Trichilia emetica
Trichilia emeetica, commonly known as the African Mahogany, is a versatile medicinal tree native to various African regions. Renowned in traditional medicine, its leaves, bark, and seeds possess significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This plant serves as a vital natural resource for treating diverse ailments within local communities.
- Scientific name: Trichilia emetica
- Family: Meliaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized into the order Sapindales and the family Meliaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation falls under the genus Trichilia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Meliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Trichilia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Trichilia emeetica, is referred to by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In Chichewa, it is called Msikitzi (ny), while in Afrikaans, it is known as Rooiessenhout (af). In Russian, the plant is identified as Трихилия рвотная (ru), and in Arabic, it is called رقاع مهوع (ar). Additionally, it is documented under the name Trichillia emetica (tn) in certain contexts.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ny | Msikitzi | Wikidata |
| af | Rooiessenhout | Wikidata |
| ru | Трихилия рвотная | Wikidata |
| ar | رقاع مهوع | Wikidata |
| tn | Trichillia emetica | Wikidata |
| es | Trichilia roka | Wikidata |
| es | Trichilia umbrifera | Wikidata |
| es | Trichilia jubensis | Wikidata |
| es | Trichilia somalensis | Wikidata |
| es | Trichilia grotei | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing within the borders of Benin and Burkina. The species also extends its range into the nation of Gambia. Furthermore, its presence is documented in Ghana. Finally, its geographical reach includes Guinea-Bissau.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Trichilia emeetica, is highly valued for its various components that offer significant medicinal and economic benefits. The leaves, specifically each individual leaf and the collection of plant leaves, are frequently utilized in traditional medicine for their bioactive properties. Furthermore, the plant is a vital source of fat, as the processed seed butter serves as a versatile base for many applications, while the extraction of aril oil provides additional aromatic and therapeutic qualities.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seed butter | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aril oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Trichilia emetica has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, methanol.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| acetone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethyl acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hexane | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| water | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Trichilia emetica has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Trichilia emetica has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include African trypanosomiasis, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, cognitive disorders, dysmenorrhea.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| African trypanosomiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida tropicalis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cognitive disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dysmenorrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fungal infection | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| male infertility | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |