Neocarya macrophylla.
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Neocarya macrophylla Common Names: Gingerbread Plum, Neou Oil Tree, Rotten
Plum (fruit) Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Order: Malpighiales Family: Chrysobalanaceae Genus: Neocarya Species: N. macrophylla Binomial Name: Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance ex F. White Synonyms: Parinari macrophylla Sabine Morphological Description Neocarya macrophylla is a low-growing, deciduous tree, typically 3–10 m tall,
with a gnarled bole and a dense, rounded, bushy crown. Its features include: · Bark: Grey to dark brown, rough, fissured, exuding a gummy resin
when cut · Leaves: Alternate, ovate to elliptic, 10–25 cm long, 5–15 cm wide,
coriaceous, glossy green above, downy beneath with prominent veins · Flowers: Small, 5–8 mm long, white to cream, fragrant, borne in dense
axillary or terminal clusters, blooming in the dry season (November–March) · Fruit: Spherical drupes, 3–5 cm in diameter, velvety,
yellowish-brown when ripe, with sweet, edible pulp and a hard, woody seed The tree’s distinctive
fruit aroma resembles gingerbread, contributing to its common name (Prance
& White, 1976). Distribution and Habitat Neocarya macrophylla is native to West and Central Africa, from Senegal to
Nigeria, extending eastward to South Sudan and southward to northern Ghana. It
thrives in: · Habitats: Dry savannahs, open woodlands, fallow agricultural lands,
often semi-cultivated · Climate: Seasonally dry tropics, with rainfall of 600–1,200 mm
annually, temperatures of 25–35°C · Soil: Sandy to loamy, well-drained soils (pH 5.5–7.0) · Elevation: 100–1,000 m Its adaptability to
drought and poor soils enhances its prevalence in savannah ecosystems (Arbonnier,
2004). Ethnopharmacology Neocarya macrophylla also known as African nutmeg or large-leaved neocarya, is a
medicinal plant traditionally used in various parts of West Africa for its
diverse healing properties. The bark, leaves, seeds, and roots are employed in
folk medicine to treat malaria, fevers, diarrhea, wounds, skin infections, and
digestive disorders. It is known to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, antioxidant, and antimalarial properties. The seeds are also
sometimes used for their insecticidal effects, while decoctions made from the
bark or leaves are taken for pain relief and stomach problems. Phytochemical
studies have revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins,
and terpenoids, which are thought to be responsible for its medicinal
activities. Although widely used in traditional medicine, further scientific
and clinical research is required to validate its therapeutic potential and
ensure safe, standardized use. · Antimicrobial: Leaf extracts inhibit Escherichia coli (MIC 50 µg/mL), used in Sierra Leone for
infections (Yusuf et al., 2024). · Antivenin: Leaf methanol extract neutralizes Naja nigricollis venom (100% survival in mice at 200
mg/kg), used in Nigeria (Yusuf et al., 2019). · Analgesic/Anti-inflammatory: Stem bark reduces pain in rats (50%
inhibition at 150 mg/kg), used in Senegal for arthritis (Yusuf et al., 2015). · Antiasthmatic: Bark decoctions ease respiratory distress, used in Mali,
possibly due to bronchodilatory flavonoids (Burkill, 1985). · Anticancer: Flavonoids (e.g., quercetin) show cytotoxicity against
cancer cells in vitro (IC₅₀ 30 µg/mL), used in Ghana (Yusuf et al., 2024). · Anthelmintic: Root extracts expel worms in livestock, used in Niger
(Arbonnier, 2004). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Methanol stem bark extract has an LD₅₀ of 283 mg/kg
(intraperitoneal, mice), indicating moderate toxicity. High doses may cause
gastrointestinal distress or liver damage. Caution advised in pregnancy and
with prolonged use (Yusuf et al., 2015). Additional Uses · Culinary: Fruit pulp eaten fresh or fermented; seeds yield edible oil
(Arbonnier, 2004) · Economic: Timber for tools, firewood; oil for soap, cosmetics
(Burkill, 1985) · Ecological: Supports pollinators, stabilizes savannah soils · Cultural: Used in Wolof rituals for protection References
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| Compounds of Neocarya macrophylla. | |
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