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Scientific
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Order: Myrtales
- Family: Combretaceae
- Genus: Terminalia
- Species: T. mantaly
Synonyms
- Terminalia mantaly H.Perrier
Species
ID:
NMP-249;wfo-0000408827;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 578553 Common
Names: Madagascar Almond, Umbrella Tree Description Terminalia
mantaly is
characterized by:
- Growth Form: A small to medium-sized tree,
typically reaching 10–20 meters in height, with an erect stem and
conspicuously layered, horizontal branches forming a pagoda-like crown.
- Leaves: Small, smooth, bright green
when young, arranged in terminal rosettes of 4–9 unequal leaves on short,
thickened stems; each leaf up to 7 cm long.
- Bark: Pale grey, smooth, and rather
mottled.
Distribution
and Habitat Native
to Madagascar, T. mantaly has been introduced to various tropical
regions, including parts of West Africa. It thrives in:
- Habitats: Forests at low elevations,
often along riverbanks.
- Climate: Semi-arid to moist tropical
climates, at elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Medicinal
Properties Traditional
uses of T. mantaly include:
- Astringent: The bark and wood are used in
the treatment of dysentery.
- Tannin Source: Both parts contain tannins and
are utilized for dyeing purposes.
· Terminalia
mantaly (commonly
known as the umbrella tree) is a tropical plant with a wide range of medicinal
properties attributed to its phytochemical composition. Here are some of the
key medicinal properties and uses associated with Terminalia mantaly:
1. Antioxidant Properties
- Terminalia mantaly extracts are rich in phenolic
compounds, flavonoids, and tannins, which exhibit strong antioxidant
activity. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, reducing
oxidative stress and preventing cellular damage.
2. Antimicrobial Properties
- The plant has demonstrated
antibacterial and antifungal activities against a variety of pathogens.
This makes it useful in treating infections and as a natural alternative
to synthetic antimicrobial agents.
3. Antidiabetic Activity
- The bark and leaf extracts have
been studied for their hypoglycemic effects. The plant's phytochemicals
may enhance insulin sensitivity or reduce blood sugar levels, potentially
supporting diabetes management.
4. Anti-inflammatory Properties
- Extracts from Terminalia mantaly
have been shown to reduce inflammation, making them useful in managing
inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and other chronic inflammatory
diseases.
5. Wound Healing
- The plant's extracts are used
in traditional medicine for promoting wound healing due to their
antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which help prevent infection
and accelerate tissue repair.
6. Cardiovascular Benefits
- The presence of bioactive
compounds, such as flavonoids, in Terminalia mantaly may help in
reducing cholesterol levels, improving blood flow, and protecting the
heart against oxidative stress.
7. Anticancer Potential
- Preliminary studies suggest
that the plant may have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells due to its rich
content of antioxidants and bioactive compounds, although further research
is needed to confirm this.
8. Antimalarial and Antiparasitic Activity
- Traditional uses include its
application as a remedy for malaria and parasitic infections. Certain
extracts have shown efficacy against Plasmodium species, the parasite
responsible for malaria.
9. Liver Protection (Hepatoprotective)
- Extracts of Terminalia
mantaly have demonstrated protective effects on the liver, possibly by
reducing oxidative stress and enhancing the detoxification process.
10. Gastrointestinal Health
- The plant is used in
traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, including diarrhea,
dysentery, and stomach ulcers. Its antimicrobial properties may help
combat pathogens responsible for gastrointestinal disturbances.
11. Traditional Uses
- In traditional medicine,
various parts of the plant (bark, leaves, and roots) are boiled to create
decoctions for treating fever, cough, and respiratory infections.
Known
Toxicity There
are no widely reported toxic effects associated with T. mantaly.
However, as with all medicinal plants, it is advisable to consult knowledgeable
practitioners before any medicinal use. Additional
Information
- Ornamental Use: Due to its distinctive tiered
branching and compact crown, T. mantaly is commonly planted as an
ornamental or street shade tree.
- Ecological Role: The tree is used in
reforestation projects and provides shade along streets.
References - Plants
of the World Online. (n.d.). Terminalia mantaly H.Perrier. Retrieved
from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:171229-1
- Useful
Tropical Plants. (n.d.). Terminalia mantaly. Retrieved from https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Terminalia+mantaly
- Center
for International Forestry Research. (n.d.). Terminalia mantaly
H.Perrier. Retrieved from https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/AFTPDFS/Terminalia_mantaly.PDF
External
links - https://greencoverinitiative.com/trees/terminalia-mantaly-madagascar-almond-tree/
- https://www.selinawamucii.com/plants/combretaceae/terminalia-mantaly/
- https://acacia-ae.com/product/terminala-mantaly/
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