The Bush Onion (Afrostyrax lepidophyllus) plant is an unconventional
tropical West African plant characterized by a strong onion-like aroma. It is a member
of the Huaceae family, and its bark is used as food sauces, condiments, spices, and
flavorings due to its strong aroma. The seed is used trado-medicinally to treat venereal
diseases and gastro-enteric diseases and as a laxative and mouthwash. It also has anticancer, antioxidant, estrogenic and insecticidal properties. These effects have been
attributed to its content of phytochemical compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids,
glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, and anthocyanins. It also contains appreciable
concentrations of certain important phytonutrients. Its potential as an affordable
nutritive source of non-synthetic constituents can be exploited as a valuable
contribution to food and medicine sources, especially in the developing world.
Keywords: Antioxidant, Bush onion, Estrogenic, Medicinal, Phytonutrients, Unconventional.
