31/10/2020
Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides
Zanthoxylum is the most abundant genus in the Rutaceae family and comprises of at least 200 species. It is represented by trees, monoecious or dioecious shrubs, the trunk,twigs and leaves are thorny. Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides is a common component of the rainforest vegetation found most abundantly in the drier parts of the South-western Nigeria. The roots of the plant are commonly used as chewing stick for cleansing the mouth in many African homes.
Various parts of this species are used singly or in combination with other plants for medicinal purposes. The roots, leaves and stem bark are commonly marketed in Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Nigeria in which they have been used in a traditional way by the rural population for their healthcare needs. They are considered antiseptic, analgesic and diaphoretic. The medicinal values of Zanthoxylum may be attributed to various pharmacological properties, namely, antimicrobial, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antitumor, antihelmintic, antinociceptive, and antiviral activities. The roots, leaves and stem bark serve as a remedy for the treatment of malaria, tuberculosis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, injuries, and syphilitic wounds as well as arthritic pain. In southern Nigeria a decoction of the stem bark and roots is taken to treat cancer. Pulped stem bark and root bark is thrown in the water to stupefy fish. In Côte d’Ivoire sap from the pulped bark is applied as eye drops to treat eye infections, notably conjunctivitis with pus. In Ghana root and stem bark powder is taken to treat whooping cough.
The leaves, which smell like citronella, and the seeds, which taste strongly of cinnamon or pepper, are commonly used to season food. From the seeds, necklaces are made. Z. zanthoxyloides also has numerous magico-religious uses, including protection against spirits. In Africa, this plant is used especially in the treatment of sickle cell disease, inflammatory and painful pathology.
