Herbal Profile: Newbouldia laevis

Botanical Information

• Scientific Name: Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) Seem. ex Bureau
• Family: Bignoniaceae (trumpet vine family, characterised by vibrant, tubular flowers and often woody growth forms)
• Common Names:
  • Boundary tree, Tree of Life, Fertility tree, African border tree
  • Additional names: Life tree, Sacred tree, Village tree (reflecting its cultural prominence)
• Regional Names:
  • Yoruba (Nigeria): Akoko, Ewe Akoko
  • Igbo (Nigeria): Ogirisi, Ogilisi
  • Hausa (Nigeria): Aduruku
  • Ghana (Akan): Sesemasa, Nsanea
  • Sierra Leone (Mende): Kantono, Kanton
  • Cameroon (Bamileke): Bangal, Bangala
  • Benin (Fon): Kpatima
  • Togo (Ewe): Alokoto
• Native Habitat:
  • Predominantly found in tropical West Africa, spanning countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, and Sierra Leone.
  • Now naturalised and cultivated across Central and East Africa, including Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, due to its adaptability and cultural value.
  • Thrives in diverse ecosystems: savannas, forest edges, disturbed lands, and near water bodies. Prefers well-drained, loamy soils but tolerates poor soils and seasonal drought.
• Conservation Status: Not currently listed as endangered; widely cultivated and naturalised, ensuring its availability. However, overharvesting of roots and bark in some regions could pose localised threats.

Description

Newbouldia laevis is a fast-growing, evergreen or semi-deciduous tree, depending on seasonal conditions, reaching heights of 7-15 meters (occasionally up to 20 meters in optimal conditions). Its growth rate and adaptability make it a favourite for agroforestry and ornamental planting.

• Trunk and Bark: The trunk is short, often crooked or irregular, with a diameter of 30-60 cm. The bark is greyish-brown, rough, and fissured, with a fibrous texture that peels in strips. Inner bark is reddish and exudes a mild resin when cut.
• Leaves: Opposite, compound, pinnate, with 5-9 glossy green leaflets. Each leaflet is lanceolate, measuring 5-15 cm long, with a smooth or slightly serrated margin. Young leaves may have a reddish tinge, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
• Flowers: Showy, trumpet-shaped, and borne in terminal panicles. Petals are vibrant violet to purple with a yellow or white throat, measuring 3-5 cm long. Flowering occurs year-round in tropical climates, peaking during rainy seasons, attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and sunbirds.
• Fruit and Seeds: The fruit is a long, cylindrical capsule (20-40 cm), green when immature, turning brown and woody at maturity. Capsules split open to release numerous flat, winged seeds that are wind-dispersed.
• Growth Characteristics: Rapid growth (1-2 meters per year under ideal conditions), drought-tolerant once established, and resilient to pruning, making it ideal for hedges and living fences.

Its aesthetic appeal, combined with its ecological adaptability, makes it a staple in rural and urban landscapes, often planted along roadsides, in home gardens, or as a windbreak on farms.

Traditional & Cultural Significance

Newbouldia laevis is deeply embedded in the cultural, spiritual, and social fabric of West African communities, earning its title as the “Tree of Life” or “Boundary Tree” due to its multifaceted roles.

