Baobab oil, a healing agent?

Renowned in traditional African and Malagasy pharmacopoeia, thebaobab oilis believed to have healing and regenerative properties. Indeed, some studies have highlighted the properties of the baobab that could be beneficial in the healing process.

• An initial study conducted using a hydro-alcoholic extract ofAdansonia digitataestablished that it could promote the healing process. Carried out on a dorsal wound in a group of rats, researchers found that the hydro-alcoholic extract of baobab, particularly due to the presence of bioflavonoids (catechin, rutin, quercetin), polyphenols, sterols, and terpenes in its composition, had several effects on wound healing.

  It has enabled the enhancement of anti-inflammatory activity and the stabilisation of cellular membranes, by inhibiting the lysis of blood cells (erythrocytes) as well as bleeding at the membrane level. By measuring the content of hydroxyproline, an amino acid found almost exclusively in collagen, the study also showed that the extract increases collagen production, by stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts. It also exerts a bactericidal action, thus helping to prevent bacterial infections and facilitate wound healing.

• Another study focused on the effect ofAdansonia digitataon the treatment and healing of ulcers in the digestive system of rats. Taken orally, the effect of baobab oil on the ulcer was studied after 10 days. It was found that oral treatment with baobab oil alone helped to reduce the size of the ulcer and promote a return to balance of the parameters studied.

By what mechanism?

This potential healing activity could be attributed to several secondary metabolites found in baobab oil. It is composed of nearly 60% linoleic acid and oleic acid, fatty acids that have a restorative and healing effect on the skin. Their use promotes better blood supply and increases the permeability of vessel walls.

This thus allows for an enriched supply of nutrients, oxygen, neutrophils, and macrophages. These cells will combat inflammation by triggering the migration of coagulation factors and antibodies. They will simultaneously act at the level of cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of chemical mediators of inflammation, namely pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. This increase in permeability will also induce the formation of new vessels (angiogenesis) to aid in the repair of damaged tissues and also in the removal of cellular waste.

Furthermore, theincrease in the number of neutrophil polymorphonuclear cells will accelerate the inflammatory phase and the cells will play a role as an anti-infectious agent. This increase allows the mobilisation of fibroblasts, cells responsible for the production of collagen, which lead to an increase in the mass of healing tissue, resulting in a more resistant and thicker epithelium. This healing tissue will provide a temporary support structure and promote tissue regeneration.

A study has examined the role of hydration in wound healing and has demonstrated that well-hydrated wounds heal more quickly and have a better long-term aesthetic appearance. As water is a major component of skin tissue, hydration facilitates the regeneration of skin tissues, the maintenance of skin elasticity and skin balance. Linoleic acid, found in baobab oil, creates a protective film on the skin's surface to prevent excessive transepidermal water loss.

As of today, there is only limited evidence to support the healing action of topical baobab oil. Therefore, the data does not conclusively affirm this effect. However, most of the active molecules contained in baobab oil seem to show their involvement in several mechanisms of the healing process.

Whether used alone or as part of a targeted treatment, baobab oil could potentially be used for chapped skin, cracks, burns, minor wounds or scars, based on the initial data collected regarding its effectiveness on the healing process. To do this, apply a few drops of baobab oil to the affected areas and gently massage with small circular movements.

The practice of massage should be established over a period of time in order to achieve lasting, superior results.

A study conducted on a sample of 420 participants focused on the effects of massages on scars in burn patients. This procedure was carried out every day in sessions lasting from 5 to 30 minutes over a period of 12 weeks. The results revealed that the practice of massaging scars helped to reduce pain levels, improve the thickness and appearance of scars, and lessen the sensation of itching.

• PITHON-CURI T & al. Effect of oleic and linoleic acids on the inflammatory phase of wound healing in rats. Journal Citation Reports (2007).

• RIPPON M.G & al. The importance of hydration in wound healing: reinvigorating the clinical perspective. Journal of Wound Care (2016).

• VILJOEN A & al. Beauty in baobab: a pilot study of the safety and efficacy of Adansonia digitata seed oil. Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy (2016).

• SANTIAGO J & al. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2017).

• PATIL S.S & al. Peptic ulcer healing activity Of fruit pulp extract and seed oil of Adansonia digitata Linn. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research (2019).

• EKLU-GADEGBEKU K & al. Hydroalcoholic extract of Adansonia digitata’s trunk bark, in topical application, possess in vivo wound healing and in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy (2022).

• WANG RH & al. Effects of scar massage on burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Nursing (2022).