Pods - raw or cooked[303 ]. Fleshy and sweet[398 ]. They are collected as soon as they are ripe, broken open, the sweet pulp sucked out and the seeds discarded[398 ]. They are mostly eaten by children and herdsmen[398 ]. The seeds are used as a substitute for coffee[398 ]. The leaves are eaten as a cooked vegetable in Malawi and Tanzania, but elsewhere they are considered to be poisonous[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.


The plant has many medicinal uses throughout Africa[299 ]. Modern research has shown the presence of a range of medically active compounds. The roots contain 4 tetrahydroanthracene derivatives, singueanol-I and -II, torosachrysone and germichrysone, as well as the pentacyclic triterpene lupeol and steroids (campesterol, ß-sitosterol and stigmasterol). The anthracene derivatives have shown significant activity against several gram-positive bacteria in vitro and also antispasmodic activity[299 ]. Extracts of the root bark have shown significant analgesic, antipyretic, anthelmintic and antiplasmodial activity[299 ]. The leaves have been shown to have anthelmintic and antiviral properties, but no significant antibacterial activity[299 ]. The stem bark and leaves contain tannins and are astringent[299 ]. The leaves, stem and the root bark are all used as anthelmintics and to treat bilharzia[299 ]. An infusion of the leaves is used as a remedy for venereal disease, malaria, convulsions, epilepsy, coughs, intestinal worms, constipation, heartburn and stomach-ache[398 ]. A hot water infusion of the leaves is drunk and the warm leaves are applied as a compress to treat fever. The leaves, either as a decoction or infusion, or as a dried powder, are applied to wounds caused by leprosy and syphilis[299 ]. An infusion of the leaves is applied as eye drops to cure conjunctivitis[299 ]. A decoction of the roots is used to treat wounds and as a remedy for diarrhoea, convulsions, dementia and STDs[398 ]. The roots are used to treat venereal diseases, stomach complaints and as a purgative. The roots are also used to cure impotence caused by diabetes. The ash of burnt roots is eaten mixed with porridge to cure abdominal pain[299 ]. Extracts of the stem bark are taken to cure stomach complaints. Like the leaves, the stem bark is used to treat skin disorders and malaria[299 ]. An infusion of the flowers is used as an eye lotion[299 ]. The fruit pulp soaked in water and cooked with a staple food is eaten by lactating women as it is considered a galactagogue[299 ].

Agroforestry Uses: The tree is used for soil improvement[398 ]. A nitrogen fixer. A suitable candidate for agroforestry in dry areas[398 ]. Other Uses: The stem bark is used as a dye for textile in Ethiopia and Zambia and for tanning hides in large parts of East Africa[299 ]. The fruits are used in Sudan for tanning skins[299 ]. The leaves contain the flavonoid leucopelargonidin, which has dyeing properties[299 ]. Bananas are wrapped in the leaves to speed ripening[299 ]. The root fibres are used in hairpieces[299 ]. The wood is pale brown in colour with a distinct grain[299 , 303 ]. It is used for hut building, small furniture, tool handles, spoons and carvings[299 , 364 , 398 ]. The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[299 , 364 , 398 ]. Fodder: Pod.

Special Uses