Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) a threatened tree species of medicinal impor tance

Adansonia digitata L. (baobab) an important and threatened tree is valued all over the world for its medicinal and nutri tional value. It is also an excellent species because of comprising anti-oxidant activity which is many times higher than other plants. Baobab has numerous biological properties including antimicrobial, antivi ral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of flavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, fatty acids, vi tamins and minerals. The seeds of A. digitata are a good source of signif icant quantities of lysine, thiamine, calcium and iron. In addition, the global demand for baobab raw material (e.g. seed oil, fruit pulp) for the food and beverage, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries has increased dramatically in recent years. Present paper summarizes the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, biological properties and nutritional value.