Abstract

A PHARMACOGNOSTICAL PROFILE ON FRUITS OF ADANSONIA DIGITATA LINN.

*M. Saravanaraj, P. Muthusamy, R. Radha and A. Jerad Suresh

ABSTRACT

Adansonia digitata L. belongs to the Bombacaceae family and is generally known as the African Baobab. It is one of the tallest trees in the world. Baobab is older than 4000 years. The trunk of the tree swells greatly during rainy season will absorb 1000 litres of water. It is considered to be the queen of all carbon storage trees as it absorbs huge quantities of carbon dioxide from atmosphere. Currently the tree is suffering from drought and desertification and fear has been expressed about its regeneration. There is lack of awareness by the local population on the need to plant, protect and manage this endangered tree species. Several parts of the tree is reported to have antioxidant, anti-diabetic properties. Some people are calling the baobab fruit the next “super food” because of its exotic nature and rich nutrient profile. So, it is necessary to find out the internal features of this fruit. The present article summarizes the research of pharmacognostical work on fruits of Adansonia digitata Linn.

Keywords: Adansonia digitata, Macroscopy, Transverse section, Powder microscopy.