Cnestis ferruginea

Last updated

Cnestis ferruginea
Cnestis ferruginea MS6798.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Connaraceae
Genus: Cnestis
Species:
C. ferruginea
Binomial name
Cnestis ferruginea
Vahl ex DC.

The shrub Cnestis ferruginea is native to Africa. It is best known for its uses in herbal medicine.

Contents

Medicinal uses

The tart, astringent fruit is chewed for oral hygiene. Extracts from the fruit have been found to have antimicrobial effects, especially against gram-positive bacteria. [1] It is used in the Nigerian polyherbal mixture Aju Mbaise along with other plant species. [2]

References

  1. Lewis, W.H. and M.P.F. Elvin-Lewis. (2003). Medical Botany: Plants Affecting Human Health, 2/e. Hoboken: Wiley, page 409. ISBN   978-0-471-62882-8
  2. Ogueke, Chika & Owuamanam, Clifford & Chizitere, Onyedinma & Evelin, Bede & Amarachi, Iroanya & Nwachukwu, Ikenna. (2016). Antimicrobial activity, phytochemical properties and mineral content of aju Mbaise decoction a liquid extract administered to nursing mothers. Nigerian Journal of Nutritional Sciences. 37. 114.

Further reading