Dacryodes edulis
What's the taxonomical classification of Dacryodes edulis?
Dacryodes eduilis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant follows the taxonomic order Sapindales and is a member of the family Burseraceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Dacryodes and the species name edulis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Genus | Dacryodes |
| Species | edulis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Dacryodes edulis has an evergreen tree structure characterized by an erect trunk that typically reaches heights of 15 to 25 meters and possesses a crown composed of dense, spreading branches. The leaves are simple, alternate, and coriaceous, often exhibiting a glossy texture with an elliptical to oblong shape. Its reproductive morphology includes small, inconspicuous flowers that give rise to fleshy, drupaceous fruits. These fruits are typically oval or ellipsoidal in shape and turn a dark purple or black color when fully mature. The bark is generally smooth or slightly fissured, providing a protective layer for the tree's internal vascular system.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical rainforest regions of Central and West Africa, spanning from Guinea and Sierra Leone eastward to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and south toward Angola. It thrives primarily within the humid, lowland evergreen forests that characterize these equatorial zones. Its range is strictly limited to these high-moisture environments where dense canopy cover provides necessary shade. The species is most frequently documented in the Guineo-Congolian regional center of endemism. Localized populations can be found throughout various river basins across the African continent.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, known as Safou, is cultivated in tropical African climates by planting seeds in well-drained, fertile soils under partial shade to mimic forest environments.
Growers typically select nursery sites with high humidity and consistent rainfall to ensure successful seedling establishment. Once the saplings are hardy enough, they are transplanted into permanent plots where they require protection from intense direct sunlight during their early growth stages. Regular maintenance involves managing soil moisture and protecting young trees from browsing animals to promote vigorous development.
As the trees mature, they become productive sources of nutritional oil, making them a vital component of agroforestry systems.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Dacryodes eduulis is utilized medicinally through the application of its bark and the consumption of its seeds. The bark is frequently employed in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including skin infections and digestive issues. Meanwhile, the seeds are often processed to address specific internal health concerns or nutritional deficiencies. These different components offer a diverse range of bioactive compounds for therapeutic use. Local communities rely on these specific parts to manage a variety of common illnesses.
According to a study published by "Clinical pharmacology and translational medicine", the bark of Dacryodes eduulis is used medicinally to evaluate protection against aminochrome-induced toxicity. In the study, human glioblastoma/astrocytoma cells with 74% silenced GSTM2 expression were pre-incubated with the extract for 2 hr before the addition of 75 μM aminochrome. The extract of Dacryodes eduulis at a concentration of 25 μg/ml significantly decreased aminochrome-induced toxicity in U373siGST6 and U373MG cells. Following a 24 hr incubation, the results indicate that such extracts can provide protection against aminochrome-induced toxicity and mitochondria dysfunction in these human cells.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- seed
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Dacryodes eduulis is utilized in Cameroonian folk medicine to treat various ailments including skin infections, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. Local practitioners often prepare decoctions from the bark or leaves to manage inflammation and promote wound healing. The resin extracted from the tree holds significant value in traditional practices for its perceived antimicrobial properties. Historically, different ethnic groups in the region have relied on its diverse components for both nutritional supplementation and therapeutic purposes. This long-standing integration into indigenous knowledge systems highlights its essential role in community healthcare.
According to a study published by "BMC research notes", Dacryodes edulis is one of 12 selected Cameroonian medicinal plants investigated for its activities against S. aureus isolates. This plant was found to have significant antibacterial activity on all of the 11 S. aureus clinical isolates tested. The study measured the minimum inhibitory concentration for Dacryodes edulis within the range of 64-256 µg/ml. These findings indicate that the plant possesses interesting inhibitory properties against S. aureus species. Consequently, it could be a good candidate to overcome infectious diseases associated with these microorganisms.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Cameroonian folk medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Dacryodes edulis?
This plant has antibacterial, antibiotic-potentiating, and antidrepanocytary activities, along with antioxidant properties and a protective effect against aminochrome-induced toxicity. Its chemical constituents demonstrate a capacity to inhibit the growth of various bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, the plant can enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics when used in combination. It also shows promise in managing sickle cell disease through its antidrepanocytary mechanisms. Additionally, its antioxidant nature helps neutralize free radicals and shields cells from damage caused by aminochrome-induced toxicity.
