Climate Change Innovative & Conservation Agricultural Adaptations for Malawi and Sub-Saharan Africa: Let’s Think Conservation & Environment! By- Dr Marisen Mwale -Post Doctoral Fellow (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences)

 

 

The cliché for our Malawi nation developmentally paradoxically remains- ‘chuma chathu chagona mnthaka’ – literally translated agriculture is the hallmark of our national development. So what am I driving at when I surmise- ‘nthaka yathu sinaguge akuguga ndimaganizidwe ’, translated our soils are not yet depleted it is our mindset that is becoming obsolete. The thesis is premised on the argument that poverty reduction and empowerment of the poorest of our grassroots populace continues to be a key priority in the national development agenda for Malawi, case in point being Malawi Agenda 2063 – https://malawi.un.org/en/108390-malawi-vision-2063-inclusively-wealth-and-self-reliant-nation . That key priority also resonates with the global agenda as specified in Sustainable Development goal number 1 on eliminating world poverty by 2030 https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals  

Interventions to combat poverty for Malawi are however being bedeviled by bottlenecks emanating from climate change related disasters such as drought spells, flush floods and epidemics. Gains made overtime have also been stalled over the past two years by the Covid-19 pandemic that has impacted and thrown the entire global economy into recession. The Russia vs Ukraine war has also meant fertilizer prices are spiking with deleterious ramifications on our national subsidies farm input programme (AIP).

Within that backdrop, it becomes pertinent to brainstorm and tap out potential interventions that would salvage us from tragedy especially at grassroots level. Over 80% of the Malawian population survives on and depends on subsistence agriculture. The economy overall is agrobased with agriculture constituting a major portion of our gross domestic product (GDP). Conservation Agricultural and Environment related thinking therefore becomes key if we are to make meaningful headway in combating challenges at our disposal. What am I driving at? Projects! Conservation related and environmental friendly projects.

 

 

Projects through the Ministry of Agriculture and other Agriculture related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to instill and transfer knowledge and practical skills nationwide, the critical one on reducing our dilemma for poverty reduction and the dependency syndrome on synthetic inorganic fertilizers being on compost manure production. That targeting of course the significant majority proportion of our smallholder farmers who form the hub of our economy and the pinnacle of our food security.

The compost manure production project is projected and proposed to focus on capturing and retaining the biomass (husks and other residue) from agricultural raw post harvest matter in maize and other crops, just after harvest gradually building large composts banks within the fields using modern compost manure production technologies with technical advice from Agricultural extension officers and agricultural district departments (ADDs). The crop biomass in almost all fields for every household could be gradually upgraded with livestock manure (goat manure, chicken manure etc from the kholas in the homes) over the after harvest period as people wait for another rain season. Pertinent to highlight is that compost manure mixed soils retains and captures more moisture than ordinary soils. In this era of erratic rains curtesy of climate change, that aids cushion farmers from low productivity.

The compost manure production activity would be combined with other smallholder post harvest cores like winter cropping (madimba). Those large masses of compost manure would then closer to the rain season be spread across all fields. Incentivising or motivation to champion adherence could be fostered through key stakeholders like the Minister of Agriculture and even his Excellency the President. Post season visits and inspection of those conservation agriculture compost manure intervention and technologies could be factored into the Minister of Agriculture and the Presidential Calendar perhaps with motivational awards presented to the best farmers for best production of compost in terms of quantity and quality.

This done every year and becoming part of the agricultural best practice for the majority of smallholder farmers would mean significant reductions on the national cost and budget for inorganic synthetic Fertilizers that we import and distribute through the AIP programme – https://www.devex.com/news/can-malawi-s-agricultural-inputs-program-improve-food-security-102499  . Perhaps what we would focus on would now be to distribute Urea (wobeleketsa) as the D compound component would have been taken care of. And it would also mean sustainability of the practice every year translating to sustainable pedological rejuvenation of our soils across the nation (kubwezeletsa chonde mnthaka for the majority of smallholder farmer arable land plots). That will eventually also mean nthaka ibwelera mwakale …tithetsa kuguga. It further also means significant crop productivity for the majority of houlseholds in the smallholder subsistence category.

