Commiphora pedunculata Engl.
|
|
Commiphora pedunculata Common Names: Hill Myrrh, Pedunculate Myrrh Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Order: Sapindales Family: Burseraceae Genus: Commiphora Species: C. pedunculata Binomial Name: Commiphora pedunculata Engl. Synonyms: None
widely recognized Morphological Description Commiphora pedunculata is a deciduous shrub or small tree, typically 3–6 m tall,
occasionally reaching 8 m in favorable conditions. Key features include: · Bark: Smooth, peeling in thin papery flakes, pale green to grayish;
inner bark exudes a fragrant, myrrh-like resin when cut · Leaves: Alternate or clustered on short shoots, pinnately compound,
usually trifoliate, leaflets oval to elliptical, 2–7 cm long, 1–3 cm wide,
leathery, margins entire or slightly serrated · Flowers: Small, unisexual (dioecious), 3–5 mm long, greenish-white to
cream, solitary or in small axillary clusters, blooming during the dry season
(November–February) · Fruit: Ovoid to ellipsoid drupes, 8–12 mm long, reddish to purplish
when ripe, containing a single hard, shiny seed within a woody endocarp The plant’s resinous
exudate is aromatic, contributing to its traditional uses (Burkill, 1995). Distribution and Habitat Commiphora pedunculata is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, ranging across
Senegal, Mali, Niger, Chad, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon. It
thrives in: · Habitats: Dry savannas, open woodlands, rocky outcrops, and scrublands · Climate: Arid to semi-arid, with annual rainfall of 300–800 mm and
temperatures of 25–40°C · Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils (pH 5.5–7.0) · Elevation: Sea level to 1,500 m Ethnopharmacology Commiphora pedunculata is a medicinal plant traditionally used in East African and
Arabian folk medicine. Known for its aromatic resin, the plant is valued for
its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties.
The resin and bark extracts are commonly applied to treat skin infections,
wounds, gastrointestinal issues, joint pain, and respiratory conditions such as
coughs and chest congestion. The plant’s gum or resin is sometimes used
similarly to myrrh for its antiseptic and fragrant qualities. Phytochemical
analyses have identified the presence of terpenoids, essential oils,
flavonoids, and steroids, which contribute to its medicinal effects. Despite
its established traditional use, there is a need for more scientific and
clinical studies to support its pharmacological potential and establish
standardized therapeutic applications. · Antimicrobial: Stem bark ethanol extracts inhibit Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 62.5 µg/mL), used in Nigeria for
wound healing and infections (Tajuddeen et al., 2014). · Anti-inflammatory/Analgesic: Resin reduces inflammation in rats (40%
edema reduction at 200 mg/kg), used in Ghana for rheumatism and joint pain
(Shen et al., 2012). · Digestive Aid: Bark decoctions treat diarrhea and stomachaches in Mali,
linked to tannin content (Adjanohoun et al., 1996). · Respiratory Relief: Inhalation of burnt resin smoke alleviates
coughs and bronchitis in Niger, · Skin Conditions: Leaf poultices heal ulcers and rashes in
Cameroon, with flavonoids showing antimicrobial activity (Tajuddeen et al.,
2014). · Astringent: Bark controls bleeding and treats hemorrhoids in Senegal,
due to high tannin levels (Van Wyk & Gericke, 2000). · Aromatherapy: Resin burned as incense in Burkina Faso for spiritual
cleansing (Burkill, 1995). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Generally safe at traditional doses;
overconsumption may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Additional Uses · Economic: Resin harvested for incense, perfumes, and medicines; wood
used for fuel, charcoal, and crafting small tools · Ecological: Provides habitat for birds and insects, stabilizes arid
soils · Cultural: Integral to Hausa and Moore rituals for healing and
protection · Conservation: Sustainable harvesting needed to counter overexploitation
and habitat loss References
External Links More Pictures
|
|
| Compounds of Commiphora pedunculata Engl. | |
| References |
