African Oil Bean (Pentaclethra Macrophylla Benth): Unsung Hero of Tropical Africa

This review gives an insight into the African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth), a crop native to the tropical regions of Africa. Fundamentally, this article reviewed the African oil seed as a plant, production of its seed derivative (ugba), health benefits of the seed, diverse uses of the seed, nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of ugba as well as phytochemicals, and food safety issues. It alluded to the versatile usefulness of the African oil bean while emphasizing that its seeds have great prospect for improving the economy of households; any value addition on the African oil bean seeds could possibly create wealth and jobs for the teeming youth population of this region. Essentially, the review asserts that improved postharvest management practices, modern processing techniques as well as storage of fermented seeds (which are notorious for its very short shelf life) would increase its shelf life. Furthermore, considering the nutrient attribute of African oil bean seed, the crop could be regarded as a great complementary food for household nourishment and an essential raw material for food and pharmaceutical industries. Conclusively, the paper recommended that to ensure food security in tropical African region, research into other neglected but nutritious crops that grow and flourish with little or no special care in the region, just like the African oil bean plant, should be encouraged.