Also bearing in mind that mostly all the postharvest biomass is burnt by the majority of farmers, we would also be protecting the environment from greenhouse ambient air pollutants in PM _2.5, CO, and CO₂ – https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/green-gases  That translates into environmental management and climate change mitigation / adaptation as the globe transitions toward zero greenhouse gas emissions and/or perhaps a hydrogen economy - https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/hydrogen-economy . Our farmers need us to idealize participatorily with them as primary beneficiaries of interventions through a bottom up approach. Community participation is key.

 Developing methodologies with and through the primary farmer beneficiaries coupled with championing the merits of conservation agriculture and environmental management is vital for the achievement of  Sustainable Development Goals; specifically goal 1 on poverty reduction, goal 13 on climate action, goal 7 on affordable as well as clean energy,  and goal 3 on good health and well being – https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals . It is also vital for achieving national goals specified in Malawi Agenda 2063. By the end of the day increase in crop productivity per hectar or acre of farmland will imply foodsecurity for the majority of farmers, more forex generation for the nation and exponential microeconomic (household) wealth production and empowerment. Combined with other initiatives on the ground like microfinance and other appropriate technologies in agriculture, we as a nation will yield significant gains in changing dynamics of the cycle of poverty that ravages our agricultural system and our poorest of farmers perennially.

Malawi is Agrobased and our majority of the populace depend on the Agricultural value chain either at first line subsistence level, as middlemen buying and selling produce or involved in value addition sectors as well as industrial manufacturing of end products for consumption or export. Pertinent to highlight is how it becomes pathetic that we are not so committed on value addition for most of our agricultural products both crop and livestock. Ironically we wouldn’t be decrying cooking oil prices resultant from imported cooking oils as we produce the raw material groundnuts, soya beans and corn to sustain ourselves and even export cooking oil. Even basic farmers would be able to produce cooking oil with appropriate technologies. The technology and industrial machinery for cooking oil production is basic and cheap.

 

Malawi produces tons and tons of groundnuts, corn, and soya beans and now one can see sunflower in many fields across Lilongwe farms, Mchinji farms, in Rumphi farms , in Machinga farms, in Zomba farms and even in Karonga farms. Decrying cooking oil prices at our level of raw material production and export and when we could practically manufacture on our own end product and export or have consumers nationally buy at reasonable prices shows lack of seriousness on our behalf as a nation.

Additionally the other missed opportunity in conservation agriculture and environmental management  is embedded within our energy sector mainly focusing on fossil fuels like petroleum and diesel for sustaining  the transportation energy need . The association with greenhouse CO, P.M _2.5, CO₂ is unequivocal – https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/greenhouse-gases. And this poses a major challenge as the world battles climate change disasters in flooding and drought spells and endeavors to mitigate effects of global warming. Our tragic memories of flooding and storms in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mangochi and a majority of other Districts are still fresh.

 

 

The gist of my argument in agricultural terms is we could play our role as a nation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions emanating from petroleum and diesel in the transportation sector by optimizing biofuel production and blending that with petroleum and diesel not only to reduce fuel prices but above all else reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We could use our soya bean, our extra corn and some of the molasses from sugar production to produce ethanol that could then be blended with petroleum and diesel hence significantly reducing fuel prices and by extension emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Combined with afforestation and encouraging every smallholder household to have a fruit orchard as well as a stand for some trees – like eucalyptus, pine or nsingwi, we would cumulatively increase the forestry cover for the nation – https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/11/afforestation-can-help-tackle-climate-change-heres-how/ . The benefits if implemented through consented effort would be incremental as the associated practical skills, knowledge gains and behaviour or mindset changes would be. Conservation agriculture amalgamated with fostering practical skills and knowledge for environmental management has far-fetching benefits not only for our smallholder farmers but the nation at large. Let’s think conservation and let’s agro innovate …for the better of the nation and above all else for the better of our grassroots and mainly poorest smallholder farmers.

