Terminalia ivorensis

Terminalia ivorensis

Scientific Classification:

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

Synonyms:

  • Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev.

Species ID: NMP-295,NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 578550,wfo-0000408726

Common Names: Ivory Coast almond,[ Satinwood, idigbo, black afara, framire and emeri

Local Names: Awunshin (Igbo), Afara dudu (Yoruba), Baushe (Hausa), Egoyne nebi, Ebi (Edo)

Basic Description:

Terminalia ivorensis is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters. It features a straight bole with a diameter ranging from 1 to 1.5 meters. The bark is typically pale to dark brown, smooth in young trees, and becomes scaly with age. Leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong, measuring approximately 10–20 cm in length. The tree produces small, white to yellowish flowers arranged in spikes, leading to the formation of winged fruits.

Distribution and Habitat:

Terminalia ivorensis is indigenous to West Africa, with its range extending from Sierra Leone to Ghana, including Nigeria. It thrives in moist semi-deciduous forests and is commonly found in well-drained soils. The species prefers areas with annual rainfall between 1,200 to 2,500 mm and temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C.

Medicinal Properties:

Terminalia ivorensis has been utilized in traditional medicine for various therapeutic purposes:

  • Antibacterial Activity:
    • Extracts from the stem bark have demonstrated antibacterial properties against several pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This activity is attributed to bioactive compounds such as tannins and flavonoids.
  • Anti-inflammatory and Anti-arthritic Effects:
    • Studies indicate that the bark extract exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema and adjuvant-induced arthritis in animal models.
  • Antioxidant Properties:
    • The plant contains compounds with notable antioxidant activities, which help in scavenging free radicals and protecting against oxidative stress-related damage.
  • Anticancer Potential:
    • Research has shown that extracts of T. ivorensis possess cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines, suggesting potential as an anticancer agent.
  • Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Effects:
    • The ethanolic stem bark extract has been reported to protect against liver and kidney damage, indicating its use in managing hepatic and renal disorders.

Known Toxicity:

While Terminalia ivorensis is valued for its medicinal properties, certain precautions are necessary:

  • Wood Dust Exposure:
    • Exposure to the wood dust of T. ivorensis may cause skin and respiratory irritation. Proper protective measures are recommended during handling.
  • Acute Toxicity:
    • Acute toxicity studies indicate that certain extracts may exhibit moderate toxicity at high doses. Therefore, appropriate dosing and consultation with healthcare professionals are advised.

Additional Information:

Beyond its medicinal applications, Terminalia ivorensis is economically significant:

  • Timber Use:
    • The wood, known as "Idigbo," is utilized in construction, furniture making, and veneer production due to its favorable working properties.
  • Conservation Status:
    • Overexploitation for timber has led to concerns about its sustainability. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the species' longevity.

References:

  1. Babatunde, B. S., Idowu, P. A., Aderibigbe, A. O., & Adekola, Y. (2023). Isolation of an Antibacterial Principle from Terminalia ivorensis Chev. Stem Bark. West African Journal of Pharmacy, 34(2), 123–130.
  2. PROTA4U. (n.d.). Terminalia ivorensis. Retrieved from https://prota.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Terminalia+ivorensis
  3. Moomin, A., & Addo, P. (2021). Terminalia ivorensis and human health: The impact of Terminalia ivorensis on human health. Robert Gordon University. Retrieved from https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/preview/1603191/MOOMIN%202021%20Terminalia%20ivorensis%20and%20human%20health.pdf

External Links

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminalia_ivorensis
  2. https://forestcenter.iita.org/index.php/2019/07/23/terminalia-ivorensis/
  3. https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Terminalia_ivorensis.PDF
  4. https://prota.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Terminalia%20ivorensis
  5. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1079/cabicompendium.53158
  6. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Terminalia+ivorensis
  7. https://www.gbif.org/species/3189389
  8. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/426805-Terminalia-ivorensis

More Pictures


Compounds of Terminalia ivorensis
References

Ehigie, A. S., & Aderogba, M. A. (2020). Antioxidant activities of Terminalia ivorensis leaf extracts and its isolated constituent. Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine, 24(1), 7-11.