Entandrophragma cylindricum

Sapele

Entandrophragma cylindricum, commonly known as the African mahogany, is a significant medicinal plant found in tropical rainforests. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, various parts of this tree are utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to inflammatory conditions, showcasing its immense pharmacological potential.

  • Scientific name: Entandrophragma cylindricum
  • Family: Meliaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified in the family Meliaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Entandrophragma.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Meliaceae WCVP
Genus Entandrophragma WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Entandrophragma cylindricum, is recognized by various regional and international names depending on the language. In English, it is most commonly referred to as Sapele, while in Polish it is known as Sapele, and in Hungarian, it is called Sapelli. Similar phonetic variations are used in other languages, such as Sapeli in Dutch and Galician, whereas in Russian, the plant is identified by its transliterated name, Энтандрофрагма цилиндрическая.
Language Common Name Source
pl Sapele Wikidata
ru Энтандрофрагма цилиндрическая Wikidata
hu Sapelli Wikidata
nl Sapeli Wikidata
gl Sapeli Wikidata
fa ماهون ستونی Wikidata
uk Ентандрофрагма циліндрична Wikidata
ja サペリ Wikidata
zh-hant 紅影木 Wikidata
zh-hans 红影木 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Entandrophragma cylindricum, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented within the borders of Ghana, where it thrives in local ecosystems. It can also be found growing in the diverse landscapes of Guinea. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the Ivory Coast and Liberia. Finally, its geographical footprint is completed by its occurrence in Nigeria.

Region Area Source
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Nigeria WCVP
West Tropical Africa Sierra Leone WCVP
West Tropical Africa Togo WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Cabinda WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Central African Republic WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Entandrophragma cylindricum, is valued in traditional medicine for the specific components utilized in its preparation. The medicinal properties are primarily derived from the bark of the tree, which is carefully harvested for therapeutic use. Specifically, the stem bark is the most significant part employed, as it contains the concentrated bioactive compounds necessary for its healing applications.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Entandrophragma cylindricum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-catechin, ekeberin D2, epicatechin, flavonoid, sapelenin G.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(+)-catechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ekeberin D2 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epicatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sapelenin G 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Entandrophragma cylindricum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antipyretic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Entandrophragma cylindricum has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Chikungunya virus infection, Plasmodium berghei, inflammation, malaria.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Chikungunya virus infection 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Plasmodium berghei 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