References

 

Devex Global Development News (2022) Can Malawi’s Agricultural inputs program improve food security. https://www.devex.com/news/can-malawi-s-agricultural-inputs-program-improve-food-security-102499

EPA (2021) Climate change indicators: Greenhouse Gases – United States Environmental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/greenhouse-gases

Science Direct (2019) Hydrogen Economy https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/hydrogen-economy

UNDP (2016) Sustainable Development Goals https://www.undp.org/sustable-development-goals

United Nations Malawi (2021) Malawi Vision2063: An inclusively wealthy and self reliant nation https://malawi.un.org/en/108390-malawi-vision-2063-inclusively-wealth-and-self-reliant-nation

World Economic Forum (2021) Afforestation can help to tackle climate change. Here is how. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/11/afforestation-can-help-tackle-climate-change-heres-how/

PROJECT MAESTRO: MEDICINAL PLANT CLINICAL APPLICATIONS- ON VIRAL, BACTERIAL & OTHER MICROBE INFECTIONS and NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

PROJECT MAESTRO

BY

 MARISEN MWALE

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS: VIRAL [HIV, HEPATITIS, COVID 19], BACTERIAL [TUBERCULOSIS], PROTOZOA [MALARIA], OTHER MICROBE INFECTIONS & Non-Communicable DISEASE!

‘The theory of relativity belongs to the class of principle theories. As such it employs an analytical method. This means that the elements which comprise this theory are not based on hypothesis but on empirical discovery. The empirical discovery leads to understanding the general characteristics of natural processes. Mathematical models are then developed which separate the natural processes into theoretical-mathematical descriptions. Therefore, by analytical means the necessary conditions that have to be satisfied are deduced. Separate events must satisfy these conditions. Experience should then match the conditions. The special theory of relativity and general theory of relativity are connected.’

On Einstein’s theory of relativity

ALOE VERA

Clinical Applications: Aloe Vera has efficacy in the following conditions

·        Psoriasis

·        Shingles

·        Genital herpes

·        First degree and second degree burns

·        Acne

·        Diabetes mellitus – Aloe regulates blood glucose by stabilizing sugar levels.

·        Hepatitis

·        Corona virus

·        Ulcerative colitis

·        Detoxification – Aloe helps in detoxifying the body

·        Immunostimulant – Aloe aids in fighting cancer by limiting tumor growth and metastasis particularly in lung cancer.

·        Improves circulation

·        Hypertension – Aloe lowers blood pressure

·        Rheumatism – Aloe reduces joint inflammation and arthritis

·        Constipation – Aloe improves peristalsis

·        Crohn’s disease – Aloe lessens symptoms of heartburn as well as the peptic ulcer.

·        AIDS  & Corona virus– Because of its stimulation and boosting of the immune system Aloe is considered a potential treatment for AIDS and Covid 19 patients. Acemannan one principle of Aloe Vera has been shown to slow the AIDS virus from replicating and spreading through its correlations with increased interferon production [an antiviral protein with the ability to interfere with viral replication by rendering cells refractory to protein synthesis].

·        Chronic disease – Aloe reduces risk of chronic disease and in recuperation after illness.

·        Hyperlipdemia – Aloe lowers cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels

·        Weight loss – Because of high levels of COLLAGEN which helps maintain lean body mass Aloe may help in weight loss for the obese.

·        Wound healing – Aloe is associated with wound healing because of the constituent Collagen. Collagen which is synthesized through Vitamin C action is highly concentrated in connective tissue, bone, teeth, tendons, and blood vessels. Collagen is very important for wound healing. Vitamin C increases the cross-connections between amino acids in Collagen, greatly strengthening the tissues it helps form.

Caution - Aloe should however be taken in moderation since high intake can result in lowered potassium levels and its associated cardiovascular complications.

GARLIC [allium sativum]

Clinical applications: Garlic has efficacy in the following conditions

·        Hyperlipdemia – Allium sativum lowers Cholesterol, Tryglcylides and LDL preventing LDL and cholesterol oxidation.

·        Thrombosis – Garlic reduces the formation of clots [platelet aggregation] in blood vessels through the blood thinning ‘cascade effect’ thus reducing chances of stroke and heart attack.

