A-Treasured fruit plant
By Dr Richard Komakech PH.D. | Email:korickie@gmail.com
Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr, a versatile member of the Vitaceae family, thrives as a liana, shrub, or vine, up to 9 m tall, with robust, cassava-like roots, extending nearly a meter. This hardy plant adapts to diverse African landscapes, from Senegal to South Africa, flourishing in varied environments like riverine forests, rocky hillsides, and grasslands. Known locally in Uganda as “Olok” (Acholi, Kumam) and “Emaniman” (Ateso), A. africana holds cultural and practical significance, appreciated for its ornamental foliage and nutrient-rich berries.
Its berries, approximately 1 cm in diameter, ripen in hues from red to blue-black and are valued for their sweet taste and high vitamin content, providing a vital dietary supplement, particularly in areas with limited food diversity. The plant’s resilience and multifunctionality make it an important ecological, cultural, and nutritional resource across African communities. The plant’s versatility and nutritional benefits make it invaluable as both an ornamental and a medicinal resource, underscoring its cultural and ecological importance across the African continent.
The fruit of A. africana is highly regarded for its sweet taste and nutritional value Consumed raw, the ripe berries offer a good source of vitamins, adding flavour and health benefits to the diet of local communities. Besides its value as a fresh fruit, A. africana is also sometimes used for flavouring sauces. Its versatility in culinary applications, combined with its health-promoting properties, makes it a significant plant in the regions where it grows.
A. africana holds a prominent place in African traditional medicine, where various parts of the plant are used to treat a wide range of ailments. Its root and leaf decoctions are particularly valued for their ability to address gastrointestinal, respiratory, and inflammatory disorders. For gastrointestinal health, root and leaf extracts are used to alleviate stomach pains, treat diarrhea, and aid in the healing of ulcers. The roots are often pounded, soaked, and boiled to create a therapeutic drink for treating intestinal worms, an application widely recognized in traditional practices. This medicinal plant is especially significant for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant effects.
Traditional healers use it to manage ailments involving inflammation, such as arthritis, gout, and edema, providing natural relief from pain and swelling. A.africana is also known for its application in treating leprosy and various skin conditions, including wounds and rashes, where its antimicrobial properties aid in healing. A paste or topical application of the plant’s extracts on wounds helps prevent infection and speeds up recovery.
A. africana’s roots and leaves are also effective in treating respiratory issues like coughs, colds, and asthma. The steam from boiled roots or leaves is sometimes inhaled to soothe respiratory passages, while the decoction can be ingested to alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, the plant is used to manage pulmonary troubles and general body aches, reflecting its importance as a versatile remedy in traditional medicine.
A. africana also plays a role in reproductive health. The roots of the plant are used to manage menstrual cycle irregularities and are sometimes given to women to stimulate lactation, even serving as a lactation stimulant in veterinary applications. Its roots are boiled and administered as fabrifuges to reduce fevers, demonstrating its broad therapeutic range.
Disclaimer: The information given in this article should not be used for self-medication purposes. Always consult a physician or a trained herbalist before using any medicinal plant remedy for a given health-related condition.
