Edible Parts: Fruit  Seed
Edible Uses:

The seeds are edible, fresh or cooked[303 , 325 ]. The seeds are about 3mm long[303 ]. Fruits - raw or cooked[301 ]. Eaten green the fruits can be crushed in water to make a beverage or used to flavour other foods[301 ]. Fruit - honey scented318].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Dysentery  Leprosy  Urinary

The plant is antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antifungal, antitussive, antiviral, astringent, blood purifier, cardiac, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive, oxytocic, vulnerary[318 ]. The bark is a rich source of tannins and antioxidant chemicals called proanthocyanidins[318 ]. One in particular, procyanidin B-2, has been shown in various studies to help promote hair growth and alleviate baldness[318 ]. Other independent research indicates that procyanidin B-2 also has antitumor and anticancer effects (even against melanoma) as well as lowers blood pressure and protects the kidneys[318 ]. The bark also contains a chemical called kaurenoic acid which has been documented with antibacterial and antifungal properties in many studies over the years[318 ]. The leaves of mutamba contain caffeine, however none has been found in the bark of the tree[318 ]. Other studies have shown that the plant lowers heart rate and blood pressure, relaxes smooth muscles and stimulates the uterus[318 ]. Various studies using leaf and bark extracts have clinically demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against several disease-causing pathogens, including Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, E. coli, and Neisseria gonorrhea[318 ]. One of the recent 2003 studies also confirmed its antioxidant effects[318 ]. In a 1995 in vitro study, mutamba also demonstrated antiviral activity[318 ]. The bark is the part most used. It is used as to induce perspiration, as a tonic and a blood cleanser[318 ], and is employed to treat a wide range of disorders including; digestive tract problems such as gastrointestinal pain, liver problems, diarrhoea and dysentery; urinary and reproductive tract problems such as kidney problems, uterine pain, prostate problems, venereal disease and as an aid to childbirth; respiratory tract problems such as asthma, bronchitis, coughs and pneumonia; fevers and haemorrhages[318 ]. Applied externally, it is used to bathe wounds, rashes and sores; to treat skin problems, including dermatosis, elephantiasis and leprosy; it is applied to the scalp to arrest hair loss and combat parasites of the scalp[318 , 739 ]. The fruit (in Mauritius), the roasted seeds (in Java), and the bark (in India) are officinal remedies against elephantiasis)[317 ]. An infusion of the crushed, seed soaked in water, is used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, colds, coughs and venereal diseases. It is also used as a diuretic and astringent[303 ].

Fodder

Agroforestry Uses: A natural pioneer species that colonizes recently disturbed areas, it is fast-growing, tolerant of full sunlight and provides food for the native fauna. It can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland, but is best not used outside of its native range[325 , 419 ]. Other Uses The tough, fibrous bark and young stems are used to make rope and twine[303 , 419 ]. The mucilaginous sap is used sometimes in sugar fabrication to clarify syrup[301 , 317 ]. The heartwood is pinkish to brownish; it is not clearly demarcated from the light brown sapwood[303 ]. The texture is coarse; the grain is straight to interlocked; lustre is medium; there is no distinctive taste or aroma. The fibrous wood is light in weight; it is not durable, being very susceptible to attack by dry-wood termites. It is easy to work and finishes well. It is used for posts, interior carpentry, light construction, furniture, boxes and crates, shoe horns, tool handles etc[46 , 303 , 363 , 418 ]. The tree can be used for fuel and to make charcoal[303 , 325 ]. The charcoal is of high quality[419 ].

Special Uses

Carbon Farming