Dr. Cathrine Chidewe

Qualifications:

PhD Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe BSc Honours in Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe

Academic Appointments:

Senior Lecturer

Research Interests:

Analysis of mycotoxins in grains and in biological samples of exposed populations from some rural communities of Zimbabwe
Characterisation of medicinal properties of nutaceutical plants and edible insects
Characterisation of antinutrients and bioactive compounds in wild plant foods of Zimbabwe, wild vegetables, legumes and edible insects
Analysis of polysaccharides isolated from plants and their functional properties

Faculty: Science

Department: Biotechnology and Biochemistry

Research Category: Bioscience

Biography:

Email: cchidewe@science.uz.ac.zw

Phone: +263 242 303211

Publications:

1. Musundire, R., Chidewe, C., Samende, B. K., Chemura, A., Bangira, C., Andika, O. A., & Chiwona-Karltun, L. (2021). Soil characteristics and nutritional traits of Mactrotermes natalensis (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae) as indicators of nutritional quality in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 1-12.
2. Makwikwi, T. Muzaka, A., Kasiyamhuru, A. and Chidewe,C. (2020). Nutritional Composition and in vitro Multienzyme Digestibility of SelectedWild Leafy Vegetables found in Zimbabwe, Journal of Applied Science in Southern Africa, 26, In Press.
3. Siamayuwa, C. E., Nyanga, L. K., & Chidewe, C. (2020). Chemopreventive effects and antioxidant capacity of combined leaf extracts of Sesamum angustifolium (Oliv.) Engl. and Hibiscus articulatus on Rhabdomyosarcoma. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020.
4. Shonhe, Y., Chidewe, C. and Zvidzai, C. J. (2020). Phytochemical and anti-nutrient composite from selected marginalized Zimbabwean edible insects and vegetables. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2, 100027.
5. Dembedza, M.P., Chidewe, C., Benhura, M.A.N., Mvumi, B.M., Manema, L.R. and Nyanga, L.K. (2019). Effectiveness of hermetic maize grain storage technology in limiting aflatoxin exposure in women and children from smallholder farming areas. World Mycotoxin Journal, 12 (3), 233-243.
6. Maraura, L., Taderera, T., Nyanga, L.K. and Chidewe, C. (2019). The effect of crude extracts of Vitex payos on hyperglycemia in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In, Phytochemicals: Plant Sources and Potential Health Benefits. Iman Ryan (Ed.) Nova Science Publishers. Pg 91-108. (Book Chapter).
7. Mubaiwa, J., Fogliano, V., Chidewe, C. and Linnemann, A. R. (2019). Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) flour: A functional ingredient to favour the use of an unexploited sustainable protein source. LWT Food Chemistry, 107, 49-55.
8. Murashiki, T. C., Chidewe, C., Benhura, M.A., Manema, L.R., Mvumi, B.M. and Nyanga, L.K. (2019). Effectiveness of Hermetic technologies in limiting Aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 contamination of maize grain under smallholder conditions in Zimbabwe. World Mycotoxin Journal, 11(3), 459-469.
9. Sachikonye, K.F.M. , Nyanga, L.K.N., Muzaka, A. and Chidewe, C. (2019). An evaluation of antinutrient composition of Zimbabwean wild edible fruits: Vitex payos and Ziziphus Mauritian. Journal of Applied Science in Southern Africa, (25 (1), In Press.
10. Masakadze, S., Nyanga, L.K.N., and Chidewe, C. (2019). Antibacterial activity and analysis of a crude extract of nutraceutical fruits of Vitex payos. Journal of Applied Science in Southern Africa, 24 (2), In Press
11. Reid, T., Kashangura, C., Chidewe, C., Benhura, M.A. and Mduluza, B. (2019). Characterisation of compounds with activity against Salmonella Typhi from selected Zimbabwean mushroom extracts. International Journal of medicinal mushrooms, 21, 713-724.
12. Mubaiwa, J., Fogliano, V., Chidewe, C. and Linnemann, A. R. (2018). Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) flour: A functional ingredient to favour the use of an unexploited sustainable protein source. PLOS ONE, 13 (10), e0205776.
13. Mubaiwa, J., Fogliano, V., Chidewe, C., Bakker, E.J., and Linnemann, A. R. (2018). Utilization of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) for sustainable food and nutrition security in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe PLOS ONE, 13 (10), e0204817.
14. Dembedza, M.P., Nyanga L.K., Nhachi, C., Gomora, C., Manema, L.R., Moyo, G., Mutonhodza, B. and Chidewe, C. (2017). Determinants of nutritional status in children under three years of age in rural Zimbabwe: the case of Shamva and Makoni districts. The Central African Journal of Medicine, 64 (1/3), 5-12.
15. Chidewe, C., Castillo, U.F. and Sem, D.S. (2017). Structural analysis and antimicrobial activity of chromatographically separated fractions of leaves of Sesamum angustifolium (Oliv.) Engl. Journal of Biologically Active Products from Nature, 7(6), 463-474.
