(Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency)
Email: ngozikaokoye@yahoo.com
Detarium microcarpum is commonly grown in the tropical regions of Africa and is a major soup thickener in Nigeria. It is known as ofor by the Igbo, ogbogbo by the Yoruba, and taura by the Hausa. Common names include sweet detar, tallow tree, and sweet dattock.
Constituents
Ofor seeds contain dietary fibre, complex carbohydrates, protein, and micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, calcium, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and folic acid. Phytonutrients including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and steroids have also been reported.
Preparations
Ofor is available as stem bark, roots, leaves, and seeds – either fresh or dried, whole, in large pieces, or powdered. To prepare the seed for use, it is soaked in boiling water, dehulled, dried, and ground before being added to soups as a thickening agent.
Pharmacological actions and medicinal uses
Numerous studies have shown that the leaves of Detarium microcarpum possess medicinal properties. Its immune-boosting effects are attributed to minerals such as iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc.
Ofor contains antioxidants and dietary fibre. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of cancer. Dietary fibre promotes colon health and prevents the build-up of fats in the arteries and colon.
It also contains calcium and magnesium which support bone health. The dietary fibre in ofor aids bowel movement, thus reducing constipation. Paradoxically, the same seed powder is believed to have astringent and anti-diarrhoeal properties due to its high fibre and tannin content, which help absorb excess water and reduce gut motility.
Traditional healers utilise the seed and stem bark in herbal mixtures for managing type 2 diabetes. Its soluble fibre may help delay glucose absorption, aiding glycaemic control. Ofor is also taken as a fibre supplement in pap or local gruels to promote satiety and reduce food intake, particularly among women managing weight or hormonal conditions.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ofor is used for treating pain, joint swelling, redness, and stiffness associated with arthritis. It is applied topically or taken orally for joint pain and body aches, especially among the elderly. The bark and seed extracts are often boiled and taken as teas or used as compresses.
The mucilaginous quality of ofor makes it soothing to the digestive tract. As such, it is consumed in light meals by people with ulcers or chronic stomach pain.
During pregnancy, ofor may support foetal and maternal health. It contains iron, copper, niacin, and riboflavin – nutrients vital for the development of the child and for increasing maternal blood volume.
Ofor’s content of complex carbohydrates, thiamine (vitamin B1), niacin, and riboflavin makes it beneficial in energy metabolism. Thiamine facilitates the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA for energy production, while niacin and riboflavin function as coenzymes in metabolic pathways. Using ofor as a soup thickener thus adds nutritional value.
Ofor’s protein and antioxidant content also support skin and hair health. In traditional medicine, extracts from the ofor plant are commonly used to treat wounds. The seed is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Poultices or pastes made from the seed flour or bark are applied to minor wounds, boils, and skin infections. One study found that clerodane diterpenes isolated from ofor pulp exhibited antifungal action and inhibited acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Decoctions of the stem bark or seed powder are also used traditionally to treat chronic coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion—especially in northern Nigeria and rural communities.
Adverse effects
Though generally safe, ofor may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Excessive consumption may lead to upset stomach due to its high fibre content. However, no major toxicological concerns have been reported at dietary levels.
Economic uses and potential
Detarium microcarpum is currently underutilised commercially but possesses significant potential as a natural food additive, functional ingredient, and source of bioactive compounds for nutraceutical development.
In Nigeria, ofor is sold in local markets – typically in small, unbranded sachets. Despite its widespread traditional use, commercial production remains largely informal. A 100–200g sachet costs between ₦500 and ₦1,500, depending on the level of processing and location.
Internationally, ofor is sold at £2.00–£7.50 per 25–200g pack. With greater awareness and processing innovation, it could become a viable export commodity, particularly for the vegan, gluten-free, and clean-label food markets.
Reference:
Osewezina, W. (2023). Side Effects and 13 Health Benefits of Ofo, Detarium Microcarpum. So Healthy, August 8. Available at: https://sohealthyng.com/side-effects-and-13-health-benefits-of-ofo-detarium-microcarpum/
