NRU :: Browsing by Author "Katuura, Esther"

Browsing by Author "Katuura, Esther"

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The Anti-Mycobacterial Activity and Safety Profile of Selected Crinum Species in Northwestern Uganda
(African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2021) Candia, Milton; Katuura, Esther; Waako, Paul
Crinum species is a source of many bioactive molecules with both antimicrobial and anti-tumor properties. Chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of Crinum scabrum and Crinum macowanii bulbs and leaves were investigated for their anti-mycobacterial activity against Mycobacteria tuberculosis using agar well diffusion, and broth dilution methods. Rifampicinstreptomycin resistant (R.S), pan African sensitive (H37Rv) and wild type (Sou 14827) strains of the bacteria were used. The investigation aimed to determine the anti-mycobacterial activity and safety profile of the crude extracts of Crinum scabrum and Crinum macowanii. The extracts had antimycobacterial activity that ranged between 1-5μg/ml. Their patterns of inhibition varied with the plant extract, solvent used for extraction and the organisms tested. Different concentrations of methanol extract were compared with similar concentrations of chloroform and aqueous extracts for their maximum zones of inhibition. All the extracts of Crinum macowanii were found inactive against Mycobacteria tuberculosis. Methanol leaf extract of Crinum scabrum was the most active, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than1μg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1μg/ml. acute toxicity test in mice for Crinum scabrum leaf was found to have LD50 greater than 2000mg/kg.
Antibiotic‑resistance in medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Africa from 2000 to 2021: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
(Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 2022) Walusansa, Abdul; Asiimwe, Savina; Nakavuma, Jesca. L.; Ssenku, Jamilu. E.; Katuura, Esther; Kafeero, Hussein. M.; Aruhomukama, Dickson; Nabatanzi, Alice; Anywar, Godwin; Tugume, Arthur K.; Kakudidi, Esezah K.
Antimicrobial resistance is swiftly increasing all over the world. In Africa, it manifests more in pathogenic bacteria in form of antibiotic resistance (ABR). On this continent, bacterial contamination of commonly used herbal medicine (HM) is on the increase, but information about antimicrobial resistance in these contaminants is limited due to fragmented studies. Here, we analyzed research that characterized ABR in pathogenic bacteria isolated from HM in Africa since 2000; to generate a comprehensive understanding of the drug-resistant bacterial contamination burden in this region. Methods: The study was conducted according to standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). We searched for articles from 12 databases. These were: PubMed, Science Direct, Scifinder scholar, Google scholar, HerbMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Abstracts, African Journal Online, and Biological Abstracts. Prevalence and ABR traits of bacterial isolates, Cochran’s Q test, and the I2 statistic for heterogeneity were evaluated using MedCalcs software. A random-effects model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of ABR traits. The potential sources of heterogeneity were examined through sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression at a 95% level of significance. Findings: Eighteen studies met our inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of bacterial resistance to at least one conventional drug was 86.51% (95% CI = 61.247–99.357%). The studies were highly heterogeneous (I2 = 99.17%; p < 0.0001), with no evidence of publication bias. The most prevalent multidrug-resistant species was Escherichia coli (24.0%). The most highly resisted drug was Ceftazidime with a pooled prevalence of 95.10% (95% CI = 78.51–99.87%), while the drug-class was 3rd generation cephalosporins; 91.64% (95% CI = 78.64–96.73%). None of the eligible studies tested isolates for Carbapenem resistance. Extended Spectrum β-lactamase genes were detected in 89 (37.2%) isolates, mostly Salmonella spp., Proteus vulgaris, and K. pneumonia. Resistance plasmids were found in 6 (5.8%) isolates; the heaviest plasmid weighed 23,130 Kilobases, and Proteus vulgaris harbored the majority (n = 5; 83.3%). Conclusions: Herbal medicines in Africa harbor bacterial contaminants which are highly resistant to conventional medicines. This points to a potential treatment failure when these contaminants are involved in diseases causation. More research on this subject is recommended, to fill the evidence gaps and support the formation of collaborative quality control mechanisms for the herbal medicine industry in Africa.
Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical fingerprints of five crude extracts obtained from indigenous medicinal plants of Uganda
(2017) Katuura, Esther; Bossa, Godfrey Sande; Waako, Paul; Ogwal -Okeng, Jasper
Five crude extracts from four Ugandan plants were screened in vitro for their antimicrobial activity and phytochemical composition. They included the chloroform extracts of Bothliocline longipes, Maesa lanceolata, Trimeria bakeri, Rhus natalensis and the petroleum ether extract of T. bakeri. The plant crude extracts were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 49619) and Entamoeba sp. Antimicrobial activities of the plants were determined by using the agar well diffusion and agar well dilution methods. The plant extracts showed activity against all the tested organisms with the zones of inhibition ranging from 4 to 19 mm. All the extracts inhibited the growth of S. aureus while the strongest activity was found for T. bakeri against S. aureus and Entamoeba sp. at 19 mm. Other plant extracts that induced strong antimicrobial activity were the chloroform extract of R. natalensis with an inhibition diameter of 13 mm against both S. aureas and P. aeruginosa and 9 mm diameter inhibition against E. coli. Only T. bakeri showed growth inhibition of S. aureus (4 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was observed against S. aureus at 0.25 g/ml by the T. bakeri and B. longipes plant extracts. Sterol and triterpenes, fatty acids, flavanoids, coumarins and alkaloids were determined in T. bakeri, B. longipes, R. natalensis and M. lanceolata. The presence of these compounds indicates that the plants may contain an active compound or one that can be used as a template for the development of a new antimalarial or antibiotic medicine
Antioxidant and anti-plasmodial activity of extracts from three Ugandan medicinal plants
(Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2010) Stangeland, Torunn; Wangensteen, Helle; Katuura, Esther; Lye, Kare A.; Paulsen, Berit S.
Extracts from three plants; Hallea rubrostipulata, Vernonia adoensis and Zanthoxylum chalybeum, were tested for antioxidant activity using three assays 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) and total phenol content) and anti-plasmodial activity using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) on Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine sensitive strain MRA-285 line. The objective of the study was to find candidates for making anti-malarial phytomedicines. The water extract of H. rubrostipulata showed very high anti-plasmodial activity (IC50= 1.95 μg/ml) and high antioxidant activity as well. Thirteen other extracts had high anti-plasmodial activity ranging from 2.14 to 3.63 μg/ml (chloroquine IC50= 8 μg/ml). We found high correlation between the different antioxidant essays
Antiplasmodial activity of extracts of selected medicinal plants used by local communities in western Uganda for treatment of malaria
(African Journal of Ecology, 2007) Katuura, Esther; Waako, Paul; Tabuti, John R. S.; Bukenya-Ziraba, Remigius; Ogwal -Okeng, Jasper
This study investigated the antiplasmodial activity of ten medicinal plants used to treat malaria in Southwestern Uganda. The study plants were Bothlioclines longpipes (Olive and Hiern), N.E.Br., Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam., Maesa lanceolata Forssk., Indigofera emerginella steud. Ex A. Rich., Lantana trifolia L., Vernonia lasiopus O. Hoffm., Trimmeria bakeri Gilg., Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex. Krauss Erythrophleum pyrifolia and Conyza sp. Dry powdered plant material was extracted by sequential cold maceration using petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol solvents respectively. Extracts were subjected to in vitro antiplasmodial screening against wild strains of Plasmodium falciparum using the nitro-tetrazolium blue-based lactate dehydrogenase assay. The chloroform extract of M. lanceolata (EC50 1.60 μg ml−1.), showed the highest antiplasmodial activity followed by R. natalensis (EC50 1.80 μg ml−1). Other extracts with significant activity were the chloroform leaf extract of Bothriocline longipes (EC50 3.66 μg ml−1) and the petroleum ether root extract of T. bakeri (EC50 3.955 μg ml−1).
