African Star Apple: Potentials and Application of Some Indigenous Species in Nigeria

Many research in food and pharmaceuticals are focused on the use of materials as close to nature as possible to limit exposure to harmful synthetic substances. Alternatives are being sought for popular plant based materials leading to increased attention to underutilized plants and creating ripple effects in agriculture, agribusiness, health and pharmaceuticals. A plant that is attaining prominence in Nigeria and in the rain forests of West Africa is the African Star Apple. The plant is best known for the juicy pulp of its fruit but the traditional therapeutic use of parts of the plants are also common. Some authors have investigated and documented some benefits obtained from its leaves, stem, root and fruits. This paper focuses on the features, food and pharmaceutical potentials of the oil, flour, extracts and gum form the African Star Apple. Its fruit is rich in minerals and antioxidant while extracts from various parts of the plant have good antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The review also reveals that the African Star Apple has many potential food and pharmaceutical applications that are yet to be explored.