Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Ethnomedicinal Uses —
It is a common ingredient in several traditional remedies in Gabon
and neighboring regions of West Africa.
198
The bark is dispensed in Nigeria and Ghana as an anti-
microbial agent for the treatment of venereal diseases. The bark is used as a mixture with those of
Bosqueia angolensis
and
Spathodea campanulata
as a weak decoction once a week as an antifertil-
ity agent. The preparation can also be administered as an enema. In the Ivory Coast, it is prescribed
as a purgative.
199
The genus is reputed to have antidiabetic activity. In Ghana, the bark is boiled with
water and the liquid extract taken once a day for the cure of piles, intestinal and abdominal troubles,
and worms.
33
The same prescription, sometimes mixed with the bark of
Morinda lucida,
is drunk
as a purgative for jaundice in Akwapim. The root bark mixed with red pepper, ginger, and guinea
grain (Piper) is used by the Fanti as an enema for the management of hernia. In the Central African
Republic, the roots steeped and mixed with guinea grain and pepper are used for the treatment of
hemorrhoids, and an infusion of the stem bark after exposure to the sun in an open bottle is used for
gonorrhea. In the same region, the bark decoction is used as a enema and a sitz bath for colic and
stomach troubles, and the pulped bark is applied per rectum to children as an anthelmintic. The bark
decoction is drunk or used in a bath and vapor bath as an antidote to poisoning and also for leprosy,
gonorrhea, or menstrual troubles or as a purgative.
33
In Sierra Leone, the plant features extensively in
the treatment of gynecological problems; the leaf decoction is taken with lemon for abdominal pains
of uterine origin.
6
It is an ingredient for the preparation of a long-term contraceptive. The decoction
of the leaves with lemon is also used in Ghana for the treatment of epilepsy. A related species,
A.
djalonensis
, is used in folk medicine for the same indications as listed in Irvine.
9
Constituents —
The bark contains indole alkaloids similar to brucine.
200
The genus yields a
bitter monoterpene heteroside swertiamaroside or swertiamarin.
Pharmacological Studies —
The alcoholic extract of the root has been shown to possess anti-
diabetic effects.
33
It has been suggested that the hypotensive and hypoglycemic activity of the plant
may be valuable in the clinical management of obese adults with secondary hypertension.
200
Toxicity —
Cases of accidental poisonings have been reported, and the symptoms include colic,
obstinate constipation, pronounced pallor, and heart weakness.
199
ARECA CATHECHU
Botanical Name —
Areca cathechu
L.
