Research Article
Open Access
Velvet Tamarind (Dialium Guineense) : A Comprehensive Review of its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Nutritional Value, and Industrial Applications
Abstract
Dialium guineense (African Velvet Tamarind) is an underutilized plant predominantly cultivated in West Africa especially in Nigeria. It contains tremendous amount of carbohydrate along with fiber, vitamin, minerals and a lesser amount of protein varying on the part of the tree. This study aims to review the nutritional composition, medicinal properties, antimicrobial activity, phytochemical and antioxidant of various parts (pulp, stem bark, seed and leaf) of the plant. The pulp is mainly ingested raw where it is believed to increase lactation among women and can be processed into juice. The stem bark along with it leaves is also used to treat cases of ailment where it also serves as treatment against bacterial infection and scavengers of free radicals. It is also used in the industry where it serves purpose in confectionery obtained from the pulp flour, as thickening agent in food, for making biodegradable packaging material, as animal feed and used in construction work. This review, carried out on Dialium therefore recognizes a need to make awareness on the lack of clinical trial on any therapeutic application of the plant even though laboratory examination has been conducted, in addition to fully study the bioavailability of the bioactive compounds and their by-product.
Keywords
Velvet Tamarind; Antioxidant; Functional Food; Underutilised; Bioactives
References
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Adopo, S. S. F., Kabran, G. R. M., Baguia-Broune, F. D., Konan, K. A. P., Mamyrbekova-Bekro, J. A., & Békro, Y. A. (2024). Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Dialium guineense Fruit (Fabaceae), Côte d'Ivoire. International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review, 33(6), 604-615.
Ajayi, M. G., OMON, E., AJAYI, O., & OLANIPEKUN, A. (2024). Extraction and Characterization of Velvet Tamarind (Dialium Guineense) Seed. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 9(10), 55-62. DOI; 10.51584/IJRIAS.2024.91000
Asante Ampadu, G. A., Mensah, J. O., Boakye, A., Acheampong, P., Laryea, M. K., & Borquaye, L. S. (2023). Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties of essential oils extracted from Dialium guineense. International Journal of Food Properties, 26(1), 1885-1902.
OFFOR, F. O; CHIKWE, T. N; DURU, R. U (2025) Synthesis and Modification of Alkyd Resin from Velvet Tamarind Oil Extract for Potential Use as Binders and Surface Coatings J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. 29 (5) 1684-1692Ehiem, J. C., Tosin, P., Igbozurike, A. O., Oduma, O., & Okoro, O. I. (2025). Modeling of Measured Physical Properties and Determination of Chemical Composition of Black Tamarind (Dialium Guineense) Seed. Agricultural Science and Food Processing, 2(3), 123–132
Augustine I. Airaodion, Emmanuel B. Ayita, Simeon O. Oluba, Sunday A. Emaleku, Ojo J. Osunmuyiwa and Anthony U. Megwas (2021). Chemical Composition and Nutraceutical Potential of Velvet Tamarind (Dialium guineense wild) Fruit Pulp. Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, 9(2): 8-19, 2021; ISSN: 2582-3698
Bakare-Odunola, M. T., Kolawole, F. L., & Oyegoke, R. A. (2024). Exploring the Hidden Potential of Undervalued Food Plants for Nutrition and Health Security. In Food Security and Nutrition (pp. 34-46). CRC Press.
Oluwole-Banjo, A. K. (2019). Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts of pulp, seed, leaf and stem bark of velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense) plant. Journal of Underutilized Legumes, 1(1), 159-168.
Bashir, U. L., Magaji, A. S., Muhammad, I. I., & Lawal, A. A. (2025) Comparative neutraceutical potentials of Tamarindus indica and Dialium guineense fruits. International Journal of Plant Pathology and Microbiology 2026; 6(1): 01-05.
Çatak, J., & Yaman, M. (2019). Determination of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide forms of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) in fruits and vegetables by HPLC using postcolumn derivatization system. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 18(6), 563-570.
