Tylosema esculentum (Burchell) A. Schreiber

Tylosema esculentum is an underutilised leguminous plant native to the Kalahari Desert and neighbouring sandy regions of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. The seed forms part of the diet of the indigenous population in these countries due to being an excellent source of excellent quality protein (29–39%) and oil content (24–48%), which contains no cholesterol. It is commonly used for the treatment of various skin conditions due to the beneficial oil content. It is also reported to be a potential source of phytonutrients including phenolic compounds, trypsin inhibitors, phytates and oligosaccharide components that are well-known to contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some cancers. There is evidence of the seed coat and cotyledon preventing the progression of rotavirus, antibacterial and anticandidal effects. Though many compounds of interest have been identified in this plant, further research may yield more robust findings for medicinal use.