Terminalia ivorensis
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Terminalia ivorensis Common Names: Ivory Coast almond, Satinwood, Idigbo,
Black afara, Framiré, Emiri Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Myrtales Family: Combretaceae Genus: Terminalia Species: T. ivorensis Synonyms: None
widely documented Morphological Description Terminalia ivorensis is a large deciduous tree, typically 15–30 meters tall, with
a straight bole up to 1.5 meters in diameter. Its key characteristics include: · Bark: Pale to dark brown, smooth in young trees, becoming scaly
and fissured with age; exudes a yellowish resin when cut (Keay, 1989). · Leaves: Simple, alternate, oblong to elliptic (10–20 cm × 4–8 cm),
glossy green, with entire margins and acuminate tips. · Flowers: Small, white to yellowish, 3–5 mm diameter, in axillary or
terminal spikes (5–10 cm); fragrant, bisexual; flowering from November to
February (Fern, 2024). · Fruit: Winged samaras (3–5 cm), green when immature, turning brown,
containing a single seed; fruiting from March to June (Keay, 1989). Distribution and Habitat Terminalia ivorensis is native to West Africa, thriving in tropical forest
ecosystems: · Geographic Range: Extends from Sierra Leone to Ghana,
including Nigeria (e.g., Ogun, Cross River), Ivory Coast, and Liberia; also
reported in Cameroon ( Burkill, 1985). · Habitat: Grows in moist semi-deciduous rainforests, secondary
forests, and forest-savanna transitions; prefers well-drained loamy or sandy
soils (pH 5.0–7.0) with 1,200–2,500 mm annual rainfall and temperatures of
24–28°C; occurs at elevations up to 1,000 m ( Fern, 2024). · Ecological Role: Canopy species in rainforests; supports
pollinators (bees, butterflies); winged fruits dispersed by wind; contributes
to soil stabilization (Keay, 1989). Ethnopharmacology Terminalia ivorensis, known as idigbo, is a vital medicinal plant in West African
traditional medicine, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, valued
for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. Its
pharmacological potential is driven by over 80 identified phytochemicals, with
studies validating extensive traditional uses. In West African
ethnomedicine, particularly among Yoruba, Igbo, and Akan communities, Terminalia ivorensis is used for: · Infections: Bark decoctions treat skin infections, wounds, and throat
infections in Nigeria and Ivory Coast (Odugbemi, 2008). · Malaria and Fever: Root and bark infusions are used as
antimalarial and antipyretic remedies in Ghana (Coulibaly et al., 2014). · Pain and Inflammation: Leaf and bark pastes relieve arthritis,
back pain, and swelling in Cameroon (Dibong et al., 2011). · Liver and Kidney Disorders: Bark extracts manage jaundice and kidney
ailments in Nigeria (Neuwinger, 2000). · Gastrointestinal Issues: Leaf decoctions treat diarrhea and
dysentery in Sierra Leone (Burkill, 1985). · Voice Loss: Root infusions are used to treat hoarseness in Ivory Coast (Coulibaly
et al., 2014). Pharmacological studies
have validated several traditional uses of Terminalia ivorensis, focusing on its bark, leaves, and roots: · Antibacterial Activity: Ethanolic bark extracts inhibited
Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 0.5 mg/mL) and Escherichia coli (MIC: 1 mg/mL),
with tannins and flavonoids disrupting bacterial membranes, supporting use for
skin infections in Ivory Coast (Coulibaly et al., 2014). · Antiplasmodial Activity: Aqueous bark extracts showed potent antiplasmodial
activity against Plasmodium falciparum Pf3D7 (IC50: 0.13 µg/mL), with ellagic
acid as a key compound, validating Ghanaian use for malaria (Tali et al.,
2023). · Anti-inflammatory Activity: Methanolic leaf extracts (300 mg/kg)
reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats by 60%, with flavonoids
inhibiting TNF-α, supporting Yoruba use for arthritis (Avoseh et al., 2018). · Hepatoprotective Activity: Igbo use it for jaundice. · Antifungal Activity: Bark extracts inhibited Candida albicans
and Aspergillus fumigatus (MIC: 0.5–2 mg/mL), with terpenoids as active
compounds, supporting use for fungal infections in Nigeria (Sitapha et al.,
2013). ⚠ Safety
Considerations: Terminalia ivorensis is
generally safe at therapeutic doses, but some risks are noted: Wood Dust
Exposure: Sawdust may cause skin irritation, allergic dermatitis, or
respiratory issues (e.g., asthma) in workers; protective gear is recommended
(Keay, 1989). Sub-chronic Toxicity: Prolonged high doses (>1,000 mg/kg) of
leaf extracts caused mild liver enzyme elevation (ALT increased by 10%) in rats
(Avoseh et al., 2018). Additional Information · Timber Use: Known as "idigbo," the durable wood is used for
construction, furniture, and veneer; valued for its light yellow to
golden-brown color and workability (Keay, 1989). · Nutritional Value: Fruits are edible, containing 5%
carbohydrates and trace minerals (calcium, potassium), used as a famine food in
Nigeria (Ogbuagu, 2008). · Cultural Significance: In Yoruba culture, bark is used in rituals
for healing; revered as a "forest healer" in Akan folklore (Odugbemi,
2008). · Other Uses: Bark yields a yellow dye for textiles; leaves used as mulch
in Ghanaian agriculture (Burkill, 1985). · Conservation Status: Overexploitation for timber has led to
population declines; listed as vulnerable by some regional assessments;
reforestation efforts are underway in Nigeria and Ghana. References
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