%) and growing as herbs (43%) - Figure 1. The parts of the plant most frequently consumed were the fruits (34%) and leaves (33%) - Figure 2. Some of the respondents reported that consumption of some WIFPs causes digestive disorders comprising of nausea (76.7%), diarrhoea (10%), stomach ulcers (6.7%) and heart burn - 6.7%.
Boiling, raw consumption and steaming were the commonly used methods of preparation (Figure 3). Foods were consumed mainly as pot herbs, snacks, sauce and beverage (Figure 4). Fruits were eaten raw as snacks.
DISCUSSION
Results from this study show that there is a diversity of WIFPs in this area, which greatly contributes to the diets of PLWHA. Some of the species consumed were both nutritious and therapeutic as reported by the respondents during the interviews and FGDs (Table 3). Fruits were predominantly consumed as snacks when ripe, and to a limited extent used in making juices. The leafy vegetables were cooked prior to consumption, which would lead to the loss of water soluble vitamins especially vitamin C [10]. It is, therefore, recommended that the vegetables are cooked in small amounts of water for short periods to minimize loss of vitamin C and that the cooking water be consumed if no bitter compounds are present [11]. Most of the consumed WIFPs were collected from the wild. This meant that they were free and could be accessed by the local communities who are poor and also have little energy to propagate crops [12]. The majority of the WIFPs are herbaceous by growth habit and as such, regenerate quickly and are likely to continue being available [13]. This justifies that WIFPs have the potential to improve dietary quality and quantity thereby increasing food security among people living with HIV/AIDS.
CONCLUSION
From this study, a large number of wild edible plants (84 species) were being consumed by people living with HIV/AIDS in Namayuba, Kidondo and Luwule villages in Nakisunga sub-county, Mukono district (Table 2). This high diversity plays a significant role in the food and nutritional variety of PLWHA since these people are prone to suffer from many nutritional deficiencies as compared to HIV negative individuals. Fortunately, some of these species may serve as nutri-therapeutics, are abundant, accessible and culturally rooted in the area.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The nutritional and therapeutic values of the wild food plants documented in this study need to be scientifically validated. People living with HIV/AIDS elsewhere need to be sensitized about the values of these plants so that they can incorporate them into their diets. These plant species need to be domesticated since wild habitats are continuously being destroyed as a result of urbanization, industrialization and population growth.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks go to Carnegie Corporation of New York through the Science Initiative Group (SIG) for Regional Initiative in Science and Education for African Natural Products Network (RISE-AFNNET) for funding this project. Sincere thanks go to the local people (People Living with HIV/AIDS and Care givers) of Nakisunga sub-county who willingly provided me with the necessary information required for my study.
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[12.] Sreeramulu N, Ndossi GD and K Mtotomwema Effect of cooking on the nutritive value of common food plants of Tanzania: Part 1 - Vitamin C in some of the Wild Green Leafy Vegetables. J. Food Chem. 1983; 10: 205-210.
[13.] Somnasang P and G Moreno-Black Knowing, gathering and eating: knowledge and attitudes about wild food in an Isan village in Northeastern Thailand. J. Ethnobiol. 2000; 20(2): 197 - 216.
