Search Results (753)

Traditional fermented cereals are affordable, embedded foods that may provide viable microorganisms, fermentable substrates, and bioactive metabolites that can influence the gut microbiota and human physiology. However, evidence linking indigenous cereal fermentations in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to microbiome-mediated health outcomes and precision nutrition applications remains limited. This scoping review mapped the types of traditional fermented cereal foods studied in SSA; their microbial communities and probiotic attributes; the reported effects on gut microbiota composition and function; the documented health outcomes; and the geographic gaps. The review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework, subsequent methodological refinements, and the PRISMA-ScR reporting guideline. Searches were conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar from 2000 to mid-2026, complemented by citation searching. Eligible human, animals, and in vitro studies examined SSA-fermented cereal products and reported microbial, probiotic, gut microbiota, metabolite, or health-related outcomes. After deduplication and screening, 53 studies were included. The evidence was concentrated in SSA, particularly in cereal-based foods. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts dominated reported fermentation communities, but strain-level validation, dose definition, and controlled human studies were uncommon. Evidence for direct gut–microbiota modulation and clinically important health effects was substantially weaker than evidence for food-level microbial diversity, in vitro probiotic properties, and improved nutrient bioaccessibility. Overall, traditional fermented cereals in sub-Saharan Africa demonstrate promising microbial, nutritional, and functional properties, but current evidence remains heterogeneous and insufficient to establish consistent effects on gut microbiota and human health. Further well-designed human studies integrating dietary, microbiome, and metabolic outcomes are needed to clarify their potential role in precision nutrition. Full article

Food and nutrition insecurities remain major challenges in rural communities, highlighting the need to identify affordable and nutrient-dense indigenous food resources. Therefore, this study evaluated the nutritional composition, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical characteristics of Momordica balsamina and Hypoxis hemerocallidea collected from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In this study, proximate composition, mineral content, antioxidant activity, FT-IR spectroscopy, and LC-MS analyses were conducted using standard analytical procedures. Results showed that M. balsamina contained significantly (p < 0.05) higher crude protein, fibre, ash, potassium, calcium, magnesium, total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and DPPH radical scavenging activity than H. hemerocallidea. In contrast, H. hemerocallidea exhibited higher carbohydrate and food energy content, indicating its value as an energy-rich indigenous food source. Both species demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with DPPH inhibition exceeding 80%, confirming the presence of bioactive phytochemicals indicating antioxidant potential. FT-IR analysis identified several functional groups associated with phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes, while LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of hypoxoside in H. hemerocallidea and suggested that detected ions are consistent with reported M. balsamina compounds without claiming confirmation of novel phytochemicals in the absence of MS/MS fragmentation and structural validation. These findings highlight the nutritional and nutraceutical potential of both plant species and support their promotion as affordable indigenous food resources capable of contributing to food, nutrition, and health security in rural communities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Indigenous children in Canada face higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to non-Indigenous children. Parents’ perceptions of their child’s body weight are shaped by broader systemic influences, including historical trauma and limited access to healthy food. This study aimed to evaluate the association between children’s actual body weight (measured by BMI) and parental perceptions among First Nations children. Methods: Participants were children from two Saskatchewan First Nations communities involved in the First Nations Lung Health Project (2013 and 2017). Self-administered questionnaires were distributed through schools to parents of children in Grades 1–12. The questionnaire collected data on health, environment, physical activity, and diet. Parents assessed their child’s weight as underweight, about the right weight, or overweight. BMI was calculated using clinically measured height and weight. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of BMI misclassification. Results: Among 472 children with both survey and clinical data, 42.6% were boys. Clinically measured overweight prevalence was 52.3%, compared to 15.9% based on parental perception. Overall, 58% of parents accurately perceived their child’s weight status. Misclassification was more likely among children who engaged in at least 60 min of daily physical activity on more days per week. Conclusions: Parents underestimated their children’s overweight status compared to clinical measures. Questionnaire-based assessments significantly underestimated true weight status among school-aged First Nations children. These findings highlight the need to consider systemic and environmental factors when addressing childhood obesity in First Nations communities. Full article

