Description

Voacanga powder

Voacanga powder as Voacanga Africana is a tropical evergreen shrub native to West Africa. The genus of voacanga is closely related to those of Tabernanthe and Tabernaemontana. And contains species that are primarily found in Africa and Asia. Although there are a few others found elsewhere. It grows up to twenty feet in height, voacanga africana has dark green, glossy leaves and white to yellow flowers. The seeds form in yellow clusters inside a fruit, turns brown upon drying. Voacanga powder and barks are traditionally use as a poison, a cerebral stimulant, an aphrodisiac, for memory recall and for ancestral contact. Modern interest is rising in voacanga’s ability to treat drug dependency.

All parts of the plant are rich in alkaloids, especially the bark. The root-bark contains 5 – 10%; the stem-bark 4 – 5%; the seeds 1.5%; the leaves 0.3 – 0.45. It’s possible to make a tea or infusion from 10- 15 grams of the root bark or powder.

Medicinal Voacanga powder

The latex obtain from the tree is apply to wounds and into carious teeth.

An extract of the bark is use for washing sores.

A root decoction is taken orally by women to ward off the untoward consequences of premature or precipitant parturition and to treat dysmenorrhoea. The same prescription is use as a treatment for
painful hernias. A bark or root-decoction is use to treat heart-troubles (spasms, angina?).

elements (alkaloids)

All parts of the plant are rich in alkaloids, especially the bark. The root-bark contains 5 – 10%; the stem-bark 4 – 5%; the seeds 1.5%; the leaves 0.3 – 0.45%. Voacamine is the principle alkaloid present follow by voacangine, voacangarine, voacorine and vobtusine. Many other alkaloids have also been identify, as well as the presence of small amounts of tannins and flavonoids. The alkaloids are of particular interest to the pharmaceutical industry. They show a vast range of pharmacological activities including analgesic, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, cardiotonic, cytotoxic, diuretic, hypotensive, vasoconstrictor, central nervous sytem-stimulant, and exerting a spasmolytic effect on the smooth muscle of the intestine. Several of the compounds are extracted from the plant for use in medical preparations.

Other Uses

There is an abundant white latex in the bark and other parts of the tree. It does not coagulate and are use to adulterate better rubbers  which Children use it to make balls to play with.

Voacanga powder and barks contains a fiber which is use to make a yarn. And which may also be admixed with cotton or other fibers for making mats.

A seed oil is obtain as a by-product of the pharmaceutical industry obtaining medicinal compound has cosmetic and nutritional value.

The wood is soft and the bole often hollow Consider to be of low quality. It is sometimes use locally as poles for building purposes and to make musical instruments. Arrows and knife sheaths are made from the branches. The wood is also use for fuel.

Warning

Voacamine works as a heart tonic and can cause hypertension in high doses. It’s also a depressant on the central nervous system.