Fagara

Scientific Names

fagara

Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides
Fagara zanthoxyloides
Zanthoxylum senegalense
Zanthoxylum tessmannii
Fagara tessmannii

Common Names

Fagara

Prickly Ash

Rapeko (Moore)

Guene gui deg (Wolof)

Wo (Bambara)

Gozo ngua (Bambara)

Fasahuari (Hausa)

Dori (Toucouleur)

Wouho (Djoula)

Parts Usually Used

The root bark, stem bark, leaves, and fruits are used medicinally. The aromatic roots are particularly valued.
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fagara

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Fagara species are shrubs or small trees that grow up to 6-8 meters tall (sometimes reaching 12 meters), with spiny trunks and branches. The bark is grey to beige with fine vertical fissures and woody prickle-bearing protuberances. The slash is yellow and aromatic. The leaves are alternate, compound with 5-7 leaflets, and aromatic when crushed. Flowers are small, white or greenish, arranged in loose panicles. The fruits are small follicles containing black shiny seeds.
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Where Found

Native to:

West Africa (particularly Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso)
Central Africa
Eastern Africa
Southern Africa
North Africa (Saharan Maghreb)
Western Asia (Arabian Peninsula)
Southwestern Europe

Medicinal Properties

fagara

Antisickling (for sickle cell disease)
Antimicrobial and antibacterial
Antidiarrheal
Antihypertensive
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic
Antidepressant
Antioxidant
Anticancer
Antidiabetic
Antimalarial
Antiparasitic
Antifungal
Antitrachoma
Phosphodiesterase-inhibiting
Antihistaminic

Biochemical Information

Major active compounds include:

Alkaloids:
- Berberine
- Fagaronine
- Chelerythrine
- Skimmianine
- Nitidine
Phenolic acids:
- Vanillic acid
- Syringic acid
- p-hydroxybenzoic acid
Divanilloylquinic acids (Burkinabins A, B, C)
Coumarins
Essential oils
Lignans

Legends, Myths and Stories

Fagara rubescens is known for its aromatic properties. When the leaves or bark of the plant are crushed or bruised, they release a distinct fragrance that is often described as spicy or citrus-like. This aroma contributes to its appeal and may have cultural significance in certain regions.
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Uses

Traditional medicinal uses include:

Treatment of sickle cell anemia
Management of malaria and fever
Relief from toothache and oral infections
Treatment of digestive disorders
Management of bacterial and fungal infections
Relief from arthritis and rheumatism
Treatment of diabetes
Management of hypertension
Treatment of cardiovascular conditions

Other uses:

Chewing sticks for dental hygiene
Spice and food seasoning
Construction materials
Fish poison
Insecticide

Formulas or Dosages

Limited research for specific dosage recommendations. Traditional preparations include:

Root or bark decoctions
Leaf infusions
Root powder
Aqueous extracts

How Sold

Dried root bark
Dried stem bark
Powdered preparations
Herbal extracts
Traditional medicines

Warning

High doses may cause liver and kidney damage
May interact with diabetes medications
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
May affect blood pressure – use with caution if taking antihypertensive medications
May cause seizures at very high doses
Some species contain toxic compounds – proper identification is crucial
The plant is endangered in some regions due to overharvesting