Boscia angustifolia is a shrub or small tree with lanceolate leaves commonly found in the savannah zones of Africa, from Senegal moving eastwards to Sudan. It is part of the Capparaceae family.[1] The plant is also known as the rough-leaved shepherds tree.
| Boscia angustifolia | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Capparaceae |
| Genus: | Boscia |
| Species: | B. angustifolia
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| Binomial name | |
| Boscia angustifolia A.Rich.
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Description edit
It is a smooth, grey barked shrub or small tree that is capable of reaching 7 m (23 ft) in height and with a short trunk.[2] It has leaves with simple, alternate arrangement; leaf-blade is lanceolate to oblong outline with a coriaceous and glabrous upper surface, short, fine hairs beneath; it is 1.5-5 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide, petiole is 2-7 mm long.[3][2] Flowers are greenish to white, terminal or axillary clustered in raceme type of inflorescence. Fruit is spherical berries, about 6-10 mm in diameter.[3]
Distribution edit
Occurs in the Sudan and Sahel zones of West Africa, from Senegal to Nigeria and eastwards towards the Red Sea where it has been identified in Sudan and Egypt[3] then southwards towards Northern South Africa.[2]
Chemistry edit
Test on parts of the species identified the methylated flavonoid, ombuin, the carboxylic acid compounds: lactic and quinic acid, and about three nitrogen methyl compounds including 1-methyl imino thieno [3,4b] naphthalene.[4][5]
Uses edit
The roots are used in decoctions to treat a variety of bacteria infection and other health issues including diarrhea, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, chest pain and boil.[6] Its leaves and fruit are used to induce purging and to act as a cholagogue.
References edit
- ^ Chini, Caterina; Bilia, Anna; Keita, Arouna; Morelli, Ivano (October 1992). "Protoalkaloids from Boscia angustifolia". Planta Medica. 58 (5): 476. doi:10.1055/s-2006-961522. PMID 17226509. S2CID 260282953.
- ^ a b c Schmelzer, Gaby H.; Gurib-Fakim, Ameenah; Schmelzer, Gabriella Harriet, eds. (2008). Medicinal Plants. PROTA. p. 22. ISBN 978-90-5782-204-9. OCLC 297222192.
- ^ a b c Baumer, Michel; Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United (1983). Notes on Trees and Shrubs in Arid and Semi-arid Regions. Food & Agriculture Org. p. 114. ISBN 978-92-5-101354-0. OCLC 11071774.
- ^ Salem, MahaM; Hussein, SamehR; El-Sharawy, Reham; El-Khateeb, Ahmed; Ragab, EmanA; Dawood, KamalM; El Negoumy, SabryI.M. (2016). "Antioxidant and antiviral activities of the aqueous alcoholic leaf extract of Boscia angustifolia A. Rich. (Capparaceae) and its major component 'ombuin'". Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal. 15 (1): 1. doi:10.4103/1687-4315.184025. S2CID 99427496.
- ^ Maroyi, Alfred (October 2019). "A review of medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Boscia angustifolia". Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 11 (10): 3420–3428. ProQuest 2313059058.
- ^ Hassan, S. W.; Umar, R. A.; Lawal, M.; Bilbis, L. S.; Muhammad, B. Y.; Dabai, Y. U. (2006). "Evaluation of antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis of root extracts of Boscia angustifolia". African Journal of Biotechnology. 5 (18). doi:10.4314/ajb.v5i18.55804 (inactive 31 January 2024).
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