Browsing by Author "Mshandete, Anthony"

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Cashew Wastes Biomass in Tanzania Auditing and Characterization: A potential bioresource for production of value-added products
(2025-06-27) Mwema, Hadija; Kassuwi, Shaaban; Mosha, Prosper; Mshandete, Anthony
Cashew waste biomass presents a valuable resource for production of value-added products. This study evaluated potential for valorization of cashew wastes (husks, apples and leaves) generated in Mtwara, Tanzania through integrating quantitative and laboratory analysis methods. Chemical composition of cashew waste analyzed were nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, moisture content, total organic matter, ash content, crude fiber, and conductivity. Nitrogen contents of cashew waste including husks, apples and leaves ranged between 1.46 – 2.58%, phosphorus was 0.03 – 0.38%, moisture content between 5.63-23.10%, and pH ranged between 4.44 -5.91. Solid wastes were characterized by crude fiber content in the range of 0.32-0.49 g, ash content between 6.65 – 14.24% and total organic matter content between 95-97%. Results showed that the annual generation of cashew wastes was estimated at 458,874 tons. Out of these, 66% were dried cashew apples, 33% cashew nut shells and 1% cashew husks. These wastes can be transformed into food, feed, bio-energy and bio-based products using bioconversion technologies in integrated and sustainable manner. A scheme for utilization of cashew waste into value added products has been proposed which contributes to environmental preservation. This approach offers a circular economic growth and aligns with global sustainable development goals by responsible consumption and production.
The Potential of Valorized Sisal Decorticated Waste in Rearing of Black Soldier Fly
(MDPI, 2022-12-23) Konyo, Aziza; Machunda, Revocatus; Pasape, Liliane; Mshandete, Anthony
The use of sisal decorticated waste (SDW) for various applications is limited due to its high acidic content. This is the first study of its kind regarding the use of SDW as a substrate for the growth of the black soldier fly (BSF). Pre-treatment was a necessary and challenging step performed on the waste to meet the minimum requirements for the rearing of BSF. The SDW was sun dried, sieved, and decomposited and neutralized to form the final products that were used for the rearing of BSF. The resultant waste had fourteen (14) elements; the essential elemental form results were Ca, P, K, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn at varying levels, which are all essential for animal growth. The SDW contained 10 ± 0.01 percent of crude protein, 11 ± 0.02 moisture and energy (1615 kcal/g of sisal decorticated waste). The sun dried BSF larvae were reared on SDW that contained 53 ± 0.005 percent of crude protein, 4 ± 0.01 percent of crude fat, a moisture content of (10 ± 0.1)%, carbohydrate percent of (43 ± 0.01)%, and ash percent of (37 ± 0.08). When rearing was finished, 3000 g of dried pre-treated waste yielded more wet BSF larvae, (336 ± 41.3) g, compared to 3000 g of fruit waste, which yielded (244 ± 4.16) g of wet BSF larvae. Therefore, based on this study, SDW is a promising potential feed for rearing BSF because it had a better reduction of the waste by 52%. Furthermore, the harvested BSF larvae contained sufficient nutritional value to feed poultry and fish.