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Nabatanzi A. (1*) and I. Nakalembe (2)
(*) Corresponding author email: alicen@cns.mak.ac.ug
(1) Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology. Makerere University. P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
(2) Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolab Sciences. Makerere University. P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Table 1: Demographic characteristics of the respondents (n = 60)
CHARACTERISTIC
Ethnicity Religion Age Education
Baganda (46) Christians (35) 15 - 34 (28) Primary (26)
Others (14) Moslems (25) 35 - 54 (21) Secondary (22)
No formal
55+ (11) education (8)
Tertiary (4)
Ethnicity Occupation
Baganda (46) Farmer (42)
Others (14) No source of income (7)
Irregular income from petty trade,
handicraft, craft work, carpentry
(6)
Unskilled laborer (3)
Trader (1)
Teacher (1)
Note: Frequencies are shown in parentheses
Table 2: A list of wild food plants and mushrooms consumed by PLWHA in
Namayuba, Luwule and Kidondo villages in Nakisunga sub-county, Mukono
district, Central Uganda
Family, species and Local name Habit Habitat Part
voucher number (Luganda) used
Solanaceae, Nsugga H Open Sh/ Lv
Solanum nigrum L., enzirugavu grassland
NA 37
Malvaceae, Musaayi H Hill slope Lv/
Hibiscus sabdariffa with well seeds
L., NA 17 drained
soils
Amaranthaceae, Doodo H Road side Lv /
Amaranthus spinosus owa'maggwa Sh
L., NA 4
Solanaceae, Ntuntunu H Home Fr
Physalis angulata L., garden
NA 2
Papilionaceae, Lusiiti Cl Banana Lvs
Abrus precatorius plantation
L., NA 13
Solanaceae, Obunyaanya H Back yard Fr/
Solanum Lvs
lycopersicum L. , NA
1
Amaranthaceae, Doodo H Home Lvs/
Amaranthus dubius garden Sh
Mart. ex Thell., NA 3
Capparaceae, Jjobyo H Back yard Lvs/
Cleome gynandra L., Sh
NA 40
Rubiaceae, Mutugunda T Home Fr
Vangueria apiculata garden
Aubrev. & Leandri,
NA 26
Solanaceae, Katunkuma H/Sh Back yard Fr
Solanum anguivi
Desf., NA 11
Papilionaceae, Obuyindiyind Cl Home Seeds
Phaseolus lunatus L., i garden
NA 67
Burseraceae, Empafu Cl Along a Lvs
Canarium live fence
schweinfurthii Engl.,
NA 34
Lamiaceae, Omujaaja H Home Lvs
Ocimum garden
gratissimum Forssk.,
NA 33
Lauraceae, Budalasini T Homestead Lv
Cinnamomum verum compound
J. Presl., NA 35
Annonaceae, Kitafeeri T Road side Fr
Annona muricata L.,
NA 5
Rutaceae, Sekyungwa T Homestead Fr
Citrus sinensis Pers., compound
NA 6
Solanaceae, Kamulari S Home Lvs/
Capsicum frutescens garden Fr
L., NA 8
Dioscoreaceae, Makobe Twin Banana B
Dioscorea bulbifera ner pl an t a t ion
var.
anthropophagrum
Miers, NA 61
Oxalidaceae, Mizabibu T Homestead Fr
Averrhoa carambola compound
L., NA 79
Solanaceae, Ekinyanya S Behind a Fr
Cyphomandra Kraal
betacea Walker, NA
21
Dioscoreaceae, Balugu H Banana T
plantation
Dioscorea
cayenensis Lam., NA
81
Palmae, Ekinazi T Homestead Fr
Elaeise guineense compound
Pax., NA 15
Basellaceae, Nderema Cl Live fence Lvs
Basella alba L., NA
38
Fabaceae, Ebigaaga Cl Fence near Seeds
Phaseolus spp, NA kraal
78
Punicaceae, Nkomamawa T Road side Fr
Punica granatum L., nga
NA 5
Zingiberaceae, Ttungulu H Wetland Fr
Aframomum
alboviolaceum K.
Schum, NA 43
Caesalpiniaceae, Omukooge T Grassland Fr
Tamarindus indica
L., NA 29
Zingiberaceae, Matungulu H Wetland Fr
Aframomum
angustifolium K.
Schum, NA 57
Melastomataceae, Nantooke H Banana Fr
Tristemma plantation
mauritianum Decne.