Comparative analysis of foristic richness and diversity in six central forest reserves of north eastern Uganda
(BMC Ecology and Evolution, 2025) Ojelel, Samuel; Katuura, Esther; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Kalema, James
As the extinction risk of plants increases globally, there is need to prioritize areas with high floristic richness and diversity to inform the design of evidence-based conservation interventions. As such, this study aimed to comparatively analyse floristic diversity in six central forest reserves (CFR) of north eastern Uganda. This was guided by two objectives namely; (i) to determine the floristic richness and diversity in the CFRs and (ii) to evaluate the similarity and complementarity of floristic composition. Data was collected from nested quadrats (20 × 20 m for trees, 10 × 10 m for shrubs and 5 × 5 m for herbaceous climbers, forbs and grasses) placed at intervals of 100 m along a transect of 1000 – 1500 m. Species richness, diversity and evenness were determined for each CFR. Binary similarity coefficients were computed because only presence/absence data of plant species was recorded. A sum of 417 plant species in 76 families were recorded representing 8.7% of known vascular plants reported in Uganda. The CFRs have significantly variable Shannon–Wiener diversity indices ranging from 4.2 in Kano CFR to 4.47 in Bululu hill CFR (t = 85.291, df = 4, p = 0.00). The CFRs cluster into two groups namely Onyurut and Ogera hills and Akur, Kano, Bululu hills and Mount Moroto. The lowest similarity index was between Ogera hills and Moumt Moroto CFRs (0.37 or 37%) while the highest was between Akur and Kano CFRs (0.63 or 63%). The CFRs complement one another by supporting plant species not recorded elsewhere with three CFRs (Bululu hills, Mount Moroto and Onyurut) accounting for 81.53% of the plant taxa. The CFRs in NE Uganda have richness and floristic diversity with up to 8.7% of the known plants in Uganda present. The conservation status of these species is Vulnerable (4), Near Threatened (4), Least Concern (137), Data Deficient (1) and Not Evaluated (271). The two similarity clusters depict variation in altitudinal, proximity and climatic conditions. Five CFRs are required to conserve 95% of the species recorded. Therefore, the CFRs investigated play a complementary role in conserving the floristic diversity in north eastern Uganda.
Dataset on the geographical distribution of species of the genus Solanum, subgenus Leptostemonum in Uganda
(Elsevier Inc, 2024-04) Kauma, Carol Mere; Anywar, Godwin; Serunjogi, Derick; Katuura, Esther; Namaganda, Mary
Abstract The dataset includes the diversity, occurrence points and a distribution map of species of the subgenus Leptostemonum in Uganda. The data was obtained following field surveys carried out in various parts of Uganda. These were guided by distribution data retrieved from Makerere University Herbarium and Flora of Tropical East Africa (FTEA). At each sampling site, species name, altitude and habitat type were recorded. Occurrence points were geocoded using a hand-held GPS (a ≤ 5M Germin S90 GPS). The distribution map was generated using ArcMap 10.7.1 software. The dataset consists of 172 occurrence points representing 18 species of subgenus Leptostemonum that occur in Uganda. The data can be used to assess the effect of climate change on the diversity and distribution of these species. The data set is also important for informing resource users, conservationists and policy makers about the biodiversity hotspots of these economically important species.
Evaluation of the adverse effects of Dracaena steudneri Engl. stem bark aqueous extract in Wistar rats
(African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2021) Tenywa, Mercy Gladys; Katuura, Esther; Tolo, Casim Umba; Ajayi, Clement Olusoji; Agaba, Amon Ganafa
Safety of medicinal plants/products is one of the major areas that require more attention because of the high rate at which consumers use medicinal plants/products due to their availability and accessibility. Dracaena steudneri Engl. is among the plants being used and recommended for the treatment of several diseases for decades among the traditional health practitioners. Despite its frequent use, there is little literature on its safety. This study investigated the acute and sub-acute effects of D. steudneri Engl. stem bark with a view to establishing its safe dose for drug development. The stem bark of D. steudneri Engl (Dracaenaceae) was collected, authenticated, dried, pulverized mechanically and extracted using decoction method. The extract was thereafter concentrated in vacuo at 50°C using rotary evaporator and lyophilised. The acute test was studied in Wistar rats using Lorke’s method at 10 to 5000 mg/kg to determine the lethal dose (LD50) and other adverse effects including weight loss, body scratching etc. In sub-acute test, 24 Wistar rats of both sexes were separately caged and orally administered with extract at 25 to 100 mg/kg. The administration was repeated for 28 days before the animals were humanely sacrificed. Blood of each animal was collected for hematological and biochemical examination, while the essential organs were harvested for histopathologic. The results showed that LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg. The extract did not exhibit any significant difference (p>0.05) on hematological parameters when compared with the negative control. There was no degenerative effect in the histology and pathology of all the organs examined but elevation in serum ALT and creatinine levels was observed. Although the aqueous extract of D. stuedneri stem bark did not show any significant hematological and histopathological effect on the organs tested, there was potential for renal and hepatic toxicity after repeated administration. Therefore caution must be taken with close monitoring during prolonged administration.
