Adansonia digitata: A MYTHOLOGICAL TREE HAS SEVERAL NUTRITIONAL AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Adansonia digitata belongs to the Bombacaceae family and is generally known as the African baobab and is called ‘kalpvriksha’ in Indian mythology. Also known as kalpataru, kalpadruma or kalpapādapa, is a wish-fulfilling divine tree in Indian-origin religions, namely Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. It is a massive tree up to 20-25 meters long and 9 meters in diameter and lives in natural habitat for hundreds of years. Since it absorbs huge quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, therefore, it is called queen of carbon storage. Baobab is strongly anchored in the soil by an extensive and strong root system that grows 2 meters deep, and the diameter may be higher than the tree height. The fruit pulp, seeds, leaves, flowers, roots, and bark of baobab are edible and they have been studied by scientists for their useful and medicinal properties thus exploited for human welfare. The fruit pulp have very high vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, fibers, potassium, proteins and lipids content, which can be used in seasoning as an appetizer and also make juices. Seeds contain appreciable quantities of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, calcium, sodium, iron, manganese, as well they have high levels of lysine and thiamine. Baobab has numerous biological properties including antimicrobial, anti-malarial, diarrhea, anemia, asthma, antiviral, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities amongst others. Phytochemical investigation tells the presence of flavonoids, steroids, phytosterols, epicatechin, campesterol, Tocopherol, adansonin, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. The trunk of the tree can absorb 1000 liters of water and swell during rainy season. The parts of the plant are used in the treatment of bronchial asthma, dermatitis, sickle cell anemia, diuretic, anti-diabetic, diarrhea, dysentery, laxative, hiccough in children, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidote for poison, anti-trypanosome. This article summarizes the review of pharmacognostical, phytochemical, pharmacological activity.