Abstract

ALZATE TAMAYO, Luz María; ARTEAGA GONZALEZ, Diana María  and  JARAMILLO GARCES, Yamilé. Pharmacological properties of the carob tree (Hymenaea courbaril Linneaus) interesting for the food industry. Rev. Lasallista Investig. [online]. 2008, vol.5, n.2, pp.100-111. ISSN 1794-4449.

Hymenaea courbaril L., or carob tree, commonly known in Spanish as algarrobo, guapinol, locust, jatobá or courbaril, among many other names, is a huge forest tree that produces big and very hard pods containing a pulp with a penetrating scent, but this pulp is edible and the seeds of the fruit have a great size. It is well known because of its multiple antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic and nutritional properties, based on its chemical and bromatological characteristics. The pulp of this fruit contents a fiber rich in antioxidant substances and with a high capacity of water absorption. The great quantity of chemical substances found in the different parts of this plant makes it to be considered as an interesting source of future investigations, regarding the obtaining of natural preservatives, compounds with a capacity of water retention and ingredients with antioxidant capabilities that can be used in foods without any potential risk for the consumer's health.

Keywords : Carob tree; Hymenaea courbaril L; Pharmacological properties.

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