Indigenous knowledge and antibacterial activity of selected herbs used locally to treat common cold in Central Uganda
(Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2016) Walugembe, Joel; Iramiot, Jacobs S.; Katuura, Esther
The study documented the medicinal plants used in the treatment of influenza and common cough and established efficacy of some plants locally used against bacteria causing upper respiratory tract infections in Uganda. It involved an ethnobotanical survey and laboratory experimental investigation to determine the bioactivity against selected bacteria that cause upper respiratory tract infections. Data on medicinal indigenous knowledge was collected with the aid of questionnaires, direct observations, key informant interviews and field excursions and voucher specimen collection. The plants were identified by a botanist at Makerere University Herbarium (MHU), Department of Biological Sciences and voucher specimen were deposited in the herbarium. Methanol and diethyl ether extracts of the commonly used plants were screened for antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumonia and Klebsiella pneumonia using agar well diffusion and agar well dilution methods. Ethno botanical survey showed that 43 plants were commonly used and the most commonly used plant was Momordica feotida. Three out of four extracts assayed had activity against S. pneumonia and K. pneumonia, while one showed activity against K. pneumoniae. Hence, plants extracts showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. There is need for further development and standardization of products to treat respiratory diseases at household level in the study area.
Medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Kampala city indicate the need to enhance safety frameworks
(Scientific Reports, 2022) Walusansa, Abdul; Nakavuma, Jesca L.; Asiimwe, Savina; Ssenku, Jamilu E.; Aruhomukama, Dickson; Sekulima, Tahalu; Kafeero, Hussein M.; Anywar, Godwin; Katuura, Esther; Nabatanzi, Alice; Musisi, Nathan L.; Tugume, Arthur K.
The high global bacterial infection burden has created need to investigate the neglected potential drivers of pathogenic bacteria, to inform disease prevention. Kampala is facing a proliferation of herbalists, selling herbal medicine (HM), of largely unregulated microbiological quality. We evaluated the bacterial contamination burden in HM sold in Kampala, to support evidence-based redress. The total viable loads (TVL), total coliform counts (TCC), E. coli counts, and prevalence of selected bacterial strains in 140 HM were examined using conventional culture, following the guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO), and Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA). Data were analyzed using D’Agostino-Pearson test, frequencies, proportions, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U test with STATA version-15.0. Fifty (35.7%), fifty-nine (42.1%), and twelve (8.6%) HM were unsafe for human use because they exceeded WHO’s permissible limits for TVL, TCC, and E. coli counts respectively. Solids had significantly higher mean TVL than liquids. Violation of NDA’s guidelines was significantly associated with high TVL. Fifty-nine bacteria, viz., Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 34; 57.6%), Escherichia. coli (12; 20.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (7; 11.9%), Klebsiella oxytoca (3; 5.1%), Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. (1; 1.7% each), were isolated from 45 (32.1%) samples. These bacteria can cause severe clinical diseases, and promote deterioration of HM potency.
