African Boxwood
Myrsine africana
Myrsine africana is a plant traditionally used in Ethiopian folk medicine, though specific applications are not well-documented. The plant has been identified as one of the top ten species with high importance value in Dabal forest, Ethiopia, and was included among 125 medicinal plants documented in the area. Scientific studies have shown that Myrsine africana exhibits a range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, with various phytochemicals identified. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from its leaf extract demonstrated significant antibacterial, antioxidant, and phytotoxic activities. To date, no major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been reported for Myrsine africana.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Myrsine africana was one of the top ten species with high importance value in Dabal forest, Ethiopia.
- The study documented 125 medicinal plants, with Myrsine africana among the highly cited species potentially warranting further investigation.
- Myrsine africana exhibits a range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, with various phytochemicals identified.
- The study found that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from Myrsine africana leaf extract showed antibacterial, antioxidant, and positive phytotoxic activities.
Frequently asked questions
What is African Boxwood?
African Boxwood (Myrsine africana) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about African Boxwood?
4 sourced findings are recorded for African Boxwood; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Myrsine africana was one of the top ten species with high importance value in Dabal forest, Ethiopia.
How strong is the evidence for African Boxwood?
The strongest finding for African Boxwood carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is African Boxwood safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for African Boxwood in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does African Boxwood interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for African Boxwood in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of African Boxwood?
African Boxwood is also known as: Buis africain.
Is African Boxwood 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 Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Myrsine africana Leaf Extract for Their Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Phytotoxic Activities. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Floristic Composition, Diversity, and Regeneration of Woody Plant Species of Dabal Forest in Southeastern Ethiopia: Implication for Conservation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phytochemical profiles and biological activity of Myrsine africana L.: a comprehensive review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ethnobotanical heritage and conservation priorities of medicinal flora in a remote Himalayan border region of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. literature abstract metadata