Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) is a versatile tree native to the savannas of Africa, highly regarded for its medicinal and nutritional value. Locally, it is known as kuka in Hausa, yiri mango or igiose in Igbo, and ose in Yoruba. Commonly referred to as the baobab, monkey bread tree, upside down tree, cream of tartar tree, boab, bottle tree, and kremetart tree, Adansonia digitata thrives in the arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions of Nigeria. Remarkably, it is the only fruit in the world that naturally dries on the branch.
Constituents
Phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of flavonoids and phytosterols. Additionally, it contains carbohydrates, crude protein, moisture, fibre, ash, and micronutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, thiamine, riboflavin, as well as vitamins A, E, and omega fatty acids. The plant is also rich in mucilage, pectins, tartarate, free tartaric acids, vitamin C, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid.
Preparations
Baobab is available in various forms, including seeds, pulp, leaves, and roots, either dried or fresh; these can be boiled or roasted. It is also offered as oil, powder, fruit, bark, porridge, sweets, and juice. Due to its high pectin content, the pulp has traditionally been used as a thickening agent for sauces and jams.
Pharmacological actions and medicinal uses: The leaves, fruit, bark, and seeds of the baobab have numerous biological properties, including antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. These properties make it useful in treating ailments such as diarrhoea, malaria, anaemia, asthma, and microbial infections. It can alleviate irritation from common skin conditions, reducing redness, itchiness, and dryness, both when applied topically and when ingested. Eating baobab may help regulate blood sugar levels. It is also used as a mosquito repellent, although there is no substantial scientific evidence to support this use. The leaves can be used to preserve cow’s milk and add nutritional value. The fibrous white powder is traditionally used as an analgesic to treat fever, measles, and intestinal parasites, to assist labour, and to improve lactation. Baobab stem bark contains astringent compounds like tannins and tragacanth-gum, which have antimicrobial properties that disinfect skin wounds and ulcers, promoting healing.
Researchers have demonstrated the positive inotropic effect of an ethanolic bark extract on isolated atrial muscles of rats, corroborating its use as a cardiotonic. Later studies found that baobab fruit extract, when added to white bread, had the potential to reduce the amount of insulin needed to manage blood glucose response, suggesting that baobab may have beneficial attributes for those with diabetes or insulin sensitivity.
Baobab oil contains vitamin E, which moisturises the skin, antioxidants that help preserve collagen and keep skin strong and glowing, strengthens nails, heals chapped lips, soothes irritation and eczema, fights free radicals, reduces damage from UV rays, and protects from air pollution.
Adverse effects
Baobab has no known side effects. However, as it is a good source of vitamin C, consuming too much may cause stomach pains, diarrhoea, or flatulence if tolerance levels are exceeded.
Economic uses and potentials
Baobab fruit powder costs approximately 4,100 per 200g in the Nigerian market. A 2008 report by the UK-based Natural Resources Institute estimated that trade in baobab fruit could be worth up to $961 million per year for African producers; it is currently valued at $11 million. The global market for baobab powder is expected to grow to $10 billion by 2027. African producers reportedly export approximately 20 tons of baobab each year. This growing industry is providing financial benefits to local people who harvest and process the fruit. The baobab plant has the potential to supply much-needed indigenous raw materials for the medicinal, cosmetics, and food industries.
References
Zee, M., & Chamlee, V. (2022). Everything you ever wanted to know about Baobab. Byrdie. Retrieved from Byrdie.
By Pharm. Ngozika Okoye MSc, MPH, FPCPharm
(Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency)
Email: ngozikaokoye@yahoo.com
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