Entandrophragma utile
What's the taxonomical classification of Entandrophragma utile?
Entandrophragma utile belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, this plant is organized under the order Sapindales. It further falls into the family Meliaceae, which is the specific group to which the genus Entandrophragma is assigned. Ultimately, the precise biological identity of this organism is defined by its specific designation as the species utile.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Entandrophragma |
| Species | utile |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Entandrophragma utile has a large woody habit characterized by a straight trunk, smooth grey bark, and a crown of spreading branches. The leaves are opposite, elliptical to oblong, and possess an entire margin with a distinctly coriaceous texture. Small, white, fragrant flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves in clusters. The fruit is a woody capsule that typically contains several small, brown seeds. These morphological features allow the tree to thrive within the competitive environment of tropical rainforest canopies.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, spanning from Guinea and Sierra Leone in the west to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the east. It thrives within the humid lowland basins where dense canopy cover provides necessary shade. Its range primarily encompasses equatorial regions characterized by high annual rainfall and consistent temperatures. Within these ecosystems, the species is often found in undisturbed primary forests or along riverbanks. These specific environmental conditions dictate the limits of its natural distribution across the African continent.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Entandrophragma utile requires deep, well-drained, fertile soils and high humidity levels to thrive in tropical forest environments.
It is best cultivated in warm climates where consistent moisture and partial shade mimic its natural understory habitat. Growers should ensure the soil remains moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Regular applications of organic compost can support its growth by providing necessary nutrients.
As it matures, the plant develops a robust structure suitable for large landscape features.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Entrophragma utile provides medicinal value through its bark, leaves, and roots. The bark is frequently harvested to prepare decoctions used for treating various ailments. Additionally, the leaves are often employed in traditional remedies to address specific health concerns. Some practitioners also utilize the root components to create therapeutic preparations. These different parts work together to provide a diverse range of medicinal applications.
According to a study published by "The Nigerian postgraduate medical journal", the aqueous bark extract of Entandrophragma utile is used as a Nigerian traditional medicinal preparation for ulcers. In experiments, the aqueous fresh bark extract or the decolorized extract was perfused intragastrically for 2 h at a rate of 1.5 x 10(-3) g kg(-1) h(-1). While mean basal acid output per 0.5 h was 20.2 ± 1.9 mEq and peak measurements fluctuated between 114 - 117 mEq 0.5h(-1), Entandrophragma utile prevented the rise to peak output produced by histamine. Using a 2-tailed paired t-test, the inhibitory effects of the extract were significant (p<0.05) at 60 min. Furthermore, Entandrophragma utile caused significantly greater inhibition of histamine stimulated gastric acid output than cimetidine at 120 min (p<0.05).
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Entandrophragma utile, is traditionally utilized in various African cultures for its medicinal, structural, and ritualistic properties.
Local communities frequently harvest its durable timber to construct essential housing, furniture, and tools due to its strength and resistance to decay. The bark and leaves are often prepared as decoctions to treat ailments such as stomach pains, skin infections, and digestive issues. In certain spiritual practices, parts of the tree are integrated into ceremonies to invoke protection or honor ancestors.
These historical applications reflect a deep-seated reliance on the species for both physical survival and cultural identity.
What are the pharmacological activities of Entandrophragma utile?
This plant has anti-malarial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antisecretory, and cytotoxic pharmacological activities. Its phytochemical constituents demonstrate significant capacity to neutralize free radicals through antioxidant mechanisms. The extracts also exhibit potent antiplasmodial and anti-malarial properties by targeting specific parasites. Furthermore, the plant shows antisecretory effects that can influence physiological fluid production. Research also indicates that its bioactive compounds possess cytotoxic properties useful in evaluating potential anti-cancer applications.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", Entandrophragma utile exhibits moderate anti-malarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum with an IC50 ranging from 32.81 to 100 μg/mL. The extracts from this plant demonstrated antioxidant activity within the range of 9.22 to 135.8 μg/mL. These extracts were found to be selective for Raw and Vero cells. Additionally, the plant extracts were not toxic to red blood cells.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-malarial
- antioxidant
- antiplasmodial
- antisecretory
- cytotoxic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive compounds including alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins that contribute to its medicinal properties. The presence of these specific phytochemicals allows the plant to exhibit significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Researchers have identified various secondary metabolites that may assist in treating inflammatory conditions or protecting against oxidative stress. These chemical constituents work together to support the traditional medicinal uses of the species in various botanical studies. Further investigation into these individual compounds continues to reveal their potential therapeutic applications in modern pharmacology.
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum infection, managing ulcers, and addressing compromised gastrointestinal mucosa and hypersecretory states. Its medicinal properties are particularly effective in combatting the parasites responsible for malaria symptoms. In the digestive system, it helps repair damaged tissue within the compromised gastrointestinal mucosa. The plant also aids in soothing the stomach lining to alleviate the pain associated with various ulcers. Additionally, it can be utilized to regulate hypersecretory states that lead to excessive acid production.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", Entandrophragma utile was investigated for its antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant properties. The plant exhibited moderate anti-malarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strains with an IC50 of 32.81-100 μg/mL. All extracts of the plant demonstrated antioxidant activity ranging from 9.22 to 135.8 μg/mL. These extracts were found to be selective for Raw and Vero cells and were not toxic to red blood cells.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Plasmodium falciparum infection
- compromised gastrointestinal mucosa
- hypersecretory states
- malaria
- ulcers
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as aqueous bark extract to treat various ailments. Practitioners often boil the bark in water to derive bioactive compounds for therapeutic use. These liquid decoctions are frequently employed to manage symptoms related to inflammation or digestive issues. The specific chemical constituents within the bark provide the foundation for these traditional remedies. Through this extraction process, the plant's healing properties are concentrated for oral or topical application.
According to a study published by "The Nigerian postgraduate medical journal", the aqueous bark extract of E. utile is a Nigerian traditional medicinal preparation used for ulcers. In experimental preparations, the aqueous fresh bark extract or the decolorized extract of E. utile was perfused intragastrically for 2 h at a rate of 1.5 x 10(-3) g kg(-1) h(-1). While histamine was infused for 2 h at a rate of 1 x 10(-4) g kg-1 min -1 to stimulate acid secretion, E. utile prevented the rise to a peak output that fluctuated within a range of 114 - 117 mEq 0.5h(-1). The inhibitory effects of E. utile were significant (p<0.05) at 60 min, and at 120 min, E. utile caused significantly greater inhibition of histamine stimulated gastric acid output than cimetidine (p<0.05). When the extract was given after peak output was established, gastric acidity fell to below the mean basal acid output of 20.2 ± 1.9 mEq per 0.5 h.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous bark extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health effects including skin irritation, digestive upset, and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. When applied topically, the extracts may trigger redness or itching on the surface of the skin. If ingested in improper doses, users might experience nausea or abdominal discomfort. Some people also report localized swelling or dermatological sensitivity after direct contact with the plant matter. Monitoring these reactions is essential for anyone exploring its medicinal or topical uses.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Entandrophragma utile?
This plant Entandrophragma utile is traditionally paired with herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and various aromatic leaves to enhance its medicinal properties in traditional wellness practices.
These combinations are often used in decoctions or topical applications to balance the plant's active compounds. Ginger is frequently added to soothe the digestive system when the plant is consumed. Turmeric is used alongside it to bolster anti-inflammatory effects during treatment.
Local practitioners select these specific pairings to tailor the potency of the herbal remedy to the specific needs of the patient.