Vitex grandifolia
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Vitex grandifolia Common Names: Black plum, chocolate berry tree, Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Lamiales Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Vitex Species: Vitex
grandifolia Synonyms: Vitex bipindensis Gürke, Vitex lutea A.Chev. Morphological Description Vitex grandifolia is an
evergreen shrub or tree, growing up to 20 meters tall, with a spreading crown
that provides ample shade in forest understories. The bole is often sinuous,
slightly fluted at the base, and typically measures up to 60 cm in diameter,
though exceptional specimens may reach 120 cm. Key morphological features
include: · Leaves: Opposite, compound, with 3–5 leaflets;
leaflets are elliptic to obovate, 8–20 cm long and 4–10 cm wide, with a glossy
dark green upper surface and paler underside; apex acute to acuminate, base
cuneate (Fern, 2024). · Bark: Greyish-brown, smooth to slightly
fissured, exuding a blackish juice when heated, traditionally used as ink (Kew
Science, 2024). · Flowers: Small, violet to purple, arranged in
dense axillary or terminal panicles up to 15 cm long; each flower is bisexual
with a tubular corolla and five lobes; flowering occurs from March to June. · Fruit: Drupe, ovoid to globose, 1–2 cm in
diameter, black when ripe, with a sweet, edible pulp surrounding a single hard
seed; fruiting occurs from July to October (Fern, 2024). The tree’s edible black
fruits and distinctive foliage make it a notable species in both ecological and
cultural contexts across its range (Selina Wamucii, n.d.). Distribution and Habitat Vitex grandifolia is
native to West and West-Central Tropical Africa, with a distribution spanning
from Sierra Leone in the west to Gabon in the south. It thrives in diverse
ecological settings, including: · West Africa: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte
d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria, typically in regions with 1,200–2,500 mm annual
rainfall (Kew Science, 2024). · West-Central Africa: Cameroon and Gabon, often
in lowland evergreen forests at altitudes of 0–800 m (West African Plants,
n.d.). The species is commonly
found as an understorey tree in primary and secondary lowland evergreen
forests, becoming locally abundant in disturbed areas such as secondary forests
and forest edges. It prefers well-drained, loamy to clayey soils with a pH
range of 5.0–7.0 and tolerates partial shade to full sun, with temperatures
ranging from 20–35°C (Fern, 2024). Ethnopharmacology Vitex grandifolia holds
a significant place in West African traditional medicine, with various plant
parts used for their therapeutic properties. Recent ethnopharmacological
studies have begun to validate these traditional uses, identifying bioactive
compounds responsible for its medicinal effects. Key applications include: · Neuropharmacological Potential: Leaf extracts
inhibit monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) with an IC50 of 45 µg/mL, suggesting potential
neuroprotective effects. This supports its use in treating neurological
disorders, possibly linked to traditional applications for fever and pain
relief (Bello et al., 2019). · Antimicrobial Effects: Bark and leaf extracts
exhibit antibacterial activity, use in treating sores, infections of the
umbilical cord, and diarrhea.. · Gastrointestinal Disorders: Bark decoctions are
used to treat stomachache, diarrhea, and colic. The presence of tannins (10–12%
dry weight) provides astringent properties, reducing intestinal fluid secretion
by 55% in castor oil-induced diarrhea models (Epidi & Odili, 2009). · Respiratory and Other Conditions: Leaf infusions
are employed for bronchial complaints and rickets. The fruit is used to prepare
a tonic tea, potentially due to its high phenolic content (2.5–3.0 g/100g
gallic acid equivalent), which supports general health (Fern, 2024). Phytochemical analyses
reveal a rich profile of flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and triterpenoids
(e.g., lupeol), which underpin its broad therapeutic applications. However,
further clinical studies are needed to standardize dosages and confirm safety
(Bello et al., 2019). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: While Vitex grandifolia is widely used in traditional medicine,
prolonged or excessive use may pose risks: Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity:
Prolonged administration of aqueous leaf extracts (500 mg/kg for 30 days) in
rats caused significant increases in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and creatinine
levels, indicating potential liver and kidney damage. Histological changes in
liver, kidney, and lung tissues were also observed (Owolabi et al., 2010). Clinical
Signs: High doses in animal studies led to polydipsia, polyuria, and lethargy,
suggesting systemic toxicity (Owolabi et al., 2010). Precautions: Use should be
guided by knowledgeable practitioners, especially for pregnant women, children,
or individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions. Traditional
preparations should be used cautiously and in moderation. Additional Uses · Nutritional: The ripe black fruits are edible,
with a sweet, chocolate-like flavor, and are used to make an alcoholic beverage
in local communities. The fruit contains 10–15% sugars and 1.8% protein (Selina
Wamucii, n.d.). · Material Uses: The heartwood, whitish to pale
brown, is moderately durable and resistant to termites, used for light
construction, drums, canoe seats, and tool handles. The wood’s straight grain
and medium texture make it suitable for joinery, furniture, and veneer (ITTO,
n.d.). · Cultural Uses: The black juice from heated
leaves is used as ink, particularly in traditional writing and dyeing practices
(Fern, 2024). · Agroforestry: The tree’s spreading crown
provides shade, and its deep roots help prevent soil erosion in secondary
forests (Kew Science, 2024). References
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