
The concentration of these catechins in V.

BaumannAnalysis of the phenolic constituents of shea kernels has demonstrated the presence of quercetin, trans-cinnamic acid, and eight catechins (gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate), many of which are also found in green tea.

Shea butter also has phenolic components that function as antioxidants.ĭr. It also contains the fatty acids oleic and arachidic. These include palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acid.
#Simpleimage of shea butter skin
Shea butter contains fatty acids that have been shown to improve the skin barrier. 2,4 The use of shea butter in skin care is attributed to its hydrating qualities and reputed effectiveness in softening scars. 4 Given such purported properties, it is not surprising that demand for shea kernels and butter has steadily increased in recent years for various purposes, including use as food (particularly as a cocoa butter additive in chocolate) and in medical and cosmetic products. 3 Antioxidant activities have also been linked to V. 2 In addition, anecdotal success in treating keloids has been reported in association with traditional African remedies, including shea butter and boa constrictor oil.

Some indications in traditional Nigerian medicine include nasal congestion, scabies, and ulcers. It has long been used in traditional medicine in sub-Saharan West Africa (as far west as Mali) as well as parts of East Africa (as far east as Uganda and Ethiopia) for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Indigenous to Africa, Vitellaria paradoxa, better known as the shea or shi tree, is a member of the Sapotaceae family.