Background: Smallholder farmers are at the forefront of climate change, necessitating dynamic, continuous adaptation strategies to safeguard their livelihoods and food systems. Although climate-smart technologies and indigenous knowledge are available, traditional top-down agricultural extension models often fall short in promoting inclusive, community-driven ownership, which is vital for long-term resilience. Objective: This paper investigates how effective knowledge brokering can augment the agricultural extension system—facilitating connections among researchers, extension agents, and smallholder farmers—to maintain climate resilience and foster inclusive, locally led adaptation (LLA). Methods: Drawing on the IDRC–Step Change SCALE project, implemented between August 2025 and May 2026, this study assesses the effect of targeted capacity-building interventions within the extension system. By employing active knowledge-brokering mechanisms such as safe-spaced KIIs, FGDs, co-creation workshops, and capacity-building workshops, the project enabled ongoing, bidirectional learning. This strategy ensured that scientific innovations were adapted into context-specific practices, while indigenous knowledge and local priorities directly influenced ongoing agricultural research. Pre- and post-intervention assessment scores were compared using paired-samples t-tests with exact Wilcoxon signed-rank confirmation, taking the knowledge area as the unit of analysis; differences between training rounds were tested by randomized complete block ANOVA with orthogonal country, phase, and country-by-phase contrasts; and qualitative data from KIIs and FGDs were analyzed thematically. Results: The findings indicate that knowledge brokering transforms the extension system into a responsive foundation for agricultural resilience. Key outcomes include a mean knowledge gain of 53.8 percentage points across the four capacity-strengthening rounds, from 26.5% pre-training to 80.3% post-training (95% CI 51.4 to 56.3; paired t(27) = 44.78, p < 0.001), with improvement recorded in all seven knowledge areas in all four rounds; sustained adoption of climate-adaptive technologies across 1042 participant attendances in Nigeria and Senegal; enhanced participation of marginalized groups, with women accounting for 568 attendances (54.5%) overall, though ranging from 38.9% to 60.2% between rounds; and a clear transition toward self-sustaining, locally led adaptation practices. Conclusions: To effectively confront climate uncertainty, agricultural extension must evolve from a mere information dissemination system into an interactive, knowledge-brokering network. Strengthening this system is a vital, scalable pathway to maintaining inclusive resilience in smallholder agriculture. Full article

Xinjiang ranks among the key domestication origins of horses. Local nomadic ethnic groups have a long-standing tradition of consuming equine dairy products, which endows mare-derived dairy matrices with abundant, distinctive and scarce probiotic resources. Equine colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins and growth factors; nevertheless, its pharmacological activities and micro-ecological composition remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to isolate and screen native strains with cholesterol-lowering potential from Xinjiang equine colostrum and conduct a preliminary investigation into their underlying mechanisms. Following isolation and taxonomic identification, one strain of Lactobacillus helveticus, four strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and two yeast strains including Pichia fermentans and Pichia membranifaciens were obtained. All the aforementioned isolates are indigenous microorganisms naturally inhabiting mare colostrum. In vitro assays demonstrated bile salt hydrolase activity and cholesterol clearance rates ranging from 45.07% to 87.14%, with composite probiotic formulations exhibiting superior efficacy. In vivo results demonstrated that the combination formulation significantly reduced serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05), alleviated hepatic lipid deposition, and regulated gut microbiota composition—notably by enhancing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. It also increased fecal short-chain fatty acids and decreased bile acid levels. These findings demonstrate that the native strains isolated from mare colostrum possess desirable probiotic properties and lipid-lowering bioactivities. Their unique source and natural combinatorial characteristics provide candidate-strain resources for the development of novel functional foods and nutritional supplements. Full article