Medicinal plants and herbalist preferences around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
(Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2017) Kyoshabire, Medius; Katuura, Esther; Cunningham, Anthony B.; Hoeft, Robert
Many people in Uganda, particularly in the rural areas depend on herbal medicine for health care. Although, medicinal plants are collected from different habitats, most of them are collected from the wild. Claims indicate that men use more forest products than women; and that women prefer younger vegetation succession stages as compared to those preferred by men for harvesting medicinal plants. However, there was no documented evidence to ascertain these claims. This study documented medicinal plants and investigated the influence of gender in the collection of these plants around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The plants used by various categories of herbalists were collected, identified and listed. The differences between herbalist categories regarding medicinal plant collection and use were studied using both qualitative and quantitative participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methods. Two hundred and ninety five species encompassing all growth forms were listed with herbs and shrubs being most frequently used and majority (70%) of these occurred outside the forest. Most of the mentioned plants were reported to be used in mixtures while leaves were reported as the most frequently used plants
Medicinal plants used in gynecological procedures in Uganda
(Medicinal plants used in gynecological procedures in Uganda, 2020) Tenywa, Mercy Gladys; Agaba, Amon; Ogwang, Patrick Engeu; Tolo, Casim Umba; Ajayi, Clement Olusojia; Katuura, Esther
Distress and pains among other gynecological challenges mothers go through during childbirth result in mortality. This has compelled people particularly in developing countries to use traditional medicine to induce birth due to lack of more effective alternatives. In Uganda, from time immemorial most child birth and pregnancy related problems have been solved using medicinal plants as a primary alternative to conventional drugs. Although research has been done to document and validate effectiveness of these plants, it is not compil ed for communication to the wider community. This study, therefore, reviewed the medicinal plants used in Uganda for easing childbirth. The study collated and documented medicinal plants used by Traditional Birth Attendants and Traditional Health Practitioners to induce labor and ease child birth in local communities in Uganda and show the gaps that need to be investigated. The available literature on medicinal plants used in Uganda for childbirth were selected from reputable journals using citation databases including Google Scholar, Institute for Scientific Information, PubMed, Scopus, Hinari, and Scientific Information Database among others. Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae, respectively were the most cited for gynecological uses by various local communities in Uganda. The commonly reported species were Laggera alata Sch. Bip., Tagetes minuta L, Clitoria ternatea Linn and Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst ex Benth among others. Authors were also determined to ascertain scientific evidence against analgesic, anti-inflammatory, oxytocic and phytochemical properties of the selected plant species.
Plants used to treat malaria in Nyakayojo sub-county, western Uganda
(Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2011) Stangelanda, Torunn; Alele, Paul E.; Katuura, Esther; Lye, Kåre A.
Two of the most vulnerable groups affected by malaria are young children and pregnant women and plants are commonly used in their treatment. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight traditional birth attendants were interviewed about how they used plants to treat malaria. Review of the literature available on all species identified was undertaken. Results: Altogether 56 plant species were used by the informants, 48 of which have been identified to species level. Thirty-two (67%) of the species used by the respondents are documented for antimalarial use in other studies, and nearly half (44%) have documented anti-plasmodial activity. Fifty-five percent of species were used by 2 or more of the respondents. The most commonly used species were Vernonia amygdalina, the indigenous Aloe species, Justicia betonica, Vernonia adoensis and Tithonia diversifolia. It was common to use more than one plant in a recipe (43%). The respondents had good knowledge of the symptom of malaria, and fairly good understanding of the causes. Conclusion: The interviews show that the group of traditional birth attendants has an extensive and diverse knowledge on plants used in the treatment of malaria. The literature survey may indicate a possible explanation for the use of several plants.
Treatment-seeking behavior and practices among caregivers of children aged ≤5 y with presumed malaria in rural Uganda
(Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2019) Leea, Yang Jae; Adusumilli, Gautam; Kazungu, Rauben; Anywarb, Godwin; Kyakulaga, Francis; Katuura, Esther; Parikhd, Shanti; Willcox, Merlin
Background: We aimed to determine the rate of herbal medicine usage and the treatment-seeking patterns of children aged ≤5 y with presumed or confirmed malaria in an endemic area of Uganda. Methods: We interviewed guardians of 722 children aged 6 months to 5 y, who had experienced an episode of presumed malaria in the previous 3 months, about the illness history. Results: Overall, 36.1% of patients took herbal medicines but most also sought modern medical care; 79.2% received Artemether Lumefantrine (AL), but only 42.7% received the correct AL dose. Of the 36.6% of patients treated in drug shops, 9.8% had a diagnostic test and 30.2% received the correct dose of AL. Antibiotics were frequently provided with AL at drug shops (62%) and formal health centers (45%). There were no significant differences in the self-reported outcomes associated with different treatments. Conclusion: Almost all of the patients who took herbal medicine also took modern antimalarials, so further research is needed to explore potential interactions between them. Although formal health facilities provided the correct diagnosis and dose of AL to a majority of children with malaria, many children still received inappropriate antibiotics. Quality of care was worse in drug shops than in formal health facilities.