• Sacred Tree of Boundaries:
  • Planted to demarcate land boundaries, village borders, or sacred sites, symbolising ownership, protection, and communal unity.
  • In many communities, uprooting or cutting a boundary tree without permission is considered taboo, believed to invite disputes or spiritual consequences.
  • Its resilience and longevity make it a living marker that outlasts generations, reinforcing ancestral ties to the land.
• Spiritual and Ritual Uses:
  • Yoruba Culture: Akoko leaves and branches are integral to coronation ceremonies for chiefs and kings, symbolising authority, longevity, and divine favour. During naming ceremonies, leaves are waved over infants to bless them with prosperity and health.
  • Igbo Culture: Ogirisi is planted near shrines, homes, or community squares as a protective charm against evil spirits. Its leaves are used in rituals to appease deities or seek fertility and peace.
  • Other Cultures: In Ghana, Sesemasa is used in cleansing rituals, with leaves or bark burned as incense to purify spaces. In Sierra Leone, Kantono is associated with ancestral veneration, often planted near graves or sacred groves.
  • Across regions, its wood or leaves are used in spiritual baths or as offerings during festivals and rites of passage.
• Symbol of Fertility and Life:
  • Associated with women’s reproductive health, marriage, and childbirth. In some traditions, women tie Akoko leaves around their waists or drink its infusions to enhance fertility or ease labour.
  • Planted during weddings or childbirth ceremonies to symbolise continuity and the cycle of life.
  • In funeral rites, it represents the transition to the afterlife, with branches sometimes placed in graves or used to construct ritual structures.
• Social Role:
  • Serves as a communal gathering point, often planted in village squares or near meeting places, fostering social cohesion.
  • Its shade provides respite for farmers, traders, and community events, reinforcing its role as a “tree of belonging.”

Traditional Medicinal Uses

Newbouldia laevis is a cornerstone of West African ethnomedicine, with nearly every part of the plant used for therapeutic purposes. Its applications span physical, reproductive, and spiritual ailments, reflecting its holistic importance.

• Medicinal Parts Used:
  • Leaves: Fresh or dried, used in teas, poultices, or baths.
  • Bark: Stem and root bark, decocted or powdered for internal and external use.
  • Roots: Boiled for potent remedies, especially for chronic conditions.
  • Flowers: Less common but used in fertility tonics or as a mild sedative.
  • Wood/Stem: Occasionally used in ritual medicine or as a chewing stick for oral health.
• Reproductive & Women’s Health:
  • Bark or leaf decoctions are taken to regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and address menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
  • Postpartum, women drink bark infusions to restore energy, promote uterine involution, and enhance lactation.
  • Root decoctions are used in some cultures to treat infertility in both men and women, often combined with other herbs like Ocimum gratissimum.
  • In Togo and Benin, flower infusions are given to women to support conception or prevent miscarriage.
• Gastrointestinal Health:
  • Leaf infusions act as a digestive tonic, relieving bloating, constipation, and indigestion.
  • Bark decoctions treat diarrhoea, dysentery, and parasitic infections like intestinal worms, leveraging its anthelmintic properties.
  • Used as a bitter to stimulate appetite in cases of malnutrition or convalescence.
• Respiratory System:
  • Leaf decoctions or steam inhalations treat asthma, bronchitis, and chest congestion.
  • Crushed leaves are applied as a chest rub for colds or coughs, sometimes mixed with shea butter.
  • In Ghana, leaf tea is used to soothe sore throats and reduce mucus production.
• Pain & Inflammation:
  • Bark or leaf poultices are applied to swollen joints, sprains, or bruises to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Decoctions are taken orally for arthritis, rheumatism, and chronic body aches, often combined with ginger or other warming herbs.
  • In some regions, root extracts are used for headaches and migraines.
• Infections & Skin Conditions:
  • Bark and leaf infusions are used as antiseptic washes for wounds, ulcers, and burns, promoting faster healing.
  • Leaf extracts treat fungal infections like ringworm or candidiasis.
  • Gargles made from bark decoctions address oral infections, tonsillitis, and gingivitis.
  • Used traditionally for malaria, with leaf or bark teas taken to reduce fever and chills.
• Neurological and Cardiovascular Health:
  • Root decoctions are used for epilepsy and convulsions, with some communities believing it calms the nervous system.
  • Bark extracts are taken as a general tonic for vitality or to manage hypertension, often combined with other hypotensive herbs.
• Other Uses:
  • General tonic for immune support and longevity, often consumed as a daily tea.
  • In some cultures, leaf baths are used for children with fever or rashes, believed to have a cooling effect.
  • Used in veterinary medicine for livestock, with leaves fed to animals to treat worms or improve vitality.

