Seeds
Baobab seeds contain high concentrations of oxalates (10%), phytate (2%) and saponins (3-7%) (Nkafamiya et al., 2007; Belewu et al., 2008). Trypsin inhibitors have also been found (5.7 TIU/mg; Osman, 2004) but can be reduced by 85% by alkali treatment (Bosch et al., 2004). Whole seeds contain amylase inhibitors and tannins (Igboeli et al., 1997; Osman, 2004). No tannins or condensed tannins where found in the dehulled seed (Belewu et al., 2008). Roasting, hot water, hot alkali, and acid treatments significantly reduced the tannin content while roasting, dehulling, cold water, and hot alkali treatments also reduced amylase inhibitor activity (Igboeli et al., 1997). It is probable that some of these antinutritional factors are also found in the oil meal.
Leaves
Baobab leaves contain large amounts of tannins. Reported tannin content (as tannic acid) is in the 2-12% range (AFZ, 2011; Fall Touré et al., 1998; Bosch et al., 2004). Condensed tannins (as catechin) are in the 0.03-0.1% range (AFZ, 2011).