Review on the secondary metabolites, biological properties, and ethnomedicinal uses of the component species of the buheri wa afya formula used to treat COVID-19 in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2023-11-18) Makangara, John; Mshandete, Anthony; Mbega, Ernest; Nyika, John; Mbago, Frank; Ndilanha, Edward; Nyika, Raphael; Nyika, Joseph
Background: It has proven difficult to treat viral infections like SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 that cause severe respiratory disorders with the currently available medications. Alternative strategies for combating viral infections are required to adequately treat infectious diseases like COVID-19. The most potent of them all may be plant-based products or herbal remedies. Following the advent of the COVID-19 epidemic, a number of alter- native medicine practitioners in Tanzania developed herbal medicine formulations, claiming that they were effective in treating COVID-19 patients. One among the formulations is Buheri wa Afya, meaning "good health". The rationale for choosing Buheri wa Afya over the other formulations was justified by its efficacy in treating COVID-19 patients at different stages of the illness. Purpose: This review aimed to collect information on the chemical composition, biological properties, and eth- nomedicinal uses of the constituents of Buheri wa Afya formula, a plant-fungi complex formula made of Adansonia digitata L., Ficus sur Forssk, Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, and Zan- thoxylum chalybeum Engl., and a fungus, Ganoderma tsugae Murrill, that was and is still used for the treatment of COVID-19 in Tanzania. Methods: All information regarding ethnomedical applications, chemical compositions, and biological properties related to the constituents of the herbal formula was collected from PubMed, Research4Life, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Springer, Research Gate link, and published books. Results: The search, which mostly focused on COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases produced a total of 183 publications, with publication dates ranging from 1984 to 2023. Most of the articles originated from African and Asian (specifically China and India) countries. A total of 16 articles spanning between 1984 through 1999 reporting on a variety of topics, such as isolation of compounds and biological testing were collected. During that time, Ganoderma species had the highest number of reported occurrences. In contrast to the 25 papers collected between 2000 and 2009, 78 articles covering the years 2010 through 2019 were collected. These 103 articles reported studies on ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological properties, and chemical compositions of the plants and mushrooms under review. During the 2020–2023 period, a total 67 different articles were gathered, the major focus being the fight against COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases. Twelve of them reported the ethnomedical applications of the investigated plant and mushroom species in the Buheri wa Afya formula in the management and treatment of COVID-19 and associated symptoms. The majority of articles reported the pres- ence of a variety of biologically active compounds, including vitamins, flavonoids, phenols, coumarins, alkaloids, terpenoids, macronutrients, and micronutrients. According to the studies, the compounds have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antimalarial and many other biological properties. The combination of the observed biological properties of the plant and mushroom species in the Buheri wa Afya formula may be responsible for its effectiveness in the treatment of COVID-19 in Tanzania
Review on the secondary metabolites, biological properties, and ethnomedicinal uses of the component species of the buheri wa afya formula used to treat COVID-19 in Tanzania
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-02) Makangara, John; Mshandete, Anthony; Mbega, Ernest; Nyika, John; Mbago, Frank; Ndilanha, Edward; Nyika, Raphael; Nyika, Joseph
Background It has proven difficult to treat viral infections like SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 that cause severe respiratory disorders with the currently available medications. Alternative strategies for combating viral infections are required to adequately treat infectious diseases like COVID-19. The most potent of them all may be plant-based products or herbal remedies. Following the advent of the COVID-19 epidemic, a number of alternative medicine practitioners in Tanzania developed herbal medicine formulations, claiming that they were effective in treating COVID-19 patients. One among the formulations is Buheri wa Afya, meaning "good health". The rationale for choosing Buheri wa Afya over the other formulations was justified by its efficacy in treating COVID-19 patients at different stages of the illness. Purpose This review aimed to collect information on the chemical composition, biological properties, and ethnomedicinal uses of the constituents of Buheri wa Afya formula, a plant-fungi complex formula made of Adansonia digitata L., Ficus sur Forssk, Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, and Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl., and a fungus, Ganoderma tsugae Murrill, that was and is still used for the treatment of COVID-19 in Tanzania. Methods All information regarding ethnomedical applications, chemical compositions, and biological properties related to the constituents of the herbal formula was collected from PubMed, Research4Life, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Springer, Research Gate link, and published books. Results The search, which mostly focused on COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases produced a total of 183 publications, with publication dates ranging from 1984 to 2023. Most of the articles originated from African and Asian (specifically China and India) countries. A total of 16 articles spanning between 1984 through 1999 reporting on a variety of topics, such as isolation of compounds and biological testing were collected. During that time, Ganoderma species had the highest number of reported occurrences. In contrast to the 25 papers collected between 2000 and 2009, 78 articles covering the years 2010 through 2019 were collected. These 103 articles reported studies on ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological properties, and chemical compositions of the plants and mushrooms under review. During the 2020–2023 period, a total 67 different articles were gathered, the major focus being the fight against COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases. Twelve of them reported the ethnomedical applications of the investigated plant and mushroom species in the Buheri wa Afya formula in the management and treatment of COVID-19 and associated symptoms. The majority of articles reported the presence of a variety of biologically active compounds, including vitamins, flavonoids, phenols, coumarins, alkaloids, terpenoids, macronutrients, and micronutrients. According to the studies, the compounds have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antimalarial and many other biological properties. The combination of the observed biological properties of the plant and mushroom species in the Buheri wa Afya formula may be responsible for its effectiveness in the treatment of COVID-19 in Tanzania. Conclusions The literature has highlighted the indispensable importance of using bBuheri wa Afya as an effective alternative therapy in the management of viral infectious diseases like COVID-19. Various studies reviewed in this study have revealed the potentials of the constituents of Buheri wa Afya in fighting against COVID-19 and other viral infections. Thus, Buheri wa Afya formula with the intrinsic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immunomodulating properties of its constituents justifies the observed effectiveness of the formula in protection, alleviation of symptoms, and cure of COVID-19 in Tanzania.
