Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Borassus aethiopum, commonly known as the African fan palm, has a history of use in traditional African medicine for a variety of ailments, including anemia. Ethnobotanical surveys from West and Central Africa document the use of different parts of the plant—particularly the fruit pulp and roots—as a food source believed to "build blood" or treat anemia. The rationale is primarily based on the plant’s nutritional value, as its fruit and seeds contain moderate levels of iron, vitamins, and other micronutrients. However, while these traditional claims are well-recorded in ethnomedicinal literature, there is a lack of rigorous scientific studies directly evaluating the efficacy of Borassus aethiopum for treating anemia in humans or animal models. No clinical trials or robust preclinical studies have established its hematinic (blood-building) properties or compared its effects to standard iron supplementation. Thus, the evidence supporting its use is largely anecdotal and based on cultural practices rather than scientific validation. The rating reflects the consistency of traditional use and the plausible nutritional basis, but also the absence of controlled scientific research confirming its effectiveness for anemia.

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