The African walnut is a great source of antioxidants

Researchers continue to search for natural antioxidants in foods. In a study published in the journal European Journal of Medicinal Plants, the African walnut (Coula edulis Baill.), a plant abundant in Nigeria, has been found to contain many antioxidants, which can be used in food and medicinal purposes.

• Researchers from the University of Uyo and Rivers State University of Science and Technology, both in Nigeria, evaluated the antioxidant activity of organic and aqueous extracts of the African walnut.
• The researchers looked at the total phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C content in the extracts.
• They also evaluated the metal chelating and reducing power of the extracts.
• Results of the study revealed that the African walnut is rich in phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C.
• The extracts of the African walnut exhibited promising antioxidant activities, with great metal chelating and reducing properties.
• The aqueous extract of the African walnut contained the highest amounts of flavonoids and vitamin C and exhibited the best antioxidant potential.

The findings of the study suggested that the African walnut is packed with phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, making it a great medicinal food.

Read the full text of the study at this link^[PDF].

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Journal Reference:

Ita BN, Ndukwe GI. ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF COULA EDULIS BAILL. SEED EXTRACTS. European Journal of Medicinal Plants. 6 February 2017; 17(4): 1-7. DOI : 10.9734/EJMP/2016/30762