·        Hypertension – Garlic lowers blood pressure

·        Corona virus – Garlic has anti-viral properties

·        Analgesic activity – Allium sativum reduces menstrual pain, muscle pain, nerve pain and arthritis

·        Dermatology – Allium sativum treats corns, warts, calluses, ear infection and other dermatological complications.

·        Vermifuge – Allium sativum has efficacy in the expulsion of intestinal worms.

·        Diabetes mellitus – Allium sativum has efficacy in reducing blood sugar levels.

·        Atherosclerosis – Garlic through its action in reducing cholesterol aggregation and reduction in plaque formation in blood vessels has efficacy in reducing atherosclerosis.

·        Immunostimulant - Garlic aids in combating cancer by retarding tumor formation and metastasis [spread].

·        Garlic increases blood levels of antioxidant enzymes thus acts as an effective remedy against the oxidative effects caused by free radicals.

·        Detoxification – Allium sativum detoxifies the liver – it inhibits lipid peroxidation in the liver retarding the aging process of liver cells thus maintaining the health functioning of the liver. Garlic also detoxifies the entire body thus improving metabolism.

·        AIDS – Garlic has been used reasonably successfully in AIDS patients to treat cryptosporidium, toxoplasmosis and other opportunistic infections. The ethers in garlic though this has not been substantiated empirically act as  lipid solvents inactivating the infectivity of viruses including herpes viridae, hepatitis B and HIV [in vitro findings].

·        Cancer – Garlic stimulates the activity of the defensive cells of the body, both lymphocytes and macrophages – these cells which flow with the blood protect us from micro-organisms, and furthermore they are able to destroy cancerous cells, at least in the initial phases of tumor formation.

·        Infectious diseases – Garlic consumption has a good effect on any infectious disease augmenting the defensive ability of our body, besides directly destroying certain micro-organisms.

·        Depurative – Garlic purifies the body by enhancing elimination of waste through the kidneys, the liver and the skin.

·        Metabolism and Catabolism – Garlic promotes these physiological activities.

·        Microbe proliferation- HIV and The Corona virus – Garlic principles act against various types of fungi, yeasts, and some viruses including:  Corona viruses, HEPPES and HIV 1 and 2 – the active principles of garlic are supposed to interact with the nucleic acids of the virus, thus limiting its proliferation.

Principles act in vitro and in vivo against the following micro-organisms: E coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, Candida – due to its sulfurated essence which diffuses easily throughout the body’s tissues.

·        Gastro-intestinal activity – Garlic principles balance the intestinal flora and stimulate natural immunity.

·        Allium sativum is rich in Vitamin C [ASCOBIC ACID] and Vitamin B 3 –NIACIN PP factor which acts as a coenzyme within the body facilitating the numerous chemical reactions essential to carbohydrate and fat metabolism allowing these nutrients to provide energy to the cells – lack of NIACIN manifests itself by dry, cracked, red skin as well as muscular weakness and dyspepsia.

Serious deficiency of NIACIN causes PELLAGRA characterized by the so called 3 D’s – DERMATITIS, DIARRJOEA, and DEMENTIA.

Caution - High intake may however reduce clotting effects in platelets prolonging bleeding in injury and child birth thus not recommended in pregnancy.

GINGER [zingiber officinale]

Clinical applications: Ginger has efficacy in the following conditions.

·        Antispasmodic – Ginger relaxes all types of muscle.

·        Aromatic – Ginger’s aroma, flavor and warmth help to stimulate the digestive system.

·        Diuretic – Ginger inhibits and prevents fluid retention and oedema.

·        Carminative – The volatile oils in ginger relax the stomach and stimulate peristalsis thereby supporting digestion and reducing gas and flatulence. Ginger helps cure and prevent dyspepsia, slow motility symptoms, gastro atonia, constipation and gastroparesis.

·        Diaphoretic – Ginger principles induce perspiration and the elimination of toxins through the skin.

·        Rubefacient - Applied to the skin, ginger stimulates and dilates the blood capillaries thus increasing circulation.

