African satinwood
StarZanthoxylum gilletii
Synonyms: Fagara gilletii, Fagara kivuensis, Fagara tessmannii, Fagara iturensis, Fagara annobonensis, Zanthoxylum tessmannii, Fagara gilletii var. cordata, Fagara macrophylla var. preussii, Fagara discolor, Fagara amaniensis, Zanthoxylum melanorhachis, Fagara melanorhachis, Fagara macrophylla, Fagara obliquefoliolata
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Across tropical Africa the stem and root bark of Zanthoxylum gilletii are used as an analgesic, chewed or applied to relieve toothache, headache, rheumatism, burns and pain after childbirth, while bark decoctions are drunk for colds, fever, constipation and gastrointestinal complaints and the root bark features in Tanzanian antimalarial preparations (Burkill, 1997; PROTA). Pharmacological studies have confirmed several of these activities, including analgesic and antimicrobial effects of the bark alkaloids.
Botanical Description
Zanthoxylum gilletii, the African satinwood, is a large deciduous tree of the citrus family (Rutaceae) reaching up to 35 metres, with a tall, straight bole armed with stout conical, corky-based prickles on the trunk and branches. It has large, pinnately compound leaves with numerous gland-dotted, aromatic leaflets that smell of citrus when crushed. Small greenish-yellow flowers are borne in large terminal panicles, followed by clusters of small reddish-brown capsular fruits that split to release shiny black seeds. Native across tropical Africa from West Africa to the Congo basin and East Africa, it grows in lowland and submontane rainforest. The pungent, prickly bark and roots are widely valued in African traditional medicine, and the tree also yields a useful pale timber.
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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