Ex Trecul, NA 69
Myrtaceae, Amapeera T Thicket Fr
Psidium guajava L., g'omunsiko
NA 22
Guttiferae, Musaali T Thicket Fr/
Garcinia buchananii seeds
Jacq., NA 48
Zingiberaceae, Ekinzaali Rh Home Wh
Cucurma longa L., ekiganda garden
NA 85
Fabaceae, Empindi H Banana Seeds
Vigna unguiculata plantation
(L.)Walp., NA 64
Dioscoreaceae, Endagu H Banana T
Dioscorea spp, NA plantation
52
Euphorbiaceae, Jerengesa S Hedge Lvs/
Sh
Acalypha bipartita
Mull. Arg., NA 41
Verbenaceae, Akayukiyuki S Road side Fr
Lantana trifolia L., kebalya
NA 18
Rubiaceae, Emwanyi T Home Seeds
Coffea canephora garden
Froehner, NA 10
Amaranthaceae, Mboog' H Home Lvs/
Amaranthus lividus ennene garden Sh
subsp. Polygonoides
Thell. ex Druce, NA
NA 58
Rosaceae, Nkenene S Near a Fr
Rubus pinnatus var. kraal
afrotropicus
(Gaertn.) Hylander,
NA 32
Rutaceae, Entale S Grassland Br
Zanthoxylum y'eddungu
chalybeum L., NA 55
Fabaceae, Voandzeia Mpande H Homestead Seeds
subterranea (L.) compound
Thouars, NA 51
Rubiaceae, Akamwanyim T Thicket Fr
Cathium lactescens wanyi
Hiern., NA 44
Dioscoreaceae, Kaama Cl Banana T
Dioscorea plantation
minutiflora (L.) W.T.
Aiton, NA 72
Polygonaceae, Kafumitabage H Road side Lvs
Oxygonum sinuatum ngege
Dammer, NA 27
Palmae, Mukindu; T Homestead Fr
Phoenix reclinata Mpirinvuma compound
Jacq., NA 76
Asclepiadaceae, Mulondo Rh Home Wh
Mondia whytie garden
Skeels, NA 70
Commelinaceae, Nnanda H Field Lvs
Commelina ennene
benghalensis L., NA
19
Commelinaceae, Nnanda H Field Lvs
Commelina africana entono
L., NA 20
Amaranthaceae, Mbooge H Home Lvs/
Amaranthus entono garden Sh
graecizans subsp.
Sylvestris
(Villiers)Brenan, NA
42
Apocynaceae, Nyonza T Thicket Fr/R
Carissa edulis Vahl, (Plant),
NA 36
Solanaceae, Nume H Grassland Lvs
Solanum y'ekyalo
macrocarpon Lam.,
NA 21
Passifloraceae, Wuju Cl Thicket Fr
Passiflora
quadrangularis, NA
84
Hyadnaceae, Amaleere H Banana Wh
Lentinus prolifer plantation
Engl., NA 63
Euphorbiaceae, Kalyabakyala H Grassland Lvs
Micrococca
mercurialis Benth.,
NA 60
Solanaceae, Katuntunu H Home Fr
Physalis minima L., garden
NA 74
Cucurbitaceae, Kyangwe Cl Climbing Fr
Luffa cylindrica on
Cogn. M. Roem., unfinished
NA, 14 house
Anacardiaceae, Miyembe T Thicket Fr
Mangifera indica L., gy,omunsiko
NA 16
Dioscoreaceae, Mukulujjuni H Garden T
Dioscorea spp, NA edge
52
Compositae, Mululuza T Garden Lvs
Vernonia amygdalina edge
K. Schum, NA 12
Cucurbitaceae, Nsuusuti Cl Climbing Fr
Sechium edule on a live
(Jacq.) Sw., NA 30 fence
Dioscoreaceae, Amakoloongo Twin Banana T
Dioscorea ner plantation
odoratissima Engl.,
NA 47
Musaceae, Empumumpu H Banana Fr
Musa sapientum L., plantation
NA 54
Amaranthaceae Kagiri H Kraal Lvs
,Achyranthes aspera
L., NA 46
Sapotaceae, Kawuntuntun T Home Fr
Pachystela brevipes u garden
Engl., NA 50
Dioscoreaceae, Kisebe Cl Banana T
Dioscorea alata L., plantation
NA 9
Cruciferae, Magereganko H Road side Lv
Erucastrum ko
arabicum Fisch. &
Mey., NA 25
