Furthermore, the fruit and leaves can be eaten as a good source of vitamin C, as well as the seeds and flowers for protein (FAO). Adansonia digitata (Malvaceae) (A. digitata) is a majestic tree revered in Africa for its medicinal and nutritional value. It is a massive, deciduous tree up to 25 m in height and may live for hundreds of years. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. In an earlier report (published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition in 2004), scientists determined that baobab fruit contains significant amounts of essential minerals (including calcium, potassium, and magnesium). The plants main feature is known to be the largest succulent in the world. Can Ivy Gourd Treat Diabetes and High Cholesterol? Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, is a board-certified acupuncturist, herbalist, and integrative medicine doctor practicing in Santa Monica, California. The fruit pulp, seeds, leaves, flowers, roots, and bark of baobab are edible and they have been studied by scientists for their useful properties. Chemical and nutrient analysis of baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit and seed protein solubility. Adansonia sphaerocarpa A. Chev. To purchase Adansonia digitata as a remedy, please contact your homeopathic pharmacy. Osman MA. Seeds eaten as food and mixed with millet (Panicum miliaceum) to produce a thin gruel. In addition, practitioners of traditional African medicine often use baobab fruit to curb inflammation. The available research includes a 2009 report published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a tree native to certain tropical regions in Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique. The name Adansonia was given to this tree to commemorate the French surgeon Michel Adanson (1727-1806); the species name digitata meaning hand-like, is in reference to the shape of the leaves. Adansonia is a genus made up of eight species of medium to large deciduous trees known as baobabs (/ ˈ b eɪ oʊ ˌ b æ b /).Previously classified within the family Bombacaceae, they are now placed in the Malvaceae.They are native to Madagascar, mainland Africa and Australia. "A Baobab Solution for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Dehydration in Infantile Diarrhea." As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to 25 m (82ft) tall. Inaccurate counts are common in the Bombacaceae because the chromosomes are small and numerous. The bark, leaves, flesh, and seeds of this tree are commonly used in a variety of foods in addition to skincare products. Adansonia digitatastem bark extract is been used in the treatment of stomach upset, diarrhoea, dysentery, antioxidant, antimaleria, antiinflammation. Baobab [Adansonia digitata] Other names include boab, boaboa, tabaldi, bottle tree, upside-down tree, and monkey bread tree. Baobab has numerous biological properties including antimicrobial, anti-malarial, diarrhoea, anaemia, asthma, antiviral, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities amongst others. Chadare FJ, Linnemann AR, Hounhouigan JD, Nout MJ, Van Boekel MA. In tree: Trees of special interest …ground) are held by the baobab (Adansonia digitata) of Africa and the Mexican swamp cypress (Taxodium mucronatum).The baobab attains a maximum height of about 23 metres (75 feet); its barrel-shaped trunk attains a diameter of more than 5 metres (16 feet), but a few individuals range from 7.7 to… Production and hosting by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(15)30174-X. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Mulaudzi RB, Ndhlala AR, Kulkarni MG, et al. https://www.edenproject.com/learn/for-everyone/plant-profiles/baobab The tree already faces a crisis of survival and is listed as an endangered species in the Red Data Book . Growth and development Additionally, baobab fruit is sometimes used as an ingredient in skincare, hair-care, and body-care products. Seeds contain appreciable quantities of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, sodium, iron, manganese, whereas they have high levels of lysine, thiamine, calcium and iron. Usually solitary individuals surviving well in dry climates and tolerating fire. Read our, Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, Medically reviewed by Lana Butner, ND, LAc, Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD, Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, Matt Fletcher / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images, The Health Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract. Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. or its licensors or contributors. Adansonia situla (Lour.) congolensis A. Chev. Foundation Project: Supported by University Grant Commission, New Delhi, India [Grant No. Adansonia digitata are large deciduous trees with a large thick trunk (possibly the thickest in the world) that is thick-boled (bottle-shaped) reach a diameter of 10-14 m (33-46 ft). congolensis A.Chev. Research shows that baobab seeds are rich in essential fatty acids (such as linoleic acid) that may help improve the skin. A semi-fluid gum obtained from baobab bark is used to treat sore throat (FAO, 1988). Often marketed as a "superfruit," baobab is typically touted as a rich source of antioxidants. