A FRUIT WITH MULTI RESSOURCES
Baobab fruit is known for its anti-oxidant effects due to the high content of Vitamin C;
in particular, 100 grams of pulp contain
up to 300 mg of vitamin C, approximately six times more than the one of an orange.
Ascorbic acid is extremely important as a nutritional element and as a supplement and it is the component able to cure a variety of clinical symptoms
known as scurvy, a syndrome occurring in humans whose diet is deficient in fresh fruit and vegetables. Vitamin C protects the organism against free
radicals, because it is the most effective antioxidant in hydrophilic compartments; moreover, it participates in several metabolic processes such
as collagen biosynthesis in connective tissue, as a neurotransmitter and in steroidal hormone synthesis. It also increases calcium absorption and
iron bioavailability, and it is related to the prevention of many degenerative diseases (cataract formation, cardiovascular risks, arteriosclerosis).
The fruit also contains other essential vitamins, such are riboflavin (vitamin B2), necessary for growth of the organism and the maintenance of neuro
fibers, skin and eyes, and niacin (vitamin PP or B3), important for the regulation of several metabolic processes.
The fruit contributes to the supply of other important dietary nutrients such as minerals and essential fatty acids. 100 grams of pulp contains 293
mg of calcium, 2.31 mg of potassium, 96-118 mg of phosphorus, and a-linolenic acid (27 µg of acid per gram of product expressed in dry weight).
The characteristic acidulous taste is due to the presence of organic acids, such as citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid and succinic acid.
Baobab fruit pulp provides soluble and insoluble fibres contained in about 45 grams/100 grams of product. The insoluble fibres are not
absorbed by the intestine and are useful to stimulate intestinal functions and to induce satiety. It may be useful in cases involving
hypocaloric diets.
Today, dietary fibre has gained increased importance as a dietary component for its ability to influence multiple aspects of digestive physiology.
The frequent consumption of dietary fibre associated with a diet which is rich in vegetables, cereals and fruits has been found to have a relation
with the reduction in the risk of cancer of the digestive tract, and in particular, the colo-rectal tract.
Baobab fruit pulp shows interesting properties with respect to the stimulation of the growth of intestinal microflora. Studies carried out in prominent
research centers have found evidence that the hydrosoluble fraction of the fruit pulp has stimulating effects on the proliferation of Bifidobacteria
in in-vitro testing. In fact, soluble dietary fibres such as those contained in the pulp (about 22%), are known to have prebiotic effects which
stimulate the growth and/or the metabolic activity of beneficial organisms.
Baobab fruit pulp is used in African countries as an effective anti-diarrhoea product. The main constituents responsible for this
activity are believed to be tannins (astringent effect), mucillages (absorbents), cellulose, citric acid and other typical constituents
of the fruit pulp.
The Baobab fruit has anti-inflammatory effects due to the presence of sterols, saponins and triterpenes.
Baobab pulp is also known to produce marked analgesic and antipyretic activity which explains the widespread use of Adansonia digitata as
antipyretic and febrifuge in folk medicine.
The seeds, red fiber of the fruit and leaves are also widely used in nutraceuticals or cosmetics for their beneficial properties.
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WHAT IS BAOBAB
The Baobab Tree,also known as the “Tree of Life” and “The Chemist Tree”, grows in the Tropical zones of Africa.
The scientific name is Adansonia
Digitata, which is a deciduous tree that can reach 20 meters in height and 15 meters in diameter. Its short, bottle shaped trunk can store up to
30,000 gallons of water during the dry season serving as a water storage for the villages. It can live up to 2000 years and is protected
from fire due to the spongy texture of the wood. Viewed by the native population as the symbol of the Continent and as a Protector, Baobab
is valued by humans and animals as it has been a natural source of food and medicine for thousands of years. The tree has also been dubbed
“The Monkey Bread Tree”.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Baobab Fruit Pulp is a valuable, highly nutritional functional food ingredient. It is used as an intestinal regulator
in cases of gastric disorders (for both constipation and dysentery) due to its prebiotic and probiotic activities.
It serves as a natural revitalizing source to combat fatigue and as an energy boost for athletes.
Due to its high Vitamin content, studies have indicated that Baobab Fruit Pulp demonstrates strong anti-oxidant characteristics and
hepatoprotective activities.
It is an excellent source of dietary fibers and may even help control hunger.
But above all, Baobab Fruit Pulp is a 100% naturally dry fruit powder that has not undergone any transformation.
RESEARCH AND ACCREDITATION
As yet unknown to the general public, the fruit, seeds and leaves of the Baobab tree have been widely studied and analysed by researchers
all over the world and there is a wealth of medical literature on this tree documenting its qualities. Most studies have been conducted
since 1999 in Italy by BFCS, the single largest harvester and producer of Baobab Ingredients, in collaboration with Professor Manfredini
from the University of Ferrara and Ambrosia Lab.
In Europe, the product is already widely used in various nutraceutical and cosmetic products and encouraged by the European Commission in Brussels. An application for Novel Foods Approval
has also been filled to allow Baobab as a Food Ingredient. The intention of Novel Foods Approval is to use the
pulp as a food ingredient in a range of food products which promises to give it a very bright future.
In 2007, BaobabTek in Canada was granted a Natural Product Number (NPN) for Baobab (Adansonia Digitata) Fruit Pulp thereby allowing Baobab Fruit Pulp to be listed by Health Canada in the Natural Health Products Directorate under
the patent number # 120426. Baobab Fruit Pulp is now available for consumption in North-America.
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Before they grow so big, the Baobabs start by being little"
Le Petit Prince - Antoine de Saint Exupery
Press Releases
- Natural Product Number's (NPN) Submission for Baobab (Adansonia Digitata) Fruit Pulp. November 2006
- Nutra USA - Nutraingredients, Baobab used in cosmetics and food, June 2006
- Baobab used in cosmetics and food, June 2006
- US market to see more natural baobab for use in cosmetics, food. June 2006
- Out of Africa: Novel botanicals enter market, May 2006
- Cosmetics and Toiletries, May 2006
 - BaobabTek and the Baobab Tree or the Tree of Life, May 2006
View the Harvesting Process of the Fruit
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