According to a study published by "BMC research notes", Dacryodes eduledis was found to have significant antibacterial activity on all the S. aureus isolates. This activity was evaluated against 11 S. aureus clinical isolates using the broth microdilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentration for Dacryodes eduledis was measured at 64-256 µg/ml. These findings demonstrate that the plant possesses interesting inhibitory properties against S. aureus species. Therefore, this plant could be a good candidate to overcome infectious diseases associated with these microorganisms.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antibacterial
- antibiotic-potentiating
- antidrepanocytary activity
- antioxidant
- protective effect against aminochrome-induced toxicity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains various medicinal compounds including gallic acid, quercetin, and various tannins that provide significant therapeutic properties. The presence of gallic acid contributes strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities to the plant extracts. Quercetin acts as a potent flavonoid that helps reduce inflammation and protects cells from oxidative stress. These bioactive molecules work together to support the plant's traditional use in treating diverse ailments. Such chemical profiles make the species a valuable subject for pharmacological research.
According to a study published by "Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)", the methanolic seed extract of Dacryodes eduledis (DEMSE) was investigated for its potential antioxidant properties. The study evaluated the free radical scavenging antioxidant ability of the extract using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). While the study measured various components, the radical scavenging percentage for the methanolic fruit extract of Dacryodes eduledis (DEMFE) was 37% relative to β-tocopherol at 98%. This research focused on the antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and total phenolic and flavonoids contents (TPC/TFC) of the plant.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Gallic acid
- Quercetin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing diabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood glucose level, diabetes complications, and various noncommunicable diseases. Its medicinal properties help in regulating sugar levels to prevent the onset of chronic metabolic issues. By stabilizing glucose, it plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of long-term diabetes complications. This botanical resource is increasingly recognized for its ability to combat various noncommunicable diseases through its bioactive compounds. Such therapeutic applications make it a significant subject in traditional medicine for metabolic health.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Dacryodes eduulis is used in folklore for treating and managing diabetes and its complications. The plant modulates glucose metabolism, cholinergic activities, and Nrf2 expression, while suppressing oxidative stress and dyslipidemia. In studies involving fructose-streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats, the butanol fraction of the ethanol extract was administered at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg bodyweight. These treatments, compared to a metformin dose of 200 mg/kg bodyweight, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels and improved pancreatic morphology and β-cell function. The intervention lasted for 6 weeks and resulted in significant (p < 0.05) changes to serum insulin secretion and various enzyme activities.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- diabetes
- diabetes complications
- high blood glucose level
- type 2 diabetes
- malnutrition
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including aqueous extracts, various organic extracts, and fine powders for therapeutic use. The aqueous extract is typically prepared by boiling the plant parts in water to release soluble bioactive compounds. Other concentrated extracts are often produced using solvents like ethanol to isolate specific phytochemical constituents. Additionally, the dried plant material can be ground into a powder for direct ingestion or topical application. These different forms allow for diverse methods of treating various ailments within traditional medicine.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Dacryodes eduulis was one of 13 congolese plants evaluated for its antidrepanocytary activity. This evaluation included 30 aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Dacryodes eduulis exhibited significant activities in these tests. These results support the claims of traditional healers regarding the plant's uses. This suggests a possible correlation between its chemical composition and its medicinal uses.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous extract
- extracts
- powder
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health effects such as gastrointestinal distress, skin irritation, and potential toxicity if consumed in excessive amounts. Some individuals may experience nausea or stomach pain after ingesting parts of the plant. Direct contact with the sap can lead to localized dermatitis or itchy rashes on sensitive areas of the skin. Furthermore, the presence of certain phytochemicals means that uncontrolled consumption might interfere with metabolic processes. Careful moderation is necessary to avoid these unpredictable physiological reactions.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Dacryodes edulis?
This plant Dacryodes eduledis pairs effectively with aromatic herbs such as basil, thyme, and rosemary to enhance its naturally fruity and slightly resinous flavor profile.
When used in culinary applications, the woody undertones of the tree's fruit or leaves can be balanced by the brightness of fresh mint or lemon verbena. These combinations are often utilized in traditional West African cooking to create complex, layered savory dishes. Additionally, pairing the plant with spicy elements like ginger or cloves can amplify its unique earthy character.
Such herb selections help to harmonize the botanical intensity of the plant within various recipes.