Carapa procera
Carapa procera · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Carapa procera is a versatile medicinal plant whose therapeutic potential is derived from its leaves, fruits, and roots. The plant contains significant bioactive compounds, including saponins, steroids, and tannins, which contribute to its diverse pharmacological properties. It is widely utilized for its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antimalarial activities, making it effective against various bacterial infections and malaria. Beyond medicinal use, preparations such as oily ointments allow the plant to serve important roles in the cosmetic industry. Traditional preparations like Touloucouna and various chloroform fractions are also employed to address conditions ranging from anemia to repelling ants.
- Synonyms
- Xylocarpus Procerus · Zurloa Insignis · 12 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Carapa procera is a botanical species known by a diverse array of regional names across different cultures. In certain areas, it is frequently referred to by the common name Kobi. Another widely recognized designation for this plant is karapa urastená. Its linguistic reach even extends to different scripts, as it is also known as 楂楝. These varied names reflect the significant importance and widespread distribution of this unique plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Carapa procera is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, this species is frequently associated with the name Afzelia splendens. It is also linked to several other designations, including Carapa guineensis and Carapa gummiflua. Furthermore, researchers may encounter it documented as Carapa guyanensis in various contexts. Finally, the plant is identified by the specific variety Carapa procera var. gentilii, illustrating its intricate classification history.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Carapa procera is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the order Sapindales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Carapa, it possesses specific structural characteristics inherent to its group. Finally, this plant is a distinguished representative of the Meliaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Carapa |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Carapa procera is a notable species found throughout the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its geographical footprint extends across several key nations, including Burkina Faso and the Gambia. The plant also maintains a significant presence within the borders of Ghana and Guinea. Furthermore, its natural distribution reaches into the coastal regions of Guinea-Bissau. This widespread occurrence highlights the importance of the species within the West African ecosystem.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Carapa procera is a self-supporting plant that establishes itself through a robust tree growth form. This species can reach a maximum height of 17.5 meters under certain conditions. However, in ideal environments, it is capable of growing even larger, reaching a peak height of up to 30 meters. These dimensions make it a significant feature within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Carapa procera is a versatile medicinal plant that demonstrates significant biological activity across various applications. Research highlights its potent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, showing effectiveness against various pathogens including Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. In ethnobotanical studies, the plant is highly valued for its antimalarial qualities and its use in traditional medicine. Furthermore, its vegetable oil serves as a practical insect repellent against mosquitoes, flies, and ants. Beyond these medicinal benefits, Carapa procera is also widely prized for its various cosmetic uses.
Compounds
Carapa procera serves as a significant source of diverse phytochemical constituents within its bark. Detailed investigations into its methanolic extract have confirmed the presence of essential bioactive compounds. Specifically, the plant contains saponins, which contribute to its complex chemical profile. Furthermore, the analysis identified the presence of both steroids and tannins in the bark. These findings highlight the botanical importance of the species for both medicinal and nutritional applications.
Conditions
Carapa procera demonstrates significant medicinal value through its ability to treat the hepatitis C virus (HCV) using active tannins. Research indicates that this plant is also used to treat anemia and possesses antimalarial properties. Furthermore, it serves an anti-fatigue purpose in traditional applications. The plant's vegetable oil is specifically recognized for its ability to treat ants by acting as an effective insect repellent.
Preparations
Carapa procera is prepared as Touloucouna, a traditional substance used in Senegal that has been linked to deep skin burns. This plant is also processed into an oily ointment, which can cause inflammation due to the presence of cyclic terpenes in its berries. In scientific studies, the plant is prepared as chloroform fractions to investigate its toxicological and anti-plasmodial effects. Researchers have further utilized the chloroform fraction of the 100% ethanol extract of the leaves for medicinal assessment. Additionally, Carapa procera is prepared as vegetable oil, which is highly valued in Côte d'Ivoire for its cosmetic and insect repellent properties.
Parts used
Carapa procera is a multipurpose oil tree species that offers various components for medicinal, cosmetic, and traditional uses. Research indicates that the leaves of this plant possess significant anti-plasmodial activity, making them a potential candidate for malaria treatment. Beyond the foliage, the fruit—specifically the nuts and berries—serves as a vital resource, though certain components like cyclic terpenes can cause skin inflammation. The plant's utility also extends to its roots, which are among the parts traditionally exploited by local populations for diverse socio-cultural purposes. Collectively, these various parts demonstrate the complex biological and economic importance of the species in its native habitats.