The tree originates from tropical Africa and is rich in alkaloids. It’s related to other medicinal plants such as the Indian snakeroot and the Madagascar periwinkle. Interest in its pharmaceutical value heightened post the second world war with two French scientists submitting a patent to extract three alkaloids useful in treating heart conditions.
Every year, tons of voacanga African seeds are exported from West Africa by pharmaceutical companies to produce chemotherapy and brain metabolism drugs such as vincaleukoblastine and vinpocetine.
The latex, decoctions, or infusions of the stem bark, leaves, and roots are used to wash wounds, boils, and sores and to treat furuncles, eczema, and other fungal infections. The bark also contains a fiber used to make yarn and mixed with other fibers to make mats and other things.
Safety & Precautions
There have been allegations of its use as a stimulant, aphrodisiac, and ceremonial psychedelic. All that remains only rumors and conjecture with no scientific research or historical evidence to support the claims.