16. Nyanga, L.K., Ngaru, M., Kachambwa, M., Madya, F., Chahwanda, S., Manema, L.R., Ambali, C.P. and Chidewe, C. (2017). Maize grain aflatoxin contamination reduction technologies opportunities for gender transformation in Shamva and Makoni Districts, Zimbabwe. Gendered Food Practice from Food to Waste-Yearbook of Women’s History. Saskia Bultman (Ed.), Hilversum, Amsterdam. Pgs 77-92. (Book chapter).
17. Maringe, D.T., Chidewe, C., Benhura, M.A., Mvumi, B.M., Murashiki, T.C., Dembedza, M.P., Siziba, L. and Nyanga, L.K. (2017): Natural postharvest aflatoxin occurrence in food legumes in the smallholder farming sector of Zimbabwe. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part B, 1-6.
18. Murashiki, T.C., Chidewe, C., Benhura, M.A., Maringe, D.T., Dembedza, M.T., Manema, L.R., Mvumi,B.M., Nyanga, L.K. (2017). Levels and daily intake estimates of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 in maize consumed by rural households in Shamva and Makoni districts of Zimbabwe. Food Control, 72, 105-109.
19. Reid, T., Kashangura, C., Chidewe, C., Benhura, M.A. and Takafira, M. (2016). Antibacterial properties of wild edible and non-edible mushrooms found in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 10 (26), 977-984.
20. Mubaiwa, J., Fogliano, V., Chidewe, C. and Linnermann, A.R. (2016). Hard to cook phenomena in bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L) Verdc.) processing: Options to improve its role in providing food security. Food Reviews International, 33(2), 167-194.
21. Musundire R, Zvidzai, C.J., Chidewe, C., Samende, B.K. and Chemura, A. (2016). Habitats and nutritional composition of selected edible insects in Zimbabwe. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 2(3), 189-198.
22. Chidewe, C., Chirukamare, P., Nyanga, L.K., Zvidzai, C.J. and Chitindingu, K. (2016). Phytochemical constituents and the effect of processing on antioxidant properties of seeds of an underutilized wild legume Bauhinia petersiana. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 40(3), 326-334.
23. Musundire, R., Zvidzai, C.J., Chidewe, C., Ngadze, R., Macheka, L., Manditsera, F.A., Mubaiwa, J.and Masheka, A. (2016). Nutritional and bioactive compounds composition of Eulepida mashona Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), an edible beetle in Zimbabwe. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 2(3), 179-187.
24. Musundire, R., Zvidzai, C.J., Chidewe, C., Samende, B.K. and Manditsera, F.A. (2015). Nutrient and anti-nutrient composition of Henicus whellani (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae), an edible ground cricket, in south-eastern Zimbabwe. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 34 (04), 223-231.
25. Zvidzai, C.J., Chidewe, C. and Musundire, R. (2013). Preliminary chemical analysis of extracts from Encosternum delegorguei using gas-chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Journal of Biopesticides, 6 (2), 211-218.
26. Chidewe, C. and Chimatira, L. (2011). Determination of phytochemical constituents of some medicinal plants from Zimbabwe. Journal of Applied Science in Southern Africa, 17(1), 68-78.
27. Benhura, M.A.N. and Chidewe, C. (2011). Characterisation of the polysaccharide material that is isolated from the fruit of Cordia abyssinica. African Journal of Biochemistry Research, 5(3), 95-101.
28. Muchuweti, M., Kativhu, E., Mupure, C., Chidewe, C., Ndhlala, A.R. and Benhura, M.A.N. (2007). Phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of some spices. American Journal of Food Technology, 2(5), 414-420.
29. Dzingirai, B., Muchuweti, M., Murenje, T., Chidewe, C., Benhura, MAN and Chagonda, L.S. (2007). Phenolic content and phospholipids peroxidation inhibition by methanolic extracts of two medicinal plants: Elionus muticus and Hypoxis hemerocallidae. African journal of Biochemistry Research, 1(7), 137-141
30. Benhura, M. A. N. and Chidewe, C.K. (2006). Rheological properties of a polysaccharide preparation isolated from the fruit of Cordia abyssinica. Journal of Applied Science in Southern Africa, 11, (1,2), 12-20.
31. Benhura, M. A. N. and Chidewe, C.K. (2004). Emulsifying properties of a polysaccharide preparation isolated from the fruit of Cordia abyssinica. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 39, 579-583.
32. Benhura, M. A. N. and Chidewe, C. (2002). Some properties of a polysaccharide preparation that is isolated from the fruit of Cordia abyssinica. Food Chemistry, 76, 343-347.
33. Benhura, M. A. N. and Katayi-Chidewe, C. (2000). Preliminary study of the gelling properties of a polysaccharide isolated from the fruit of Cordia abyssinica. Gums and Stabilisers for the Food Industry, 10, 65-75.
34. Benhura, M. A. N. and Chidewe, C. K. (2000). Viscosity and solubility properties of a polysaccharide preparation that is isolated from the fruit of Cordia abyssinica. Advances in Food Sciences, (CTML), 22, (5,6), 165-169.

