African Mahogany
Khaya grandifoliola · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (9 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
African Mahogany, scientifically known as Khaya grandiflora, is a majestic evergreen tree native to tropical Africa. Beyond its highly valued timber, this species holds significant medicinal importance. Various parts of the tree are traditionally used to treat ailments ranging from skin infections and inflammation to digestive issues and malaria.
Names
Common Names
- African Mahogany
- Benin Mahogany
- Large-leaved Mahogany
- Senegal Mahogany
- Benin-mahogany
- Beninwood
Regional and Traditional Names
French:
- Acajou
- Acajou
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Khaya grandifoliolaSynonyms
- Khaya grandis
- Khaya kerstingii
- Khaya dawei
- Khaya punchii
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 under the family Meliaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Khaya, where it is known as Khaya grandifolia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Meliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Khaya | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, Khaaya grandifoliola, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing within the borders of Benin and Burkina Faso. Additionally, its presence is documented throughout the country of Ghana. The species also extends its range into Guinea. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant includes the Ivory Coast.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| 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 | Togo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Khaya grandifoliola, is a large forest tree that is highly valued in traditional medicine, particularly for the therapeutic properties found within its stem bark. The stem bark is the primary part utilized for medicinal purposes, often being stripped from the trunk to be prepared as decoctions or infusions. In various traditional healing practices, this bark is employed to treat a wide range of ailments, including malaria, digestive issues, and inflammatory conditions, due to the presence of bioactive compounds contained within its fibrous layers.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| stem | Phytochemistry (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Khaya grandifoliola has 5 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | Heliyon (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Khaya grandifoliola has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Chikungunya virus infection, malaria.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Chikungunya virus infection | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro-ethanolic extract | Heliyon (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark | Phytochemistry (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |