A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profiles, Spiritual and Economic Values, and Toxicity of Dacryodes Edulis (G. Don) H.J. Lam.

Abstract

Since ancient times, medicinal plants have played a key role in the management of some health problems and in the discovery of new drugs. For many years, Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) is reported to be used by local populations of West and Central Africa for its nutritional values and by traditional medicine practitioners for the treatment of many diseases among which: leprosy, dysentery, anaemia, spitting blood, debility, stiffness, tonsillitis, skin diseases (such as scabies, ringworm, rash and wound), worms, ear infections, fever, headache, malaria, cephalgia, treatment of snakebite, jiggers, protection of the skin, oral hygiene and cicatrization of wounds. Many parts of this tree have been scientifically studied for their numerous therapeutic activities such as: antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibacterial, antimalarrial, Haemopoietic, Cardiovascular and Anti-drepanocytary. Moreover, its spiritual and economic values are of great import for the local populations. No part of this plant has been mentioned to be toxic. This review study is an attempt to give a detailed survey of the literature on its traditional uses, phytoconstituents, pharmacological activities, spiritual and economic values, as well as it toxicity.

The Genus Dacryodes Vahl.: Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities

“…However, only about 10% of these species are presently utilized as medicinal plants [ 3 , 6 ]. Plant-based natural remedies can be produced from a diverse range of source materials, including fruits, vegetables, spices (such as cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper), leaves, bark, roots, and essential oils (including those derived from Eucalyptus, spearmint, clove, peppermint, pomegranate, olive, and grapefruit) [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

“…The fruit is a rich source of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, and is considered an essential nutritional source by many. Additionally, other species in the Dacryodes genus are utilized for their timber, medicinal, and essential oil properties [ 13 ]. Several species of Dacryodes are also used in traditional medicine for treating ailments, such as fever, malaria, and skin infections.…”

“…Several species of Dacryodes are also used in traditional medicine for treating ailments, such as fever, malaria, and skin infections. Previous studies have investigated D. edulis , a species of this genus, and some of these studies were covered in review reports [ 12 , 13 ]. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview that focuses on the ethnobotanical uses, pharmacological, and chemical studies of plants in the Dacryodes genus.…”

Functionalized MWCNTs-quartzite nanocomposite coated with Dacryodes edulis stem bark extract for the attenuation of hexavalent chromium

“…Dacryodes edulis also known as ‘African plum’, ‘native pear’, “African pear” or ‘bush butter’ belongs to the Burseraceae family. Different parts of this plant have served as a source of food and medicine to man 52 – 53 . Meanwhile, Dacryodes edulis leaf extract has demonstrated good ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) 54 .…”

Isolation and Characterization of Withaferin-a From the Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha)

“…Medicinal chemistry is disciplines at the intersection of chemistry, especially synthetic organic chemistry, pharmacology and various other natural plants, where it is involved with design, chemical synthesis and development for market of pharmaceuticals agents. 2,3 Medicinal plants are a tremendous source of raw material for the modern drug industry. Since time immemorial, plants have been extensively exploited for their therapeutic property.…”