Land-based Indigenous food practices are integral to cultural identity and ancestral knowledge, and provide medicine for health and wellbeing. We surveyed Indigenous-specific grey literature, guided by Elder knowledge, from public information sources to identify the scope of Indigenous traditional foods in Canada and how food use aligned with major food groups. We analyzed extracted data using summary statistics and graphical display. We identified 96 resources reporting 401 distinct food items incorporated into Indigenous food practices across Canada. Prevalent food groups were meat/proteins (39%), vegetables (20%), berries/fruits (12%), and a mixed group (21%); grains were rarely reported (1%). We found 28 unique plant foods reported to have multiple uses. Across sources, the top 15 most common food items were various berries, fish and wild game. The total count of food items and diversity with food groups categories varied by Indigenous group and region. This research documents the breadth and depth of traditional Indigenous food knowledge throughout Canada, demonstrating a consumption pattern focused on wild meat, berries and foods from plant and tree leaves, roots and stems. This overview of Indigenous food knowledge can support Indigenous individuals and communities, researchers and healthcare providers to improve health and wellbeing of Indigenous people. Full article

This study documented traditional animal-origin food products and evaluated their market potential at the Hornbill Festival in Kohima, Nagaland, India. Structured face-to-face surveys were conducted over three consecutive festival editions (2023–2025) to record traditional foods, marketing practices, packaging materials, consumer preferences, and pricing. Most meat products were prepared using traditional methods, including hot smoking, drying, and fermentation. Sixteen traditional meat dishes were documented in morungs (traditional Naga huts), alongside several unconventional animal-origin foods. Among 100 surveyed shops each year, pork was the most frequently sold meat (95.4% of shops), followed by beef (46.0%), chicken (44.82%), snails (43.67%), worms (28.73%), and other unconventional animal-origin foods. Pork also accounted for the highest proportion of animal-origin foods sold (36.49%), followed by chicken (17.77%) and beef (16.82%), whereas duck (0.47%) and squirrel (0.23%) represented the smallest shares. Areca nut plates (24.12%) were the most common serving material, followed by aluminum foil containers (22.72%) and banana leaves (20.45%). Mithun, chevon, bird, hornet (insect), and duck dishes were the most expensive. These findings provide baseline information on traditional animal-origin foods and highlight opportunities for developing value-added products and promoting entrepreneurship while preserving indigenous culinary heritage. Full article

Vernonia amygdalina Del. (bitter leaf) is a nutrient-rich indigenous leafy vegetable, but most research has examined raw material or laboratory extracts rather than the vegetable as consumed. This structured narrative review evaluates how household and food-processing methods affect nutrient retention, anti-nutritional factors, and bioaccessibility and distinguishes measured species-specific findings from extrapolated evidence. Boiling and aqueous debittering can reduce heat-sensitive nutrients, minerals, and anti-nutritional factors, but the heterogeneous primary studies do not permit a single quantitative estimate of these effects. Lactic acid fermentation is a potential research strategy: proposed reductions in anti-nutritional factors and bitterness are extrapolated from other fermented plant foods because no species-specific fermentation study was identified. Similarly, proposed gut-microbiome effects are inferred from general dietary-fibre and isolated-polyphenol literature, not from V. amygdalina feeding studies. No human study has directly measured nutrient absorption, systemic bioavailability, or clinical effects after consumption of processed bitter leaf. Hence, phytate-to-mineral ratios are interpreted only as indicators of predicted absorption, and proposed food formats and development pathways are identified as author-generated concepts rather than validated products. The review identifies priorities for species-specific processing studies, standardised in vitro digestion, product safety and acceptability testing, and ultimately human absorption and efficacy research. Full article

Conservation governance frameworks assess equity through recognition, procedure, and distribution. These dimensions give limited attention to Indigenous authority over land and conservation decisions in settler-colonial contexts, including the relationships, responsibilities, and governance conditions that shape equitable conservation. This study develops and pilots the Conservation with Equity framework across three UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves in Canada: Clayoquot Sound, Mount Arrowsmith, and Redberry Lake. Using document analysis of UNESCO governance documents, complemented by semi-structured interviews with Biosphere Reserve managers, we examined how equity is reflected in conservation governance practices. The pilot application identified ecological reconciliation as a fourth and foundational dimension of equitable conservation governance, extending existing equity frameworks. Results show that the Biosphere Reserves incorporate Indigenous knowledge into conservation activities, involve communities in decision-making through governance processes, and support local livelihoods and restoration initiatives. However, these practices improve participation and benefit sharing without consistently shifting decision-making authority over land and conservation. Indigenous-led initiatives, including Tribal Parks, land-based education, healing initiatives, and food production systems, demonstrate pathways where Indigenous communities direct land use and conservation decisions. The Conservation with Equity framework provides a basis for assessing conservation governance with greater attention to Indigenous authority, governance, and relationships with land. Full article

