27/08/2024
STRYCHNOS SPINOSA
Medicinal benefits
Strychnos spinosa, also known as Spiny Monkey Orange is among the top nutrient-dense indigenous fruit species that are predominant in Southern Africa and has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. The plant’s extracts and fractions have been found to exhibit:
• Antimicrobial activity: Effective against microbial infections, including bacteria and fungi.
• Antiplasmodial and anti-trypanosomal activity: Inhibiting the growth of Plasmodium and Trypanosoma parasites, which cause malaria and trypanosomiasis, respectively.
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties: Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which may contribute to its traditional use in treating various diseases.
• Antidiabetic activity: Potentially useful in managing diabetes mellitus.
• Antihypertensive activity: May help lower blood pressure.
• Antivenom properties: Traditionally used to treat snakebites, particularly from venomous species like the mamba.
The plant’s bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, terpenes, sterols, fatty acids, flavonoids, and saponins, are responsible for its medicinal properties.
Traditional uses:
• Treatment of skin disorders, sexually transmitted infections, microbial infections, malaria, trypanosomiasis(sleeping sickness), intestinal worms, tuberculosis, infertility, gastrointestinal disorders, and snakebites.
• Food material, with the fruit being a rich source of nutrients.
Safety considerations:
• While Strychnos spinosa extracts have shown low cytotoxicity, further studies are needed to fully assess their safety and potential side effects.
• The plant’s alkaloids, including strychnine, may pose a risk of toxicity if ingested in large quantities or without proper preparation.
For professionally produced Strychnos spinosa extract and the correct dosage, why not contact our Health and Life Clinic natural medicine practitioner on +263 779632443.