| Rubyputt/sandbox | |
|---|---|
 Adansonia digitata (Baobab seed) | |
| Geographic origin | Madagascar, mainland Africa, Arabia, and Australia |
| Uses | Cosmetic and Medicinal |
| Main consumers | local, rural and commercial |
| Legal status |
|
Baobab oil is sourced from the seed of the Baobab tree scientifically known as Adansonia Digitata, and classified in the Dicotyledons class. This oil is known to be grown from dry climates and extracted for its fatty acid properties. Due to its high proportions of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids it has become greatly known for its medicinal properties. Although traditionally use in the local communities, Baobab oil has since grown greatly in demand for natural cosmetics within the retail sector within the greater globe for retail sales in the US and other westernised countries. Consequently, impacting greatly on the local and rural communities with providing employment in harvesting these localised products.
Origins and Extraction
editOrigins
edit
Baobab oil is sourced from the Baobab tree (Adansonia) which has notably commented on its unknown original source, however is characterised to be found in 'arid tropical ecosystems'[2] across Africa, Asia and in some areas of Australia.
Extraction
editThe oil from the Baobab seed is extracted through the cold pressing process, often conducted with an automated cold-pressing machine but can be done manually if needed. The method of this process entails a cut into the solid by needle, the solid is then undergone compression which creates oil to seep out of the solid. This oil is then gathered by a decanter and combined with water, where the water is then again separated by configuration and the oil is dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and stored at 4°c until it is needed[3].
Properties
editAcross Africa is has become a common practice for the extraction of plant and seed materials for research purposes in order to evaluate their molecular properties. Prior to the seed's oil being extracted the method includes using already dry seeds which are then cleaned from dirt and left out in the sun for an extra period of time. From then the seeds are grounded often via a mill and passed through a mesh sieve which are then refrigerated[4], this is the solid then used during the process of extraction.
The extraction method used regularly is Soxhlet method[5] which separates the soluble molecules from an organic solid into a solvent creating a liquid.[6] This involves the Soxhlet extractor apparatus which has the solid placed on the thimble in the main chamber which through the the heating of a solvent in the still pot is transferred into the solvent creating a liquid.
Vitamins and Minerals
editExperiments[7] conducted support the presence of prominent vitamins and minerals apart of the daily intake for the human body. Evidence suggests that the Baobab can contribute to some extent of human intake of iron and zinc.
| Vitamin type | Value in baobab oil (mg/100g) | Recommended daily intake[8] |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 5.26±0.03* | 700-900ɰm |
| Vitamin C | 6.71±0.04 | 40-45mg |
*ɰm/100g
| Mineral Type | Value in baobab oil (mg/100g) | Adequate intake[9] |
|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | 6.00±0.02 | 1000-1250mg |
| Calcium | 58.90±2.34 | 1000-1300mg |
| Potassium | 280±1.34 | 2500-3800mg |
| Sodium | 6.07±0.04 | 460-920mg |
| Recommended daily intake[9] | ||
| Zinc | 3.60±1.42 | 7-14mg |
| Iron | 6.36±0.42 | 8-15mg |
Fatty acid profile
editThe large proportion of the Baobab oil (33%) in the seed when extraction counts for the significant uses in its fatty acid profile. The Baobab contains a variety of Saturated, Monounsaturated, Polyunsaturated and a singular Cyclopropane fatty acids. the Baobab oil composition characteristically details for high contents of Oleic and Linoleic acid[10].
Fatty acids found in Baobab oil
editPalmitic acid
Stearic acid
Arachidonic acid
Palmitoleic acid
Heptadecenoic acid
Vaccenic acid
Oleic acid
Malvalic acid
Sterculic acid
Dihydrosterculic acid
| Fatty acid group | Σ of values (%) |
|---|---|
| Unsaturated | 62.11±1.91 |
| Saturated | 29.41±1.66 |
| Cyclic | 7.10±1.50 |
Health benefits and Uses
editSeed oil's such as the Baobab's has increasingly become apparent in the natural cosmetic industry due to the supported research of their high fatty acid profile and henceforth the suggested health benefits to the skin when applied.
Historically, Native African seeds and their respective oils have been used locally as a source of food, energy, medicine and cosmetics. However, since then these oils have been integrated for other various uses such as in the production of lubricant, soaps, and other medical treatments[12]. Furthermore, the use of Baobab oil is common for treating diagnosis' from common coughs to more complex conditions such as haemoptysis[13]. Treatments may be prescribed with the single use of the seed oil or in combination of other sources of nature. Baobab oil is known to be used for physical methods and remedies for cuts and abrasion to the skin but not just limited to this as it is also used for therapeutic care for massage oil and nail and hair restoration[14].
Although there are various fatty acids found in Baobab oil that are considered beneficial to the skin, Linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid is mostly sort after. Linoleic acid supports claims for having moisturising and alleviation properties off stress from skin caused by sunburns and some cases of dermatosis and acne[15]. For this reason, Linoleic acid can commonly be found, used and practiced in acne treatments. In addition to this, Oleic acid, a monounsaturated acid in abundance in Baobab oil has studies that supports its properties to enhance penetration of drugs (Tenoxicam) with anti-inflammatory properties, commonly found in skin care products.
