1. Introduction
Since the dawn of humanity, humankind has maintained a close connection with its natural environment. This vital and dynamic relationship has constantly led humans to question nature in order to understand and secure the conditions for their own existence [1]. Today, this interaction takes on a crucial dimension in the face of global challenges related to food security. Indeed, despite the efforts undertaken, the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) [2], which aims to eradicate hunger and ensure food and nutrition security by 2030, remains a major challenge for humanity.
In this context, wild edible plants and harvested local species play a crucial role. They contribute to strengthening the resilience of food systems and diversifying nutritional quality, while offering sustainable alternatives to conventional resources [3]. The exploitation of these traditional food sources, particularly through oils and other plant products, thus appears as a promising way to meet the nutritional and economic needs of rural populations. Among these resources, tropical agroforestry species (TAS) occupy a central place [4]. They support the livelihoods of approximately 80% of rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing their essential needs in food, health, and local economic development [5]. Balanites aegyptiaca (L.), commonly known as the desert date palm, is among these emblematic species [6]. Valued for the diversity of its uses: food, medicinal, cultural, economic, and even mystical [7], it constitutes a versatile resource of great importance to local population.
Ethnobotanical study represents a fundamental tool for understanding and valuing traditional knowledge. It allows for the documentation of knowledge and practices related to plant use, while supporting their conservation and integration into sustainable development strategies.
Thus, this research aims to evaluate the food, therapeutic, and cosmetic uses of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) in this community, in order to provide quantitative and qualitative data likely to strengthen the sustainable use of this valuable resource.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Plant Material: Balanites aegyptiaca
Ethnobotanical investigations focused on Balanites aegyptiaca, or desert date palm, which is a tree of the Zygophyllaceae family [8] (Figure 1). It is often found on clay and sandy soils in arid and semi-arid areas of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia [9]. Its global distribution is limited to the north by Jordan, to the south by Zimbabwe, and from east to west by Senegal and Somalia. Beyond the African continent, B. aegyptiaca is present in some Asian countries, notably Iran, Palestine, Jordan, India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, and Yemen [10].
Balanites aegypytiaca is also called in some local languages [11]-[13].
Wolof: “Sump”;
Sérére: “Model”;
Bambara: “Ségéné”;
Pulaar: “Golétéki”;
Haussa: “Aduwa”;
French: “Dattier du désert, Haguel balanites”.
Figure 1. Representation of the different parts of Balanites aegyptiaca (A: Whole plant; B: Flower; C: Fruits; D: Seeds; E: Branches; F: Trunk).
Figure 2. Geographical location of the survey area in Senegal.
Study Area
Senegal is located in the far west of Africa, between latitude 12˚8' and 16˚41' north and longitude 11˚21' and 17˚32' west. The fieldwork was conducted in August in the department of Linguère (Dodji district). The department of Linguère is located in northern Senegal, in the eastern part of the Louga administrative region, between latitude 15˚24' and 14˚00' north and longitude 15˚07' and 14˚04' west (Figure 2).
2.2. Investigation Method
A quantitative ethnobotanical study was conducted in the Dodji district. Data was collected from the local population using a questionnaire.
This questionnaire included the informant’s profile (age, sex, ethnicity, education level, occupation, and marital status). The survey focused on the plant parts used, preparation methods, oil extraction techniques, and food, therapeutic, and cosmetic applications. In this quantitative ethnobotanical survey strategy, the target individuals were interviewed based on their knowledge of the plant, their availability, and their willingness to answer questions. The selection process was selective. The primary targets were arborists, individuals or groups who extract oil, and traditional healers residing in the localities at the time of the survey, and aged 19 years or older. These conditions constituted the selection criteria for the respondents.
3. Results
3.1. Data Analysis
A total of 101 people were interviewed, including 51 men and 50 women (50.5% male and 49.5% female), from two different ethnic groups (Fulani and Wolof). Individuals aged 20 - 40 years represented 42% of the sample, followed by those aged 40 - 60 years, who constituted 37% of the respondents. Individuals over 60 years of age and those aged 19 years constituted 20% and 1% of the respondents, respectively (Figure 3). Of those interviewed, 96 were married, representing 95% of the total number of people investigated. It should also be noted that 17 people (16.8%) extract the oil using traditional techniques (Figure 4).
Figure 3. Representation of the age groups investigated.