Cheadoloh, R., Waeno, M., & Asae, S. A. (2022). Effects of gelatin and preparation methods on the quality and antioxidant of velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense) halal chewy product. Food Research 6 (1) (2022) 139 – 145.
DABRE, Z., Dibba, B., Kargbo, S., & Diarrassouba, W. (2025). Ethnobotanical knowledge of Dialium guineense Willd.: A way forward for sustainable use in The Gambia. Sciences Naturelles et Appliquées, 44(2), 173-192.
Dissanayaka, D. M. N. S., Udumann, S. S., & Atapattu, A. J. (2024). Synergies between tree crops and ecosystems in tropical agroforestry. Agroforestry, 49-87.
Ezeocha, V. C., Arukwe, D. C., & Nnamani, M. U. (2022). Quality evaluation of cake from wheat, bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) and velvet tamarind (Dalium guineense) flour blends. FUDMA Journal of Sciences, 6(4), 88-94.
Icraf Agroforestry database (22.07.02) E5275. View crop: Dialium guineese Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN. Copy Right 2003-2007.
Igu, N. I. (2023). Species Distribution and Patterns in a Forest-savannah Ecotone: Environmental Change and Conservation Concerns. Journal of Botanical Research| Volume, 5(03).
Kacaribu, A. A., Rahmi, R., JULINAWATI, J., Fathana, H., Reza, M., & Iqhramullah, M. (2025). Preparation and characterization of cellulose film from velvet tamarind rind (Dialium indum L.) for food packaging. South African Journal of Chemical Engineering, 52.
Knez, M., Ranić, M., & Gurinović, M. (2024). Underutilized plants increase biodiversity, improve food and nutrition security, reduce malnutrition, and enhance human health and well-being. Let’s put them back on the plate!. Nutrition Reviews, 82(8), 1111-1124.
Kumar, R., Kumar, A., & Saikia, P. (2022). Deforestation and forests degradation impacts on the environment. In Environmental degradation: Challenges and strategies for mitigation (pp. 19-46). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Lageiro, M., Fernandes, J., Marques, A. C., Simões, M., & Coelho, A. R. F. (2025). Nutritional Characterization of Fruits from Three African Plant Species: Dialium guineense Willd, Parkia biglobosa Jacq. and Andansonia digitata L. Plants, 14(15), 2344
Leite, A., Westengen, O. T., Catarino, L., Monteiro, E., Mango, S. P., Indjai, B., & Cuní-Sanchez, A. (2024). From the wild to the market: The trade of edible plants in Guinea-Bissau. Economic Botany.
Lely, H. V. (2025). The useful trees of Northern Nigeria. Good Press.
Madu, G. C., Okolie, N. J., Iwuji-Aguzie, C. C., Okechukwu, E., Ndubueze, C. W., Iwuji, C. I., ... & Chibuike, V. ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF DIALIUM GUINEENSE AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT ON ESCHERICHIA COLI INDUCED URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN ADULT WISTAR RAT.
Maryann Chinenye MADUAKO, Jonathan Chinenye IFEMEJE, Kizito Ifeanyi AMAEFULE, Anthony Uzoeto OKECHUKWU, Chinenye Nnenna ENEMCHUKWU (2021) Comparative study of proximate composition, antioxidant vitamins and mineral profile of six local wild fruits consumed in South-eastern, Nigeria. Biokemistri 0795-8080/2021
Mohammed, J., Aremu, M. O., Abubakar, I., Kuna, H. U., & Mohammad, I. A. (2022) Chemical Science & Engineering Research. DOI: 10.36686/Ariviyal.CSER.2022.04.09.049
Ogbuewu, I., Modisaojang-Mojanaga, M., Mokolopi, B. & Mbajiorgu, C. (2023). Nutritional and chemical composition of black velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense Willd) and its influence on animal production: A review. Open Agriculture, 8(1), 20220174. https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2022-0174
Okpomor, O. E., Nwankwo, C. S., Mbachiantim, J. T., Balogun, A. A., Okoyeuzu, C. F., Eze, J. I., & Agbaji, M. U. (2026). Ethnobotany and biofunctional properties of selected edible wild plants in Nigeria: a comprehensive review. Exploration of Foods and Foodomics, 4, 1010161.
