Detarium microcarpum: A novel source of nutrition and medicine: A review

Food Chem. 2019 Feb 15:274:900-906. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.09.070. Epub 2018 Sep 12.

Abstract

Detarium microcarpum is a plant indigenous to Africa, which occurs naturally in many African countries, particularly in savannah regions. Its leaves and fruits are used mainly as food and as folk medicine. It has anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and hepatitis C inhibitor properties and has been traditionally utilised in cancer treatment. This review examines published work on the nutritional, pharmacological, and traditional uses of Detarium microcarpum. This plant may become valuable if the fruit, stems, roots, and leaves are extracted for nutraceutical purposes.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Cancer; Detarium microcarpum; Fruit; Hepatitis C; Review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Fabaceae / chemistry*
  • Fabaceae / physiology*
  • Fruit / chemistry
  • Hepatitis C / diet therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / chemistry
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Medicine, African Traditional
  • Nutritive Value
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Gums / chemistry
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Antioxidants
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Gums