Euphorbiaceae, Mukusu, T Bush land Fr
Uapaca paludosa J. Nkusu,
F. Gmel., NA 66 Munnmagulu
Moraceae, Muzinda T Road side Fr
Treculia africana L.,
NA 65
Anacardiaceae, Muziru T Grassland Fr
Pseudospondias
microcarpa Engl.,
NA 69
Cucurbitaceae, Ziizi (Kabaka Cl Home Lvs
Kedrostis w'enva) garden
foetidissima L., NA
28
Anacardiaceae, Akakwansok H Grassland Fr
Rhus vulgaris wanso
Meikle, NA 71
Fabaceae, Empinamuti/ H Homestead Seeds
Cajanus cajan (L.) Enkolimbo compound
Millsp., NA 83
Rubiaceae, Ennimbwelim S Slope Fr
Mussaenda arcuata bwe
Poir., NA 49
Cyperaceae, Cyperus Gugu Sedge Swamp Wh
rotundus L., NA 24
Asparagaceae, Kadaali S Open Fr
Asparagus flagellaris grassland
Baker, NA 45
Compositae, Kafumbe H Bush Wh
Conyza sumatrensis
(Retz.) E., NA 59
Palmae, Kibo T Swamp Fr
Raphia farinifera,
NA 62
Polygonaceae, Kiwere H Thicket Sh/ Lv
Rumex abyssinicus
Engl., NA 68
Papilionacaeae, Kiyindiru H Banana Lvs/S
Vigna anguiculata plantation h
Delile, NA 64
Sapotaceae, Nkalati T Bush Fr
Manilkara dawei
(Stapf) Chiov., NA
73
Tricholomataceae, Obutundatund H Termite Wh
Termitomyces a mound
eurrhizus (R. Heim),
NA 75
Acanthaceae, Temba H Homestead Lv
Asystasia mysorensis compound
(Roth) T. Anderson.,
NA 70
Tricholomataceae, Obutiko H Termite Wh
Termitomyces obubaala mound
microcarpus (Berk.)
Heim., NA 82
Family, species and Eaten as No. of
voucher number PLW
HA
Solanaceae, Vegetable 52
Solanum nigrum L.,
NA 37
Malvaceae, Leaves are a 50
Hibiscus sabdariffa vegetable and the
L., NA 17 seeds are dried and
pounded into flour
eaten as a staple
Amaranthaceae, Vegetable (bitter 48
Amaranthus spinosus and eaten in small
L., NA 4 quantities)/
tenderiser (shoots
and leaves are
burnt; the ash is
mixed with water
and filtered. The
resulting liquid is
used for cooking
tough vegetables
such as cowpea
leaves and pigeon
peas to make them
more tender)
Solanaceae, Snack 47
Physalis angulata L.,
NA 2
Papilionaceae, Snack 44
Abrus precatorius
L., NA 13
Solanaceae, Vegetable/ salad 43
Solanum
lycopersicum L. , NA
1
Amaranthaceae, Vegetable/ potash 40
Amaranthus dubius (leaves are dried
Mart. ex Thell., NA 3 and burnt to ashes.
The ashes are used
to make a filtrate
which is evaporated
and the residue
used as a substitute
for common salt
Capparaceae, Vegetable 38
Cleome gynandra L.,
NA 40
Rubiaceae, Snack 38
Vangueria apiculata
Aubrev. & Leandri,
NA 26
Solanaceae, Vegetable 36
Solanum anguivi
Desf., NA 11
Papilionaceae, Sauce 36
Phaseolus lunatus L.,
NA 67
Burseraceae, Snack 35
Canarium
schweinfurthii Engl.,
NA 34
Lamiaceae, Beverage (leaves 34
Ocimum dried or fresh)
gratissimum Forssk.,
NA 33
Lauraceae, Beverage (leaves 26
Cinnamomum verum dried or fresh)
J. Presl., NA 35
Annonaceae, Snack 23
Annona muricata L.,
NA 5
Rutaceae, Snack 22
Citrus sinensis Pers.,
NA 6
Solanaceae, Vegetable (Lvs)/ 20
Capsicum frutescens spice(fruit juice)
L., NA 8
Dioscoreaceae, Accompaniment to 20
Dioscorea bulbifera staples
var.