Olawoyin, C. O., & Atarase, T. J. (2022) Phytochemical and Proximate Analysis of Dialium guineense (Velvet Tamarind) Seed.
Ololade Zacchaeus, S., Anuoluwa Iyadunni, A., Adejuyitan Johnson, A., & Uyaboerigha Daubotei, I. (2021). Black velvet tamarind: phytochemical analysis, antiradical and antimicrobial properties of the seed extract for human therapeutic and health benefits. J. Phytopharm, 10, 249-255.
Onah, G. T., Ajaegbu, E. E., & Enweani, I. B. (2022). Proximate, phytochemical and micronutrient compositions of Dialium guineense and Napoleona imperialis plant parts. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18(3), 193-205. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2022.18.3.0099
Ovuakporie‐Uvo, O., Idu, M., & Omoregie, E. S. (2019). Nutrients and chemical composition of Desplatsia dewevrei. Food science & nutrition, 7(5), 1768-1777.
Peduruhewa, P. S., Jayathunge, K. G. L. R., & Liyanage, R. (2021). Potential of underutilized wild edible plants as the food for the future–a review. Journal of Food Security, 9(4), 136-147.
Sekou Ii, C., Émilie, K., Lonsény, T., & Michel, H. (2025). Valorization of Dialium guineense fruit seeds as a new hydrocolloid for food application. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 60(1), vvae054.
Upeka, D. A., Udukala, D., & Gunaratna, M. (2024). A comprehensive review of the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the genus Dialium. Jordan Journal of Chemistry (JJC), 19(3), 133-157.
Usman, H. S., Hassan, S. M., Sadiq, I. Z., Olawoyin, C. O., Danja, M. I., & Sallau, A. B. (2026). Pilot Evaluation of Dialium guineense Fruit and Leaf Extracts in Inhibition of Glucose-Induced Protein Glycation and DPPH Radical: An In vitro Study. UMYU Scientifica, 5(2), 91-99. https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2652.009
Utubaku, A. B., Yakubu, O. E., & Okwara, D. U. (2017). Comparative Phytochemical Analysis of Fermented and Unfermented Seeds of Dialium giuneense. Journal of Traditional Medicine and Clinical Naturopathy, 6(3), 226-228.
Victor-Osanyinlusi, R. (2022). Nutrional composition of the fruit, leave, root and bark of Africa black velvet tamarind (Diallum guineense. International Journal of academic research and development.
Aburime, L. C., Nneoyi-Egbe, A. F., & Jeremiah, J. C. (2024). Vitamins and Phytochemical Compositions of African Velvet Tamarind (Dialium guineense) Fruit Pulp. Journal of Home Economics Research, 31(2). DOI: 10.66731/jher.v31i2.514
Adopo, S. S. F., Kabran, G. R. M., Baguia-Broune, F. D., Konan, K. A. P., Mamyrbekova-Bekro, J. A., & Békro, Y. A. (2024). Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Dialium guineense Fruit (Fabaceae), Côte d'Ivoire. International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review, 33(6), 604-615.
Ajayi, M. G., OMON, E., AJAYI, O., & OLANIPEKUN, A. (2024). Extraction and Characterization of Velvet Tamarind (Dialium Guineense) Seed. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 9(10), 55-62. DOI; 10.51584/IJRIAS.2024.91000
Asante Ampadu, G. A., Mensah, J. O., Boakye, A., Acheampong, P., Laryea, M. K., & Borquaye, L. S. (2023). Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties of essential oils extracted from Dialium guineense. International Journal of Food Properties, 26(1), 1885-1902.
