Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- 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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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
- 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
Resource Links
Top Herbs to Support Sickle Cell Anemia Symptoms Naturally
HealthLine – 4 Herbs for Sickle Cell Anemia
ScienceDirect – Chapter Three – Phytochemistry and antibacterial potential of the genus Fagara
The Green Institute – Fagara rubescens
