techniques applied in characterising non-starch polysaccharides in underutilised crops in sub-saharan africa

The use of some crops in sub-saharan africa is currently limited to local culinary uses despite promising characteristics of their non-starch polysaccharide. there is very little information on the properties of their non-starch polysaccharide which would stimulate expansion in their applications. non-starch polysaccharides represent a group of heterogeneous compounds which differ considerably in chemical composition and physical properties both within and between plant sources. they show various physiological effects in the small and large intestine and therefore have important health implications for humans. the physiochemical and biological properties of these compounds correspond to dietary fibre. their application/introduction in food lead to diminished risk of serious diet-related diseases which are major problems in western countries and are emerging in developing countries with a greater affluence. insoluble nsps (cellulose and hemicellulose) are effective laxatives whereas soluble nsps (especially mixed-link β-glucans) lower plasma cholesterol levels and help to normalise blood glucose and insulin levels, making these kinds of polysaccharides a part of dietary plans to treat cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. in this review, techniques applied in characterising non-starch polysaccharides in five underutilised crops in sub-saharan africa were discussed.