anthropophagrum
Miers, NA 61
Oxalidaceae, Snack 20
Averrhoa carambola
L., NA 79
Solanaceae, Snack/ dessert/ 19
Cyphomandra beverage fruit juice
betacea Walker, NA drunk
21
Dioscoreaceae, Accompaniment to 18
staples
Dioscorea
cayenensis Lam., NA
81
Palmae, Beverage (fruit 18
Elaeise guineense juice)/ oil
Pax., NA 15
Basellaceae, Vegetable 18
Basella alba L., NA
38
Fabaceae, Vegetable 16
Phaseolus spp, NA
78
Punicaceae, Snack 16
Punica granatum L.,
NA 5
Zingiberaceae, Snack 16
Aframomum
alboviolaceum K.
Schum, NA 43
Caesalpiniaceae, Juice 15
Tamarindus indica
L., NA 29
Zingiberaceae, Snack 13
Aframomum
angustifolium K.
Schum, NA 57
Melastomataceae, Snack 13
Tristemma
mauritianum Decne.
Ex Trecul, NA 69
Myrtaceae, Snack 11
Psidium guajava L.,
NA 22
Guttiferae, Snack (fr), 10
Garcinia buchananii beverage (wine is
Jacq., NA 48 made from the
edible fruit)
Zingiberaceae, Food flavor 9
Cucurma longa L.,
NA 85
Fabaceae, Sauce 9
Vigna unguiculata
(L.)Walp., NA 64
Dioscoreaceae, Accompaniment to 8
Dioscorea spp, NA staples
52
Euphorbiaceae, Vegetable 8
Acalypha bipartita
Mull. Arg., NA 41
Verbenaceae, Snack 7
Lantana trifolia L.,
NA 18
Rubiaceae, Snack 7
Coffea canephora
Froehner, NA 10
Amaranthaceae, Vegetable 7
Amaranthus lividus
subsp. Polygonoides
Thell. ex Druce, NA
NA 58
Rosaceae, Snack 7
Rubus pinnatus var.
afrotropicus
(Gaertn.) Hylander,
NA 32
Rutaceae, Beverage 6
Zanthoxylum
chalybeum L., NA 55
Fabaceae, Voandzeia Sauce 6
subterranea (L.)
Thouars, NA 51
Rubiaceae, Snack 5
Cathium lactescens
Hiern., NA 44
Dioscoreaceae, Accompaniment to 5
Dioscorea staples
minutiflora (L.) W.T.
Aiton, NA 72
Polygonaceae, Vegetable 5
Oxygonum sinuatum
Dammer, NA 27
Palmae, Snack/ beverage 5
Phoenix reclinata (the growing shoots
Jacq., NA 76 are tapped to make
palm wine)
Asclepiadaceae, Snack 5
Mondia whytie
Skeels, NA 70
Commelinaceae, Vegetable 5
Commelina
benghalensis L., NA
19
Commelinaceae, Vegetable 5
Commelina africana
L., NA 20
Amaranthaceae, Vegetable 4
Amaranthus
graecizans subsp.