OFFOR, F. O; CHIKWE, T. N; DURU, R. U (2025) Synthesis and Modification of Alkyd Resin from Velvet Tamarind Oil Extract for Potential Use as Binders and Surface Coatings J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. 29 (5) 1684-1692Ehiem, J. C., Tosin, P., Igbozurike, A. O., Oduma, O., & Okoro, O. I. (2025). Modeling of Measured Physical Properties and Determination of Chemical Composition of Black Tamarind (Dialium Guineense) Seed. Agricultural Science and Food Processing, 2(3), 123–132
Augustine I. Airaodion, Emmanuel B. Ayita, Simeon O. Oluba, Sunday A. Emaleku, Ojo J. Osunmuyiwa and Anthony U. Megwas (2021). Chemical Composition and Nutraceutical Potential of Velvet Tamarind (Dialium guineense wild) Fruit Pulp. Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, 9(2): 8-19, 2021; ISSN: 2582-3698
Bakare-Odunola, M. T., Kolawole, F. L., & Oyegoke, R. A. (2024). Exploring the Hidden Potential of Undervalued Food Plants for Nutrition and Health Security. In Food Security and Nutrition (pp. 34-46). CRC Press.
Oluwole-Banjo, A. K. (2019). Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts of pulp, seed, leaf and stem bark of velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense) plant. Journal of Underutilized Legumes, 1(1), 159-168.
Bashir, U. L., Magaji, A. S., Muhammad, I. I., & Lawal, A. A. (2025) Comparative neutraceutical potentials of Tamarindus indica and Dialium guineense fruits. International Journal of Plant Pathology and Microbiology 2026; 6(1): 01-05.
Çatak, J., & Yaman, M. (2019). Determination of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide forms of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) in fruits and vegetables by HPLC using postcolumn derivatization system. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 18(6), 563-570.
Cheadoloh, R., Waeno, M., & Asae, S. A. (2022). Effects of gelatin and preparation methods on the quality and antioxidant of velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense) halal chewy product. Food Research 6 (1) (2022) 139 – 145.
DABRE, Z., Dibba, B., Kargbo, S., & Diarrassouba, W. (2025). Ethnobotanical knowledge of Dialium guineense Willd.: A way forward for sustainable use in The Gambia. Sciences Naturelles et Appliquées, 44(2), 173-192.
Dissanayaka, D. M. N. S., Udumann, S. S., & Atapattu, A. J. (2024). Synergies between tree crops and ecosystems in tropical agroforestry. Agroforestry, 49-87.
Ezeocha, V. C., Arukwe, D. C., & Nnamani, M. U. (2022). Quality evaluation of cake from wheat, bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) and velvet tamarind (Dalium guineense) flour blends. FUDMA Journal of Sciences, 6(4), 88-94.
Icraf Agroforestry database (22.07.02) E5275. View crop: Dialium guineese Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN. Copy Right 2003-2007.
Igu, N. I. (2023). Species Distribution and Patterns in a Forest-savannah Ecotone: Environmental Change and Conservation Concerns. Journal of Botanical Research| Volume, 5(03).
Kacaribu, A. A., Rahmi, R., JULINAWATI, J., Fathana, H., Reza, M., & Iqhramullah, M. (2025). Preparation and characterization of cellulose film from velvet tamarind rind (Dialium indum L.) for food packaging. South African Journal of Chemical Engineering, 52.
Knez, M., Ranić, M., & Gurinović, M. (2024). Underutilized plants increase biodiversity, improve food and nutrition security, reduce malnutrition, and enhance human health and well-being. Let’s put them back on the plate!. Nutrition Reviews, 82(8), 1111-1124.
Kumar, R., Kumar, A., & Saikia, P. (2022). Deforestation and forests degradation impacts on the environment. In Environmental degradation: Challenges and strategies for mitigation (pp. 19-46). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Lageiro, M., Fernandes, J., Marques, A. C., Simões, M., & Coelho, A. R. F. (2025). Nutritional Characterization of Fruits from Three African Plant Species: Dialium guineense Willd, Parkia biglobosa Jacq. and Andansonia digitata L. Plants, 14(15), 2344
Leite, A., Westengen, O. T., Catarino, L., Monteiro, E., Mango, S. P., Indjai, B., & Cuní-Sanchez, A. (2024). From the wild to the market: The trade of edible plants in Guinea-Bissau. Economic Botany.
