Terminalia macroptera Guill. & Perr. [COMBRETACEAE]

Local name: Woloba

Synonym: Myrobalanus macroptera

This tree has traditionally been said to have antimicrobial effect and based on this had several uses. In Mali a decoction of Terminalia macroptera and Angeissus leiocarpa  is used to give a yellow to ochre colour to cotton material. This is then said to have an antimicrobial effect. This material is then used for boys and girls just after circumcision to avoid infection. In Guinea Bissau Terminalia macroptera has traditionally been used against malaria. It is primarily the root bark that has been used as a decoction, both for drinking and for bathing the body. The leaves are said to have effect against gastritis, colic and high blood pressure. The roots have also been used as a tonic and astringent, as a diuretic agent and as an aphrodisiac. They have also been used against weakness, depression, cough, icterus, syphilis and urinary infections. Wounds, snakebites, skin diseases, diarrhea, dysentery, tuberculosis and hemorrhoids are other ailments they are used against. The bark on the tree has been used against colic and toothache. Our investigations have revealed that the bark is rich in hydrolysable tannins with strong antioxidative properties.

By Berit Smestad Paulsen and Karl E. Malterud
Published Feb. 11, 2011 10:19 AM - Last modified June 20, 2013 4:31 PM