Sylvestris
(Villiers)Brenan, NA
42
Apocynaceae, Snack (fr), tea spice 4
Carissa edulis Vahl, (root)
NA 36
Solanaceae, Vegetable/ salad 4
Solanum
macrocarpon Lam.,
NA 21
Passifloraceae, Snack 4
Passiflora
quadrangularis, NA
84
Hyadnaceae, Sauce 3
Lentinus prolifer
Engl., NA 63
Euphorbiaceae, Vegetable 3
Micrococca
mercurialis Benth.,
NA 60
Solanaceae, Snack 3
Physalis minima L.,
NA 74
Cucurbitaceae, Vegetable 3
Luffa cylindrica
Cogn. M. Roem.,
NA, 14
Anacardiaceae, Snack 3
Mangifera indica L.,
NA 16
Dioscoreaceae, Accompaniment to 3
Dioscorea spp, NA staples
52
Compositae, Vegetable (Young 3
Vernonia amygdalina Lvs)
K. Schum, NA 12
Cucurbitaceae, Sauce 3
Sechium edule
(Jacq.) Sw., NA 30
Dioscoreaceae, Accompaniment to 2
Dioscorea staples
odoratissima Engl.,
NA 47
Musaceae, Sauce 2
Musa sapientum L.,
NA 54
Amaranthaceae Vegetable 2
,Achyranthes aspera
L., NA 46
Sapotaceae, Snack 2
Pachystela brevipes
Engl., NA 50
Dioscoreaceae, Accompaniment to 2
Dioscorea alata L., staples
NA 9
Cruciferae, Vegetable 2
Erucastrum
arabicum Fisch. &
Mey., NA 25
Euphorbiaceae, Snack 2
Uapaca paludosa J.
F. Gmel., NA 66
Moraceae, Snack 2
Treculia africana L.,
NA 65
Anacardiaceae, Snack 2
Pseudospondias
microcarpa Engl.,
NA 69
Cucurbitaceae, Sauce 2
Kedrostis
foetidissima L., NA
28
Anacardiaceae, Snack 1
Rhus vulgaris
Meikle, NA 71
Fabaceae, Sauce 1
Cajanus cajan (L.)
Millsp., NA 83
Rubiaceae, Snack 1
Mussaenda arcuata
Poir., NA 49
Cyperaceae, Cyperus Potash 1
rotundus L., NA 24
Asparagaceae, Snack 1
Asparagus flagellaris
Baker, NA 45
Compositae, Potash 1
Conyza sumatrensis
(Retz.) E., NA 59
Palmae, Snack 1
Raphia farinifera,
NA 62
Polygonaceae, Snack 1
Rumex abyssinicus
Engl., NA 68
Papilionacaeae, Vegetable 1
Vigna anguiculata
Delile, NA 64
Sapotaceae, Snack 1
Manilkara dawei
(Stapf) Chiov., NA
73
Tricholomataceae, Sauce 21
Termitomyces
eurrhizus (R. Heim),
NA 75
Acanthaceae, Vegetable 1
Asystasia mysorensis
(Roth) T. Anderson.,
NA 70
Tricholomataceae, Sauce 21
Termitomyces
microcarpus (Berk.)
Heim., NA 82
Part Used: L-Leaves, Sh- Shoot, Fr- Fruit, Wh-Whole,
Br- Bark, B-Bulbils, R-Roots
Table 3: Wild food plants used as food and medicine by PLWHA in
Namayuba, Luwule and Kidondo villages in Nakisunga sub-county, Mukono
district, Central Uganda
Family and species Habit Part used
Papilionaceae, Cl Lvs
Abrus precatorius L.
Amaranthaceae, H Young Lvs
Amaranthus graecizans subsp. & Sh
Sylvestris (Villiers)Brenan,
Amaranthaceae, H Young Lv &
Amaranthus spinosus L. Sh before
developmen
t of the
spines
Asparagaceae, Sh Fr
Asparagus flagellaris Baker
Burseraceae, T Fr/ inner
Canarium schweifurthii Engl. part of seed
Rubiaceae, T Fr
Cathium lactescens Hiern.,
Solanaceae, Sh Lvs/ Fr
Capsicum frutescens L.
Cruciferae, H Lv
Erucastrum arabicum Fisch. &
Mey.
Apocynaceae, T Fr/R
Carissa edulis Vahl
Capparaceae, H Young Lvs/
Cleome gynandra L., Sh
Compositae, H Wh
Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E.
Solanaceae, Sh Fr
Cyphomandra betacea Walker
Guttiferae, T Fr/ seeds
Garcinia buchananii Jacq.
Malvaceae, H Lv/seeds
Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Lamiaceae, H Lvs
Ocimum gratissimum Forssk.