Lely, H. V. (2025). The useful trees of Northern Nigeria. Good Press.
Madu, G. C., Okolie, N. J., Iwuji-Aguzie, C. C., Okechukwu, E., Ndubueze, C. W., Iwuji, C. I., ... & Chibuike, V. ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF DIALIUM GUINEENSE AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT ON ESCHERICHIA COLI INDUCED URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN ADULT WISTAR RAT.
Maryann Chinenye MADUAKO, Jonathan Chinenye IFEMEJE, Kizito Ifeanyi AMAEFULE, Anthony Uzoeto OKECHUKWU, Chinenye Nnenna ENEMCHUKWU (2021) Comparative study of proximate composition, antioxidant vitamins and mineral profile of six local wild fruits consumed in South-eastern, Nigeria. Biokemistri 0795-8080/2021
Mohammed, J., Aremu, M. O., Abubakar, I., Kuna, H. U., & Mohammad, I. A. (2022) Chemical Science & Engineering Research. DOI: 10.36686/Ariviyal.CSER.2022.04.09.049
Ogbuewu, I., Modisaojang-Mojanaga, M., Mokolopi, B. & Mbajiorgu, C. (2023). Nutritional and chemical composition of black velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense Willd) and its influence on animal production: A review. Open Agriculture, 8(1), 20220174. https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2022-0174
Okpomor, O. E., Nwankwo, C. S., Mbachiantim, J. T., Balogun, A. A., Okoyeuzu, C. F., Eze, J. I., & Agbaji, M. U. (2026). Ethnobotany and biofunctional properties of selected edible wild plants in Nigeria: a comprehensive review. Exploration of Foods and Foodomics, 4, 1010161.
Olawoyin, C. O., & Atarase, T. J. (2022) Phytochemical and Proximate Analysis of Dialium guineense (Velvet Tamarind) Seed.
Ololade Zacchaeus, S., Anuoluwa Iyadunni, A., Adejuyitan Johnson, A., & Uyaboerigha Daubotei, I. (2021). Black velvet tamarind: phytochemical analysis, antiradical and antimicrobial properties of the seed extract for human therapeutic and health benefits. J. Phytopharm, 10, 249-255.
Onah, G. T., Ajaegbu, E. E., & Enweani, I. B. (2022). Proximate, phytochemical and micronutrient compositions of Dialium guineense and Napoleona imperialis plant parts. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18(3), 193-205. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2022.18.3.0099
Ovuakporie‐Uvo, O., Idu, M., & Omoregie, E. S. (2019). Nutrients and chemical composition of Desplatsia dewevrei. Food science & nutrition, 7(5), 1768-1777.
Peduruhewa, P. S., Jayathunge, K. G. L. R., & Liyanage, R. (2021). Potential of underutilized wild edible plants as the food for the future–a review. Journal of Food Security, 9(4), 136-147.
Sekou Ii, C., Émilie, K., Lonsény, T., & Michel, H. (2025). Valorization of Dialium guineense fruit seeds as a new hydrocolloid for food application. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 60(1), vvae054.
Upeka, D. A., Udukala, D., & Gunaratna, M. (2024). A comprehensive review of the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the genus Dialium. Jordan Journal of Chemistry (JJC), 19(3), 133-157.
Usman, H. S., Hassan, S. M., Sadiq, I. Z., Olawoyin, C. O., Danja, M. I., & Sallau, A. B. (2026). Pilot Evaluation of Dialium guineense Fruit and Leaf Extracts in Inhibition of Glucose-Induced Protein Glycation and DPPH Radical: An In vitro Study. UMYU Scientifica, 5(2), 91-99. https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2652.009
Utubaku, A. B., Yakubu, O. E., & Okwara, D. U. (2017). Comparative Phytochemical Analysis of Fermented and Unfermented Seeds of Dialium giuneense. Journal of Traditional Medicine and Clinical Naturopathy, 6(3), 226-228.
Victor-Osanyinlusi, R. (2022). Nutrional composition of the fruit, leave, root and bark of Africa black velvet tamarind (Diallum guineense. International Journal of academic research and development.