·        Sialogogue – Ginger principles promote the secretion of saliva.

·        Stimulant – As a circulatory aid, ginger supports and speeds up the body’s physiological systems.

·        Cardiovascular activity –Ginger prevents the formation of clots in blood vessels through the ‘cascade effect’ – preventing obstructions that result in stroke and heart attack.

·        Rheumatism – Ginger principles act against joint pain and prevent arthritis.

·        Ginger principles have physiological action and remedy against fatigue, headache, nausea and poor dietary habits.

·        Ginger principles raise energy levels, mood, and emotion thus improving and promoting balance.

·        Detoxification – Ginger principles act in expelling toxins, open pores of the skin and stimulate circulation therefore ginger is useful in colds, influenza, mucus congestion and fluid blockages in the body.

Ginger detoxifies the liver with effects in lifting depressive, angry or sad moods.

·        Energy and mind – for the energy and mind, ginger inspires confidence due to its metabolic effects and support to body systems.

·        Antiviral and AIDS / Covid 19 activity – Ginger principles promote the production of the cytokine Tumor necrosis factor [TNF –α] in the alveolar macrophages which might express an antiviral HIV, Corona virus, Influenza and, Hepatitis B effect.

·        Male health - Ginger promotes male health by stimulating sperm production.

Caution - Ginger must however be avoided during pregnancy because it may induce spontaneous abortion although some practitioners contend it reduces motion and morning sickness.

MORINGA OLEIFERA

Clinical applications: Moringa has efficacy in the following conditions

·        Nutrition - Moringa is best known as an excellent source of nutrition and a natural energy booster.

Leaves are rich in iron therefore highly recommended for expectant mothers.

Since all essential amino acids are present Moringa may be rightly called a complete food for total nutrition – More Vitamin A than the carrot, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more Vitamin C than the orange, more potassium than the banana and the protein quality of Moringa leaves rivals that of milk and the egg.

·        Analgesic – Alcoholic extracts of the leaf possess marked analgesic activity.

·        Anti – inflammatory activity – poultice of leaves is beneficial in glandular swelling.

·        Anti – pyretic activity – in a study the antipyretic activity of ethanolic, petroleum ether, solvent ether and ethyl acetate extracts of seeds was screened using yeast induced hyperpyrexia method. Paracetamol was used as a standard for comparison.

The ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of seeds showed significant antipyretic activity. [Organic ethers have PROVEN antiviral activity –HIV and Corona viruses – thus there is need to investigate the plausible role Moringa principles play relative to improved CD4⁺ & CD8⁺counts in AIDS or COVID 19 -  patients].

·        Anti – asthmatic activity – a study conducted using Moringa principles showed appreciable decrease in severity of symptoms of asthma and simultaneous improvements in respiratory function.

·        Wound healing properties – in another study when assessed for healing activity in excision, incision and dead space wounds the ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves showed significant wound healing activity that is comparable with the standard vicco turmenic cream. PHYTOSTEROLS and PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS present in these extracts promote the wound healing activity.

·        Anti - diabetic activity – in a study an extract from the Moringa leaf has been shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels within 3 hrs ingestion.

·        Hepatoprotective activity - the methanolic and chloroform extracts and chloroform extracts of Moringa leaves have shown very significant hepatoprotection against CCL induced hepatotoxicity. [Organic chloroforms like organic ethers have antiviral properties due to their lipid solvent properties on enveloped viridae e.g., HIV 1 / 2, Corona viruses, herpes, etc – the efficacy of Moringa in AIDS treatment therefore needs further investigation].

·        Antitumor and anticancer activity – in a study conducted at Oxford University few isolated bioactive compounds from the seeds were tested for antitumor promotive activity using 7, 12 DMBA as initiator and TPA as tumor promoter.  From the results, niazimicin thiocarbamate from the leaves of Moringa oleifera was found to be potent chemopreventive agent in chemical CARCINOGENESIS.

The seed extracts were also shown in another study to be effective on hepatic carcinogen metabolizing enzymes, antioxidant parameters and skin papillomagenesis.

