Ricinoden dronheudelotii (Njangsa): Composition, Nutritional Values and Product

Locally known as ‘Njangsa’, Ricinodendron heudelotii refers to groundnut trees with an oily seed that grows widely in Central and West Africa in countries such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria. R. heudellotii or Njangsa serves as one of the significant sources of non-timber forest products of Tropical Africa as it serves a wide range of commodities to the local population. Usage ranges from traditional medicine to home consumption and even local crafts. The seeds, for instance, are marketed locally and exported to Europe. This chapter discusses the phytochemical composition, nutritional values and products of R. heudelotii that have been studied as well as used for traditional practices. R. heudelotii is widely used as traditional medicine for treating cough, yellow fever, anemia, malaria, stomach pain, and intestinal diseases and neutralizing poisons. Throughout this chapter, the discussed scientific findings could further support the application of R. heudelotii in traditional medicine.