Common Names: Togo brachystelma, West African brachystelma
Local Names:
Species ID: NMP-214 | wfo-0000570645

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Genus: Brachystelma

Species: Brachystelma togoense

Synonyms: Brachystelma glabrum Schltr., Brachystelma lineare A.Chev. (Kew Science, n.d.)

Brachystelma togoense is a perennial geophytic herb characterized by a tuberous root system that serves as a storage organ, enabling survival in seasonal climates. The plant typically grows to 10–30 cm tall, with slender, erect to decumbent stems that are sparsely pubescent. Key morphological features include:

·       Roots: Tuberous, discoid to cylindrical, 3–10 cm in diameter, with a fibrous root system; tubers are edible and used in traditional diets (Aremu & Hlophe, 2022).

·       Leaves: Opposite, linear to lanceolate, 2–5 cm long and 0.5–1 cm wide, with a slightly hairy surface; leaves are reduced during dormancy (Kew Science, n.d.).

·       Flowers: Small, star-shaped, 5–10 mm in diameter, with five petals that are greenish-yellow to brownish, often with purple veins; flowers are arranged in clusters of 1–5, emitting a faint carrion-like odor to attract fly pollinators; flowering occurs from November to February.

·       Fruit: Follicles, spindle-shaped, 4–7 cm long, containing numerous comose seeds that are wind-dispersed; fruiting occurs from February to April.

The plant’s inconspicuous flowers and tuberous roots make it a distinctive member of the Brachystelma genus, valued for both its ecological role and ethnobotanical significance (Aremu & Hlophe, 2022).

Brachystelma togoense is native to West Africa, with documented occurrences in Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire. Its distribution spans the Guineo-Congolian and Sudanian ecological zones, between latitudes 5°N and 12°N. The species thrives in the following habitats:

·       Grasslands: Common in savanna grasslands with annual rainfall of 800–1,500 mm, often on sandy or loamy soils (Kew Science, n.d.).

·       Open Woodlands: Found in disturbed areas and secondary woodlands, preferring well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5–7.0.

·       Rocky Outcrops: Occasionally occurs in rocky terrains, where tubers are protected from grazing.

The species is adapted to seasonal climates, with tubers enabling dormancy during dry periods. It grows at altitudes of 100–800 m and is tolerant of temperatures between 20–35°C, though it is sensitive to waterlogging (Aremu & Hlophe, 2022).

Brachystelma togoense is valued in West African traditional medicine, particularly among rural communities in Nigeria and Togo, where its tubers and aerial parts are used to treat various ailments. Ethnopharmacological studies have identified bioactive compounds that support these traditional uses. Key medicinal applications include:

·       Antimicrobial Activity: Methanolic extracts from aerial parts yield compounds such as phaeophytin A, α-amyrin, lupeol, and β-sitosterol. Phaeophytin A exhibits promising antimicrobial effects against Candida albicans (MIC 0.09 mg/mL) and moderate activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus typhi, and Staphylococcus pneumoniae (MIC 0.18–0.37 mg/mL). These findings validate traditional use for treating wounds and skin infections (Ekalu et al., 2019).

·       Anti-inflammatory Effects: Tuber decoctions are used to alleviate chest pains and inflammation. Preliminary studies suggest that triterpenoids like lupeol contribute to anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, supporting its use in managing pain and swelling (Aremu & Hlophe, 2022).

·       Respiratory Conditions: Leaf and tuber infusions are employed to treat colds and respiratory infections. The presence of phenolic compounds may provide mild expectorant and antimicrobial effects, though specific studies on respiratory pathogens are limited.

·       Nutritional and Tonic Uses: Tubers are consumed as a famine food and used in tonics to boost vitality. Nutritional analysis indicates moderate levels of carbohydrates (15–20% dry weight) and trace minerals, supporting their role as a dietary supplement (Aremu & Hlophe, 2022).

⚠  Toxicity Profile: Limited data exist on the toxicity of Brachystelma togoense, but caution is advised due to potential risks: Cytotoxicity: High doses of methanolic extracts (>1 mg/mL) show mild cytotoxicity in vitro, possibly due to triterpenoids and sterols, though specific toxicological studies are lacking. Allergic Reactions: The carrion-like odor of flowers and the presence of phenolic compounds may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals (Aremu & Hlophe, 2022). Precautions: Use should be guided by traditional healers or healthcare professionals. Pregnant women, children, and individuals with liver or kidney conditions should avoid use until safety is established. Overharvesting of tubers poses ecological risks (Ekalu et al., 2019).

·       Nutritional: Tubers are edible, boiled or roasted, and serve as a famine food in rural West Africa, providing carbohydrates and minerals during food shortages (Aremu & Hlophe, 2022).

·       Cultural: The plant is occasionally used in rituals, with tubers symbolizing resilience and sustenance in some Nigerian communities.

·       Ecological: Its tuberous roots contribute to soil stabilization in grasslands, and the plant supports pollinator diversity due to its fly-pollinated flowers.

Brachystelma togoense faces threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and overharvesting of tubers for food and medicine. Its geophytic nature makes it vulnerable to unsustainable collection practices. Micropropagation techniques have been proposed to ensure sustainable cultivation, with in vitro studies showing successful tuber regeneration under controlled conditions. Conservation efforts should prioritize habitat preservation and community-based cultivation programs to maintain its ecological and medicinal value (Aremu & Hlophe, 2022).

• Aremu, A. O., & Hlophe, N. (2022). Ethnobotanical uses, nutritional composition, phytochemicals, biological activities, and propagation of the genus Brachystelma (Apocynaceae). Horticulturae, 8(2), 122. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020122
• Ekalu, A., Ayo, R. G., Habila, J., & Hamisu, I. (2019). Bioactivity of phaeophytin A, α-amyrin and lupeol from Brachystelma togoense Schltr. Journal of the Turkish Chemical Society Section A: Chemistry, 6(3), 411–418.
• Kew Science. (n.d.). Brachystelma togoense. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:95140-1

• Brachystelma togoense - Plants of the World Online

• Alpha-amyrin
• 3β- lup-20(29)-en-3ol (Lupeol)

Ekalu, A., Ayo, R. G., Habila, J. D., & Hamisu, I. (2019). Phaeophytin and triterpenoids from Brachystelma togoense Schltr, a Nigerian medicinal herb. Asian Journal of Chemical Sciences, 6(1), 1-5.