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Herb library · Spice · Parkia biglobosa

Dawadawa (African locust bean)

A seasoning made by fermenting the seeds of the African locust bean tree, a key part of the diet in northern Ghana. No study has tested it in people; market testing in Ghana found a low level of mold toxin in samples sold there.

Traditional use

The seeds are fermented into dawadawa, a key part of the diet in northern Ghana. The tree, native to West Africa, is also used in West African medicine for diarrhea and other infections, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, according to a 2024 review.

What studies show

  • Insufficient

    Blood pressure, blood sugar and infections: a 2024 review describes laboratory and animal studies only and says more research is needed before clinical use. No study has tested dawadawa in people.

Be careful of

Cautions

  • NoteMold toxins: in a 2022 study of Ghanaian market samples, dawadawa had a measurable mycotoxin level (about 2.1 µg/kg). Buy from a clean, trusted source and store it dry.
  • NoteComposition varies: in a 2025 Ghanaian study, fat and protein differed between the six communities sampled, and home-made dawadawa carried more kinds of bacteria than commercial samples.
  • Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.

Sources

  1. Toxicogenic Fungi, Aflatoxins, and Antimicrobial Activities Associated with Some Spices and Herbs from Three Selected Markets in Ho Municipality, Ghana (Int J Food Sci, 2022) (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
  2. Microbial Diversity, Nutritional Composition, and Health Implications of Fermented Locust Bean Seed (Dawadawa) From Ghana (Int J Food Sci, 2025) (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
  3. Contemporary Insights into the Biological Mechanisms of Parkia biglobosa (Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2024) (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026

Reviewed September 25, 2026.