African baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit as promising source of procyanidins

    February 2020 in “European Food Research and Technology
    Marina Russo, Maria Beatrice Ronci, Alessandra Vilmercati, Matteo Gionfriddo, Chiara Fanali, Laura Dugo, Vittoria Locato, Luigi Mondello, Laura De Gara
    Image of study
    TLDR African baobab fruit is a good source of antioxidants and micronutrients, but too much can cause laxative effects.
    A study from three years ago found that the African baobab fruit is a promising source of procyanidins, which are antioxidants that can be used in various industries. The fruit contains high levels of polyphenols and vitamin C, but excessive consumption may cause laxative effects due to its high fiber content. The pulp of the fruit has the highest concentration of bioactive molecules, including epicatechin and procyanidin B2. The fruit could be a useful source of micronutrients in areas affected by malnutrition where baobab trees grow.
    View this study on link.springer.com →