Entandrophragma angolense
What's the taxonomical classification of Entandrophragma angolense?
Entandrophragma angolense belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the evolutionary lineage of the order Sapindales. This plant is further categorized under the family Meliaceae, which is known for its diverse woody species. Within this family, it is placed in the genus Entandrophragma, with its specific identification being the species angolense.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Entandrophragma |
| Species | angolense |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Entandrophragma angolense has a large, woody trunk with smooth, greyish bark and a spreading crown of dense, dark green foliage. The leaves are typically elliptic or oblong in shape, featuring entire margins and prominent pinnate venation. Small, inconspicuous flowers emerge from the axils of the branches to facilitate pollination. The plant produces woody capsules that contain numerous small, winged seeds designed for wind dispersal. These morphological traits allow the species to thrive in the diverse ecological niches of African tropical forests.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of central and western Africa, specifically spanning across countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea. It thrives primarily within the humid lowland regions where dense canopy cover provides consistent shade. The species is most frequently encountered in the moist, equatorial belt that characterizes the Congo Basin. Its presence is closely tied to specific soil moisture levels and high annual rainfall patterns found in these equatorial zones. Consequently, its distribution remains restricted to these stable, high-humidity forest ecosystems.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Entandrophragma angolense, requires deep, well-drained soils and a tropical climate with high annual rainfall for successful cultivation.
It thrives in lowland rainforest environments where it can access consistent moisture and dappled sunlight during its early growth stages. Growers must ensure the soil remains nutrient-rich to support its development into a large, canopy-forming tree. Proper spacing is essential to accommodate its expansive root system and eventual massive stature.
Once established, the species is relatively hardy but benefits from protection against extreme drought or frost.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Entandrophragma angolense is utilized medicinally through its bark, leaves, and seeds to treat various ailments. The bark is often decocted to address internal issues such as digestive complaints or inflammation. Its leaves can be applied topically or prepared as a tea to soothe skin irritations and fevers. The seeds are also incorporated into traditional remedies to manage specific health conditions. Together, these diverse parts provide a comprehensive medicinal resource for local communities.
According to a study published by "Natural product research", the bark of Entandrophragma angolense was used to isolate two new triterpenoids, entanolide (1) and methyl 3,4-secotirucalla-23-oxo-4(28),7,24-trien-21-al-3-oate (2). These were found alongside nine known compounds (3-11) from the plant bark. Compounds 1-6 and 8 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells. Among these, compounds 2-5 exhibited weak activities.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- leaf
- seeds
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Entandrophragma angolense, is utilized in various traditional African systems primarily as a significant component of folk medicine for treating diverse ailments. Local practitioners often prepare decoctions or infusions from its bark and leaves to address conditions such as malaria, skin infections, and digestive issues. The wood also holds historical importance in construction and tool making due to its durability and straight grain. Beyond its medicinal properties, certain parts of the tree are integrated into ritualistic practices within specific ethnic communities. These multifaceted uses demonstrate how the species serves both practical and therapeutic roles in historical social structures.
According to a study published by "Biological & pharmaceuatical bulletin", Entandrophragma angolense is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine against several diseases including peptic ulcer. Methyl angolensate was isolated from E. angolense by recrystallization from methanol. This compound was tested on isolated rabbit jejunum, guinea pig ileum and the rat fundus strip. The compound was also evaluated on the gastrointestinal transit in mice.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- folk medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Entandrophragma angolense?
This plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological activities including antidiabetic, antimalarial, cancer treatment, cytotoxicity, and spasmolytic properties. Researchers have identified its potential to regulate blood glucose levels, which supports its use in managing diabetes. The plant also exhibits potent antimalarial effects that can combat specific parasitic strains. Furthermore, its cytotoxic properties make it a subject of interest for developing new cancer treatments. Finally, its spasmolytic action helps in relaxing smooth muscles to relieve various types of physical spasms.