Polygonaceae, H Lvs
Oxygonum sinuatum Dammer
Rosaceae, Sh Fr
Rubus pinnatus var. afrotropicus
(Gaertn.) Hylander
Solanaceae, H/Sh Fr
Solanum anguivi Desf.,
Solanaceae, H Young sh
Solanum nigrum L. and Lvs
Melastomataceae, H Fr
Tristemma mauritianum Decne.
Ex Trecul
Compositae, T Young
Vernonia amygdalina K. Schum leaves
Tricholomataceae, H wh
Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk.)
Heim.
Acanthaceae, H Lv
Asystasia mysorensis (Roth) T.
Anderson.
Caesalpiniaceae, T Fr
Tamarindus indica L.
Oxalidaceaea, Averrhoa T Fr
carambola L.
Zingiberaceae, Rh Wh
Cucurma longa L.
Annonaceae, T Fr
Annona muricata L.
Family and species Method of preparation
Papilionaceae, Eaten raw
Abrus precatorius L.
Amaranthaceae, Boiled/ steamed
Amaranthus graecizans subsp.
Sylvestris (Villiers)Brenan,
Amaranthaceae, Boiled/ steamed
Amaranthus spinosus L.
Asparagaceae, Eaten raw
Asparagus flagellaris Baker
Burseraceae, Fruit are immersed in hot
Canarium schweifurthii Engl. water to soften the rind
and flesh then eaten or
fruits are collected,
depulped, cracked and the
inner part of the seed eaten
Rubiaceae, Eaten raw
Cathium lactescens Hiern.,
Solanaceae, Boiled/raw/powder
Capsicum frutescens L.
Cruciferae, Boiled
Erucastrum arabicum Fisch. &
Mey.
Apocynaceae, Eaten raw (fr), powder (R)
Carissa edulis Vahl
Capparaceae, Boiled/steamed
Cleome gynandra L.,
Compositae, Whole plant is collected,
Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E. dried and burnt. The ash is
mixed with water, filtered
and evaporated and the
residue collected
Solanaceae, Raw
Cyphomandra betacea Walker
Guttiferae, Fr(raw)/ seeds (collected
Garcinia buchananii Jacq. wrapped in banana leaves
and baked in hot ash and
eaten like peanuts)
Malvaceae, Boiled
Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Lamiaceae, Beverage
Ocimum gratissimum Forssk.
Polygonaceae, Steamed/boiled
Oxygonum sinuatum Dammer
Rosaceae, Raw
Rubus pinnatus var. afrotropicus
(Gaertn.) Hylander
Solanaceae, Steamed/boiled
Solanum anguivi Desf.,
Solanaceae, Steamed
Solanum nigrum L.
Melastomataceae, Raw
Tristemma mauritianum Decne.
Ex Trecul
Compositae, Boiled
Vernonia amygdalina K. Schum
Tricholomataceae, Boiled
Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk.)
Heim.
Acanthaceae, Steamed
Asystasia mysorensis (Roth) T.
Anderson.
Caesalpiniaceae, Raw
Tamarindus indica L.
Oxalidaceaea, Averrhoa Raw
carambola L.
Zingiberaceae, Collected, dried, ground
Cucurma longa L.
Annonaceae, Raw
Annona muricata L.
Family and species Condition treated
Papilionaceae, Skin diseases, acidosis
Abrus precatorius L.
Amaranthaceae, Sore throat, immune
Amaranthus graecizans subsp. booster, joint pains
Sylvestris (Villiers)Brenan,
Amaranthaceae, Fever, diarrhoea, dysentry,
Amaranthus spinosus L. febrifuge, effective
diuretic
Asparagaceae, Diarrhoea, sore throat
Asparagus flagellaris Baker
Burseraceae, Cough
Canarium schweifurthii Engl.
Rubiaceae, Sore throat, stomach
Cathium lactescens Hiern., wounds, anaemia
Solanaceae,
Capsicum frutescens L.
Cruciferae, Stomach wounds
Erucastrum arabicum Fisch. &
Mey.