Oaxaca is one of the most biocultural diverse regions in Mexico. Although the white-nosed coati (Nasua narica L.; Procyonidae, Mammalia) is widely used by Indigenous and rural communities throughout the Neotropics, its role within subsistence hunting, traditional food systems, and local management practices in Oaxaca has remained undocumented. This study analyzes the biocultural significance of N. narica hunting and consumption among four Indigenous groups in northern Oaxaca. Data were collected through ethnographic techniques, i.e., semi-structured interviews with locals, ethnozoological field trips, and participatory workshops conducted with Zoque, Zapotec, Chinantec, and Mazatec communities. In addition, an extensive literature review was carried out to contextualize and compare the field data. N. narica hunting is predominantly diurnal and collective, frequently involving dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and horses (Equus ferus caballus), and fulfills at least three functions, including food provisioning, crop protection, and limited wild meat trade. N. narica meat is incorporated into traditional diet and prepared in at least five culturally distinct culinary forms. The use of N. narica reflects complex ethnoecological knowledge and long-term human–fauna interactions embedded within Indigenous livelihoods. These findings underscore the relevance of a biocultural ethnoecological approach for understanding subsistence hunting, wild meat use, and rural livelihoods in Mesoamerica. Full article

Underutilised indigenous crops (UICs) are increasingly recognised for their potential to contribute to climate-resilient agriculture, dietary diversification, and household food security among smallholder farmers in South Africa. However, evidence regarding farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward these crops remains limited. This study examined the KAP of smallholder farmers toward UICs and assessed factors associated with their adoption in selected municipalities of South Africa. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 205 smallholder farming households using a structured questionnaire. Respondents were selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure involving purposive, snowball, and stratified sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, binary logistic regression, and bootstrap mediation analysis. Results showed that smallholder farmers generally possessed positive knowledge and attitudes toward UICs, particularly regarding their nutritional value, adaptability to local climatic conditions, and contribution to household food security. However, utilisation practices remained uneven across households. Age, farming experience, water availability, extension support, and market access were significantly associated with adoption. Formal bootstrap mediation analysis (1000 simulations) did not support attitudinal mediation of the knowledge-adoption relationship (ACME = −0.007, 95% CI: −0.079 to 0.059, p = 0.802), suggesting that knowledge operates through mechanisms other than attitudinal change. The study concludes that UICs possess significant potential to contribute to food security and climate adaptation in the study areas, but stronger institutional support, extension services, and market development are required for wider adoption. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from traditional foods are a useful source of natural biopreservatives. This study isolated and characterized indigenous LAB from goat meat produced in the argan grove ecosystem of the Souss-Massa region, Morocco, to identify strains that could improve food safety and shelf life. LAB were isolated under anaerobic conditions and screened by Gram staining, catalase test, growth profiling, and biochemical assays. Proteolytic, gelatinase, and hemolytic activity were assessed, together with antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens by agar well diffusion. The most promising strains were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The selected isolates belonged to Latilactobacillus and Enterococcus. Several isolates strongly inhibited Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, and none were hemolytic or gelatinase-positive. The sustained inhibition even after neutralization of pH suggested that the antimicrobial effects might be mediated by bacteriocin-like compounds or other non-acidic metabolites. In the strains tested, L. sakei MG4013 gave the best results because of its wide range of antimicrobial activity and absence of hemolytic, gelatinase, proteolytic and lipolytic activities. Goat meat from the Souss-Massa region therefore harbours LAB with biopreservative potential, with potential for use as natural preservatives in traditional meat products or as starter cultures in fermented foods. However, before being used as natural preservatives or starter cultures, they need to be further validated in food matrices. Full article

