Baobab bark

Baobab bark is mainly used for medicinal properties. Secondly, the bark is well-known for its fibers used to make ropes, sacks, clothes, baskets and mats. (11). The alkaloid adansonin in the bark is thought to be the active principle for treatment of malaria and other fevers (11). Baobab bark which is often given to iirfants to promote weight gain was found to be high in fat, calcium, copper, iron, and zinc (12). 

The widest use in tradition medicine comes from the baobab bark as a substitute for quinine in case of fever or as a prophylactic. A decoction of the bark deteriorates rapidly due to the mucilaginous substances present. This process can be prevented by adding alcohol or a small quantity of sulphuric acid to the decoction (Kings, 2002, cited in (77)). Baobab bark is used in Europe as a febrifuge (antipyretic). In the Gold Coast (Ghana), the bark is used instead of quinine for curing fever (8). In Indian medicine, baobab bark is used internally... 

Baobab bark, fruit pulp and seeds appear to contain an antidote to poisoning by a number of Strophanthus species. The juice of these species has been widely used as an arrow poison especially in East Africa. In Malawi, a baobab extract is poured onto the wound of an animal killed in this way to neutralize the poison before the meat is eaten (Wickens, 1982, cited in 11, 10)). 

Baobab bark is mainly used for its medicinal properties and for its fibers. The alkaloid adansonin in the bark is thought to be the active principle for treatment of malaria and other fevers, as a substitute for quinine. 

Friedelin, lupeol and baurenol (all three terpenoids) were identified in the leaf bark of baobab. In addition, betulinic acid was isolated from the bark whereas the leaf exclusively yielded taraxerone and acetate of lupeol and baurenol (Odetokur, 1996, cited in (S)). 

Baobab leaves, bark, pulp and seeds are used as food and for multiple medicinal purposes in many parts of Africa ((29), Etkin and Foss, 1982, cited in (2)). Ethnomedicine has been an intensive area of research, with several authors discussing the main ethnomedicinal uses of baobab products (Table XVt). 

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