Figure 4. Data Illustration: Gender, marital status and extraction practices.
For each category of use and plant part used, the relative citation frequency (CRF) was calculated according to the formula:
with n = number of people who cited a use category, N = total number of respondents.
The use value was calculated to assess the ethnobotanical importance of B. aegyptiaca according to the formula.
with Ui = Number of uses mentioned by respondent i for a given species, N = Total number of respondents. The results are summarized in the following Table 1.
Table 1. Average of use categories for different parts of Balanites aegyptiaca.
Uses parts |
Human
nutrition % |
Food Animal % |
Medicinal % |
Cosmetic % |
Leaves |
22 |
98 |
13 |
00 |
Flowers |
06 |
38 |
00 |
00 |
Whole Fruit |
00 |
95 |
16 |
00 |
Bark |
00 |
00 |
34 |
00 |
Twigs |
00 |
01 |
04 |
04 |
Fruit pulp |
99 |
00 |
82 |
00 |
Oil |
34 |
00 |
03 |
06 |
Other |
00 |
12 |
00 |
00 |
Moyenne |
32.6 |
48.8 |
25.3 |
5 |
3.2. Knowledge of Balanites aegyptiaca
Balanites aegyptiaca is a family plant; the study reveals that all age groups of those interviewed recognized the tree, representing a 100% recognition rate. They also highlighted its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Four percent of those interviewed learned about the plant through traditional healers. Balanites aegyptiaca has vernacular names derived from its uses, such as “Mourtoki” and “Mouthiéki”, all of which refer to the act of sucking in Pulaar.
3.3. Food Uses of Balanites aegyptiaca
The data collected from the interviewees highlights the various ways in which this plant is incorporated into daily diets. The pulp of its fruit is particularly prized: 99% of respondents reported sucking it directly, demonstrating its popularity as a natural and readily available treat. The plant’s leaves and flowers are also used in food, although less frequently. 22% of respondents use the leaves, and 6% the flowers, to prepare sauces. These parts are generally cooked with peanut paste and served with couscous in the evening, showing a well-established traditional culinary use. Finally, the oil extracted from the seeds of Balanites aegyptiaca is consumed directly; 34% of respondents reported using it by adding it to well-cooked rice, illustrating another way in which this plant is used in food (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Representation of the different organs consumed.
3.4. Therapeutic Uses of Balanites aegyptiaca
According to the survey results, the pulp is the most commonly used part of the plant for medicinal purposes. In fact, 72.27% of respondents reported using the pulp for treatment, followed by the bark (32.67%), the whole fruit (19.80%), the leaves (5.94%), and finally the twigs (1.98%). A tiny proportion (0.99%) of respondents used a combination of several parts of the plant, including leaves, twigs, bark, roots, and fruit, to create multi-purpose remedies often intended to treat chronic ailments or ward off supernatural beings.
3.4.1. Fruit Pulp
Local medicinal practices regarding the pulp: 72.27% of respondents specifically use the pulp of Balanites aegyptiaca for therapeutic purposes. This high proportion demonstrates the importance of this part of the fruit in traditional medicine.
Among these users, 59.40% consume the pulp without any prior preparation, often in its raw or dried form. It is used to treat various ailments such as stomach pain, high blood pressure, blood sugar levels, fever, constipation, parasite elimination, and digestive issues. Balanites aegyptiaca pulp helps soothe gastric disorders, regulates blood pressure, stabilizes blood sugar levels, acts as a fever reducer, facilitates intestinal transit with its fiber content, eliminates certain intestinal parasites, and improves digestion after heavy meals. Thus, Balanites aegyptiaca pulp occupies a central place in local traditional medicine. Its use without prior transformation demonstrates empirical knowledge passed down orally from generation to generation, based on the perceived effectiveness of its natural properties.
3.4.2. Stem Bark
The survey reveals that 33% of respondents use the stem bark of Balanites aegyptiaca to treat various ailments. At least ten diseases were identified as being treated with this part of the plant. These include headaches, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), high blood pressure, malaria, toothaches, colds, intestinal parasites (for its deworming effect), myopia, and general fatigue (Figure 6). Furthermore, the bark is used in spiritual practices for protection against evil spirits. The preparation methods mentioned are varied, with fumigation (78%) followed by maceration (12%).
Figure 6. Representation of the diseases treated by the organs of Balanites aegyptiaca.
As part of the therapy, preparations are made to allow for effective administration during patient treatment. However, 60% of respondents prefer to use these organs without preparation, while 35% use maceration, 27% fumigation, 8% decoction, and finally, 5% infusion (Figure 7).
Figure 7. Methods of preparing the organs of Balanites aegyptiaca before administration.
3.5. Cosmetic Uses of the Oil and Branches of Balanites aegyptiaca
Beyond its medicinal properties, this plant is also of interest in the cosmetic field, particularly through the use of its seed oil and twigs. Survey results indicate that 5% of respondents use this oil as a skin-lightening cream, seeking a brighter and more even complexion. In addition to its lightening properties, the oil is also known for its ability to soften, nourish, and smooth the skin. Alongside topical use of the oil, the twigs of Balanites aegyptiaca are traditionally used as toothpicks or natural toothbrushes. Respondents report that regular use of these twigs helps whiten teeth and eliminate bad breath.
4. Discussion
The use and understanding of the plant do not vary depending on the group of individuals interviewed. Indeed, a 100% knowledge rate demonstrates a significant familiarity with the plant in this locality. This trend seems normal, given that it is domesticated; knowledge and applications of the plant are often acquired through extensive experience accumulated over generations and passed down from generation to generation [14] [15]. Furthermore, individuals under 20 years of age represented only 1%, while a large proportion of people aged [20 to 40] years was observed, which can be explained by the young nature of the population [16]. Furthermore, the experience and close connection with nature that older people enjoy play a vital role in their knowledge of the plant’s uses [17]. These observations are consistent with the findings of Sandrine Gallois and co., concerning the transmission of empirical knowledge within a culture [18].
Regarding uses, the categories of applications for B. aegyptiaca include human food, medicinal plants, animal feed (fodder), timber and timber for construction and services, fuelwood (firewood and charcoal), as well as cosmetic and commercial uses. However, these results differ from those of Adamou [19] which did not mention its cosmetic use in Niger. However, the use of B. aegyptiaca in this area remains the least familiar category for those interviewed in the study. On the other hand, the challenges associated with oil extraction and processing the press cake into soap limit this practice, despite its apparent expansion.
Consequently, these results highlight the strong pressure exerted by the population on the species, due to the unavailability of other plants capable of offering the same effects. Moreover, according to Ayena and co, 2046, the greater the number of uses for a plant, the more the species is in demand and the more intense the pressure on it becomes [20]. B. aegyptiaca is involved in the treatment of eighteen (18) pathologies et symptoms, slightly more than the deseases treated mentioned by Maman Kamal in the Centre-East of Niger [15].
The pulp and oil are the main parts of the plant valued in both human food and traditional medicine, as confirmed by several studies [21] [22].
Thus, the high demand for the pulp is explained by its accessibility, but also by growing awareness of its nutritional and therapeutic value. As for the oil, its use is justified by its non-toxicity, confirmed by a study conducted in Nigeria [23], producing a high potential in vitamin [24], mineral salts [25], and in unsaturated fatty acids [21].
Overall, the plant is of remarkable interest in traditional medicine due to its numerous curative properties. According to the results, the organs of B. aegyptiaca are used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological conditions, neurological disorders, oral and dental problems, and sexual and reproductive health issues. Indeed, B. aegyptiaca is well integrated into the traditional medicine practiced in West Africa [26]. Many studies report various biological activities associated with the plant: extracts from the fruit pulp exhibit antioxidant activity [27]; the methanolic extract of the leaves exhibits anti-hepatitis activity [28]; the methanolic extract of the fruit exhibits antimicrobial activity [29]; the methanolic extract of these fruits exhibits antiparasitic activity [30]; and the antibacterial activity of the extract of the fruit of B. aegyptiaca has also been demonstrated [31] [32].
5. Conclusion
This study revealed the wide variety of uses for Balanites aegyptiaca, particularly in the food, therapeutic, and cosmetic fields. All vegetative parts of the plant were used, with the fruit pulp being the predominant product, sucked directly without preparation, while the seeds are used for oil extraction. Further studies on the Balanites aegyptiaca fruit, especially its oil, will be necessary in the future. Physicochemical, microbiological, and toxicological analyses will allow for a comparison of its nutritional properties with those edible oils such as peanut and sunflower oil.