Patented Work:

Grants & Funding (current and Past projects):

1. Principal investigator: Antioxidant and anticancer properties of Sesamum angustifolium (Oliv.)Engl. and Hibiscus articulatus in breast cancer. TWAS Research grant number 17-428 RG/BIO/AF/AC_FR3240297762 awarded January 2018-January 2020.
Grant Amount: US$11 741.

2. Co-Investigator: Post-harvest management technologies for reducing aflatoxins contamination in maize grain and exposure to humans in Zimbabwe. –Cultivate Africa’s Future Projects (IDRC Research Grant number: 107838-001. Awarded October 2014-August 2017.
Grant amount: US$ 1 001 806 /CAD 1 090 400.

3. Principal investigator: Structural characterisation and bioactivity of chromatographically separated fractions of leaves of two wild vegetables Sesamum angustifolium (Oliv.) Engl. and Hibiscus articulatus that are found in Zimbabwe. The Concordia University Wisconsin, USA. Grant No. 1673342. Awarded March 2016 – August 2016. Council for International Exchange of Scholars (Washington D.C.). Grant Amount US$19 485.

Awards & Achievements:

Fulbright Scholarship award
Grant No. 1673342. Awarded March 2016 – August 2016. Council for International Exchange of Scholars (Washington D.C.). Grant Amount US$19 485.

Consultancy and advisory work (current and past):

Supervision information (MPhil, DPhil, etc.):

1. DPhil associate supervisor. Utilisation of Sorghum as a base in the production of Soups and gluten free pasta DPhil student, Department of Nutrition, dietetics and Food science, University of Zimbabwe. Ongoing.
2. DPhil associate –supervisor. Hard to cook phenomena: Managing technological aspects in bambara groundnut processing. Juliet Mubaiwa DPhil. Sandwich program with Wageningen University, The Netherlands and University of Zimbabwe. Completed 2018.
3. DPhil Co-supervisor. Antibacterial properties of wild edible and non-edible mushrooms found in Zimbabwe. Tsungai Reid, DPhil student, Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe. Completed 2019.
4. MPhil Main supervisor. Effectiveness of hermetic storage vessels in reducing aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 contamination in maize grain. Tatenda Clive Murashiki, MPhil student, Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe. Completed 2018.
5. MSc Biotechnology Main supervisor. Antioxidant and Anticancer properties of combined leaf extracts of Sesamum angustifolium (Oliv.) Engl. and Hibiscus articulatus in breast cancer. Clayton Siamayuwa ,MSc Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe. Completed 2019.
6. MSc Biotechnology Main supervisor. Toxicological study of aqueous extracts of Vitex payos fruits and development of an antidiabetic fruit bar. Felicia Nonsinkelelo Bube, MSc Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe. Completed 2020.
7. MSc Biotechnology Main supervisor. Molecular mechanisms of antidiabetic actions of aqueous extract of fruits of Vitex payos. Penelope Kamota, National University of Science and technology (NUST), Ongoing.
8. MPhil associate supervisor. Determination of mycotoxin levels in legumes and blood samples of exposed populations in Shamva and Makoni Districts of Zimbabwe. David Tinayeshe Maringe. Completed 2018.
9. MPhil associate supervisor. An examination of the level of mycotoxin exposure in pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and children under five in Shamva and Makoni districts, Zimbabwe. Mavis Dembedza. Completed 2018.
10. MPhil associate supervisor. Development of a weaning pre-mix powder based on finger millet grain. Tafadzwa Dhliwayo. Ongoing.

Professional membership, Committees, Boards:

1. Editorial Board Member for the journal, Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences.
2. Associate member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC)
3. Affliate member of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).
4. Committee member of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Society of Zimbabwe (BMBSZ).
5. Committee member of 'The Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa' (NAPRECA-Zimbabwe chapter)
6. Committee member of the Standards Association of Zimbabwe committee for the approval of toothpaste in Zimbabwe