Sarcocephalus latifolius
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Sarcocephalus latifolius Common Names: African peach, Guinea peach, Negro peach Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Gentianales Family: Rubiaceae Genus: Sarcocephalus Species: S. latifolius Synonyms: Nauclea
latifolia Sm. Morphological Description Sarcocephalus latifolius
is a multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub or small tree, typically 4–12 m tall,
occasionally reaching 18 m. Key features include: · Stems: Grey-brown bark, deeply fissured; branches spreading,
forming an open canopy · Leaves: Opposite, broadly elliptic to obovate, 10–21 cm long, 5–12
cm wide; shiny dark green above, paler below; petioles 1–2 cm long · Flowers: Fragrant, white to yellow, in solitary terminal heads, 4–5
cm across; corolla tubular, 5-lobed; blooming April–June · Fruit: Syncarp, oval-round, 5–8 cm in diameter; red, rough with
five-sided pits; sweet, edible flesh containing numerous small seeds; ripening
July–September Seed dispersal occurs
via mammals and birds, with regeneration primarily through seeds and root
suckers (Haudecoeur et al., 2018). Distribution and Habitat Sarcocephalus latifolius
is native to West and Central Africa, spanning Senegal, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana,
Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, and Uganda. It thrives in: · Habitats: Savanna woodlands, gallery forests, riverbanks, and
seasonally flooded areas at elevations of 0–1,200 m · Ecological Conditions: Prefers moist, well-drained loamy or sandy
soils (pH 5.0–7.0), annual rainfall of 800–2,500 mm, and temperatures of
20–35°C · Range in Nigeria: Common in southern and northern regions,
particularly in Yoruba and Hausa communities, where it is used medicinally and
culturally Ethnopharmacology Sarcocephalus latifolius is a widely used African medicinal plant with
diverse therapeutic properties supported by both traditional and scientific
evidence. It is employed in ethnomedicine for treating malaria, fever,
diarrhoea, dysentery, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, hepatitis,
jaundice, pain, epilepsy, and urinary diseases. Pharmacological studies have
demonstrated its antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective,
nephroprotective, and antidiabetic activities. Extracts from its leaves, bark,
and fruits show potent free-radical scavenging ability, inhibit bacterial
growth, protect the liver and kidneys from drug-induced damage, and regulate
blood glucose by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The plant is
rich in bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids
(e.g., gallic and caffeic acids), tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and
glycosides, which contribute to these effects. · Antimalarial Activity: Root and bark decoctions reduce Plasmodium
berghei parasitemia by 60–80% at 200–400 mg/kg in mice, attributed to indole
alkaloids (strictosamide, angustoline) and tramadol-like compounds, supporting
use for malaria and fever (Vodounon et al., 2019; Haudecoeur et al., 2018). · Antimicrobial Effects: Leaf and stem bark extracts inhibit
Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans (MIC 50–100
μg/mL), linked to flavonoids and phenolics, validating use for infections,
dental issues, and wounds (Oluremi et al., 2018). · Antioxidant Properties: Bark ethanolic extracts exhibit potent
DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀ 20–30 μg/mL), with high phenolic (16.89 mg GAE/g
DW) and flavonoid content, supporting use for oxidative stress-related
conditions like diabetes and hypertension (Salih & Yahia, 2024; Osama et
al., 2017). · Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Root decoctions reduce nociception and
inflammation by 40–60% in rats (100–200 mg/kg), linked to tramadol-like opioids
and flavonoids, supporting use for pain, jaundice, and rheumatism (Taïwe et
al., 2011). · Anthelmintic Activity: Leaf acetone extracts show anthelmintic
effects against Haemonchus placei (LC₅₀ 5.72 mg/mL), with strictosamide and
vincosamide as active compounds, validating Fulani use for deworming livestock
(Aderibigbe et al., 2021). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: No acute toxicity is reported for Sarcocephalus
latifolius at doses up to 2,000 mg/kg in rats (LD₅₀ >2,000 mg/kg). Sub-acute
studies show mild renal toxicity (elevated creatinine) and hepatic congestion
at 1,000 mg/kg over 30 days, with no significant organ damage at lower doses.
High doses of leaf extracts (250 mg/kg) cause severe central vein congestion in
rats. The tramadol-like opioid may pose dependency risks with prolonged use.
Pregnant women and individuals with renal/hepatic conditions should avoid use.
Consult practitioners before medicinal use (Magili et al., 2014; Enemor, 2013;
Nadia et al., 2021). Additional Uses · Nutritional: Fruits are consumed fresh or as juice, providing 16.89 mg
GAE/g DW of phenolics and 268 µmoles TE/g DW antioxidant capacity, used
traditionally for cough relief (Salih & Yahia, 2024). · Ecological: Stabilizes soil along watercourses; used as live stakes in agroforestry
to support climbing crops. · Cultural: In Sudan, fruits are sold in markets as a remedy for
diabetes; in Nigeria, used in rituals for healing and protection (Burkill,
1997). · Industrial: Bark and roots explored for natural tramadol extraction, though
not commercially viable (Haudecoeur et al., 2018). References
External Links More Pictures
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| Compounds of Sarcocephalus latifolius | |
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