Strychnos tchibangensis

Strychnos tchibanensis, commonly known as the Chiba plant, is a significant medicinal species native to African tropical forests. Renowned for its potent alkaloid content, it is traditionally utilized in various ethnomedical practices. Scientific interest focuses on its bioactive compounds, which hold potential for developing new pharmacological treatments.

  • Scientific name: Strychnos tchibangensis
  • Family: Loganiaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianales. Finally, it resides in the family Loganiaceae under the genus Strychnos.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Loganiaceae WCVP
Genus Strychnos WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Strychnos tchibanensis, is known by various regional and linguistic names depending on its geographical context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the African strychnine tree, while in French, it is commonly called le strychnos d'Afrique. Within local linguistic contexts, it is known as n'zomblé in Akan and as kofofè in Ewe.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the dense forest regions of West-Central Tropical Africa. Its specific geographical range includes the nation of Cameroon, where it thrives in local ecosystems. Furthermore, the species has a documented presence in the tropical landscapes of Gabon. It is also widely distributed across the vast territories of the DR Congo. Consequently, these three countries represent the core areas where this medicinal plant occurs naturally.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa Gabon WCVP
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP

Chemicals

Strychnos tchibangensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include strychnine.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
strychnine 1 ★☆☆☆☆