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Food as medicines and medicines as food Adansonia digitata (African baobab) ‘Baobab’ 1989 Proving of Adansonia digitata and materia medica available to buy as a downloadable pdf file. To date, very few scientific studies have tested the potential health benefits of baobab fruit. Furthermore, a lot of ancient cultures have mixed Adansonia Digitata seed oil in medicines that have been used to help people recover from a wide variety of ailments. Spreng. Trees have also been introduced to other regions such as Asia. The bark produces strong fibers used in … The plants main feature are the thick tree-like stems. Applied in a magical sense. Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) is commonly known as baobab tree native to Africa. View abstract. Fruit pulp is edible and juice can be made from it. Baobab is now considered an autotetraploid that has undergone aneuploid reduction from 4x = 176 to 2n = 160. Adansonia digitata L. belongs to the Bombacaceae family and is generally known as the African Baobab. Available for purchase online, products containing baobab are sold in some natural-food stores and in stores specializing in dietary supplements. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Species digitata means hand-shaped and refers to the shape of the leaves. Adansonia integrifolia Raf. Adansonia Digitata is also commonly known as Baobab. Shukla YN, Dubey S, Jain SP, Kumar S. Chemistry, biology and uses of Adansonia digitata -a review. Baobab oil is made from the fruit seeds which are extracted and dried in the sun. Keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. Latin Name Adansonia digitata Description. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of flavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Osman MA. The review summarizes the information on various aspects of traditional information, taxonomic description, medicinal properties and importantly nutritional value. J Ethnopharmacol 2011;135:330-7. Baobab-containing products are often marketed as a rich source of antioxidants. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. Adansonia sulcata A. Chev. This study was carried out to investigate the native uses and nutritional content (peoximate composition and minerals profile) of the leaf, pulp and seed of A. digitata L. (Baoba). What Is Glutathione and What Are the Benefits? Traditional Medicinal Uses of Adansonia digitata Indications: Administered to people only. All Baobabs are deciduous trees ranging in height from 5 to 20 meters. The common name baobab is derived from Arabic meaning "father of many seeds?. Some personal-care products contain baobab oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the baobab tree. The Baobab (Adansonia digitata L., Malvaceae) tree, which has been used extensively as a source of food, fibre and medicine, is commonly referred to as “arbre a palabre”, meaning the place in the village where the elders meet to resolve problems (Kamatou et al., 2011). Adansonia baobab Linnaeus; Adansonia digitata var. It is called “ K alp v riksh a ” in India and has mythological significance in India and elsewhere. Copyright © 2015 Hainan Medical University. International Common Names You can get tips on using supplements. The Baobab tree is a strange looking tree that grows in low-lying areas in Africa and Australia. Self-treating a chronic condition with baobab and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. University Grant Commission, New Delhi, India. Maintains Healthy Blood Sugar Levels. View abstract. 2004 Winter;59(1):29-33. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. We use cookies to help provide and enhance our service and tailor content and ads. F. 14-2(SC)/2010 (SA-III)]. Chromosome numbers reported for Adansonia digitata are 96, 128, 144 and 160. If you're considering baobab for a chronic condition, make sure to consult your physician before starting your supplement regimen. For instance, baobab is sometimes said to contain greater amounts of vitamin C than oranges and other citrus fruits. Baobab fruit contains fructose, a low glycemic index type of … Inaccurate counts are common in the Bombacaceae because the chromosomes are small and numerous. Genus Adansonia is named after Michel Adanson (1727 - 1806), who was a French botanist in Senegal and author of the book, Familles des plantes. Chromosome numbers reported for Adansonia digitata are 96, 128, 144 and 160. J Ethnopharmacol 2011;135:330-7. LOCAL NAMES: Ose, Igi-ose, kukaa, kulambali, Gorakh-imli. Antimicrobial properties and phenolic contents of medicinal plants used by the Venda people for conditions related to venereal diseases. Baobab trees produce fruit with a powdery pulp found to contain high amounts of vitamin C. Often consumed as a food or added to beverages, baobab fruit is sometimes used for medicinal purposes. Adansonia scutula Steud. How Cranberries Can Help Different Health Conditions. Osman MA. Adansonia situla (Lour.) By continuing you agree to the use of cookies. J Medi Arom Plant Sci 2001; 23: 429-34. The other Adansonia species all have 2n = 88. Baobab seed oil has been used in topical skin applications since ancient times and has long been known to offer natural benefits to our skin. USEFUL PART(s): Leaves, fruit pulp, bark GENERAL USE(s): The leaves are use as animal feed and pasture for ruminant animal. Adansonia bahobab L.. Adansonia baobab Gaertn.. Adansonia integrifolia Raf.. Adansonia scutula Steud.. Adansonia situla Spreng.. Adansonia somalensis Chiov.. Adansonia sphaerocarpa A.Chev.. Adansonia sulcata A.Chev.. Baobabus digitata Kuntze. While baobab is generally considered safe, little is known about the safety of long-term use of supplements containing baobab. 