According to a study published by "African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM", fifteen crude extracts from the stem bark and seeds of four medicinal plants were tested in vitro. Among these plants was Entandrophragma angolense, which was evaluated for its antimalarial activity against the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum W2 strain. The results showed that the extracts of these plants possessed some antimalarial activity. Further isolation and identification of some active compounds from these plants will justify their common use in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria or fever in Cameroon.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antiadiabetic
- antimalarial
- cancer treatment
- cytotoxiicity
- spasmolytic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several unique medicinal compounds including entandrophins A-C, entanolide, methyl angolensate, stigmas-4-en-3-one, and various limonoids. These bioactive substances are primarily extracted from the bark and leaves of the species. The entandrophins represent a specific group of specialized metabolites that distinguish this plant from others in its genus. Additionally, the presence of limonoids suggests that the plant possesses significant pharmacological potential for various therapeutic uses. Research into these specific chemical structures continues to reveal how they interact with biological systems.
According to a study published by "Fitoterapia", the bark of Entandrophragma angolense contains three new protolimonoids called entandrophins A-C (1-3) along with two known compounds, methyl angolensate (4) and stigmas-4-en-3-one (5). These isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. While compounds 1-4 displayed very weak activity against HepG2 cells, compounds 2 and 3 exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibition. Specifically, compound 2 showed an IC50 value of 57.5 ± 1.5 μM. Compound 3 demonstrated an IC50 value of 32.5 ± 0.9 μM.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- entandrophins A-C
- entanolide
- methyl angolensate
- stigmas-4-en-3-one
- limonoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cancer, diabetes, fever, malaria, and peptic ulcers. Traditional healers utilize various parts of the Entandrophragma angolense to manage these diverse medicinal needs. The extracts are often prepared to help regulate blood sugar levels in patients suffering from diabetic symptoms. It is also frequently applied to reduce high temperatures associated with fever and the complications of malaria. Furthermore, the plant serves as a remedy for soothing the digestive tract in cases of peptic ulcers.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Entandrophragma angolense is one of 5 plant species identified in group I for very frequent use. This plant was among 151 plant species used for cancer treatment by healers in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The study involved 85 traditional healers in 10 communities, as well as 7 healers located outside the region. Entandrophragma angolense belongs to the plant family Meliaceae, which is characterized by the presence of limonoids. This species was included in the top-22 plants identified during the ethnopharmacological survey.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- diabetes
- fever
- malaria
- peptic ulcer
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as leaf extract to treat various ailments including malaria, fever, and skin infections. The leaves are often crushed or boiled in water to release active compounds that possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Practitioners may also prepare decoctions from the bark to address digestive issues or systemic pain. These preparations are central to traditional medicine in several African regions where the species is native. Local healers carefully control the concentration of the extract to ensure therapeutic efficacy for the patient.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", three triterpenoidal compounds were isolated from the leaves of Entandrophragma angolense. These compounds were structurally elucidated through the use of mass and NMR spectroscopy. The isolated substances belong to the tiruca plane group. Within this group, 2 of the compounds possess the rare seco-ring-A feature. The study discusses the phytochemical data from both chemotaxonomic and biogegetic points of view.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- leaf extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, skin rashes, and potential toxicity if consumed in uncontrolled amounts. The chemical compounds present in the bark and leaves may trigger allergic reactions when applied topically to sensitive areas. Some users have reported nausea or abdominal discomfort after ingesting preparations derived from its tissues. Because the concentration of bioactive alkaloids varies, the risk of systemic toxicity remains a significant concern for those using it medicinally. Careful monitoring is essential to avoid these unpredictable physiological responses.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Entandrophragma angolense?
This plant Entandrophragma angolense is traditionally paired with various medicinal herbs such as Zingiber officinale and various species of Aloe to enhance its therapeutic effects.
These combinations are often prepared as decoctions or topical poultices to treat ailments like skin infections and digestive issues. Practitioners frequently mix the bark or leaves with aromatic herbs to improve the flavor and potency of the medicinal brews. The synergistic properties of these pairings are believed to increase the absorption of active compounds within the body.
Such herbal synergies play a crucial role in the traditional ethnobotanical practices of the regions where this tree grows.