Apocynaceae, Headache, cough, malaria
Carissa edulis Vahl
Capparaceae, Fever, immune booster
Cleome gynandra L.,
Compositae, Clotting blood on fresh
Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E. wounds
Solanaceae, Malaria
Cyphomandra betacea Walker
Guttiferae, Flu and cough
Garcinia buchananii Jacq.
Malvaceae, Anaemia
Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Lamiaceae, Stomachic
Ocimum gratissimum Forssk.
Polygonaceae, Ulcers
Oxygonum sinuatum Dammer
Rosaceae, Immune booster
Rubus pinnatus var. afrotropicus
(Gaertn.) Hylander
Solanaceae, Antipyretic, appetite
Solanum anguivi Desf., stimulant
Solanaceae, Antipyretic, acidosis
Solanum nigrum L.
Melastomataceae, Immune booster
Tristemma mauritianum Decne.
Ex Trecul
Compositae, Malaria
Vernonia amygdalina K. Schum
Tricholomataceae, Immune booster
Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk.)
Heim.
Acanthaceae, Appetite stimulant
Asystasia mysorensis (Roth) T.
Anderson.
Caesalpiniaceae, Appetite stimulant
Tamarindus indica L.
Oxalidaceaea, Averrhoa Sore throat, immune
carambola L. booster
Zingiberaceae, Eye problems
Cucurma longa L.
Annonaceae, Skin diseases, acidosis
Annona muricata L.
Family and species Side effects
Papilionaceae, Nausea/seeds are
Abrus precatorius L. poisonous
Amaranthaceae, Throat irritation
Amaranthus graecizans subsp.
Sylvestris (Villiers)Brenan,
Amaranthaceae,
Amaranthus spinosus L.
Asparagaceae,
Asparagus flagellaris Baker
Burseraceae,
Canarium schweifurthii Engl.
Rubiaceae, Slightly acidic
Cathium lactescens Hiern.,
Solanaceae, Aggrevates ulcers
Capsicum frutescens L.
Cruciferae,
Erucastrum arabicum Fisch. &
Mey.
Apocynaceae,
Carissa edulis Vahl
Capparaceae,
Cleome gynandra L.,
Compositae, Throat irritation
Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E.
Solanaceae,
Cyphomandra betacea Walker
Guttiferae, Fr is slightly acidic
Garcinia buchananii Jacq.
Malvaceae,
Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Lamiaceae,
Ocimum gratissimum Forssk.
Polygonaceae,
Oxygonum sinuatum Dammer
Rosaceae,
Rubus pinnatus var. afrotropicus
(Gaertn.) Hylander
Solanaceae,
Solanum anguivi Desf.,
Solanaceae,
Solanum nigrum L.
Melastomataceae, Slightly acidic
Tristemma mauritianum Decne.
Ex Trecul
Compositae,
Vernonia amygdalina K. Schum
Tricholomataceae,
Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk.)
Heim.
Acanthaceae,
Asystasia mysorensis (Roth) T.
Anderson.
Caesalpiniaceae,
Tamarindus indica L.
Oxalidaceaea, Averrhoa Mouth irritation
carambola L.
Zingiberaceae,
Cucurma longa L.
Annonaceae,
Annona muricata L.
Part Used: L-Leaves, Sh- Shoot, Fr- Fruit, Wh-Whole, Br- Bark,
B-Bulbils, R-Roots: Habit: H-Herb, T-Tree, S-Shrub, Cl- Climber, Rh-
Rhizome
Table 4: HIV/AIDS associated conditions that improved on consuming wild
food plants (self-reported)
Conditions Percentage
Fever 18
Body cleansing 15
Immune boosting 14
Skin diseases 8
Anorexia 6
Diarrhoea 6
Dysentery 6
Cough 6
Internal wounds 5
Abdominal upsets 4
Sore throat 4
Malaria 3
Stomach wounds 1
Influenza 1
Headache 1
Joint pains 1
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| Author: | A., Nabatanzi; Nakalembe, I. |
|---|---|
| Publication: | African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development |
| Article Type: | Report |
| Geographic Code: | 6UGAN |
| Date: | Nov 1, 2016 |
| Words: | 5077 |
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