General information
Anthocleista vogelii is an evergreen tree growing from 6 - 20 metres tall. The bole can be 15 - 55cm in diameter, sometimes with stilt roots. The leaves are usually up to 40cm long, but in young plants they can be up to 150cm long and 45cm wide.
This tree is one of several species in the genus that are much used in traditional medicine. The tree is commonly harvested from the wild, where it also supplies timber and materials for dyeing and making soap. The flowers are sweetly scented and the tree is used to provide shade and for amenity.
photo source: Google
Medicinal uses
The plant is widely used in West Africa as a strong purgative and diuretic.
A root decoction is commonly taken to treat a variety of conditions including constipation; venereal diseases; hernia; bronchitis; fevers; stomach-ache in women; ovarian problems; to regulate menstruation; to induce labour, Combined with lemon, the root is taken to treat hepatitis. Combined with the root of Combretum mucronatum plus pepper and ashes, the root is used to treat chest pain.
Applied externally, the root is used as a wash, bath or vapour bath to treat leprosy, venereal diseases, oedema and scrotal elephantiasis.
At Akpan Natural and Divine Pharmacy, the root is processed and combined with excipients for the treatment of staphylococcus with 79% efficiency, hernia 85% efficiency and gonorrhea 95% efficiency.