Successful domestication of Neonothopanus Hygrophanus (Mont.) De Kesel & Degreef and Lentinus Squarrosulus Mont., indigenous saprophytic edible mushrooms from Kibira National Park in Burundi
(CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 2024-01-15) Nteziryayo, Vincent; Mshandete, Anthony; Tibuhwa, Donatha
Background Mushroom cultivation in Burundi provides an excellent way to diversify agricultural production although domestication of mushroom species is at an infancy stage. The country is endowed with indigenous forests that harbour a wide diversity of mushrooms with potential for domestication. This study was undertaken to explore opportunities for domestication of saprophytic wild edible mushrooms from the Kibira National Park (KNP) in Burundi. Methods Samples of Lentinus squarrosulus Mont. and Neonothopanus hygrophanus (Mont.) De Kesel & Degreef were collected from the field, and tissue cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium. Spawn production and develop- ment was performed on sorghum grains and lignocellulosic substrates respectively and the parameters of mycelial growth and mushroom yield were determined. Results The germplasm of L. squarrosulus and N. hygrophanus was successfully isolated with an average tissue culture incubation time of 6.4 ± 0.54 days and 7.6 ± 0.54 days for L. squarrosulus and N. hygrophanus, respectively. Spawn production incubation time on sorghum grains was 12.6 ± 0.89 days and 14.8 ± 0.83 days for L. squarrosulus and N. hygrophanus, respectively. For full colonization of lignocellulosic substrates, spawn production time ranged between 19 ± 1 and 21 ± 1 days for L. squarrosulus and between 17 ± 1.22 and 18 ± 1.22 days for N. hygrophanus. Both species successfully produced fruiting bodies and mushrooms yielded at a rate of 18.24 ± 9.76 to 22.85 ± 9.16% for L. squarrosulus and 12.66 ± 8.95 to 15.3 ± 8.94% for N. hygrophanus which is here reported for the first time to be success- fully domesticated. For both species, the cottonseed hulls substrate comparatively showed the best yield followed by the combination of maize cobs/soybean straws (MC + SBS) (50:50), the combination of rice straws/soybean straws (RS + SBS) (50:50) and the maize cobs substrate respectively, while the rice straw showed the least. The combinations of MC + SBS (50:50) and RS + SBS (50:50) showed a yield close to that of cottonseed hulls. Conclusions For the first-time, this study presents successful domestication of N. hygrophanus and L. squarrosulus from KNP. It is concluded that the substrates combinations used in the study give good yields, and therefore recom- mended for use as cost-effective and efficient alternative substrates.
Valorization of palm oil wastes into oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus HK-37) and biogas production
(Tanzania Journal of Science, 2025-12-30) David, Aneth; Mshandete, Anthony
The study explored the potential of co-production of oyster mushroom Pleurotus HK-37 and biogas from palm oil waste fractions to add value and mitigate environmental impact. Nine different blends of waste fractions were subjected to mushroom production. The highest mushroom yield and biological efficiency were obtained from a blend that combined equal amounts of palm mesocarp fiber (PMF) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) waste fractions supplemented with 1% palm oil mill effluent (POME) and sediments (SD). The spent mushroom substrates (SMS) were used in biogas production, compared to fresh waste blends, biogas volume was higher across all but two treatments. Substrate formulation no. 3 (1:1 PMF and EFB (each 49% total weight) supplemented with POME and SD at 1%) showed the highest mushroom yield, biological efficiency and mushroom size while spent mushroom substrate formulation number. The highest biogas and methane volumes were from SMS that was a blend of equal parts PMF and EFB supplemented with 1% POME and SD, and 5% palm press cake and palm kernel shells. The highest increase of biogas volume and methane yield observed as a result of pretreatment of the palm oil waste fractions through mushroom cultivation was 102.78%. These findings show that co-production of mushrooms and biogas is a potential solution to managing palm oil waste and promoting a circular economy. Future research should establish economic feasibility of the process.