Safou (African Pear)
fruit
Dacryodes edulis is a species of fruit tree in the family Burseraceae native to west-central Sub-Saharan Africa, known primarily for its edible fruit, which is both gathered from the wild and grown on plantations. Its various regional common names include safou, messa, plum (Cameroon), atanga, ube, elumi/rukuki (Nigeria), African pear, bush pear, African plum, nsafu, bush butter tree, and butterfruit, among others.
Conditions addressed
How to use
- Eat fresh, raw, or dried.
- Can be blended into smoothies, juiced, or added to salads and grain bowls.
Interactions & contraindications
May affect blood pressure
Watch for: Antihypertensive medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics)
Combined use can push blood pressure too high or too low — monitor readings if you take blood pressure medication.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
May affect immune activity
Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)
Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.
May have a stimulant effect
Watch for: Other caffeine-containing products, MAOIs, and stimulant medications (for ADHD or weight loss)
Additive stimulant effects can raise heart rate and blood pressure.