Ethnobotany

Traditional medicine

Biology

Medicinal plants

Phytochemical

Medicine

Pycnanthus angolensis (also known as African/false nutmeg) is native to the forest zones of West Central Africa. Its use in folklore for the cure of diseases is well documented. Data collected from several references from various research groups in the literature confirm its wide spread use in folk medicine. Among the ailments purported to be cured or controlled by extracts of the plant include diabetes, cognitive disorders, cancer, osteoarthritis, to assuage inflammation, fight microbial infection and for wound healing. Extensive investigative work conducted on the plant exposing its rich phytochemical profile probably provides clue to its value as an important medicinal plant. Over 50 phytochemicals have been isolated from the plant some of which are potential new drug leads. The current review presents the ethnobotanical uses of Pycnanthus angolensis through some evaluated biological activities of various extracts on different models to the numerous chemical compounds isolated from the plant. It concludes ...

A review of the medicinal properties and applications of pycnanthus angolensis (WELW) warb