2009 Mar;49(3):254-74. NAME: Adansonia digitata FAMILY: Bombacaceae COMMON NAMES: Baobab, monkey-bread tree, upside-down tree, cream of tartar tree. Tal-Dia A, Toure K, Sarr O, Sarr M, Cisse MF, Garnier P, Wone I. Pulp of fruits used for food and food seasoning. Adansonia scutula Steud. The plant parts are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhoea, malaria and microbial infections [ 4 ]. In recent years, manufacturers have begun adding baobab fruit to juices, energy drinks, energy bars, and dietary supplements. Adansonia species Adansonia digitata Name Synonyms Adansonia bahobab L. Adansonia baobab Gaert. Some proponents claim that, due to their antioxidant content, products made with baobab fruit can help slow the aging process and protect against major illnesses like heart disease and cancer. Baobab (Adansonia digitata L., Malvaceae) is a multi-purpose tree species native to Africa. The other Adansonia species all have 2n = 88. Adansonia bahobab L. Adansonia baobab Gaertn. Ethnobotanical Uses: Edible Plant Parts (Edible Fruits, Edible Leaves, Edible Seeds, Edible Roots) "Chemical and Nutrient Analysis of Baobab (Adansonia Digitata) Fruit and Seed Protein Solubility." Baobab is a multi-purpose tree which offers protection and provides food, clothing and medicine as well as raw material for many useful items. Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend baobab for any health-related purpose. 1997;42(1):68-73. The entirety of the tree has a myriad of botanical uses. The fruit pulp have very high vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, fibers, potassium, proteins and lipids content, which can be used in seasoning as an appetizer and also make juices. The baobab used to belong to the family, Bombacaceae, but this is now generally regarded as a … Baobab trees produce fruit with a powdery pulp found to contain high amounts of vitamin C. Often consumed as a food or added to beverages, baobab fruit is sometimes used for medicinal purposes. "Baobab Food Products: a Review on Their Composition and Nutritional Value." Baobabus digitata (L.) Kuntze; Ophelus sitularius Lour. Antimicrobial properties and phenolic contents of medicinal plants used by the Venda people for conditions related to venereal diseases. To increase your intake of antioxidants, try including antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark, leafy greens and other vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Baobab is also said to protect against inflammation-related conditions (including type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and allergies, as well as heart disease and cancer). Key words: Baobab, Adansonia digitata L., traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, anti-nutritional factors Introduction Baobab or Adansonia digitata L. belongs to the Malvaceae family (Bremer et al., 2003) and is a deciduous tree native to arid Central Africa (Yazzie et al., 1994). Adansonia digitata commonly known as baobab is the most widespread of the Adansonia species on the African continent, found in the hot, dry savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. Adansonia digitata L. is a tree commonly called Baoba tree which is a native of African savannah widely distributed in arid zones of Sahara. Spreng. If you want to add it to the cue, or if you can provide any additional information, photos or reliable use records of this muthi plant, please leave a comment below, or in The Muthi Flora of southern Africa Facebook group. Traditionally, in many countries, various parts of the Adansonia digitata (A. digitata) tree have been used in the treatment of many clinical ailments including diarrhea and dysentery.The phytochemical screening has indicated that the leaf extract of A. digitata contains flavonoids, saponins, mucilage, steroids, and alkaloids. In traditional African medicine, baobab fruit is used to treat a number of illnesses (including asthma, fever, diarrhea, malaria, and smallpox). Dakar Med. Chemical and nutrient analysis of baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit and seed protein solubility. Is Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil good for my skin? Young leaves eaten in soup, and as a pot herb. Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a tree native to certain tropical regions in Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique. Its flowers, seeds, bark, and roots are collectively credited to treat malaria, dysentery, diarrhea, asthma, fever, inflammation, among other ailments. Adansonia baobab L., 1764 Adansonia digitata var. Baobab is now considered an autotetraploid that has undergone aneuploid reduction from 4x = 176 to 2n = 160. Looking at data on the nutritional properties of baobab, the report's authors found that baobab fruit is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C. However, since little is known about how efficiently the human body can absorb the antioxidants found in baobab fruit, the report's authors call for more research on the health effects of consuming baobab. Acid pulp of fruit used by some pastoral tribes to curdle milk in the manufacture of kwatakwari. The leaves are mostly green to … Ophelus sitularius Lour. Adansonia integrifolia Raf. 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