Adansonia digitata: Phytochemical Constituents, Bioactive Compounds, Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Abstract

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.), family Malvaceae, is a multi-purpose tree with a lot of food and medicinal uses, and a fibrous bark that is used for various applications. The pulp, seeds and leaves are all utilized and are essentially wild gathered foods. They are consumed daily by rural populations in Africa and are also commercialized. The tuberous tap root of seedlings and young saplings are also eaten, especially during times of famine. In Africa the baobab fruit is used as famine food to prepare decoctions, sauces, porridges and natural refreshing drinks. Recently, baobab has been referred to as a “super fruit” based on its nutritional profile. Baobab pulp is found to be rich in vitamin C, the leaves are rich in good quality proteins and minerals, and the kernels are rich in fat. Most essential amino acids are present in the leaves. The leaves are particularly rich in Ca. The whole seeds and the kernels have relatively high lipid content. The pulp and leaves exhibit antioxidant properties with a higher activity in the pulp than in the leaves. All phytochemicals screened were found to be present. Up to 46 phytochemical types in baobab fruit pulp were reviewed. The seed was found to be a good source of energy, protein, and fat. Both the kernel and the pulp contain substantial quantities of Ca, K, and Mg. Amino acid analyses revealed high glutamic and aspartic acid contents and the sulfur-containing amino acids as being the most limited amino acids. Oleic and linoleic acids were the major unsaturated fatty acids, whereas palmitic was the major saturated fatty acid. The pulp is therapeutically employed as febrifuge, analgesic, anti-diarrhea, anti-dysentery and for treatment of smallpox and measles. The various parts of the plant (leaves, bark and seeds) are used as a panacea to treat almost any disease and specific documented uses include the treatment of malaria, tuberculosis, fever, microbial infections, diarrhea, anemia, dysentery, toothache and as immune stimulant.