Common Name:

General Information

Euphorbia pereskiifolia is a laxly-branched, evergreen, succulent shrub or a tree that can grow up to 5 metres tall[].
The plant is a highly regarded treatment for asthma in Africa, where it is often harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. A few trees are sometimes planted near villages and left to grow in order to supply material for medicinal use[].

Known Hazards

The latex is an ingredient in arrow poison in Kenya. In Kenya and Tanzania the latex is used as fish poison[].

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - Kenya, Tanzania.

Habitat

Sandy soil or on rocks in coastal or riverine woodland, at elevations from sea-level up to 250 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	3.50 m
Cultivation Status	Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Although this is a highly poisonous plant, traditional doctors have used a leaf decoction, mixed with lemon juice, baking soda and honey, as an effective treatment for asthma. This treatment is said to have been used for decades with no adverse effects[].
The leaves are reported to be a strong purgative. Women suffering from excessive menstruation drink the juice of freshly crushed leaves[].
Leprosy is treated topically with the ash of dried burnt leaves[].

The latex is highly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, causing blisters and pain. Even so, several peanuts dipped into the latex are eaten as a drastic purgative[].
Applied topicallly, the latex is used in the treatment of boils[].

The roots also contain the strong latex. A cold water extract of the peeled roots is mixed with sugar and left standing for three days, after which it is drunk as a treatment against heavy coughs and tuberculosis[].

Preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of the leaves and stems revealed the presence of glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds[].
An aqueous extract of the stems and leaves contracted the isolated guinea pig ileum. A glycoside, 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-malic acid was isolated from the aqueous extract, but this was found to be inactive[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
The plant is easily and quickly propagated by stem cuttings, which should be at least 20 cm long. After cutting they should be allowed to lie in a shaded place for at least a week for a callus to form on the cut end. Care should be taken that the latex does not touch the skin or mucous membranes because of its irritating properties[].

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