Entada abyssinica

Entada abyssinica, commonly known as the African Sea Bean, is a vigorous woody climber native to tropical Africa. Renowned in ethnobotany, this medicinal plant is frequently utilized in traditional practices to treat various ailments, including skin infections and digestive issues, offering significant therapeutic potential for modern pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Entada abyssinica
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Entada abyssinica, is classified within the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It belongs to the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Fabales. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and the genus Entada.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Entada WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Entada abyssinica, is referred to by various local names depending on the linguistic region. In Kinyarwanda, it is commonly called Umusange or Umusangasange, while in Luganda, it is known as Omwolola, and it is identified as Ʒugulikukui in Dagbani.
Language Common Name Source
rw Umusange Wikidata
lg Omwolola Wikidata
dag Ʒugulikukui Wikidata
rw Umusangasange Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the West Tropical Africa region. Within this expansive zone, it can be found growing in the country of Benin. Its range also extends to include the territories of Burkina and Gambia. Additionally, the species is documented as being present in Ghana. Finally, its geographical footprint reaches into the nation of Guinea.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone WCVP
West Tropical Africa Togo WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Entada abyssinicca, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties in traditional medicine. The stem bark is frequently harvested for its medicinal compounds, often used in decoctions to treat various ailments. Similarly, the root bark serves as a potent source of bioactive substances, valued for its specific healing applications in local practices. Additionally, the leaves are employed in various preparations, contributing to the plant's diverse pharmacological profile.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
7
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 5 ★★★☆☆
rootbark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Entada abyssinica has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, terpenoids, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl icosanoate, 24-hydroxytormentic acid, Ursolic acid.

Total chemicals
11
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
2,3-dihydroxypropyl icosanoate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
24-hydroxytormentic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Ursolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chondrillasterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
entadamide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kolavenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
monoglyceride 1 ★☆☆☆☆
monomethyl kolavate 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Entada abyssinica has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antiplasmodial.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiplasmodial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Entada abyssinica has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Helicobacter pylori, Semliki forest virus, bacteria, bacterial infections, diarrhea.

Total uses
10
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Helicobacter pylori 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Semliki forest virus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bacteria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bacterial infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fevers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammations 1 ★☆☆☆☆
parasites 1 ★☆☆☆☆
viruses 1 ★☆☆☆☆