·        Antimicrobial activity – Moringa principles are rich in antimicrobial    agents – the active antibiotic principle pterygospermin which is one such principle has powerful antibacterial, antiviral and fungicidal effects.

·        Antihypertensive activity – Moringa leaf juice is known to have a stabilizing effect on blood pressure.

·        Hyperlipdemia – Moringa principles have cholesterol, tryglecyride and LDL lowering activity.

·        Moringa principles also have antispasmodic, antiulcer and antihelmentic activity.

·        Blindness and eye infection – due to the high Vitamin A content Moringa prevents night blindness and delays the outset of cataracts. The juice can be instilled in eyes in case of conjunctivitis.

·        Cardiac and circulatory stimulant – Moringa acts on the sympathetic nervous system and acts as a cardiac stimulant.

·        Antioxidant activity – In a study conducted at Makerere University oils derived from the dried seeds – aqueous methanol [80%] and ethanol [70%] extracts of freeze dried leaves showed radical scavenging and antioxidant activities with proven action on free radicals.

Moringa leaves are therefore a potential source of natural antioxidants.

·        Detoxification – Moringa principles detoxify the liver and entire body inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the liver thus retarding the aging process of liver cells and their apoptosis.

·        Water purification – Because of the antimicrobial action, in a study conducted at Chancellor College [University of Malawi] extracts of Moringa were proven to have efficacy in water purification by flocculation, sedimentation and antibiosis.

·        Sexual virility – in terms of both male and female reproductive health Moringa principles have been proven efficacious in treating erectile dysfunction in men and prolonging sexual activity in women.

·        Venomous bites – Moringa leaf extracts have been proven efficacious in treating venomous snake bite, spider bites and scorpion bites.

MANDARIN ORANGE

Clinical applications: Mandarin oranges have efficacy in the following conditions

·        Skin texture – consumption of lots of mandarin oranges has proven dermatological efficacy in improving skin texture.

·        Oedema – Mandarin oranges have a diuretic effect inhibiting water retention in body tissues.

·        Digestion – Mandarin oranges improve digestion preventing constipation, colitis and abdominal distension.

·        Nervous functioning – Mandarin oranges improve thinking, perceiving and memory.

·        Respiratory tract infections – Consumption of Mandarin oranges prevent bronchitis; reduce phlegm, flu and colds.

·        Wound healing – The Mandarin orange plays a role in wound healing due   to its richness in Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a role in the synthesizing of the protein COLLAGEN which is highly concentrated in connective tissues, bone, teeth, tendons, blood vessels and is important for wound healing.

·        Reproductive tract –Mandarin orange consumption prevent prolapse of the uterus.

·        Eye infections and blindness – Mandarin oranges are high in beta-carotene the precursor to Vitamin A and are thus good for the eyes.

·        Cancer & Covid 19– The Mandarin orange is richest in Vitamin C – which is one of the water soluble antioxidants. Vitamin A and E which are fat soluble are also antioxidants. The antioxidant capabilities of Vitamin C can reduce the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the stomach and also keep the folate coenzymes intact, preventing their destruction. Vitamin C and Vitamin E work together as free radical scavengers. Vitamin C also aids in reactivating oxidized Vitamin E so that it can be reused. Epidemiological studies suggest that Vitamin C is effective in helping prevent certain cancers e.g. oesophagal, oral and stomach cancer. Therapeutic research on the current Covid 19 pandemic in China shows patients have recovered from intravenous infusions of very high doses of Vitamin C - >10 000 against the daily 75 requirement.

·        Antiseptic – The Mandarin orange is a body anti-septic.

·        Anti –depressant – The Mandarin orange is an anti-depressant and stimulant as well as tonic for the body.

·        AIDS – The Mandarin orange principles slow but do not completely halt the development of viruses in cells – they increase the production of interferon an antiviral protein produced within the body. Interferon interferes with viral replication by rendering cells refractory to protein synthesis.

·        Anaemia – Richness in Vitamin C apart from being argent for inhibiting carcinogenesis also enhances iron absorption and thus helps in combating anaemia. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption by keeping iron in its most absorbable form for use in the formation of hemoglobin which helps in oxygen transport. Other sources of Vitamin C apart from the Mandarin orange are green peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, papayas, romaine lettuce, other citrus fruits, potatoes, and fortified breakfast cereals.

