• Aliyu, Y. B
• Aliyu, G
• Aminu, F. M
• Hassan, Y R,

Abstract The global burden of chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress has intensified the search for safe and effective natural antioxidants. Balanites aegyptiaca (Desert Date) and Adansonia digitata (Baobab), two cornerstone species of the African flora, have been used for generations as food and medicine, suggesting a rich reservoir of bioactive compounds. This comprehensive review synthesizes existing scientific literature with new comparative research data to evaluate the ethnobotanical significance, phytochemical composition, and in-vitro antioxidant efficacy of these fruits. The analysis confirms that both fruits are nutritionally dense, containing valuable proximate components (crude fiber, protein, carbohydrates), essential antioxidant minerals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Se, Mn), vitamins (A, C, E), and a diverse profile of phytochemicals including flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. However, a direct, systematic comparison reveals that Balanites aegyptiaca fruit pulp possesses a consistently superior antioxidant profile. It demonstrates significantly higher concentrations of total phenolics (39.74 vs. 28.96 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (27.14 vs. 19.75 mg QE/g), a richer mineral content (e.g., Se: 0.04 vs. 0.02 ppm; Fe: 0.05 vs. 0.03 ppm), and greater levels of vitamins C and E. Consequently, B. aegyptiaca exhibits a stronger dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (38.19% vs. 34.53% at 100 mg/ml). These findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional uses of these plants and strongly position Balanites aegyptiaca, in particular, as a potent and sustainable source of natural antioxidants for developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, and therapeutic agents aimed at mitigating oxidative stress-related pathologies.

Keywords: Balanites aegyptiaca, Adansonia digitata, Antioxidants, Oxidative Stress, Phytochemicals, Proximate Analysis, DPPH, Indigenous Knowledge, Functional Foods.

"Balanites aegyptiaca and Adansonia digitata: A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Comparative Antioxidant Potential", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no.d312-d320, October-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510342.pdf

"Balanites aegyptiaca and Adansonia digitata: A Comprehensive Review of Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Comparative Antioxidant Potential", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no. ppd312-d320, October-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510342.pdf