Khaya ivorensis
What's the taxonomical classification of Khaya ivorensis?
Khaya ivorensis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant is further organized into the order Sapindales and falls within the family Meliaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Khaya, with its unique designation being the species ivorensis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Khaya |
| Species | ivorensis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Khaya ivorensis has large, pinnately compound leaves that typically measure 20 to 40 centimeters in length and feature 7 to 15 pairs of oblong, leathery leaflets. The tree reaches immense heights, often exceeding 40 meters, and develops a straight, cylindrical trunk with smooth, greyish bark. Its crown is dense and spreading, providing a heavy canopy of dark green foliage. The flowers are small and white, appearing in clusters, while the fruit consists of woody, ovoid capsules that split open to release winged seeds. These seeds are dispersed by the wind to facilitate reproduction across its tropical forest habitat.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical rainforest regions of West and Central Africa, spanning from Sierra Leone and Liberia through to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is primarily found in lowland evergreen forests where moisture and temperature levels remain consistently high. Its distribution follows the equatorial belt, favoring areas with heavy annual rainfall and nutrient-rich soils. Populations are often scattered across diverse river basins within these humid forest ecosystems. This specific range makes the species a characteristic component of the Guineo-Congolian phytochorion.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, known as the African mahogany, requires deep, well-drained soils and a humid tropical climate with consistent rainfall to thrive.
Seedlings should be planted in partial shade to protect them from intense direct sunlight during their early growth stages. They grow best in nutrient-rich environments where organic matter is plentiful to support their slow development. Regular monitoring of soil moisture is essential to prevent waterlogging while ensuring the roots do not dry out completely.
Once established, these trees can become large canopy components in forest ecosystems or managed plantations.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Khaya ivorensis provides medicinal value through its leaves, stem bark, and twigs. The leaves are often harvested to prepare infusions used for various therapeutic purposes. Extracts from the stem bark are utilized in traditional remedies to treat specific ailments. Additionally, the twigs serve as important components in decoctions for healing. These different parts are integrated into local medicinal practices to address diverse health concerns.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", the twigs and leaves of Khaya ivorensis were used to isolate nine previously unreported phragmalin-type limonoid orthoesters named ivorenoids G-O (1-9) and seventeen known analogues (10-26). These compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against 5 human cancer cell lines, which included HL-60, A-549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW480. Compound 15 exhibited cytotoxicity against A549 and SMMC-7721 cell lines with IC50 values of 14.0 ± 0.4 μM and 14.9 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. Additionally, compound 22 showed cytotoxicity against SW480 cells with an IC50 value of 7.5 ± 0.2 μM, while compound 25 displayed cytotoxicity against A549 cells with an IC50 of 14.6 ± 1.9 μM. These limonoid orthoesters derived from Khaya ivorensis serve as promising lead compounds for further anticancer drug development.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
- stem bark
- twigs
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Khaya ivorensis is utilized within Traditional African Medicine to treat various ailments through the application of its bark, leaves, and roots. Practitioners often prepare decoctions or infusions from the medicinal parts to manage symptoms such as stomach aches and fever. In many local communities, the tree is also valued for its spiritual significance and used in ritualistic ceremonies. Historical records indicate that the bark has been a primary component in topical treatments for skin conditions and wounds. These long-standing practices demonstrate the deep integration of the species into the cultural and healing frameworks of West and Central Africa.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the stem bark of Khaya ivorensis has a history of use in the traditional medicine of central Cameroon for the treatment and prevention of malaria. To replicate the dosage applied by traditional healers to cure patients or prevent the disease, treatment doses in the study ranged between 200 and 400mg/kg/day. When extracts of Khaya ivorensis were administered separately at a dosage of 400mg/kg, a reduction in parasitemia was obtained. Toxicity studies for the combination including Khaya ivorensis estimated the LD50 to be greater than 2779.5mg/kg. These findings regarding the therapeutic dosage and the wide interval before reaching a toxic dosage argue in favor of its use as an antimalarial prophylactic remedy.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional African Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Khaya ivorensis?
