Malvaceae

The family Malvaceae comprises of an accepted 246 genera of over 4000 species that occur as herbaceous, shrubs, and less often trees. Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) is a large tree used in Africa for its medicinal and nutritional value. In many African countries, different plant parts are used to treat malaria, diarrhoea, fever, inflammation, kidney and bladder diseases. Various in vitro and in vivo biological activities of various parts of the plant have been investigated, and results showed promising anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.