baobab

Baobab refers to the fruit and derived products (such as powder) from the tree *Adansonia digitata*, native to Africa, Madagascar, Australia, and Arabia. It is used primarily as a **dietary supplement** for its rich nutrient profile, which includes vitamin C, fiber, polyphenols, antioxidants, minerals (e.g. magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron), and bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanins, catechins, and carotenoids. Traditional and ethnobotanical uses include treatment for diabetes, antipyretic (fever-reducing), antiparasitic, antitussive (cough-relieving), sudorific (induces sweating), diarrhea, dysentery, asthma, and eczema. Modern scientific interest centers on its **antioxidant**, **anti-inflammatory**, **analgesic**, **antimicrobial**, **hypoglycemic**, and **hypolipidemic** effects. Mechanisms believed responsible are inhibition of digestive enzymes (alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase) by polyphenols, thus reducing sugar absorption and improving glycemic control. Baobab fruit extracts have demonstrated blood glucose-lowering effects in animal and early human studies, though there is not yet robust clinical evidence supporting their medicinal efficacy in humans. It is most commonly consumed as a food, powder, or beverage additive.

Other names

Adansonia digitatabaobab fruitbaobab powder