Fruit

Sierra Leone Pear

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Sierra Leone Pear (*Dacryodes edulis*) fruit extract contains key bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. These compounds are believed to exert hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects, potentially by restoring pancreatic β-cell architecture and function.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryFruit

GroupFruit

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordsierra leone pear benefits

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports cardiovascular health by providing monounsaturated fats and reducing inflammation.

Modulates cholesterol levels through its unique fatty acid and phytosterol profile.

Nourishes skin by delivering vitamin E and antioxidants that protect against oxidative damage.

Enhances cognitive clarity by supporting neuroprotection and healthy blood flow to the brain.

Regulates blood sugar levels through its fiber content and metabolic-balancing compounds.

Promotes immune resilience via its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Sierra Leone Pear (Dacryodes edulis), also known as Safou, is an evergreen tree native to the tropical rainforests and coastal regions of West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria. Its fruit is a staple food and traditional medicine. It is a unique source of healthy fats and bioactive compounds, making it valuable for functional nutrition.

“Celebrated in traditional West African medicine, particularly among Igbo and Yoruba healers, Sierra Leone Pear has been used for heart vitality, skin health, and cognitive function. It symbolizes internal strength and wellness, often incorporated into longevity diets and immune-supporting elixirs.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Preliminary research indicates Sierra Leone Pear's potential in cardiovascular health, cholesterol modulation, and antioxidant activity, primarily from in vitro and animal studies. Further human clinical trials are needed to fully establish its efficacy and optimal dosages.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Monounsaturated fats - Vitamin E - Potassium, Magnesium, Iron - Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Carotenoids, Plant sterols, Tocopherols, Ellagitannins, Catechins, Saponins

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

The n-hexane fruit extract of Sierra Leone Pear contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, alongside saponins, glycosides, and steroids. These constituents are thought to contribute to its observed hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects. This action is hypothesized to involve the restoration of pancreatic β-cell architecture and function, potentially protecting or regenerating insulin-producing cells.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Preliminary research on Sierra Leone Pear has primarily involved in vitro and animal studies, indicating potential in cardiovascular health, cholesterol modulation, and antioxidant activity. Studies in alloxan-induced diabetic animal models suggest that its compounds may restore pancreatic β-cell function, leading to hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic outcomes. However, robust human clinical trials are still needed to fully establish its efficacy, optimal dosages, and comprehensive safety profile in humans.

Also Known As

Dacryodes edulisAfrican pearAfrican plumSafou

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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