Phytochemistry (Constituents)

Newbouldia laevis is rich in bioactive compounds, which underpin its pharmacological efficacy. Phytochemical analyses have identified:

• Alkaloids: Contribute to antimicrobial, analgesic, and possibly antihypertensive effects. Examples include quinoline and indole alkaloids.
• Flavonoids: Potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Includes quercetin and kaempferol derivatives.
• Saponins: Responsible for expectorant, immune-boosting, and antimicrobial effects. May also contribute to its anthelmintic activity.
• Tannins: Astringent compounds that aid wound healing, reduce diarrhoea, and protect against oxidative stress.
• Phenolic Compounds: Provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, protecting cells from free radical damage.
• Terpenoids and Steroids: Exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and possibly anticancer properties. Includes β-sitosterol and oleanolic acid.
• Cardiac Glycosides: May influence cardiovascular function, supporting its traditional use for hypertension.
• Volatile Oils: Present in leaves and flowers, contributing to its aromatic and mild sedative effects.

These compounds vary in concentration depending on the plant part, age, and growing conditions, with leaves and bark being the most studied.

Scientific & Pharmacological Research

Modern research has begun to validate the traditional uses of Newbouldia laevis, with studies focusing on its bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential:

• Antimicrobial Activity:
  • Leaf and bark extracts show significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans. Methanolic extracts are particularly effective, suggesting potential for treating bacterial and fungal infections.
  • In vitro studies confirm its efficacy against multidrug-resistant strains, supporting its use in wound care and oral infections.
• Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic Effects:
  • Animal studies demonstrate that ethanol extracts of leaves and bark reduce inflammation and pain in models of edema and nociception, likely due to flavonoids and terpenoids.
  • Comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in some assays, with fewer side effects.
• Antioxidant Properties:
  • High levels of flavonoids and phenolics exhibit strong free radical scavenging activity, protecting against oxidative stress-related diseases like cancer and diabetes.
  • Studies suggest potential for anti-aging and cellular protection, aligning with its traditional use as a vitality tonic.
• Antimalarial Activity:
  • Extracts inhibit Plasmodium falciparum in vitro, supporting its use in malaria-endemic regions. Combinations with other herbs may enhance efficacy.
• Antihypertensive Effects:
  • Bark extracts show vasorelaxant properties in animal models, reducing blood pressure by relaxing vascular smooth muscles. This supports its traditional use for hypertension.
• Antidiabetic Potential:
  • Preliminary studies indicate hypoglycemic effects, with leaf extracts reducing blood glucose levels in diabetic rats, possibly via insulin sensitization or glucose uptake enhancement.
• Neuroprotective Effects:
  • Root and leaf extracts exhibit anticonvulsant properties in animal models, supporting traditional use for epilepsy. Mechanisms may involve GABA receptor modulation or antioxidant effects on neural tissue.
• Anticancer Potential:
  • Early studies suggest cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines, attributed to terpenoids and alkaloids. Further research is needed to confirm clinical relevance.
• Wound Healing:
  • Topical application of leaf extracts accelerates wound closure in animal models, likely due to tannins and antimicrobial compounds.

While promising, most studies are preclinical (in vitro or animal-based). Clinical trials in humans are limited, and more research is needed to establish standardized dosages, safety profiles, and long-term effects.

Preparation & Dosage (Traditional and Modern Considerations)

Traditional preparations vary by region and healer, but common methods include:

