Common Name:

General Information

Anthocleista liebrechtsiana is an unarmed, few-stemmed shrub or small tree growing from 0.5 - 12 metres tall. The bole can be up to 30cm in diameter[, ].
This tree is one of several species in the genus that are much used in traditional medicine and for similar medicinal purposes. They may all be used as substitutes for each other. When sold on the market it is difficult to differentiate the dried bark of the different species. The tree is commonly harvested from the wild[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Ghana to the Central African Republic, south to Namibia and Zambia.

Habitat

Open localities in swamps and periodically inundated forests at elevations from sea-level up to 400 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A stem bark decoction is taken to treat hernias[].

A root decoction is taken to treat stomach-ache in women, ovarian problems, venereal diseases, hernia, bronchitis and fever, and also to induce labour and as a purgative[].

Sap of the young leaves; the root powder, and the pulp of the bark are all used to treat sores, abscesses, as a haemostatic and for cicatrization[].
The sap is applied topically to treat otitis or ophthalmia[].

The plant contains the secoiridoid glycoside swertiamarin (swertiamaroside), a compound used in Asian medicine. Patent applications have been submitted for its use in hair-growth products and hepatitis medicines[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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