Edible Parts: Fruit  Oil  Seed
Edible Uses: Oil

Fruit - raw or cooked[299 ]. It can be cooked and used as a vegetable, or crushed and made into a sweet drink or sauce[295 , 299 ]. Seed - boiled and eaten as a side dish[299 ]. The seedcoat contains toxins and must be removed before the seed is cooked[295 , 299 ]. The seeds provide an oil that is used for cooking even though it has a bitter flavour[299 ]. The seedcoat is poisonous and only well-prepared oil is safe for consumption[299].

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.
Abortifacient  Antibacterial  Antidiarrhoeal  Antifungal  Antiinflammatory  Antirheumatic  Dysentery  Eczema  
Emetic  Febrifuge  Hypnotic  Infertility  Kidney  Leprosy  Parasiticide  
Poultice  Purgative  Tonic

Throughout Africa the seed oil, leaves, root and bark are used in similar ways uses to those of Trichilia emetica, though they are generally considered to be inferior. They are used to treat a variety of complaints ranging from lumbago to leprosy and sleeplessness[299 ]. A large number of limonoids have been isolated from the seed, especially from the seedcoat. including evodulone and prieurianin derivatives. Limonoids of other plants in this family (Meliaceae) are well known as antifeedants and growth regulators of insects, but they also have some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities[299 ]. The bark, which is very toxic, contains inhibitors of the prostaglandin-synthesis, which play a role in inflammation and pain suppression[299 ]. The seed oil is rubbed into cuts made in the skin of a fractured limb in order to hasten healing[299 ]. It is used as a massage oil to treat rheumatism and as a general body ointment[299 ]. The fruit has emetic and purgative properties[299 ]. Poultices made of the leaves or fruits are applied to bruises and eczema[299 ]. A decoction of the roots is used as a general tonic; to treat fever; and as a purgative[299 ]. It is also used to induce labour in pregnant women; and to treat intestinal worms, colds and infertility[398 ]. A decoction of the bark is drunk as a purgative or abortifacient, and also to treat dysentery and diarrhoea, fevers and lumbago[299 , 398 ]. The bark is used externally as a treatment against scabies[299 ]. Decoctions of the bark, applied in the form of an enema, are used as a purgative and abortifacient, as well as to treat back pain caused by kidney problems[299].

Charcoal  Cosmetic  Essential  Fuel  Furniture  Hair  Lighting  Oil  Parasiticide  Soap making  Wood

Agroforestry Uses: The tree is grown to provide shade for coffee plantations, or is left standing as a shade tree when the forest is cleared[299 ]. Other Uses The seeds contain 55 - 65% oil. This is used as a body ointment and hair oil, as well as to make candles, soap and cosmetics[295 , 299 ]. The approximate fatty acid composition of the oil is: palmitic acid 34%, stearic acid 3%, oleic acid 51%, linoleic acid 11%, linolenic acid 1%[299 ]. To obtain the oil, the seeds are first ground into a powder and pounded, they are then boiled in water and the oil is skimmed off[299 ]. The heartwood is pale brown to pink, the sapwood whitish, though the wood darkens with age and exposure. When oiled, it darkens considerably, leaving little difference between the heartwood and sapwood. The grain is generally straight, texture medium coarse, the wood has a distinct figure[299 ]. The wood is not durable and is subject to attack by borers. It is easily worked and polishes well. It is not durable and susceptible to borer attack[299 ]. The wood is particularly important as a material for making carvings, especially in southern Africa, and is also used for indoor furniture, household utensils, shelving, construction, dugout canoes etc[295 , 299 , 398 ]. The wood is used for fuel and for making charcoal[299 , 398 ].

Special Uses

Coppice