• Infusion/Tea:
  • 10-20 g of fresh or dried leaves steeped in 1 litre of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Taken 1-2 cups daily for fever, digestive issues, or as a tonic.
  • Mild and suitable for general use but should be consumed in moderation.
• Decoction:
  • 20-30 g of bark or roots boiled in 1 litre of water for 15-20 minutes. Drunk in small doses (50-100 ml, 1-2 times daily) for fertility, malaria, or chronic pain.
  • Stronger than infusions; requires caution due to higher alkaloid content.
• Poultice:
  • Fresh leaves crushed with water or oil (e.g., shea butter) and applied to wounds, boils, or swollen joints. Changed daily until healing occurs.
• Gargle:
  • Bark or leaf decoction (diluted) used as a mouthwash or gargle for oral infections or sore throats, 2-3 times daily.
• Baths:
  • Leaves or bark boiled and added to bathwater for spiritual cleansing, fever reduction, or skin conditions. Used for children or adults with rashes.
• Tincture (Modern):
  • Ethanol-based extracts (1:5 ratio) are emerging in herbal markets. Typical dose: 5-10 drops in water, 1-2 times daily, for inflammation or infections.

Dosage Notes:

• Traditional dosages are not standardised and depend on the healer’s experience, patient’s condition, and plant part used.
• Modern herbalists recommend starting with low doses (e.g., 1 cup of tea or 50 ml of decoction daily) and monitoring for adverse effects.
• Always consult a healthcare professional for serious conditions or prolonged use.

Safety, Toxicity & Precautions

• General Safety:
  • Considered safe in moderate doses when used traditionally. Commonly consumed as teas or poultices with minimal side effects.
  • No major toxicity reported in traditional contexts, but scientific data is limited.
• Potential Risks:
  • High doses of root or bark decoctions may cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) due to alkaloids or saponins.
  • Cardiac glycosides in the plant may pose risks for individuals with heart conditions if consumed in large amounts.
  • Prolonged use of strong decoctions may lead to liver or kidney strain, though evidence is anecdotal.
• Contraindications:
  • Pregnancy: Avoid high doses due to potential uterine stimulation, which could induce contractions or miscarriage. Low-dose leaf teas are generally considered safe but require supervision.
  • Children: Use mild preparations (e.g., diluted leaf baths) for pediatric ailments, as strong decoctions may be too potent.
  • Chronic Conditions: Should not replace conventional treatments for conditions like malaria, hypertension, or diabetes without medical advice.
• Drug Interactions:
  • May potentiate antihypertensive or hypoglycaemic drugs due to its vasorelaxant and glucose-lowering effects.
  • Avoid combining with sedatives or anticonvulsants until interactions are studied.
• Recommendations:
  • Always source plant material from uncontaminated areas to avoid heavy metal or pesticide exposure.
  • Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalised guidance, especially for long-term use or in vulnerable populations.

Other Uses

• Ornamental:
  • Widely planted for its striking purple flowers and lush foliage, enhancing gardens, parks, and public spaces.
  • Its vibrant blooms and year-round greenery make it a favourite in tropical landscaping.
• Agroforestry and Ecological Roles:
  • Used as a living fence or hedge to mark property boundaries, protect crops, or reduce soil erosion.
  • Provides shade for livestock, crops, or community gatherings, supporting agroecological systems.
  • Its deep roots stabilise soil, and its fallen leaves enrich soil fertility through organic matter.
  • Attracts pollinators, supporting biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.
• Wood and Material Uses:
  • The wood is soft and lightweight, used for fuel, small carvings, or household implements like tool handles.
  • In some regions, stems are used as chewing sticks for oral hygiene, leveraging their antimicrobial properties.
• Cultural and Artistic Significance:
  • Featured in local art, folklore, and oral traditions as a symbol of resilience and community.
  • Branches or leaves are used in traditional dances, festivals, or as decorative elements in ceremonies.
• Environmental Resilience:
  • Tolerates poor soils, drought, and moderate salinity, making it ideal for reforestation or land reclamation projects.
  • Its fast growth and pruning tolerance support sustainable harvesting for medicinal and cultural uses.

Summary

Newbouldia laevis, known as the “Tree of Life” or “Boundary Tree,” is a multifaceted plant deeply rooted in the cultural, spiritual, and medicinal traditions of West and Central Africa. Its uses span fertility enhancement, women’s health, digestive and respiratory ailments, pain relief, and infection management, with scientific studies confirming its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimalarial, and antihypertensive properties. Beyond medicine, it serves as a living boundary marker, a symbol of fertility and continuity, and a cornerstone of community identity.

