Economic, nutritional and medicinal values of African walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) in Nigeria (Hutch. & Dalziel): a review

Abstract

The Nigeria Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) is a climber crop species that help in poverty reduction through improvement of the purchasing power of families and their standard of living. African walnut has proven evidence that leads to general acceptability to its protective effects against certain diseases majorly the cardiovascular disease (CDV). It has many other medicinal values such as treatment of Diabetic, maintenance of healthy bone, Anti-malarial, diseases prevention, pregnancy protection and sperm improvement, weight management and so on. The consumption of this fruit is not only effective for the health of man but contributes to other lifestyles characteristics backed up by evidence from certain scientific investigations. However, the challenges facing its year round availability have not been fully documented and data related to its contributions to livelihoods of rural farmers and it nutritional value is not readily available to the populace, thereby places the plant in danger of genetic extinction and disappearance which have the potential to restrict its development options. Therefore, this paper reviewed the monetary contribution of African Walnut, its potential roles in poverty reduction, commitment to national advancement and value added exports from Nigeria, hence the investigation is expected to bridge some of this gap, giving an overview of the present information encompassing the economic commitment of Walnut, it nutritional and medicinal values in Nigeria.

Key words: Economics, Nutrition, Medicinal Benefits, Chemical composition, Walnut