Treculia africana
Treculia africana
Treculia africana, commonly known as African breadfruit, is a plant utilized within various African traditional medicine systems. It is traditionally applied to address cough, fever, swelling, and roundworms, and is used as a laxative, vermifuge, and in treatments for leprosy or following odontectomy. Scientific studies have indicated that methanol leaf extracts may inhibit alpha-glucosidase activity and have demonstrated moderate anti-plasmodial activity. There is also observation of wild chimpanzees consuming fermented versions of the fruit. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- cough · fever
- Traditions
- traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- cough
- fever
- laxative
- leprosy
- neck
- odontectomy
- roundworms
- swelling
- vermifuge
What the science says
- The methanol extract of Treculia africana leaves showed concentration-dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase activity.
- The study found that growth form and its interaction with phytodistrict significantly affect the plant use-availability dynamic, with less available trees being most used in certain phytodistricts.
- Treculia africana showed moderate anti-plasmodial activity with an IC50 value of 6.62 μg/mL.
- Wild chimpanzees were observed repeatedly ingesting and sharing naturally fermented African breadfruit with confirmed ethanol content.
Frequently asked questions
What is Treculia africana?
Treculia africana (Treculia africana) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Treculia africana traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Treculia africana for: cough, fever, laxative, leprosy, neck, odontectomy. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Treculia africana?
Treculia africana appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Treculia africana?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Treculia africana; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The methanol extract of Treculia africana leaves showed concentration-dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase activity.
How strong is the evidence for Treculia africana?
The strongest finding for Treculia africana carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Treculia africana safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Treculia africana in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Treculia africana interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Treculia africana in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Treculia africana 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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Anti-plasmodial, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Selected Ghanaian Medicinal Plants. literature abstract metadata
- T2 How do plant demographic and ecological traits combined with social dynamics and human traits affect woody plant selection for medicinal uses in Benin (West Africa)? literature abstract metadata
- T2 In vitro antidiabetic activity of Treculia africana leaf extracts: identification of chlorogenic acid and α-mangostin. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Wild chimpanzees share fermented fruits. literature abstract metadata