Newbouldia laevis
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Newbouldia laevis Common Names: Tree of Life, Fertility Tree, African
Border Tree Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Asterids Order: Lamiales Family: Bignoniaceae Genus: Newbouldia Species: N. laevis Authority: (P.Beauv.) Seem. ex Bureau Synonyms: Spathodea speciosa C.Morren, Spathodea laevis P.Beauv., Newbouldia pentandra (Hook.) Seem. Morphological Description Newbouldia laevis is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Bignoniaceae
family, typically 3–8 m tall in western Africa, but reaching 15–20 m in the
east: · Trunk: Straight, 30–90 cm in diameter, with smooth to slightly
fissured greyish-brown bark (Burkill, 1985). · Leaves: Compound, pinnate, 20–40 cm long, with 5–9 glossy, dark
green leaflets, 7–15 cm long (Fern, 2024). · Flowers: Bright pink to purple, tubular, 3–5 cm long, borne in
terminal panicles, attracting pollinators like bees (Barwick, 2004). · Fruit: Woody capsules, 15–25 cm long, brown when mature, splitting
to release flat, winged seeds (Burkill, 1985). Distribution and Habitat Newbouldia laevis is native to tropical Africa, widely distributed across West
and Central regions: · Range: Senegal to Angola, east to Uganda and Cameroon; cultivated
in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo (Fern, 2024). · Habitat: Savannas, woodlands, secondary forests, forest edges;
thrives in 25–35°C, rainfall 1,000–2,500 mm/year, well-drained soils, 0–1,200 m
elevation (Burkill, 1985). Ethnopharmacology Newbouldia laevis (African Border Tree) is widely used in
traditional medicine for its antimicrobial properties, effectively combating Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae,
Proteus sp., Staphylococcus epidermidis,
and Candida albicans, making it
beneficial for treating wound infections and bacterial diseases. It also
exhibits antitumor and anticancer potential due to its flavonoid and tannin
content, while its antioxidant properties protect cells from oxidative stress.
The plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, aiding in arthritis,
rheumatism, and general pain relief, and is traditionally used for malaria and
parasitic infections. It promotes wound healing, skin treatment, and digestive
health, helping with stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal infections.
Additionally, it is known for its aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing effects, as
well as its potential to regulate blood pressure and support heart health. Its
use extends to respiratory ailments like coughs, colds, and bronchitis, making
it a versatile medicinal plant with significant therapeutic potential. · Pain Relief: Leaf paste in Senegal treats arthritis. Usman et al. (2014)
found flower extract (200 mg/kg) reduced acetic acid-induced writhing in rats
by 60%. · Headache: Heated leaves in Gabon applied to the head. Burkill (1985)
notes its analgesic use in folk medicine. · Earache: Inner bark in Nigeria for ear infections. Burkill (1985)
documents its topical application. · Eye Conditions: Leaf decoctions in Ghana treat
conjunctivitis. Burkill (1985) confirms its ophthalmic use. · Digestive Issues: Root decoctions in Ivory Coast for dysentery.
Okagu et al. (2024) report antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. · Diabetes: Leaves in Benin for glucose control. Mbagwu et al. (2020)
showed butanol fraction (604 mg/kg) reduced blood glucose in diabetic mice by
45%. · Milk Production: Leaves in Nigeria ease delivery. Bafor et
al. (2010) found leaf extract increased uterine contractions in rats by 30%. · Antimicrobial: Bark in Cameroon fights infections. The study on Newbouldia laevis leaves
demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with the ethanolic extract
exhibiting the highest inhibition against Proteus sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae,
and Escherichia coli (14.5mm), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (13.85mm) and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.86mm). Chukwuma et al. (2016). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Prolonged use of leaf extract (>600 mg/kg for
180 days) caused liver and kidney damage in rats, with elevated creatinine and
AST levels. Avoid high doses in pregnancy due to uterotonic effects (Kolawole
et al., 2021; Bafor et al., 2010). Additional Uses · Cultural: Planted as boundary markers and used in chieftaincy
ceremonies in Nigeria; leaves in Yoruba caps (Fern, 2024). · Timber: Soft wood (density 0.4 g/cm³) for carvings, utensils,
fuelwood (Barwick, 2004). · Ecological: Fast-growing, used for erosion control and shade in
agroforestry (Burkill, 1985). References
External Links More Pictures
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| Compounds of Newbouldia laevis | |
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