Organic acids particularly citric acid potentiates the activity of Vitamin C and facilitates the elimination of toxic residues such as uric acid from the body.

·        Anti-oxidant activity – effects on HIV and Covid 19- The Mandarin orange is rich in carotenoids similar to beta-carotene which transforms into Vitamin A in the body and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Mandarin oranges therefore contain four highly effective ANTIOXIDANTS that mutually potentiate themselves – VITAMIN C, QUERATIN, PROVITAMIN A and FOLIC ACID. The result is a powerful antioxidant effect on all of the body’s cells. [Also constituted are beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin].

·        Immunology – Thanks to the combination of Vitamin C and other natural chemical substances they contain – Mandarin oranges increase the disease fighting capabilities of LEUCOCYTES – they increase the number and longevity of these white blood cells attributable to the combined effect of folic acid and Vitamin C.

·        Thrombosis – The flavonoids found in the mandarin orange potentiated by Vitamin C inhibit the building of clot forming platelets in the blood thus the mandarin orange helps make the blood more fluid and improves circulation particularly in the two organs requiring the most consistent blood supply – THE BRAIN and THE HEART.

·        Arteriosclerosis – Today it is known that arteriosclerosis and the aging process itself have their biochemical origin in oxidizing phenomena – high doses of Vitamin C has been proven to reduce blood pressure significantly.

Regular orange consumption including the pulp and even the mesocarp is associated with reduced blood cholesterol, lowered blood pressure and lower rates of arteriosclerosis, arterial thrombosis and heart disease.

·        Constipation – Oranges help cure constipation and intestinal atony through two mechanisms: they stimulate the empting of the gall bladder [CHOLAGOGIC effect and CHOLOLECTIC effect – promote the production of bile] with the subsequent laxative effect of bile in the intestine. Their soft vegetable fiber stimulates peristaltic action in the intestine.

In addition to relieving constipation, oranges alleviate the hemorrhoids that often accompany it.

To achieve the best results in both cases an orange treatment should be followed ----four to six oranges per day.

Caution - Oranges may however perpetrate hyperactivity in children and even in the baby during pregnancy.

CINNAMON [cinnamomum verum/ cinnamomum aromaticum – cassia]

Clinical applications: cinnamon has efficacy in the following applications

·        Nutrition – Cinnamon is a rich source of iron, calcium and manganese.

·        Energy – Cinnamon increases energy and elevates the mood.

·        Gastro-intestinal – Cinnamon calms the stomach and prevents ulcers.

Cinnamon alleviates indigestion, stomach cramps, intestine spasms, nausea and flatulence – a tablespoon of cinnamon water mixed with honey relieves flatulence and indigestion.

Cinnamon treats diarrhoea and improves the appetite.

·        Cancer – Cinnamon contains benzaldehyde an active antitumor agent hence applicable in cancer treatment – researchers are investigating its role in leukemia and lymphomas.

Extracts in vitro inhibit the growth of cultured tumor cells.

·        Genital –urinary tract – Cinnamon prevents urinary tract infections and candida.

·        Reproduction – Cinnamon improves male health.

·        Respiratory tract infections – Cinnamon is an effective remedy for common colds and prevents nasal congestion– coarsely powdered and boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder and honey, cinnamon can be beneficially used in: Covid 19, influenza, sore throat, and malaria.

·        Oral health – Cinnamon serves as a good mouth freshener and promotes healthy teeth and gums.

·        Nervous system – Cinnamon prevents nervous tension, improves comprehension and memory.

·        Headache – Cinnamon alleviates headache produced by exposure to cold   air – apply a paste of finely powdered cinnamon mixed in water on the temples and forehead.

·        Anti – inflammatory properties – Cinnamon is useful in treating rheumatism and other inflammations as joint stiffness caused by arthritis in general stimulating the health functioning of all the vital human organs.

·        Anti – spasmodic properties – Cinnamon is useful in treating spasmodic afflictions, asthma, excessive menstruation, paralysis, uterus disorders and gonorrhea and is good for female gynecological health.

·        Gynecology – cinnamon provides relief from mourning sickness in pregnant women.

·        Thrombosis – Cinnamon has anti – clotting properties and improves blood circulation and is therefore useful in alleviating stroke, hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.

·        Prophylaxis – Cinnamon is sometimes used as a prophylactic agent, to control German measles.

·        Anti – microbial properties – Cinnamon is active against the following microbes – candida albicans the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infection; helicobacter pylori the bacterium responsible for stomach ulcers; Salmonella and E coli common food-borne bacteria hence useful as a food preservative by inhibiting the bacterial growth.

The antimicrobial properties are due to eugenol and cinnamaldehyde.

·        Immunology – Research has demonstrated that cinnamon boosts the immune system against infection and may therefore be useful in AIDS patients.

·        Diabetes mellitus – Research has demonstrated that cinnamon stabilizes sugar levels due to water-soluble polyphenolic polymers derived from an antioxidant catechins – a compound which increases insulin sensitivity by enhancing insulin receptor function and thus increases glucose uptake.

A study conducted in Australia involving 60 men and women, average age 52 years, who had type 2 diabetes, were given half a teaspoon a day of cinnamon for 6 weeks and they showed a 25% decrease in fasting blood glucose levels as well as a 12% drop in blood cholesterol levels and a 30% drop in blood triglyceride levels.

Caution – Cinnamon can be toxic if administered in large doses due to cinnamaldehyde the major oily constituent of the bark.

MAESTRO – IMMUNE BOOSTER product _[TM]

PRODUCT DESIGNER – MARISEN MWALE

INGREDIENTS:

·         Moringa oleifera

·         Aloe Vera

·         Allium sativum [Garlic]

·         Zingiber officinale [Ginger]

·         Cinnamomum aromaticum/verum [Cinnamon]

·         Mandarin orange

·         Lemon

·         Damerera sugar

·         Morinda citrifolia [noni]

Proposed Clinical applications – AIDS; Covid 19; Cancer; Cardiovascular conditions – Hypertension, Angina pectoris, Athelosclerosis, Arteriosclerosis; Diabetes mellitus/ Type 2 [ETC].

Product still undergoing Chemical analysis but for security of product preparation technique patent.

OTHER PROPOSED PRODUCTS

Herbal Soft Drink

Ingredients

·        Sobo or any other orange juice

·        Extracted juice from aloe vera

Clinical Applications – Viral infections, Bacterial & Other Microbial infections, Obesity, Hypertension, Rheumatism, Anti – carcinogenic, Constipation, Slow motility syndrome etc

Cinnamon Beverage

Ingredients

·        Cinnamon powder

·        Fresh milk 2% fat [hot]

·        Boiled water

·        Honey

Prepare in form of beverage

Clinical Applications – Obesity, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Colds, Influenza, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Secondary impotence etc

MORINGA GREEN TEA

Ingredients

·        Moringa powder

·        Fresh milk 2 % fat [hot]

·        Boiled water

Prepare in form of a beverage

Clinical applications – Detoxification, Liver peroxidation, Hypertension, Viral infections, Bacterial & Other Microbial infections, Anti-carcinogenic, Constipation etc

MORINGA YOURGHURT & ICE CREAM

·        Moringa powder

·        Milk or Vanilla

Clinical applications – Same as in Moringa green tea.

GINGER/CINNAMON/GARLIC BEVERAGE

Ingredients

·        Cinnamon/Ginger/Garlic powder

·        Fresh milk 2% fat [hot]

·        Boiled water

·        Honey

Prepare in form of a beverage

Clinical applications – Hypertension, Anti-carcinogenic, Diabetes Mellitus, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Viral infections, Bacterial & Other Microbial infections

PRODUCTS PROPOSAL DESIGNER

MARISEN MWALE

Fellow & PhD student – College of Medicine [Malawi]/CDC/PEPFA, M. Ed [UNIMA], B. Ed [UNIMA]