ackee

Blighia sapida

Blighia sapida, commonly known as ackee or African cherry, is a traditional plant native to West Africa. Traditionally, its use has not been well-documented in specific medical practices; however, it has cultural significance and is often used in local cuisines. Scientific evidence suggests that the ethanol extract of B. sapida exhibits dose-dependent antimalarial, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities in mice infected with chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei, indicating potential therapeutic benefits. Additionally, green synthesized selenium nanoparticles from ackee leaves and arils have shown enhanced antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties compared to standard drugs, though more research is needed to confirm these findings comprehensively. The B. sapida oil did not cause adverse effects in Wistar rats at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight, suggesting a generally safe profile. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.

At a glance
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

  • The ethanol extract of Blighia sapida showed dose-dependent antimalarial, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities in mice infected with chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei. D PMID
  • The study found that while no treatment induced complete mortality of Dinoderus porcellus, combining Khaya senegalensis leaf powder and Alloeocranum biannulipes showed reduced survival of the pest under farm conditions. D PMID
  • The study found that green synthesized selenium nanoparticles from Ackee leaves and arils showed enhanced antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities compared to standard drugs. D PMID
  • The study found that B. sapida oil did not cause adverse effects in Wistar rats at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight. D PMID
  • The study identified several compounds from Blighia sapida that showed potential as inhibitors of PfDHODH, a target for malaria treatment. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is ackee?

ackee (Blighia sapida) 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 ackee?

5 sourced findings are recorded for ackee; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The ethanol extract of Blighia sapida showed dose-dependent antimalarial, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities in mice infected with chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei.

How strong is the evidence for ackee?

The strongest finding for ackee carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is ackee safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for ackee in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does ackee interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for ackee in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of ackee?

ackee is also known as: Аки (растение), Akée.

Is ackee 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

  1. T2 Photo-physical characterizations and evaluation of in-vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potentials of green synthesized ackee (Blighia sapida) selenium nano-particles. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Toxicity of Oils Extracted From the Arils of Blighia sapida (K.D. Koenig) in Wistar Rats. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Effect of botanical powders and the assassin bug, Alloeocranum biannulipes Mont. and Sign. (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) against Dinoderus porcellus Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) infesting yam chips. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Antimalarial, Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Ethanol Extract of Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig (Sapindaceae) in Plasmodium berghei-infected Mice. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 In-silico study of the bioactive compounds of Blighia sapida koenig revealed a novel Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor for malaria. literature abstract metadata