Diospyros mespiliformis
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Diospyros mespiliformis Common Names: Jackalberry, African Ebony, Ebony Tree,
Monkey Guava Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Asterids Order: Ericales Family: Ebenaceae Genus: Diospyros Species: D. mespiliformis Binomial Name: Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A.DC. Synonyms: Diospyros sabiensis Hiern, Diospyros senegalensis Perr. ex A.DC. Morphological Description Diospyros mespiliformis is a medium to large evergreen tree, typically 15–25 m tall,
occasionally reaching 50 m, with a dense, rounded canopy. Key features include: · Bark: Dark grey to black, deeply fissured, pinkish when cut · Leaves: Simple, alternate, elliptic, 4–7 cm long, 1.5–5 cm wide,
glossy dark green above, paler beneath · Flowers: Small, creamy-white, fragrant, 5–7 mm long, in clusters,
blooming October–November · Fruit: Globose berries, 2–3 cm diameter, yellow to reddish when
ripe, edible, ripening January–March The buttressed trunk can
reach 1 m in diameter (Fern, 2023). Distribution and Habitat Diospyros mespiliformis is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, thriving in: · Regions: Savannas, woodlands, riverine forests, termite mounds · Countries: Senegal, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, South
Africa, Swaziland · Climate: Tropical/subtropical, 16–27°C, rainfall 500–1,270 mm
annually · Soil: Sandy to loamy, well-drained, often along rivers · Elevation: 350–1,250 m It regenerates naturally
in areas with regular rainfall (Burkill, 1994). Ethnopharmacology Diospyros mespiliformis, commonly known as the African ebony or jackal berry tree, is a
widely distributed tree in Sub-Saharan Africa and is highly valued in
traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant including the bark, leaves,
roots, and fruits are used for their potent medicinal properties, owing to the
presence of bioactive compounds like tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins,
and terpenoids. Traditionally, Diospyros mespiliformis is used to treat
malaria, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, wounds, toothaches, respiratory
infections, and skin conditions. The bark and leaf extracts exhibit strong
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimalarial activities. It
is also used to manage hypertension and diabetes, likely due to its ability to
modulate blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Some studies have shown
hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects and support its use in treating
gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, the plant has anthelmintic
(worm-expelling) properties and is sometimes used as a tonic or detox agent. Although
its medicinal benefits are well-recognized in ethnomedicine and supported by
some preclinical studies, further scientific validation and clinical research
are necessary to confirm its therapeutic potential and establish safe dosages
for human use. · Wounds/Skin Diseases: Bark decoction is used to heal wounds. · Coughs: Bark extract is used to relieves cough · Gastrointestinal Issues: Leaf/root decoction in used to treats
diarrhea; reduces gastric acid (59.52% inhibition) (Vandi et al., 2022). · Dysentery: Leaves are used as poultice; antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ 15
µg/mL) (Ramadwa & Meddows-Taylor, 2023). · Snakebites: Roots are used to neutralize venom; anti-inflammatory in
rats (40% TNF-α reduction) (Olanlokun et al., 2021). · Malaria: Leaf extract clears Plasmodium berghei (5% parasitemia at 400 mg/kg) (Olanlokun
et al., 2021). · Diabetes: Stem bark lowers
glucose; hypoglycemic in rats (p < 0.05) (Ramadwa & Meddows-Taylor,
2023). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Methanol extract LD₅₀ 513.80 mg/kg in mice; safe
at therapeutic doses (<100 mg/kg). High doses may cause liver stress (ALT
increase) (Adzu, et al., 2002; Ebbo et al., 2020). Additional Uses · Ecological Role: Fruits feed jackals, monkeys, birds; shade
for wildlife · Timber: Hard, dark wood (density 900 kg/m³) for furniture, carvings · Edible Fruits: Sweet-sour, 11% sugar, used fresh or fermented into beer · Seeds: Energy-dense (58% carbs), potential famine food (Chivandi et
al., 2023) References
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| Compounds of Diospyros mespiliformis | |
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