In Retail
editAs a vast growing multi-billion dollar industry, natural cosmetics is becoming greatly prominent into the retail setting[16]. Various facilities, including in retail outlets, pharmacies and clinics[17] have increasingly acknowledged the demand and benefits in the sale of such natural cosmetics. The demand as detailed by YC Mitei, established the fact that between 2004-05 the global production of seed oils was reported as 113 million metric tonnes.[18]
This modern growth for natural oil's, such as the Baobab oil in the retail industry has since greatly impacted the economy of the local community in which the solid is sourced. Within these communities, the collection and harvesting of products create a source of income for previously unemployed families hence creating a way of livelihood for most rural families[19]. This commercial demand for localised products has beneficially impacted the living standards and forth encourages the individual growth of struggling third world communities. however, it is evident that many receive small portions as income from commercial brand's product price[20].
References
edit- ^ "Soxhlet extractor", Wikipedia, 2019-02-22, retrieved 2019-05-09
- ^ Chapotin, S.M., Razanameharizaka, J.H. and Holbrook, N.M., 2006. Baobab trees (Adansonia) in Madagascar use stored water to flush new leaves but not to support stomatal opening before the rainy season. New Phytologist, 169(3), pp.549-559.
- ^ Ferhat, M.A., Meklati, B.Y. and Chemat, F., 2007. Comparison of different isolation methods of essential oil from Citrus fruits: cold pressing, hydrodistillation and microwave ‘dry’distillation. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 22(6), pp.494-504.
- ^ Vermaak, I., Kamatou, G.P.P., Komane-Mofokeng, B., Viljoen, A.M. and Beckett, K., 2011. African seed oils of commercial importance—Cosmetic applications. South African Journal of Botany, 77(4), pp.920-933.
- ^ Ganzler, K., Salgo, A. and Valkó, K., 1986. Microwave extraction: A novel sample preparation method for chromatography. Journal of Chromatography A, 371, pp.299-306.
- ^ "Ontology". www.rsc.org. Retrieved 2019-05-09.
- ^ a b c Nkafamiya, I.I., Osemeahon, S.A., Dahiru, D. and Umaru, H.A., 2007. Studies on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of the seeds of baobab (Adasonia digitata). African Journal of Biotechnology, 6(6).
- ^ "Vitamin C". National health and research council. 23//01/2017. Retrieved 12/05/2019.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=and|date=(help) - ^ a b "nutrients". National Health and Medical Research Council. 22/09/2017. Retrieved 12/05/2019.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=and|date=(help) - ^ Komane, B.M., Vermaak, I., Kamatou, G.P., Summers, B. and Viljoen, A.M., 2017. Beauty in Baobab: a pilot study of the safety and efficacy of Adansonia digitata seed oil. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 27(1), pp.1-8.
- ^ Razafimamonjison, G., Leong Pock Tsy, J.M., Randriamiarinarivo, M., Ramanoelina, P., Rasoarahona, J., Fawbush, F. and Danthu, P., 2017. Fatty acid composition of baobab seed and its relationship with the genus Adansonia taxonomy. Chemistry & biodiversity, 14(8), p.e1600441.
- ^ Zimba, N., Wren, S. and Stucki, A., 2005. Three major tree nut oils of southern central Africa: their uses and future as commercial base oils. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 15(4), pp.177-182.
- ^ "The Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of Southern Africa: Being an Account of their Medicinal Uses, Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Toxicology in Man and Animal". Nature. 132 (3331): 336. September 1933. doi:10.1038/132336a0. ISSN 0028-0836. S2CID 4128573.
- ^ Wren, S (2003). "Organic essential oils, indigenous cold pressed oils, herbs and spices in sub-Saharan Africa". International Journal of Aromatherapy. 13 (2–3): 71–81. doi:10.1016/s0962-4562(03)00093-6. ISSN 0962-4562.
- ^ Hamilton, J.A. (August 2002). "How fatty acids bind to proteins: the inside story from protein structures". Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 67 (2–3): 65–72. doi:10.1054/plef.2002.0400. ISSN 0952-3278. PMID 12324222.
- ^ Vermaak, I., Kamatou, G.P.P., Komane-Mofokeng, B., Viljoen, A.M. and Beckett, K., 2011. African seed oils of commercial importance—Cosmetic applications. South African Journal of Botany, 77(4), pp.920-933.
- ^ Antignac, E., Nohynek, G.J., Re, T., Clouzeau, J. and Toutain, H., 2011. Safety of botanical ingredients in personal care products/cosmetics. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 49(2), pp.324-341.
- ^ Mitei, Y. C.; Ngila, J. C.; Yeboah, S. O.; Wessjohann, L.; Schmidt, J. (2008-10-22). "NMR, GC–MS and ESI-FTICR-MS Profiling of Fatty Acids and Triacylglycerols in Some Botswana Seed Oils". Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 85 (11): 1021–1032. doi:10.1007/s11746-008-1301-3. ISSN 0003-021X. S2CID 83927418.
- ^ Juliani, H.R.; Koroch, A.R.; Simon, J.E.; Wamulwange, C. (November 2007). "Mungongo Cold Pressed Oil (Schinziophyton Rautanenii): A New Natural Product with Potential Cosmetic Applications". Acta Horticulturae (756): 407–412. doi:10.17660/actahortic.2007.756.43. ISSN 0567-7572.
- ^ Penn, James W. (September 2008). "Non-timber Forest Products in Peruvian Amazonia: Changing Patterns of Economic Exploitation". Focus on Geography. 51 (2): 18–25. doi:10.1111/j.1949-8535.2008.tb00222.x. ISSN 1549-4934.