Common Names: Ijebu Chewing Stick, Chewing Stick Tree
Local Names: Pako-Ijebu, Orin-Ijebu (Yoruba, Nigeria), Atara (Edo, Nigeria)
Species ID: NMP-104 | wfo-0000237860

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Angiosperms

Class: Eudicots

Order: Gentianales

Family: Rubiaceae

Genus: Massularia

Species: M. acuminata

Authority: (G.Don) Bullock ex Hoyle

Synonyms: Massularia floribunda G.Don, Massularia latifolia S.Moore

Massularia acuminata is a woody shrub or medium-sized tree in the Rubiaceae family, typically growing 3–10 m tall:

·       Stem: Bark grey to pale brown, smooth or slightly fissured; wood whitish-yellow, hard, durable (Burkill, 1997).

·       Leaves: Simple, opposite, elliptic to oblong, 10–18 cm long, 4–7 cm wide, glossy, acuminate apex.

·       Flowers: White to yellowish, tubular, 4–5 cm long, in short axillary cymes, fragrant; blooming January–March (Orwa et al., 2009).

·       Fruits: Small, ovoid capsules, 1–2 cm long, containing numerous tiny seeds; green turning brown when ripe (Burkill, 1997).

Massularia acuminata is native to tropical West Africa, thriving in diverse ecological conditions:

·       Range: Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire (Burkill, 1997; Govaerts, 2024).

·       Habitat: Moist lowland forests, forest undergrowth, secondary woodlands; prefers well-drained soils, 0–1,000 m altitude.

Massularia acuminata, native to West Africa, is traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. Scientific studies have demonstrated its androgenic potential, suggesting it may stimulate male sexual maturation and enhance reproductive functions. Additionally, the plant exhibits pro-sexual effects, potentially aiding in the management of conditions like diminished libido and erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, Massularia acuminata possesses antimicrobial properties, with ethanolic and methanolic extracts showing effectiveness against certain oral pathogens. However, caution is advised, as high doses of the ethanolic extract have been linked to testicular toxicity in animal studies, indicating possible adverse effects on sperm quality and reproductive health. ​

·       Aphrodisiac: Root and stem decoctions in Nigeria; aqueous extract (500–1000 mg/kg) increased testosterone 1.8-fold and sexual behavior in male rats (Yakubu & Akanji, 2011).

·       Antimicrobial (Oral Health): Stem as chewing sticks in West Africa; ethanol extract inhibited Bacteroides gingivalis (MIC 0.5%) (Rotimi et al., 1988).

·       Anti-inflammatory: Stem infusions in Ghana; alkaloid-rich extract reduced gingivitis inflammation in vitro (Aderinokun et al., 1999).

·       Pain Relief: Leaf decoctions in Sierra Leone.

⚠  Toxicity Profile: High doses (500–1000 mg/kg) of stem extract caused liver enzyme elevation (ALT up 30%) and functional toxicity in rats; safe at <250 mg/kg (Yakubu et al., 2012).

·       Construction: Hardwood used for carving, tool handles, and building in Nigeria (Orwa et al., 2009).

·       Fuelwood: Branches harvested for firewood in rural communities.

·       Cultural: Stem chewing sticks integral to oral hygiene rituals in Yoruba culture (Burkill, 1997).

• Aderinokun, G. A., Lawoyin, J. O., & Onyeaso, C. O. (1999). Effect of two common Nigerian chewing sticks on gingival health and oral hygiene. Odonto-Stomatologie Tropicale, 22(87), 13–18.
• Burkill, H. M. (1997). The useful plants of West Tropical Africa (Vol. 4). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
• Govaerts, R. (2024). Massularia acuminata. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:756020-1
• Orwa, C., Mutua, A., Kindt, R., Jamnadass, R., & Anthony, S. (2009). Agroforestry tree database: A tree reference and selection guide. World Agroforestry Centre.
• Rotimi, V. O., Laughon, B. E., Bartlett, J. G., & Mosadomi, H. A. (1988). Activities of Nigerian chewing stick extracts against Bacteroides gingivalis and Bacteroides melaninogenicus. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 32(4), 598–600. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.32.4.598
• Yakubu, M. T., & Akanji, M. A. (2011). Effect of aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata stem on sexual behaviour of male Wistar rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 738103. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/738103
• Yakubu, M. T., & Omoniwa, B. P. (2012). Effects of aqueous stem extract of Massularia acuminata on some liver function indices of male rats.

• iNaturalist - Massularia acuminata
• Plants of the World Online - Massularia acuminata
• West African Plants - Massularia acuminata
• GBIF - Massularia acuminata

• Dodecanoic acid, ethyl ester
• 1-Nonadecene

Adenike, A. O. (2021). Assessment of medicinal value of (G. Don) ex Hoyle (Massularia acuminata) stem as a potent Chew stick using GC-MS analysis. Br J Med Health Sci (BJMHS), 3(6), 1068-1070.