Tetrapleura Tetraptera (Tetrapleura tetraptera)

Tetrapleura Tetraptera (Tetrapleura tetraptera) is a member of the Sapindaceae family, native to West Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, roots, and bark have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, bitter, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in african traditional medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Tetrapleura Tetraptera (Tetrapleura tetraptera) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Tetrapleura Tetraptera (Tetrapleura tetraptera) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Tetrapleura Tetraptera
Scientific Name	Tetrapleura tetraptera
Plant Family	Sapindaceae
Genus	Tetrapleura
Species	tetraptera
Native Range	West Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Roots, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Tetrapleura tetraptera
Common Name: Tetrapleura Tetraptera
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Blackwood Tree, Kola Nut, Tetrapleura Tree
Plant Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Tetrapleura

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 3 to 10 meters.
Leaves: Smooth,革质 leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, featuring prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetrical flowers with four petals and four sepals, arranged in clusters, exhibiting yellow and white coloration with a distinctive purple stripe along the petal margins.
Stems: Woody, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth surface, and nodes bearing adventitious roots.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a soothing anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Bitter: Traditionally described as a mild bitter, in bitter herb groupings.
Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a cooling diuretic, for moisture-related balance.
Astringent: As described in traditional systems, a gentle astringent, for surface-level applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Saponin: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant families.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautionary guidance for this herb is not clearly established in available sources.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.