Terminalia glaucescens

Terminalia glaucescens

Scientific Classification:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Order: Myrtales
  • Family: Combretaceae
  • Genus: Terminalia
  • Species: T. glaucescens

Synonyms:Terminalia avicennioides Guill. & Perr.

Common Names:

Local Names: Idi-Odan, Baushe; SENEGALMANDING-BAMBARA vara sa (JB) GUINEAFULA-PULAAR (Guinea) bori (Aub.) bosi (Langdale-Brown) daroth (Aub.) SIERRA LEONEMANDING-MANDINKA walisa (FCD) MANINKA (Koranko) wo (S&F) wσlsa (NWT; KM) MENDE foni-baji (SKS) SUSU-DYALONKE korεtε-na (FCD; KM) kσrẻtε-na (FCD) MALIFULA-PULAAR (Mali) bori (Aub.) daroth (Aub.) MANDING-BAMBARA horo (JMD) wolo (JMD) UPPER VOLTAHAUSA kandaré (Aub.) kandari (Aub.) IVORY COASTBAULE koma (A. Chev.; Aub.) MANDING-DYULA en’ga (A. Chev.) MANINKA koma kièni (A&AA) woagna (B&D) GHANAAKAN-ASANTE σngo (auctt.) wangu (auctt.) BRONG no (BD&H) noakyi (auctt.) wongwong (TFC) wonwon (JMD) TWI σngo (auctt.) BAULE koma (FRI) DAGBANI korli (FRI) kworli (FRI) GBE-VHE dzogbedodo (auctt.) TOGOGBE-VHE epi (Aub.) YORUBA-IFE OF TOGO opeti (Volkens) DAHOMEYGBE-FON alotu diésama (Aub.) VHE epi (Aub.) YORUBA-NAGO idi, idi ọ̀dàn (Aub.) NIGERHAUSA kandaré (Aub.) kandari (Aub.) NIGERIABEROM pyòso (LB) FULA-FULFULDE (Adamawa) kuulahi (pl. kuulaje) FULFULDE (Nigeria) baushishi (RES) bodi (JMD) ßooďeyi (JMD) GOEMAI nkeng (JMD) HAUSA báúshe (auctt.) IGBO èdò (auctt.) KANURI bàrbár (C&H) NUPE kpace, kpaci (Yates) TIV kuegh (JMD) YORUBA idi (auctt.) idi-apata (JRA) idi-ọ̀dàn, idi: Terminalia gen.; ò̉dàn: open country (auctt.)

Species ID: NMP-179;wfo-0000408700;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 1548817

Basic Description: Terminalia glaucescens is a medium-sized deciduous tree, often reaching heights between 15 and 20 meters. It is characterized by its pale green foliage and smooth, grey bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong, while the flowers are small and white, grouped in terminal inflorescences. The fruit is a small drupe, typically yellow when mature.

Distribution and Habitat: T. glaucescens is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, particularly West and Central Africa. It commonly grows in savanna woodlands, open forests, and along riverbanks. The species is adapted to a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils.

Medicinal Properties: T. glaucescens is widely used in traditional medicine. Its bark, leaves, and roots contain various bioactive compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and saponins, which contribute to its medicinal properties. The plant is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. It is used to treat a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, and skin diseases. Recent studies have also highlighted its potential in managing diabetes and hypertension due to its hypoglycemic and antihypertensive effects​​​​.

Toxicity: While T. glaucescens is generally considered safe when used in traditional medicinal doses, high concentrations or prolonged use can cause adverse effects. Some studies have reported hepatorenal toxicity in animal models, suggesting that caution should be exercised when using extracts from this plant over extended periods​​.

Additional Information: Beyond its medicinal uses, T. glaucescens also provides ecological benefits. It is often planted to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. The wood is durable and resistant to termites, making it valuable for construction and furniture-making. In addition, the tree is used for shade and ornamental purposes in agroforestry systems.

References:

  1. Anjaneyulu, A. S. R., & Prasad, A. V. R. (1983). Structure of terminic acid, a dihydroxy triterpene carboxylic acid from Terminalia arjuna. Phytochemistry, 22, 993-998.
  2. Zhang, X. R., Kaunda, J. S., Zhu, H. T., Wang, D., Yang, C. R., & Zhang, Y. J. (2019). The genus Terminalia (Combretaceae): An ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and pharmacological review. Natural Products and Bioprospecting9, 357-392..

External Links

  1. http://www.westafricanplants.senckenberg.de/root/index.php?page_id=14&id=2129
  2. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajcem/article/view/175938
  3. https://plants.jstor.org/compilation/Terminalia.glaucescens
  4. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000408700

More Pictures 


Compounds of Terminalia glaucescens
References

Aiyelaagbe, O., Olaoluwa, O., Oladosu, I., & Gibbons, S. (2014). A new triterpenoid from Terminalia glaucescens (Planch. ex Benth.). Records of Natural Products, 8(1), 7.