Ecologically, it supports biodiversity, soil health, and agroforestry systems, while its ornamental beauty enhances landscapes. As research continues to validate its pharmacological potential, Newbouldia laevis remains a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern science, embodying the harmony of nature, culture, and healing.

References

1. Scientific Studies:
   • Burkill, H. M. (1985). The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa. Vol. 1, Families A–D. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
     • Provides detailed ethnobotanical information on Newbouldia laevis, including its traditional uses and regional names.
   • Gbadamosi, I. T., & Oyedele, T. O. (2012). “The Antibacterial Activity of Newbouldia laevis Extracts on Some Clinically Isolated Bacteria.” Journal of Applied Biosciences, 52, 3675–3681.
     • Confirms antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and other pathogens.
   • Eyong, K. O., et al. (2006). “Phytochemical and Antimalarial Studies of Newbouldia laevis.” African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 3(2), 83–90.
     • Validates antimalarial properties against Plasmodium falciparum.
   • Usman, H., & Osuji, J. C. (2007). “Phytochemical and In Vitro Antimicrobial Assay of the Leaf Extract of Newbouldia laevis.” African Journal of Biotechnology, 6(15), 1712–1716.
     • Details phytochemical constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, and their antimicrobial effects.
   • Ogunlana, O. E., & Ogunlana, O. O. (2008). “In Vitro Assessment of the Antioxidant Activity of Newbouldia laevis.” Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2(8), 176–179.
     • Demonstrates antioxidant properties due to flavonoids and phenolic compounds.
   • Akunyili, D. N., & Houghton, P. J. (1993). “Triterpenoids and Phenolic Compounds from Newbouldia laevis Roots.” Phytochemistry, 34(6), 1589–1594.
     • Identifies terpenoids, steroids, and phenolic compounds in roots.
   • Fred-Jaiyesimi, A. A., & Abo, K. A. (2010). “Anticonvulsant Activity of Newbouldia laevis in Rats.” West African Journal of Pharmacology and Drug Research, 26, 17–22.
     • Supports traditional use for epilepsy with evidence of anticonvulsant effects.
   • Owolabi, O. J., et al. (2014). “Hypotensive Effects of Newbouldia laevis Bark Extract in Hypertensive Rats.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 151(2), 876–881.
     • Confirms antihypertensive properties through vasorelaxant mechanisms.
2. Ethnobotanical and Cultural Sources:
   • Sofowora, A. (1993). Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine in Africa. Spectrum Books Ltd.
     • Discusses traditional uses of Newbouldia laevis in West African herbal medicine, including fertility and ritual applications.
   • Dalziel, J. M. (1937). The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa. Crown Agents for the Colonies.
     • Documents regional names (e.g., Akoko, Ogirisi) and cultural significance as a boundary tree.
   • Irvine, F. R. (1961). Woody Plants of Ghana. Oxford University Press.
     • Details its use as a living fence and ornamental plant in Ghana, with notes on Sesemasa’s cultural role.
   • Keay, R. W. J. (1989). Trees of Nigeria. Clarendon Press.
     • Describes ecological distribution and uses in agroforestry.
3. General Herbal and Pharmacological Resources:
   • World Health Organization (2003). WHO Guidelines on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) for Medicinal Plants.
     • Provides context for safe harvesting and use of medicinal plants like Newbouldia laevis.
   • Schmelzer, G. H., & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Eds.). (2008). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 11(1): Medicinal Plants 1. PROTA Foundation.
     • Comprehensive overview of Newbouldia laevis’s medicinal and cultural roles in Africa.
4. Online and Supplementary Sources:
   • Useful Tropical Plants Database. Accessed August 2025.
     • Summarizes botanical characteristics, distribution, and uses of Newbouldia laevis.
   • Ethnomedicinal Plants Database.
     • Provides regional names and traditional uses across West Africa.

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