Acokanthera oblongifolia
Acokanthera oblongifolia
Acokanthera oblongifolia is a plant traditionally used in African medicine for treating snakebites, itching, and internal worms. It has been utilized in various indigenous practices across different regions of Africa. Scientific studies have shown that the plant contains several bioactive compounds, with Acovenoside A demonstrating potent antiviral activity against Newcastle disease virus and H5N1 influenza virus. Additionally, both Acovenoside A and acobioside A exhibited strong anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic activities in certain cancer cell lines. However, the cardenolides identified from its leaves showed high cytotoxicity not only to cancer cells but also to normal cells, indicating potential toxicity concerns. The plant's stomatal rings influence guard cell mechanics by affecting stomatal pore depth during opening, though this finding is more related to plant physiology than medicinal use. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been noted for Acokanthera oblongifolia thus far.
- Traditionally for
- snakebites · itches
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- snakebites
- itches
- internal worms
What the science says
- Both Acovenoside A and acobioside A showed strong antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities against certain cancer cell lines.
- The study identified several cardenolides from Acokanthera oblongifolia leaves, with one showing high cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines but also toxicity to normal cells.
- The study found that stomatal rings, whether marginal or on ledges, influence guard cell mechanics by affecting stomatal pore depth during opening.
- Four compounds showed antiviral activity against Newcastle disease virus and H5N1 influenza virus, with Acovenoside A being the most potent.
Frequently asked questions
What is Acokanthera oblongifolia?
Acokanthera oblongifolia (Acokanthera oblongifolia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Acokanthera oblongifolia traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Acokanthera oblongifolia for: snakebites, itches, internal worms. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Acokanthera oblongifolia?
Acokanthera oblongifolia appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Acokanthera oblongifolia?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Acokanthera oblongifolia; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Both Acovenoside A and acobioside A showed strong antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities against certain cancer cell lines.
How strong is the evidence for Acokanthera oblongifolia?
The strongest finding for Acokanthera oblongifolia carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Acokanthera oblongifolia safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Acokanthera oblongifolia in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Acokanthera oblongifolia interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Acokanthera oblongifolia in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Acokanthera oblongifolia a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Influence of stomatal rings on movements of guard cells literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cytotoxic Cardenolides from the Leaves of Acokanthera oblongifolia. literature abstract metadata
- T2 In vitro chemotherapeutic and antiangiogenic properties of cardenolides from Acokanthera oblongifolia (Hochst.) Codd. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cardenolides and pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Acokanthera oblongifolia leaves: their biological activities with molecular docking study. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Acokanthera oblongifolia CC BY-SA 4.0