Edible Parts: Leaves  Sap  Stem
Edible Uses: Drink

The leaves are used in the production of palm wine, and give the wine a bitter taste[299 ]. Sap that exudes from cut stems can be drunk to quench thirst[299 ]. Use: The stems are baked and chewed.

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Antiseptic  Aphrodisiac  Emetic  Kidney  Laxative  Ophthalmic  Purgative

The pulped bark is applied to syphilitic sores[299 ]. A leaf decoction is used as an emetic, cough medicine and aphrodisiac[299 ]. The leaf sap and is drunk or applied as an enema to cure kidney problems[299 ]. The leaf sap is used as eye drops to cure inflamed eyes[299 ]. A paste made from the leaves is applied to burns[299 ]. A decoction of stems and leaves is taken as a purgative to treat constipation and is used externally as an antiseptic wash to treat suppurating wounds[299 ]. Chewing the stems is claimed to produce an aphrodisiac effect[299 ]. Stems and stem bark are made into a paste that is applied to decaying teeth[299 ]. The powdered twig bark, combined with lemon juice and Capsicum pepper, is applied to scarifications to treat intercostal pain[299 ]. An extract from the powdered roots has been used to treat sickle cell anaemia[299 ]. The seed is a commercial source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a serotonin precursor. In humans, 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin in the central nervous system and has been shown to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, including depression, fibromyalgia, obesity, chronic headaches and insomnia[299 ]. The leaves contain a volatile oil and coumarins. The cyanoglucoside lithospermoside (= griffonin) has been isolated from the roots; it is the active ingredient against sickle-cell anaemia[299 ]. Isolectin B4, isolated from Griffonia simplicifolia, is used as a marker of small primary sensory neurons in neurological research[299 ].

Basketry  Cosmetic  Dye  Fibre  Insecticide  Teeth  Wood

Other Uses: The leaves are put in chicken pens to kill lice[299 ]. The roots are chewed and dried to produce a white powder that is used by women to powder their face[299 ]. A black dye is obtained from the leaves[299 ]. The stems are used to make baskets and cages[299 ]. The stems are beaten into fibres that serve as chewing sponges, a popular means of tooth cleaning in Ghana[299 ]. The stems and roots are used as chew-sticks to clean the teeth and maintain gum health and oral hygiene[299 ]. The seeds contain the compound 5-HTP, which is poisonous to certain insects, i.e. bruchids (Callosobruchus maculatus)[299 ]. A number of lectins are found in the seeds. One of them is of the acetylglucosamine-group, which is commonly found in Poaceae and Solanaceae, but is rare in Fabaceae. Some lectins have insecticidal properties[299 ]. The pods are made into toy whistles and spoons[299 ]. The wood is hard and fairly tough. It can be bent and after crooking is used for making walking-sticks[299 , 332 ].

Special Uses