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Scientific
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Rosids
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
- Genus: Piliostigma
- Species: Piliostigma thonningii
(Schumach.) Milne-Redh.
Synonyms
- Bauhinia thonningii Schumach.
- Bauhinia reticulata DC.
- Piliostigma reticulatum (DC.) Hochst.
Common
Names: Camels foot Local
Names: Abafe (Yoruba), Kalgoo (Hausa), Okpachu (Igbo) Species ID: NMP-207;wfo-0000170413;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 653098 Basic
Description Piliostigma
thonningii, commonly
known as the camel's foot or monkey bread, is a deciduous shrub or small tree
that can reach heights of up to 10 meters. Key characteristics include:
- Leaves: Large, bilobed leaves
resembling a camel's footprint or butterfly shape, measuring 5 to 15 cm in
length.
- Bark: Grey to brown, smooth when
young, becoming rough and fissured with age.
- Flowers: Small, white to pale yellow,
appearing in short racemes or clusters, typically blooming from October to
March.
- Fruits: Flattened, woody pods
measuring 10 to 25 cm long, containing several hard seeds. The pods split
open when ripe to release the seeds.
Distribution
and Habitat
- Geographical Range: Native to sub-Saharan Africa,
widely distributed across West, East, Central, and Southern Africa,
including Nigeria.
- Habitat:
- Found
in savanna woodlands, grasslands, and open forests.
- Prefers
well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including
sandy and rocky soils.
- Occurs
at altitudes from sea level up to 2,000 meters.
- Climate:
- Thrives
in tropical climates with annual rainfall ranging from 500 to 1,500 mm.
- Drought-tolerant
and adapted to seasonal variations.
Medicinal
Properties Piliostigma
thonningii is
extensively used in traditional medicine across Africa:
- Antimicrobial Activity:
- Use: Treats bacterial, fungal,
and protozoal infections.
- Application: Decoctions of the bark,
leaves, or roots are used to treat ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, and
respiratory infections.
- Evidence: Studies have shown extracts
exhibit antibacterial activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus
aureus and Escherichia coli (Akinpelu & Onakoya, 2006).
- Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic
Effects:
- Use: Alleviates pain and reduces
inflammation.
- Conditions: Rheumatism, arthritis,
headaches, and menstrual pains.
- Mechanism: May involve inhibition of
prostaglandin synthesis.
- Antioxidant Properties:
- Components: Rich in flavonoids and
phenolic compounds.
- Benefits: Protects against oxidative
stress and related degenerative diseases.
- Anthelmintic Activity:
- Use: Expels parasitic worms and
other internal parasites.
- Application: Infusions made from the bark
or leaves are administered orally.
- Wound Healing:
- Use: Promotes healing of cuts,
ulcers, and skin infections.
- Application: Crushed leaves or bark
applied topically to affected areas.
- Other Uses:
- Antimalarial: Used to reduce fever and
treat symptoms of malaria.
- Digestive
Aid:
Relieves stomach aches and improves digestion.
Known
Toxicity
- General Safety:
- Considered
safe when used in traditional therapeutic doses.
- Potential Toxicity:
- Cyanogenic
Glycosides:
Seeds contain low levels, which can release hydrogen cyanide if consumed
in large quantities.
- Tannins: High tannin content may
interfere with nutrient absorption if consumed excessively.
- Side Effects:
- Generally
minimal when used appropriately.
- Possible
gastrointestinal discomfort if taken in large amounts.
- Contraindications:
- Pregnancy
and Lactation:
Use with caution; insufficient data on safety.
- Children: Dosage should be
appropriate; professional guidance recommended.
- Recommendations:
- Preparation: Proper processing (e.g.,
boiling) can reduce potential toxicity.
- Medical
Advice:
Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially when combining
with other medications.
Additional
Information
- Economic Uses:
- Fodder: Leaves and pods are
nutritious and commonly used as livestock feed.
- Firewood
and Charcoal:
Wood is valued for fuel due to its high calorific value.
- Crafts
and Construction:
- Wood
used for tool handles, poles, and small construction.
- Bark
fibers used for making ropes and mats.
- Environmental Benefits:
- Soil
Improvement:
Leaf litter contributes to soil fertility through nutrient recycling.
- Erosion
Control:
Root systems help stabilize soils, preventing erosion.
- Cultural Significance:
- Traditional
Practices:
Used in rituals and cultural ceremonies.
- Folklore: Often associated with healing
and protection in local beliefs.
- Conservation Status:
- Not
currently listed as threatened.
- Threats: Overharvesting for medicinal
use and deforestation can impact local populations.
- Sustainability: Encouraging sustainable
harvesting and cultivation practices is important.
References - Akinpelu,
D. A., & Onakoya, T. M. (2006). Antimicrobial activities of medicinal
plants used in folklore remedies in south-western Nigeria. African Journal
of Biotechnology, 5(11), 1078-1081.
- Burkill,
H. M. (1995). The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa (2nd ed., Vol.
3, pp. 173-176). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Igoli,
J. O., Ogaji, O. G., Tor-Anyiin, T. A., & Igoli, N. P. (2005). Traditional
medicine practice amongst the Igede people of Nigeria (part II). African
Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2(2),
134-152.
- Katung,
M. D., Kela, S. L., & Gugong, V. T. (2005). The anthelmintic efficacy of
the methanol extract of Piliostigma thonningii bark in mice. Journal
of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 11(3), 41-50.
- Mann,
A., Gbate, M., & Umar, A. N. (2003). Medicinal and Economic Plants of
Nupeland (pp. 118-119). Jube Evans Books and Publications.
- Okoli,
R. I., & Okere, O. S. (2010). Antimicrobial activity of the phytochemical
constituents of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum) leaves. African
Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 4(6), 356-360.
- Orwa,
C., Mutua, A., Kindt, R., Jamnadass, R., & Simons, A. (2009). Agroforestree
Database: A Tree Reference and Selection Guide Version 4.0. World
Agroforestry Centre.
- Oyeleke,
G. O., Dauda, B. E. N., Boye, O. A., & Jimoh, T. (2010). Antibacterial
activity of Piliostigma thonningii stem bark on some pathogenic
bacteria. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 4(12), 1230-1232.
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