FolkKB

Death Tree

Okoubaka aubrevillei

Okoubaka aubrevillei is a plant traditionally used in West African herbal medicine. Its specific traditional uses are not well-documented, though it has been included as part of an antimalarial formulation called Maloff-HB, where it makes up 8.0% by weight. Scientific evidence from studies indicates that Okoubaka aubrevillei may have some ability to reduce colonization of ETEC and Salmonella in challenge tests, with the 10% ethanolic tincture showing a stronger effect. The disjunctive xylem parenchyma in Okoubaka aubrevillei forms a continuous network, supporting hypotheses about its mechanical strength and symplastic continuity. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.

At a glance
Best evidence
B
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The study found no significant difference in characteristic proving symptoms between Okoubaka aubrevillei C12 and placebo. B PMID
  • Okoubaka aubrevillei was found in the composition of the antimalarial formulation Maloff-HB at 8.0% weight-for-weight. D PMID
  • Both Okoubaka products showed an anti-pathogenic effect against ETEC and Salmonella in challenge tests, with the 10% ethanolic tincture showing a stronger reduction. D PMID
  • The study found disjunctive xylem parenchyma in Okoubaka aubrevillei forms a continuous network, supporting mechanical strength without disrupting symplastic continuity. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Death Tree?

Death Tree (Okoubaka aubrevillei) 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 Death Tree?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Death Tree; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study found no significant difference in characteristic proving symptoms between Okoubaka aubrevillei C12 and placebo.

How strong is the evidence for Death Tree?

The strongest finding for Death Tree carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Death Tree safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Death Tree interact with medications?

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

Is Death Tree 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 What is disjunctive xylem parenchyma? A case study of the African tropical hardwood Okoubaka aubrevillei (Santalaceae). literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Homeopathic drug proving of Okoubaka aubrevillei: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 A quantitative documentation of the composition of two powdered herbal formulations (antimalarial and haematinic) using ethnomedicinal information from ogbomoso, Nigeria. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 In vitro evaluation of the anti-pathogenic activity of Okoubaka aubrevillei on the human gastrointestinal tract. literature abstract metadata