Livestock production in Africa occurs across highly heterogeneous agroecological and management environments, ranging from extensive pastoral and mixed crop–livestock systems to intensive enterprises. These systems are characterized by seasonal and spatial variation in feed resources, reliance on locally available forage and agricultural by-products, climatic stress, endemic diseases, and the use of indigenous and locally adapted breeds. Such conditions create distinctive microbiome–host interactions that remain poorly represented in global livestock omics research. Although the gut microbiome is central to nutrient utilization, immune function, metabolic homeostasis, and resilience, the functional mechanisms linking microbial communities, diet, host physiology, and productivity in African livestock remain insufficiently characterized. African systems are particularly underrepresented in integrated microbiome–metabolomics datasets, longitudinal studies, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled predictive models, limiting the development of context-specific precision nutrition strategies. This review examines the integration of metabolomics and AI with microbiome and host data to advance precision livestock nutrition within an African and One Health context. It identifies both substantial constraints and strategic opportunities. Limited research infrastructure, high-quality regional datasets, computational capacity, and specialized expertise remain major barriers. Conversely, Africa’s diversity of livestock breeds, feed resources, agroecological conditions, and naturally occurring resilience phenotypes provides an important opportunity to identify microbiome–metabolite signatures associated with feed efficiency, disease resilience, climate adaptation, and product quality. Emerging metabolomics and computational capacity, particularly in South Africa, could support regional research networks and continental data infrastructures. Furthermore, the review proposes an Africa-specific approach that develops locally grounded, scalable, and resource-sensitive precision nutrition strategies, strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, animal health, food safety, climate resilience, sustainable livestock production, and broader One Health objectives. Full article

This study explored the microbial diversity of Vietnamese cocoa fermentation and the antifungal potential of indigenous bacteria. Cocoa beans were collected from three Vietnamese regions at different fermentation stages. Bacteria were isolated and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 22 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and 9 acetic acid bacteria (AAB) strains were identified, belonging to the genera Lactiplantibacillus, Limosilactobacillus, Levilactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Pediococcus, Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, and Komagataeibacter. Four strains, including three LAB strains (L. plantarum L11E48, L. plantarum L15E48, L. brevis L8DN24) and one AAB strain (A. ghanensis G63E48), were evaluated for their ability to inhibit Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium foetens on agar media and bread. All strains demonstrated strong antifungal activity, inhibiting 51–100% mycelial growth of both fungi after 7 days of incubation. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of cell-free supernatant were 640 μL/mL against A. flavus and varied from 160 to 320 μL/mL against F. foetens. When applied in breadmaking, L. plantarum L15E48, L. brevis L8DN24, and A. ghanensis G63E48 delayed fungal growth for 1–2 days. These findings provide valuable baseline data on Vietnamese cocoa fermentation microbiota and highlight the potential of indigenous LAB and AAB strains for biocontrol, food preservation applications, and starter culture development. Full article

This study evaluated the antimicrobial properties of Piper carpunya extracts, which are traditionally used by Ecuadorian indigenous communities, and validated the in vitro findings in a real food matrix. Three different extracts (ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and aqueous-lyophilized) were evaluated by the agar well diffusion method against a panel of 20 microbial strains comprising both foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. The extracts with the highest yield and antimicrobial activity were then tested in a precooked risotto formulated under commercial conditions, in challenge tests with Clostridium perfringens. All extracts inhibited C. perfringens at a minimum inhibitory concentration below 80 mg/mL, the ethanol extract being the most effective. In the risotto model, the ethanol–water extract (8%, w/w) reduced C. perfringens counts by approximately 2 log CFU/g relative to the inoculated control and also lowered aerobic mesophilic and psychrophilic counts, whereas the freeze-dried extract was less effective and bacterial counts declined only until day 4 of storage. Both extracts slightly reduced pH and water activity and, rather than protecting the lipid fraction, exhibited a prooxidant effect; nevertheless, malondialdehyde remained below 0.35 mg/kg throughout the 30-day storage period, well below the thresholds associated with perceptible rancidity. P. carpunya extracts show potential as natural ingredients for improving the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods, and their chemical and sensory characterization is required before practical application. Full article