Origin

Africa

Folk medicinal uses

The plant - The plant is known to be very bitter (Uphof, 1968). The whole plant is used to treat syphilitic chancre~ (Staner and Boutique, 1937).

Bark and leaves - In the Congo Republic (Brazzaville) the north-west Koongo use a decoction of the bark and leaves for gastrointestinal conditions and as a vermifuge.

The root - The root bark taken throughout the day is used to treat bronchial pneumonia. The root bark taken throughout the day is used to treat bronchial pneumonia. The dried and powdered root bark is also used to dress wounds. The root bark is used as an inhalant and as a febrifuge and antirheumatic. An infusion of the root bark is drunk for gonococcal infections (Bouquet, 1969). A root-bark extract is used as a vermifuge and to treat bronchial conditions (Raponda-Walker and Sillans, 1961). In Zaire similar uses are made of the plant. An infusion of the root is used to treat bronchial illness and as a febrifuge.

Leaves – Teke women drink the juice of the leaves to treat period pains

Wood, leaves, and roots - In Gabon infusions of the wood, leaves, and roots are taken as a tonic and febrifuge (Dalziel, 1948).

Some medicinal forest plants of Africa and Latin America 67/ FAO. – FAO: Rome, 1986. – p. 194.