Nutraceutical and antimicrobial properties of baobab pulp and leaves: A review

Baobab is an important in Africa for its medicinal and nutritional properties. The different parts of the tree (bark, leaves and pulp) are used for different purposes. Despite the health benefits properties of the baobab pulp and leaves, few studies were related to their nutraceutical properties. The present review aimed to point out some nutraceutical properties of these parts of the fruit and their potential health benefits. Different terms related to baobab and functional properties were used on selected research’s engines and the data related to this review were collected from 28 articles. The review revealed the richness of the baobab leaf in glycosides, saponins, steroids and flavonoids; its extract has an inhibitory activity on some pathogenic microorganisms. Bioactive compounds such as procyanidin B2, vitamin C, gallic acid and epicatechin were found in the pulp. The pulp contains alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates; in the family of glycosides were identified in the pulp, three phenylethanoid glycosides, four hydroxycinnamic acid glycosides and six iridoid glycosides. The efficiency of baobab pulp extract on the total blood cholesterol content and blood glucose content through the experiences made on rats and human patients was evidenced. Baobab pulp can be used against diabetes and obesity whose prevalences are increasing. The review revealed the inhibitory effect of the leaf extract on pathogenic microorganisms as Aspergillus flavus, Staphylicoccus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. Further studies should examine antimicrobial properties in food storage, and on the identification of molecules responsible of the anti-diabetic and anti-cholesterolemic effects of the baobab pulp.