Bridelia grandis

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Bridelia grandis
Naturalis Biodiversity Center - L.2194343 - Bridelia grandis Pierre ex Hutch. - Euphorbiaceae - Plant type specimen.jpeg
Bridelia grandis Pierre ex Hutch. (type of) - Bridelia grandis Pierre ex Hutch. (species)
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Genus: Bridelia
Species:
B. grandis
Binomial name
Bridelia grandis

Bridelia grandis is a species of evergreen tree. It occurs in secondary forests of Central and West Africa. Its wood is traded under the name Assas, a name it shares with Bridelia micrantha. [2] [3]

Contents

Description

The species is capable of reaching 30 meters in height, though usually smaller and reaching a diameter of about 80 cm. [4] Its trunk is straight and cylindrical, the bark is rough and deeply fissured with a dark brown to black appearance. [4] Leaves: simple, alternate distichous arrangement, leathery surface texture, they are commonly red when young before growing into a dark green color at maturity; stipules present, 6 – 10 mm, petiole, 4 – 8 mm long. [4] Leaf blade has an elliptic to obovate outline, apex is acuminate while the base is rounded to cuneate, length within a range of 6 – 14 cm and the width is within a range of 2 – 6 cm; it has persistent soft hairs beneath. [4] Flower, unisexual and largely monoecious. Dark purple colored fruit when ripe with a fleshy mesocarp and hard endocarp. [4]

Distribution

Occurs in West and Central Africa.

Chemistry

Polyphenols and condensed tannins can be extracted from the stem bark, extracts showed some effectiveness against oral streptococci. [5] [6]

Uses

Bark extracts used as ingredient in decoction to treat dysentery and improve lactation. [4] In Cameroon, the Baka people use stem bark extracts to treat for oral cavity issues. [6] Wood is used in furniture and canoe making.

References

  1. ↑ Hills, R.; Doucet, J. (2021). "Bridelia grandis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2021 e.T61956489A61956498. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T61956489A61956498.en . Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Assas (Bridelia grandis)". ITTO. Retrieved 2021-08-05.
  3. ↑ "Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill". www.prota4u.org. Retrieved 2021-08-05.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Voorhoeve, A. G. (1979). Liberian high forest trees: a systematic botanical study of the 75 most important or frequent high forest trees, with reference to numerous related species (2nd impr ed.). Wageningen: Pudoc. ISBN   90-220-0701-4. OCLC   63303450.
  5. ↑ Ngueyem, T.A.; Brusotti, G.; Marrubini, G.; Grisoli, P.; Dacarro, C.; Vidari, G.; Finzi, P.Vita; Caccialanza, G. (2008). "Validation of use of a traditional remedy from Bridelia grandis (Pierre ex Hutch) stem bark against oral Streptococci" . Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 120 (1): 13–16. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2008.07.025. PMID   18703125.
  6. 1 2 Brusotti, Gloria; Ngueyem, Tatiana Adrienne; Biesuz, Raffaela; Caccialanza, Gabriele (2010). "Optimum extraction process of polyphenols from Bridelia grandis stem bark using experimental design: Other Techniques" . Journal of Separation Science. 33 (11): 1692–1697. doi:10.1002/jssc.200900717. PMID   20309897.
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