Names

  • English: African Mahogany
  • Fulani: Gayoki
  • Hausa: Kawo or Kurungu
  • Igbo: Akpalata
  • Tiv: Icheku
  • Yoruba: Apa
  • Nupe: Tashido

Health Benefits

Afzelia africana is valued in traditional Nigerian medicine for its numerous health benefits, supported by scientific studies:

  • Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties: The methanolic bark extract has been shown to reduce topical edema and pain, supporting its use in treating inflammatory conditions and pain in traditional medicine. Extracts from the bark and leaves are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, especially in cases of arthritis and rheumatism.
  • Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Decoctions made from the bark are traditionally used to manage dysentery, diarrhea, and stomach ache.
  • Aphrodisiac and Fertility Enhancer: In some communities, parts of the plant are used to enhance libido and improve fertility in men.
  • Antidiabetic Properties: Aqueous extracts of the stem bark have shown significant reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats, with a dose of 200 mg/kg demonstrating notable efficacy. This supports its traditional use for managing diabetes.
  • Antioxidant Activity: The root bark contains bioactive compounds like eriodictyol, a flavanone derivative, which exhibits strong antioxidant properties, scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.
  • Antimicrobial Effects: Extracts from the bark have demonstrated bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Candida albicans. Synergistic effects were observed when combined with antibiotics like tetracycline, enhancing its antimicrobial potential. It is used in managing coughs and bronchitis. 
  • Antimalarial Activity: The stem bark, often used in combination with Cassia alata, has shown antimalarial effects against Plasmodium falciparum, validating its traditional use in malaria treatment in Nigeria and Ghana.
  • Trypanocidal Activity: Extracts from leaves and stem bark have shown activity against Trypanosoma brucei, suggesting potential in treating sleeping sickness.

Other Benefits

Beyond medicinal uses, Afzelia africana offers a range of non-medicinal benefits:

  • High-Grade Timber: The wood is durable, termite-resistant, and comparable to teak or merbau. It is used for carpentry, house building, furniture, and kitchen utensils.
  • Fodder for Livestock: Leaves, fruits, and seeds are valuable fodder, especially during the dry season when other forages are scarce.
  • Food Source: The leaves are cooked as vegetables, young leaves are mixed with cereals, and the sweet seed aril is edible. Seeds are also processed into flour to enhance protein content in meals or used as a soup thickener in south-eastern Nigeria.
  • Oil Production: The seed oil, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), is used for cooking and has industrial applications in surface coatings. The seed cake by product is fed to livestock.
  • Agroforestry: The tree is suitable for agroforestry systems, contributing to soil fertility and providing shade.
  • Spiritual and Cultural Uses: In some Nigerian communities, such as Ijebu Igbo in the South West and Urum in the South East, the tree is used in spiritual practices, underscoring its cultural significance.  The seeds are also used in traditional rituals and jewellery
  • Soil Fertility Improvement: It helps improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and providing organic matter through leaf litter.
  • Shade and Shelter: Frequently planted as a shade tree in homesteads and along roadsides.

How It Is Used

Afzelia africana is utilized in various forms across Nigeria:

  • Medicinal Preparations:
    • Stem bark is prepared as aqueous (decoction/tea) or methanolic extracts for diabetes, stomach disorders, malaria, and infections. Decoctions are commonly used.
    • Leaves and bark are used in traditional remedies for pain, inflammation, and fever.
    • Crushed leaves or bark are applied to wounds or inflamed areas. 
    • Dried parts are ground into powder for medicinal use. 
    • In Benin and Nigeria, the plant is used to treat epilepsy.
  • Culinary Uses:
    • Seeds are processed into flour or used as a soup thickener (e.g., Akpalata in Igbo cuisine).
    • Leaves are cooked as vegetables or mixed with cereals.
    • Seeds are roasted and eaten, or used in the preparation of traditional herbal mixtures.
  • Timber and Construction: The wood is harvested for furniture, canoes, and building materials.
  • Fodder: Leaves and seeds are fed to livestock, particularly during the dry season.
  • Oil Extraction: Seeds are processed to extract oil for cooking or industrial use.
  • Woodcraft: The timber is carved into tools, furniture, boat, and construction materials. 

Side Effects/Caution

While Afzelia africana has significant benefits, caution is advised:

  • Seed Toxicity: The seeds are poisonous if not properly processed, though the aril is edible. Care must be taken to avoid ingestion of unprocessed seeds.
  • Potential Toxicity: Prolonged or excessive use may lead to toxicity, as with many herbal remedies. Limited data exists on long-term effects, so moderation is recommended.
  • Allergenic Potential: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, though specific allergens have not been widely documented.
  • Conservation Concerns: Overharvesting for timber and medicinal use has led to the species being classified as vulnerable. Unsustainable harvesting practices may exacerbate its risk of extinction.
  • Contamination Risk: Seeds used as soup thickeners have shown aflatoxin (AFB1) contamination, which poses health risks if not properly managed.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant women should avoid high doses due to potential uterine effects.
  • Consultation: Consult a healthcare provider before using it for medicinal purposes. 

References

  • Akah, P. A., et al. (2007). Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial activities of Afzelia africana. Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine.
  • Akinmoladun, F. O., Akinrinlola, B. L., & Farombi, E. O. “Evaluation of the phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of Afzelia africana leaf and bark extracts.” African Journal of Biotechnology, vol. 6, no. 14, 2007, pp. 1677–1680.
  • Arbonnier, M. (2004). Trees, Shrubs, and Lianas of West African Dry Zones. 
  • Bamigboye, S. O., et al. (2022). Studies on extinction risk of genus Afzelia in Nigeria from biogeographical perspective. Nigerian Annals of Pure and Applied Sciences, 5(1), 291–199.
  • Burkill, H. M. The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa, Vol. 1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 1985.
  • Fern, K. (2024). Afzelia africana. Useful Tropical Plants Database.
  • Oboh, F. O. J., & Masodje, H. I. “Nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of Afzelia africana seed.” Applied Science Research, vol. 2, no. 3, 2010, pp. 34–39.
  • Ogunleye, A.J., & Ibitoye, S.F. (2003). “Studies of Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Afzelia africana.” Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 
  • Orwa, C., et al. (2009). Afzelia africana. Agroforestry Database.
  • Oyedemi, O. O., Adewusi, E. A., Aiyegoro, O. A., & Akinpelu, D. A. (2011). Antidiabetic and haematological effect of aqueous extract of stem bark of Afzelia africana (Smith) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 1(5), 353–358.
  • Vigbedor, B. Y., Osei Akoto, C., Neglo, D. (2023). Isolation and Identification of Flavanone Derivative Eriodictyol from the Methanol Extract of Afzelia africana Bark and Its Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.