Funtumia elastica (also known as the bush rubber tree[1] or silkrubber[2]) is a medium-sized African rubber tree with glossy leaves, milky sap, and long woody seedpods. The bark is used in the traditional medicine of tropical Africa.[citation needed] It is economically important in West African countries such as Ghana, where it is commonly known as the ofruntum.[1]
| Silkrubber | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Funtumia |
| Species: | F. elastica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Funtumia elastica | |
Chemical constituents edit
A variety of chemical compounds have been identified in F. elastica. Unprocessed F. elastica powder is distinctly blue due to its anthocyanin content.[citation needed] The steroidal alkaloid conessine, which is found in F. elastica, has anti-bacterial properties in vitro.[3]
Bioactivities edit
Crude extracts of F. elastica inhibit growth of many molds, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida, as well as the fungi that cause ringworm.[4]
References edit
- ^ a b Blench, Roger (2006). Archaeology, language, and the African past. Altamira Press. ISBN 9780759104655.
- ^ Funtumia elastica at USDA PLANTS Database
- ^ Bogne Kamga P, Penlap Beng V, Lontsi D, et al. Antibacterial activities of the extracts and conessine from Holarrhena floribunda. Afr J Trad Complem Alt Med. Vol. 4, No. 3, 2007, pp. 352-356.
- ^ Adekunle AA, Ikumapayi AM. Antifungal property and phytochemical screening of the crude extracts of Funtumia elastica and Mallotus oppositifolius. West Indian Med J. 2006 Sep;55(4):219-23.