Names

  • English: Catapult tree
  • Hausa:Dagamji; Tafarnuwa
  • Igbo: Uvuvu; Okpokolo 
  • Yoruba: Ako-dodo; Sherenkpen


Health Benefits


Voacanga africana is a medicinal plant widely used in African traditional medicine, with its seeds, bark, roots, and leaves containing bioactive alkaloids like ibogaine, voacangine, and tabersonine. Scientifically validated and traditional health benefits include:

  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Extracts from the seeds and bark have shown potential to reduce inflammation, useful for conditions like arthritis or chronic pain. Studies indicate that methanol extracts from the bark exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in animal models.
  • Antimicrobial Activity: The plant’s fruit and seed extracts have demonstrated bacteriostatic effects against pathogens like Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting its use in treating infections.
  • Anthelmintic Effects: Voacangine and voacamine from the stem bark have shown efficacy against Onchocerca ochengi (a parasitic worm), with IC50 values indicating potent activity against microfilariae and adult worms, supporting its traditional use for worm infestations.
  • Mental Health Support: The seeds and bark of Voacanga africana contain alkaloids like voacangine and voacamine, which are structurally related to compounds used in treating mental disorders. Root bark extracts have shown antidepressant effects in murine models, suggesting potential benefits for depression and mood disorders. In some cultures, it is used to manage anxiety and depression, though scientific evidence is limited.
  • Pain Relief: Traditionally used to alleviate various aches, the plant’s alkaloids may interact with the central nervous system to provide analgesic effects. Extracts from the plant are useful for treating headaches, neuralgia, and general body pain.
  • Cardiovascular Benefits: Voacamine is a cardiotonic stimulant. The plant may also lower blood pressure due to its hypotensive properties.
  • Neuroprotection: Preliminary studies suggest that compounds in Voacanga africana may protect nerve cells, potentially aiding in the prevention of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
  • Anti-ulcer Properties: Aqueous bark extracts have been shown to prevent gastric mucosal injury and inhibit HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, supporting traditional use for ulcer treatment.
  • Anti-cancer Potential: Tabersonine, isolated from the seeds, exhibits cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 4.8 to 22.5 µg/mL, possibly through inducing apoptosis.
  • Stimulant Effects: The seeds contain alkaloids like voacangine and voacamine, which may have stimulant properties. 
  • Epilepsy Management: Some traditional practitioners use the root and bark to help manage epileptic seizures and convulsions.
  • Antimalarial Potential: Preliminary research indicates possible antimalarial effects due to its alkaloid content. 


Other Benefits


Beyond health, Voacanga africana offers additional benefits:

  • Psychoactive Uses: Voacanga africana is known for its psychoactive properties due to its alkaloids. Some parts of the plant are used in spiritual and ritualistic contexts for visionary experiencesor divination.
  • Source of Alkaloids for Pharmaceutical Use: The seeds are processed industrially for the extraction of alkaloids like voacangine, which are used as precursors in the synthesis of ibogaine, a drug being researched for opioid addiction treatment.
  • Economic Value: The seeds are a major non-timber forest product exported from countries like Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire for pharmaceutical use, particularly for producing drugs like vinpocetine (for Alzheimer’s) and vinblastine (for leukemia). In 2009, approximately 1,600 tons of seeds were exported from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Sustainable Cultivation: The plant thrives with minimal water, making it eco-friendly and suitable for regions with water scarcity. This supports sustainable agriculture and reduces environmental impact.
  • Cosmetic Applications: Seed extracts are used in skincare products for their skin-protecting properties, shielding against environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. They are rated low (1/5) for comedogenicity, making them suitable for acne-prone skin.
  • Agroforestry and Soil Improvement: The tree is used in reforestation and agroforestry systems as it improves soil fertility and provides shade.
  • Industrial Use: Historically used as a rubber adulterant, the plant also has applications in latex production.
  • Ornamental Use: The plant is sometimes grown for its attractive flowers and foliage. 
  • Dye Production: The bark and roots can produce a natural dye. 

How It Is Used

Voacanga africana is utilized in various forms across traditional and modern contexts:

  • Traditional Medicine:
    • Decoctions and Infusions: Leaves and bark are boiled to create decoctions for treating malaria, diarrhea, or fatigue. For example, leaf decoctions are used via enema for diarrhea and shortness of breath.
    • Seed Powder: Seeds are ground into powder for oral consumption or topical application to address pain, inflammation, or mental health issues. It is also used for stimulant or ritual purposes. 
    • The Bark/Roots: Boiled to make decoctions for pain relief or infections. 
    • Topical Application: A paste made from crushed bark or leaves is applied to wounds or painful areas for relief.
    • Enemas and Tonics: Some cultures use root infusions in enemas for purging or spiritual cleansing.
    • Leaves: Used in poultices for wounds or skin conditions. 
    • Root and Bark Extracts: Used in tinctures or pastes for conditions like orchitis, gonorrhea, or heart issues.
    • Fruit Juice: The juice extracted from the fruit is applied to the eyes in some cultures for the treatment of eye conditions.
  • Modern Applications:
    • Capsules: Seed extracts are encapsulated for dietary supplements, often marketed for mood support or neuroprotection. A typical dose is one capsule daily with water, not exceeding two in 24 hours.
    • Pharmaceuticals: Alkaloids like voacangine are extracted for semi-synthesis of ibogaine (for addiction treatment) or vinpocetine. Seeds are processed using solvents like ethanol or methanol to isolate these compounds.
  • Cosmetics: Seed extracts are incorporated into creams and serums for skin protection, typically after drying, solvent extraction, and purification.
  • Cultural Uses: In West African rituals, seeds and bark are used as stimulants or ceremonial psychedelics, though claims of widespread psychedelic use may be exaggerated.

Side Effects / Caution

While Voacanga africana has significant therapeutic potential, its use requires caution due to its potent alkaloids:

  • Psychoactive Effects: Contains trace amounts of ibogaine, which can cause hallucinations or altered mental states, particularly at high doses. This is risky for individuals with mental health conditions.
  • Neurotoxic Risk: Due to its powerful alkaloids, improper use may cause nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, seizures, or mental disturbances.
  • Cardiovascular Effects: It may affect heart rate and blood pressure, especially when taken in high doses.
  • Addiction and Misuse: Because of its psychoactive properties, there is a risk of dependency or misuse, especially in non-traditional contexts.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to unknown risks.
  • Allergic Reactions: As with any botanical, allergic reactions are possible. A patch test is recommended for topical use.
  • Drug Interactions: May interact with medications, particularly those metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes (e.g., CYP2D6 inhibitors), potentially increasing drug toxicity.
  • Long-term Use: Prolonged use may have unknown effects, and excessive doses can lead to convulsions or toxicity. Use in moderation.
  • Sustainability Concerns: Overharvesting threatens wild populations, necessitating ethical and sustainable practices.
  • Children: Not studied in children; keep out of reach.
  • Medical Supervision Advised: Always consult with a qualified herbalist or medical professional before using, especially for mental health treatments.

References