Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Unravelling the diversity and utilisation of emerging spices and herbs in Malawi: a pathway to diversified nutrition and community health. |
| Authors: |
Mazibuko, Dickson Mgangathweni1,2 (AUTHOR) dmazibuko@unima.ac.mw, Maru, Ruth Nyambura3 (AUTHOR), Gono, Hiroko1 (AUTHOR), Okazawa, Hiromu1 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: |
Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa. Jan2025, p1-18. 18p. 3 Illustrations. |
| Subject Terms: |
*SPECIES diversity, *SPICES, *AGROBIODIVERSITY, *GINGER, *PUBLIC health |
| Geographic Terms: |
MALAWI |
| Abstract: |
To date, spices remain comparatively the least produced and utilised of all crops in Malawi irrespective of their nutraceutical importance. Onions (Allium sp.) and peppers (Capsicum sp.) are Malawi's main spices, and to a lesser extent ginger (Zingiber officinale) and garlic (Allium sativum); they are commonly used in cooking and as medicine. Recently, “new” spices, with high nutraceutical values documented in other countries, are emerging on Malawi's local markets. This points to an increasing pool of spice crops whose diversity and comparative utilisation dynamics remain poorly understood. This study aimed firstly to determine spice species diversity, secondly to determine the context of utilisation (culinary and medicinal) and finally to trace scientific validation of the bioactivity for spices ‘reported’ to be used in treating various ailments. The main intention was to expose the potential of spice crops in improving household and community diets and health. Data was collected from interviews with spice traders and customers/consumers. In this study 33 spice species belonging to 29 genera and 14 families were found in markets. Twenty species had a reported medicinal purpose, of which 80% had scientific validation from experiments on humans (55%) and animals (25%). Common ailments managed by spice usage in Malawi include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and immunity boosting, all identified as emerging health concerns in the country. In Malawi, 80% of the population is reliant on plant-based medicines. Deliberate promotion of spice consumption and production is a pivotal pathway to diversifying plant-based medicine resources along with increasing agrobiodiversity and the associated dietary diversity. Coordination among health, nutrition, and agriculture experts and policymakers will be key in unlocking the potential that spice crops hold for Malawi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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