This plant has anticancer, antidiabetic, antimalarial, antiplasmodial, and cytotoxic pharmacological activities. Research indicates that its extracts demonstrate significant cytotoxic properties by inhibiting the growth of various malignant cell lines. These anticancer effects are closely linked to the plant's ability to disrupt cellular processes in tumor cells. Furthermore, the bioactive compounds found within Khaya ivorensis show potential in managing blood glucose levels for antidiabetic purposes. The plant also exhibits potent antimalarial and antiplasmodial actions, making it a candidate for treating parasitic infections.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", nine previously unreported phragmalin-type limonoid orthoesters named ivorenoids G-O (1-9) and seventeen known analogues (10-26) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Khaya ivorensis. Selected compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activities against 5 human cancer cell lines, including HL-60, A-549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW480. Compound 15 exhibited cytotoxicity against A549 and SMMC-7721 cell lines with IC50 values of 14.0 ± 0.4 μM and 14.9 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. Compound 22 showed cytotoxicity against SW480 cells with an IC50 value of 7.5 ± 0.2 μM, while compound 25 displayed cytotoxicity against A549 cells with an IC50 of 14.6 ± 1.9 μM. These findings suggest that limonoid orthoesters derived from Khaya ivorensis are promising lead compounds for anticancer drug development.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anticancer
- antiadiaebetic
- antimalarial
- antiplasmodial
- cytotoxic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites, specifically including the unique series of ivorenoids G-O (1-9) and various phragmalin-type limonoid orthoesters. These specialized chemical constituents are primarily classified as highly oxygenated limonoids. Research indicates that these complex structures contribute to the plant's significant pharmacological potential. The specific molecular arrangements of the ivorenoids and orthoesters are essential for their biological activity. Such compounds are frequently studied for their potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", nine previously unreported phragmalin-type limonoid orthoesters named ivorenoids G-O (1-9) and seventeen known analogues (10-26) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Khaya ivorensis. Compound 15 exhibited cytotoxicity against A549 and SMMC-7721 cell lines with IC50 values of 14.0 ± 0.4 μM and 14.9 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. Additionally, compound 22 showed cytotoxicity against SW480 cells with an IC50 value of 7.5 ± 0.2 μM. Compound 25 also displayed cytotoxicity against A549 cells with an IC50 of 14.6 ± 1.9 μM. These limonoid orthoesters from Khaya ivorensis serve as promising lead compounds for further anticancer drug development.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- ivorenoids G-O (1-9)
- phragmalin-type limonoid orthoesters
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cancer, diabetes, and malaria. Researchers have investigated its chemical properties to determine how it might inhibit tumor growth in various cell lines. The plant also shows promise in managing blood sugar levels, which is essential for patients living with diabetes. Additionally, its traditional medicinal use includes combating the symptoms associated with malaria infections. These therapeutic applications highlight the significant pharmacological potential of the species.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", Khaya ivorensis contains limonoid orthoesters that show potential for anticancer drug development. Selected compounds from the plant were evaluated for cytotoxicity against 5 human cancer cell lines, specifically HL-60, A-549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW480. Compound 15 exhibited cytotoxicity against A549 and SMMC-7721 cell lines with IC50 values of 14.0 ± 0.4 μM and 14.9 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. Compound 22 showed cytotoxicity against SW480 cells with an IC50 value of 7.5 ± 0.2 μM. Additionally, compound 25 displayed cytotoxicity against A549 cells with an IC50 of 14.6 ± 1.9 μM.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- diabetes
- malaria
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as aqueous extracts and decoctions to treat various ailments. An aqueous extract is prepared by soaking parts of the plant in water to pull out soluble bioactive compounds. For stronger therapeutic effects, a decoction is made by boiling the plant material in water for an extended period. These preparations are often utilized in traditional medicine to address issues like digestive discomfort or inflammatory conditions. The specific method of preparation determines the concentration and potency of the resulting herbal remedy.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", aqueous extracts from the stem-bark of Khaya ivorensis are used in traditional medicine for malaria treatment and prevention. In studies involving treatment doses between 200 and 400mg/kg/day, the plant was tested for its antiplasmodial activity. When administered separately at a dosage of 400mg/kg, a reduction in parasitemia was obtained, though it did not reach statistical significance. Toxicity studies indicated that the LD50 for the herbal combination involving the plant was estimated to be greater than 2779.5mg/kg. During sub-acute toxicity tests involving a 14-day repeated-dose period, no weight loss or morphological modifications to the liver or kidney were observed.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous extract
- decoction
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe toxicity and adverse health reactions because it contains potent diterpene esters that act as irritants to human tissue. Ingesting parts of the plant can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting. Direct skin contact with the sap often results in painful contact dermatitis or severe skin irritation. If the substances enter the eyes, they can cause intense inflammation and potential ocular damage. Due to these dangerous chemical properties, careful handling is essential to avoid accidental poisoning or injury.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Khaya ivorensis?
This plant Khaya ivorensis is frequently paired with Zingiber officinale, Aloe vera, and various species of Vernonia to enhance its medicinal properties in traditional African pharmacology.
These combinations are often used to create decoctions aimed at treating gastrointestinal distress or systemic inflammation. When mixed with Zingiber officinale, the plant's bitter principles are thought to balance the digestive heat provided by the ginger. Aloe vera is sometimes included in topical preparations to soothe the skin alongside the bark extracts.
These herbal synergies are carefully measured by local practitioners to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of the forest mahogany.