Prunus Africana Health Benefits: Natural Healing Power
BeyondForest- Oct 19, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: 3 minutes ago
Image of Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) Researchers harvesting Prunus Africana Bark
1.)About Prunus Africana
3.)Prunus Africana FAQ
4.)Growing condition for Prunus Africana
7.)Propagation of Prunus Africana
9.)Uses of Prunus africana
10.)Benefits of Prunus africana
11.)Conservation Challenges for Prunus Africana
12.)Conservation Efforts for the Prunus Africana
13.)Sellers of Prunus Africana Seedlings
For sustainability, please remove only ¾ of the bark on one side of the tree and leave ¼ on opposite side intact so that new bark grows back and plant does not die.
Image of a red stinkwood by captain Green KE
Red stinkwood, commonly known as the African cherry or pygeum or Bitter Almond and the fever Tree and scientifically known as Prunus Africana, is a valuable large evergreen indigenous tree species native to African montane forests, ranging from Central and East Africa to the highlands of South Africa and Madagascar.
The plant is called stinkwood because it has wood with an unpleasant odour.The genus name ‘Prunus’ is derived from the Latin word which refers to the plum family and the scientific name “Prunus africana” refers to the species of African origin.
Prunus Africana has helped my lastborn with allergy issues he could not eat any Proteins
Image of Prunus Africana fruits by captain Green KE
This tree is highly sought after for its medicinal properties, durable wood, and ecological contributions, but its popularity has also led to conservation challenges.
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Image of Prunus Africana by Andrew Byama
The Prunus Africana reaches a heights of 10 to 40 meters, with a straight trunk that can reach up to 1 meter in diameter.
Prunus Africana helped me overcome meat allergy at a young age, this is how it was administered to me. The barks were boiled and I would take a glass before eating meat. I had an allergy where after eating or smelling cooked/fried meat, I could develop stomachache and scratch myself all over...I took it like five times and it was over .I never used to eat meat-Nicholus Wahome
Image of Prunus africana leaves
The tree has a distinctive, rough, blackish-brown bark that becomes scaly with age, a characteristic feature that makes it easily identifiable in the wild. The leaves are simple, elliptical, and shiny, with a dark green color on the upper side and a paler green on the underside. The tree produces small, white to pale green flowers, which are clustered in loose, terminal inflorescences. Prunus Africana belongs to the Rosaceae family and is highly valued for its medicinal properties, timber, and ecological contributions.
Image of Prunus Africana Harvesting by John Wamutitu on Facebook
Over the years, the tree has gained global recognition, particularly for the medicinal uses of its bark, which is harvested for treating a variety of ailments, including prostate health issues.
Prunus africana has been the subject of extensive research due to its wide range of applications, from traditional medicine to commercial pharmaceuticals. However, over-exploitation of its bark and habitat destruction have led to significant conservation concerns.
Germany doing research on it to treat cancer. Have read various pharmacological research of its success in treating different types of cancer in Africa.The tree was used to treat prostate cancer in men by agikuyu. If Germany succeeds, it will soon disappear from our forests. Plant yours now. -Ni Kush
Image of Prunus Africana leaves
The Prunus Africana is known as Mumbaume or Mutimailu in Kamba language , It is referred to as Tenduet in Keyo language , It is referred to as Muiri in Kikuyu language , It is referred to as Arareut in Kipsigis language , It is referred to as Omoiri in Kisii language ,It is referred to as Kumusikhu or Kumuturu in Luhya or Bukusu language ,
Image of Prunus Africana Seeds on Facebook by Johnstone Malinda
It is referred to as Olkoijuk in Maasai language ,It is referred to as Tenduet in Marakwet and Ogiek language ,It is referred to as Mweria or Muirîa in Meru language ,It is referred to as Tendwet in Nandi language , It is referred to as Oromoti Sahaot language and Kiburabura in Swahili language
If you have those stubborn allergies make it a habit of drinking this bark..
Prunus Africana Fruit
Image of Prunus Africana Ripe Berries
The fruit of Prunus Africana is a small drupe, around 7-13 mm in diameter, which turns from green to reddish-brown or black when ripe. The fruit is typically consumed by birds and other wildlife, which help in seed dispersal.
Propagation of Prunus Africana
Seed - does not require pre-treatment, It has a fairly short period of viability and is best sown as soon as it is ripe. Under ideal conditions, germination takes place within 35 - 50 days; expected germination rate of a mature, healthy seed lot is 60 -80%
Prunus Africana distribution
Prunus Africana is distributed across the high-altitude regions of Africa, often growing in the montane forests of countries such as Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa. The tree thrives in moist, cool environments, typically at altitudes between 900 and 3,400 meters above sea level. It prefers volcanic soils and often grows alongside other forest species, contributing to the biodiversity of its ecosystem.
We grew up knowing this is medicine for the stomach and indeed we never had those stomach ailments.
Medicinal Uses
The primary reason Prunus Africana has gained global attention is due to its medicinal properties, particularly those derived from the bark. The bark contains valuable bioactive compounds, such as phytosterols, pentacyclic triterpenoids, and ferulic acid esters, which have been shown to have therapeutic benefits.
