Corynanthe macroceras
StarCorynanthe macroceras
Synonyms: Pausinystalia macroceras var. bequaertii, Pausinystalia brachythyrsum, Pausinystalia angolensis, Corynanthe bequaertii, Corynanthe brachythyrsus, Pausinystalia macroceras f. brachythyrsum, Pausinystalia bequaertii, Corynanthe gabonensis, Pausinystalia macroceras
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Central African folk medicine the bark of Corynanthe macroceras is taken as an aphrodisiac and stimulant: in Cameroon the pulverized bark is eaten against sexual weakness, while in the Congo the bark is used to stave off sleep, the bark sap is given as an enema and applied topically as a vermifuge, and it is used against cutaneous and subcutaneous parasitic infections (PROTA). Pharmacological studies of the stem bark in rodents have confirmed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects (Nwafor et al., 2007) as well as antiulcerogenic and antidiarrhoeal activity (Nwafor et al., 2005). These are regional African ethnomedicinal practices, outside the Western, Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Native American traditions.
Botanical Description
Corynanthe macroceras is a large evergreen tree of the coffee family, native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa, where it can reach up to about 40 m tall with a straight, cylindrical bole branchless for much of its length and up to 90 cm in diameter. It bears opposite, simple, leathery leaves with entire margins and interpetiolar stipules, the latter a defining feature of the Rubiaceae. The small flowers are crowded into heads or dense clusters and are followed by small capsular fruits releasing winged seeds. The bark is the source of yohimbe-type indole alkaloids, including yohimbine (in smaller amounts than true yohimbe), corynanthine, ajmalicine, and related compounds, which has earned the tree the name 'false yohimbe.' It ranges from Nigeria and Cameroon through Gabon and the Congo basin to Angola.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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