Detarium Senegalense - Consumption and Uses

Consumption and Uses

Different parts of the D. senegalense tree are utilized for a variety of purposes. This species is mainly used for its medicinal properties. The bark of the tree is most widely used in medicine for remedies including: the removal of the placenta after birth and treatment of anaemia; wounds, skin problems, bronchitis, pneumonia, stomach ache and digestive disorders; tuberculosis, and in cases of heavy blood loss. Root decoctions are used to treat marasmus, debility, intestinal complaints, and convulsions. Leaf and shoot mixtures have been used in the treatment of dysentery, conjunctivitis, arthritis, fractures, and boils. Seeds have been effective in controlling blood-glucose levels in diabetic individuals, for the treatment of mosquito bites and as an antidote against arrow poison and snake bite. The “ofo” flour made from the seeds is often used as a soup thickener. Aside from being eaten directly, the pulp of the fruit can be made into sherbets, juices, marmalades, or dried like dates. The timber from the trees is referred to as “African mahogany” that is characterized by its dark reddish-brown shade. Though the wood is heavy, it is easy to work with due to its resistance to moisture, weathering, and pests such as termites and borers. It is primarily utilized in the construction of houses, fences, and boats, but also works efficiently as firewood as it lights well. D. senegalense trees are frequently employed in reforestation programs in areas of degraded land as they have the ability to grow on infertile soils.

Though there is limited information on the nutrient composition of the D. senegalense fruit, it appears to be a very healthful product. Per 100 g, sweet detar fruit contains 116 kcal energy, 1.9 g protein, 0.4 g fat, 29.6 g carbohydrates, 2.3 g fibre, 27 mg calcium, 48 mg phosphate, 0.14 mg thiamin and 0.05 mg riboflavin, 2.8 mg iron, 0.6 mg niacin, and, most notably, about 1200 mg vitamin C. In comparison to recommended daily vitamin and mineral requirements for an adult (in Canada), the fruit contains moderate amounts of thiamin and iron, an exceptional amount of vitamin C, and lesser quantities of the other vitamins and minerals measured. The fruit seeds are composed of approximately 12% protein, and are rich in rare amino acids lysine and tryptophan, and thus the “ofo” flour made from the seeds has an excellent amino acid composition. Leaves from the trees have demonstrated antiviral activity against a number of human and animal viruses and the bark has shown antibacterial activity against many pathogenic bacteria, justifying the medicinal properties of the plant.