Mitragyna inermis
StarMitragyna inermis
Synonyms: Platanocarpum africanum, Nauclea inermis, Mitragyna africana, Cephalanthus africanus, Nauclea platanocarpa, Adina inermis, Stephegyne africana, Nauclea africana
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Across West and Central Africa, Mitragyna inermis is among the most widely used plants in traditional medicine: decoctions and macerations of the bark, leaves, and roots are taken for fever, malaria, headache, diarrhoea, dysentery, and hypertension, applied to wounds and sores, and used in the management of mental illness (Sy et al., 2009; Traore et al., 2000). Pharmacological studies confirm antibacterial activity of the total alkaloid extract and cardiovascular (hypotensive) effects of aqueous extracts (Sy et al., 2009).
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Botanical Description
Mitragyna inermis is a shrub or small tree of the family Rubiaceae, widespread across the savannas and seasonally flooded plains of West and Central Africa. It typically reaches 3 to 9 metres, occasionally taller, with a spreading crown and grey, fissured bark. The leaves are opposite, simple, broadly ovate to elliptic, leathery, with a rounded or notched base and conspicuous interpetiolar stipules characteristic of the family. The small flowers are crowded into dense, globular heads borne on stalks from the leaf axils or branch tips; they are white to cream and fragrant, with the styles projecting to give the head a pincushion appearance. The fruiting heads break up into many small, dry capsules containing winged seeds dispersed by wind and water. The species favours riverbanks, swampy depressions, and inundated grassland, and is well adapted to alternating wet and dry conditions. It belongs to the same genus as kratom (M. speciosa).
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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