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Baobab

The baobab is a tree that is native to Africa, Madagascar, Australia and Arabia. This tree is used by the locals as a source of water and food. The fruits and leaves of the tree are used to make medicine for asthma and allergic skin reactions, as well as to deter mosquitoes and midges. Some people refer to the fruit of the baobab tree as the next "superfood" due to its exotic nature and rich nutritional profile.

How do baobab products work?

There is not enough scientific information to know how baobab products might work for any disease. The fruit and leaves of the baobab tree contain numerous nutrients and have antioxidant properties.

How effective are baobab products?

There is not enough scientific data to assess the effectiveness of baobab products in the treatment of asthma and allergic skin reactions. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these products for these conditions.

Safety and side effects

Baobab products are probably safe and harmless when consumed as food. However, there is no reliable information on the safety of baobab products when used as a medicine.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of baobab products during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid products made from this plant to be on the safe side.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions of baobab products with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of baobab products depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for baobab products. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Agency response letter GRAS notice No. GRN 000273. US Food and Drug Administration, July 25, 2009. Available at: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/GenerallyRecognizedasSafe GRAS/GRASListings/ucm174945.htm (Accessed July 29, 2011).
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  3. Chadare FJ, Linnemann AR, Hounhouigan JD, et al. Baobab food products: a review on their composition and nutritional value. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2009;49:254-74.
  4. Chapotin SM, Razanameharizaka JH, Holbrook NM. A biomechanical perspective on the role of large stem volume and high water content in baobab trees (Adansonia spp.; Bombacaceae). Am J Bot 2006;93:1251-64.
  5. Chapotin SM, Razanameharizaka JH, Holbrook NM. Baobab trees (Adansonia) in Madagascar use stored water to flush new leaves but not to support stomatal opening before the rainy season. New Phytol 2006;169:549-59.
  6. Chapotin SM, Razanameharizaka JH, Holbrook NM. Water relations of baobab trees (Adansonia spp. L.) during the rainy season: does stem water buffer daily water deficits? Plant Cell Environ 2006;29:1021-32.
  7. Hudson JB, Anani K, Lee MK, et al. Further investigations on the antiviral activities of medicinal plants of Togo. Pharm Biol 2000;38:46-50.
  8. Krishnappa K, Elumalai K, Dhanasekaran S, Gokulakrishnan J. Larvicidal and repellent properties of Adansonia digitata against medically important human malarial vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae). J Vector Borne Dis 2012;49:86-90.
  9. Mulaudzi RB, Ndhlala AR, Kulkarni MG, et al. Antimicrobial properties and phenolic contents of medicinal plants used by the Venda people for conditions related to venereal diseases. J Ethnopharmacol 2011;135:330-7.
  10. Osman MA. Chemical and nutrient analysis of baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit and seed protein solubility. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2004;59:29-33.
  11. Prentice A, Laskey MA, Shaw J, et al. The calcium and phosphorus intakes of rural Gambian women during pregnancy and lactation. Br J Nutr 1993;69:885-96.
  12. Sena LP, Vanderjagt DJ, Rivera C, et al. Analysis of nutritional components of eight famine foods of the Republic of Niger. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 1998;52:17-30.