Bridelia scleroneura

Bridelia scleroneura, commonly known as the "wild olive" in certain regions, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical forests. Renowned in traditional medicine, its leaves, bark, and roots are utilized to treat diverse ailments, including inflammation, digestive issues, and skin infections, offering significant pharmacological potential.

  • Scientific name: Bridelia scleroneura
  • Family: Phyllanthaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malpighiales and the family Phyllanthaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Bridelia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Phyllanthaceae WCVP
Genus Bridelia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Bridelia scleroneura, is known by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the hard-leaved brideia, while in French, it is known as brideia à feuilles dures. Locally, in Swahili, it is called mkwaju mwekundu, and in various West African contexts, it is identified as kwaye.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, known as Bridelia scleroneura, exhibits a specific distribution across the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing naturally within the borders of Benin. Additionally, its presence extends into the country of Burkina Faso. The species is also documented to inhabit parts of Ghana and Guinea. Finally, its geographical range includes the territory of Ivory Coast.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mauritania WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Togo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Burundi WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Central African Republic WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Bridelia scleroneura, is recognized in traditional medicine for the therapeutic properties found within its various components, most notably the stem bark. The stem bark is frequently harvested and utilized in decoctions or topical applications to treat various ailments, leveraging the specific phytochemical compounds concentrated within its tissues. By focusing on this particular part of the plant, practitioners can extract the bioactive elements necessary for its medicinal efficacy.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Bridelia scleroneura has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ethyl acetate.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
ethyl acetate 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Bridelia scleroneura has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antinociceptive.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antinociceptive 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Bridelia scleroneura has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include abdominal pain, arthritis, inflammation.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
abdominal pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