Gardenia aqualla
Scientific name: Gardenia aqualla
Family: Rubiaceae
Edible uses
The fruits can be eaten before they are fully ripe.
Medicinal
The plant is used in the treatment of several ailments including leprosy, oral and ear infections, dysmenorrhea, jaundice, ulcers, diabete, syphilis and cancer.
An infusion of the stem bark is used in the treatment of bowel disorders.
The roots are used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea and oral infections.
The leaves are used in the treatment of leprosy.
The fruits are used in the treatment of ear infections.
Phytochemical investigation on this species has revealed the presence of steroids, triterpenes and flavonoids in the petroleum ether extract of the stem bark.
A methanolic extract of the bark was found to contain anthraquinones, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and triterpenes.
The stem bark contains several active compounds that inhibit a range of micro-organisms.
A methanol extract of the stem bark has shown analgesic and anti- inflammatory activities.
The potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of this plant have been demonstrated.
Photo by Marco Billi aka jarguna, Burkina Faso 2009
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