Grewia

Abstract: This paper presents proximate analysis, protein and mineral values for 29 important wild plant species consumed in Swaziland. Leaf protein ranged from 1.30–7.50 %; the highest values were from the genera Grewia, Momordica and Pouzolzia. High calcium sources were Corchorus spp., Grewia spp. and Pouzolzia parasitica. Plants with a high iron concentration included Corchorus spp., Ipomoea sp. and Zantedeschia sp. Wild leaves were the main dietary accompaniment to maize porridge in 39 % of 133 meals analyzed. The traditional Swazi method for preparing leaf side‐dishes with cooking ash may remove vitamins of the B‐complex and ascorbic acid. Wild plants play an essential role in Swazi diet; more than 220 species are commonly consumed. Many plants are restricted ecologically to narrow ranges. The Highveld exhibited the greatest abundance of edible leaves; while the Lowveld had the greatest diversity of edible fruits. So‐called edible “weeds‐of‐agriculture” were most prominent in the Middleveld. Swazi schoolchildr...

Abstract: The acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of hydro-methanolic extracts of Grewia crenata leaves were evaluated in rats. The extract at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg did not produce treatment related signs of toxicity or mortality in any of the animals tested during 14 days observation period. Therefore, LD 50 of this plant was estimated to be more than 5000 mg/kg. Phytochemical screening of the leaves extract revealed the plant to contain saponins, steroids, flavonoids, anthraquinones and glycosides. In the repeated dose 28days oral toxicity study, administration of 900, 1800, 2700 and 3600 mg/kg of body weight G. crenata leaves extracts revealed no significantly difference (p<0.05) in the hematological parameter except for reduced platelet and increased differential blood count shown in some of the treated groups. Analysis of serum liver enzymes, uric acid, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, electrolytes and creatinine revealed no significant (P<0.05) changes in the extract treated groups compared to control group. However, significant differences (P<0.05) were seen in glucose, urea and bilirubin of the treated groups when compared to the control group. These results suggest that the sub-chronic administration of hydro-methanolic leaves extracts of Grewia crenata has no marked acute and sub-chronic toxic effect in rats.

Abstract: Wahlert, G. A., L. Nusbaumer & P. Ranirison (2014). Grewia gautieri Wahlert & Nusb. (Malvaceae, Grewioideae): a new species from Madagascar. Candollea 69: 149–155. In English, English and French abstracts. Grewia gautieri Wahlert & Nusb. (Malvaceae, Grewioideae), a new species from Madagascar, is described and illustrated. This new species is similar to Grewia brideliifolia Baill. by its 4-merous flowers, 3-flowered cymes, and drupaceous fruits, but differs by its chartaceous leaves, petals that usually lack a nectariferous gland, and fruits that contain a single pyrene. The distribution and ecology of the species are presented, and an IUCN conservation status is provided.