Image of Prunus Africana Tablets by Nutricost
Prostate Health: One of the most well-known uses of Prunus Africana is in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The bark extract of Prunus Africana is used to formulate various pharmaceutical products that help reduce the symptoms of BPH, including urinary difficulties and frequent urination. This is due to the bark’s ability to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with prostate enlargement.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties: Prunus africana bark has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is used in the treatment of fever, gastrointestinal problems, and rheumatism. The anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to the presence of triterpenes in the bark, which reduce inflammation by inhibiting certain enzymes involved in the inflammatory process.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties: Studies have shown that extracts from the bark of Prunus africana have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it useful in the treatment of infections and skin conditions. Traditional healers have used the bark and leaves to treat wounds, skin rashes, and fungal infections.
Traditional Medicine: In African traditional medicine, various parts of the tree are used to treat a wide range of ailments. For example, decoctions made from the bark are consumed to treat chest pain, malaria, stomach aches, and kidney disease. The bark is also used as a tonic to improve general well-being and vitality.
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This tree is going extinct, haven't seen one in a long time.
Timber and Wood Uses
Prunus africana wood is highly valued for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The wood is reddish-brown, with a fine texture, making it suitable for furniture, flooring, and construction. In many African communities, the wood is used to make tools, utensils, and carvings. However, due to the increasing focus on the medicinal value of the tree, its use for timber has decreased in recent years.
The bark is also sought as an aphrodisiac (a food, drink, or other thing that stimulates sexual desire.) to enhance vitality and sexual power especially among the males.
Cosmetic Industry
In addition to its medicinal properties, Prunus Africana is used in the cosmetic industry. The bark extract is incorporated into skin care products due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make it an attractive ingredient for products aimed at treating acne, reducing wrinkles, and promoting overall skin health.
Culinary Uses
Some communities have the Prunus Africana on the compound and Whenever they slaughter a goat it is necessary t they boil the meat with the bark of the Prunus Africana and makes the best broth.
Prunus Africana is increasingly being integrated into agroforestry systems and reforestation projects. Its ability to thrive in degraded lands and its role in improving soil fertility make it an important tree for land restoration. The tree is also planted alongside crops in agroforestry systems, where it provides shade, improves soil structure, and enhances biodiversity.
Image of Prunus Africana seedling sold by gracy Gituku at 300Ksh
1. Economic Benefits
Prunus Africana has created significant economic opportunities for rural communities in Africa. The bark of the tree is harvested and sold to pharmaceutical companies, providing a source of income for local harvesters and traders. In regions where Prunus africana grows, bark collection has become an important livelihood, supporting families and boosting local economies.
The international demand for Prunus Africana bark, particularly for use in prostate health products, has made it a valuable export commodity. Countries like Cameroon, Kenya, and Madagascar are major exporters of Prunus Africana bark, supplying global pharmaceutical markets.
2. Health Benefits
The health benefits of Prunus Africana, especially in the treatment of prostate conditions, have been well-documented. The bark extract has provided an alternative treatment option for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that affects a significant proportion of the aging male population worldwide.
In addition to its benefits for prostate health, the tree’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties have made it a valuable resource in traditional and modern medicine. Its use in treating various ailments, from infections to pain management, has contributed to the well-being of countless individuals.
An infusion of the leaves is traditionally used to improve appetite, treatment of genital infection
Prunus Africana plays a vital role in maintaining the health of African montane forests. The tree contributes to soil health through its leaf litter and root systems, which enhance nutrient cycling and improve soil structure. Additionally, its large canopy helps regulate the forest microclimate, providing shade and maintaining moisture levels.
As a species involved in reforestation and agroforestry, Prunus Africana helps combat land degradation and deforestation. The tree is used in projects aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, improving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land use practices. Its role in these efforts helps mitigate the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon and protecting water resources.
Image of Prunus Africana Bark being harvested almost to extinction
Despite its ecological and economic importance, Prunus Africana faces significant conservation challenges. Over-harvesting, habitat destruction, and inadequate regulation have all contributed to the decline of this valuable species.
1. Over-exploitation
The global demand for Prunus Africana bark, particularly for use in the pharmaceutical industry, has led to unsustainable harvesting practices. In many regions, the bark is stripped from trees in such a way that it cannot regenerate, leading to the death of the trees. Over-harvesting has been especially prevalent in countries like Cameroon and Madagascar, where Prunus Africana is a major export commodity.
2. Habitat Loss
The montane forests where Prunus Africana grows are under threat from deforestation, land conversion for agriculture, and logging. As human populations expand and agricultural activities increase, the natural habitats of Prunus Africana are being cleared, reducing the availability of mature trees.
3. Illegal Harvesting and Trade
Illegal harvesting and trade of Prunus Africana bark have further exacerbated the conservation crisis. In some regions, bark is harvested without proper permits, and the illegal trade in Prunus Africana products has flourished, undermining efforts to regulate and manage the species sustainably.
Image of Prunus Africana Seedling By Njeri Mwaniki on Facebook
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