Uterotonic Potential of Selected Plants Used by Ugandan Local Communities in the Treatment of Malaria
(European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2018) Katuura, Esther; Kalabika, Enock; Lubega, Aloysius
Malaria is a major cause of death among pregnant women and children under the age of five in Uganda. It is the leading cause of anemia among pregnant women and low birth weight in infants [1]. Majority of the rural population rely on herbs for treatment of various diseases. The leaf extracts of various plants including Bothlioclines longipes, Vernonia amygdalina, Rhus natalensis and Maesa lanceolata are used to treat various diseases including malaria in Uganda. The local communities prefer herbal preparations from the leaves of the plants. Extracts from the leaves of the plants were proven efficacious against P. falciparum in earlier studies in vitro. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Diethyl ether and methanol extracts on the contractility of an isolated rabbit uterus and also to quantitatively analyze for iron and zinc in the leaves of these plants. The diethyl ether extracts of V. amygdalina, M. lanceolata and R. natalensis at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml and 0.8 mg/ml exhibitedcontractility amplitudes of 26.0 mm, 21.5 mm and 27.5 mm and 22.5±1.10 mm, 15.0±1.78 mm and 24.5 ±0.99 mm respectively. The methanol extracts were 25.5±0.70 mm, 23±1.34 mm, 22±1.01 mm and 37.8±1.26 mm, 16.7±2.01 mm, 24.3±0.06 mm respectively, while oxytocin showed 22.8±0.57 mm and 31.0±0.36 mm respectively. The plant leaves were found to have high levels of iron ranging from 2516.587±17.983 (mg/100 g) in B. longipes to 583.317±9.505 (mg/100 g) in V. amygdalina. Rhus natalensis and V. amygdalina had low levels of Zinc. Anti-nutritive phytocompounds such as saponins and Tannins were also detected in some of the test extracts. The study concludes that plants used by pregnant women may have either a positive or negative effect on expectant mothers. There is need to formulate evidence based effective medicines for their safe use in the management of malaria.
Wild edible plants used by communities in and around selected forest reserves of Teso-Karamoja region, Uganda
(Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2019) Ojelel, Samuel; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Katuura, Esther; Kakudidi, Esezah K.; Namaganda, Mary; Kalema, James
Background The consumption of wild plants is an ancient tradition which serves multiple purposes. Cognizant that Teso-Karamoja region is frequently affected by food scarcity and is not adequately surveyed for its flora, this study sought to establish an inventory and use of wild edible plants by the communities living in and around the forest reserves. Methods Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 240 respondents living in and around eight forest reserves between November 2017 and May 2018. One focus group discussion (8–12 members) per forest reserve and field excursions to collect the plant voucher specimens were also conducted. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, relative frequency of citation (RFC), and the factor of informants’ consensus (FIC). Results A total of 100 plant species in 47 families were reported as edible. Carissa spinarum, Strychnos innocua, Balanites aegyptiaca, Tamarindus indica, and Ximenia americana presented the highest RFC, while the families Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Moraceae had more than five species each. Grasses (Poaceae) comprised only 1% of the edible species and trees 35%, while shrubs were the most important source of wild food (RFC = 0.47). The fruits contributed 63% while leaves (29%), seeds (9%), tubers (5%), and gum (1%). The fruits were considered as the most important use category (RFC = 0.78). Respondent homogeneity was none for gum but very high for seeds (FIC - 0.93). Only 36% of species are cooked, while 64% are eaten in raw. Harvesting is done rudimentarily by digging (5%), collecting from the ground (fruits that fall down) (13%), and plucking from mother plants (82%). Only 9% of the species were collected throughout the year, 27% in the dry season, and 64% in the rainy season. The consumption of these plants is attributed to food scarcity, spicing staple food, nutri-medicinal value, cultural practice, and delicacy. Conclusion A high diversity of wild edible plant species exists in the forest reserves of Teso-Karamoja region. The shrubs and fruits are the most locally important life forms and use category, respectively. These edible plant species are important throughout the year because their consumption serves multiple purposes.

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