Adansonia digitata Baobab Seed Oil

Abstract

Adansonia digitata, is a tree plant belonging to the Malvaceae family and it is widespread throughout the hot, drier regions of tropical Africa. The leaves, bark, and fruit are used as food and for medicinal purposes. The oil extracted from seed has a rich history of use by local people as a source of food, energy, medicine, and for cosmetic applications. It has been used in the production of lubricants, soaps, and personal care products, as well as in the topical treatment of various conditions, such as hair dandruff, muscle spasms, varicose veins, and wounds. The seed contains relatively high amounts of protein (18.4 ± 0.5%), crude fat (12.2 ± 0.2%), and crude fiber (16.3 ± 9.3%), and low carbohydrate (45.1 ± 1.7%). The oil is composed of approximately 31.7% saturated fatty acids, 37% monounsaturated fatty acids, and 31.7% polyunsaturated fatty acids. The major fatty acid is oleic acid, which comprises about 35.8%, followed by linoleic (30.7%), and palmitic (24.2%).