Voacanga africana

Voacanga africana belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which is located in the tropical regions of Africa. This evergreen plant is known for its medical and psychoactive properties, which are used in traditional naturopathic practices and increasingly in modern pharmacology. Voacanga africana is of particular interest due to the alkaloids contained in it, which potentially have hallucinogenic and therapeutic effects.

Morphology

Voacanga africana is a small tree or shrub that typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 meters. The trunk has a gray to brown, smooth bark that separates a white milk juice for injuries. The plant has presented, leathery, egg -shaped to elliptical leaves, which are about 10 to 20 cm long and 5 to 10 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and shiny on the top, while the underside is paler.

The flowers of the plant are small, tubular and yellow to cream white. They grow in dense umbels and exude an intense fragrance that attracts pollinators like insects. After the pollination, the fruits that appear couples as small, oval capsules develop. These capsules contain a variety of seeds that are an important source for pharmacologically effective alkaloids.

Distribution and Habitat

Voacanga africana can be found in large parts of the tropical Africa, from West Africa to Central Africa to the east of the continent. The plant grows preferably in damp, tropical forests and on forest edges, but it can also be found in savanna landscapes and along river courses. Voacanga africana is well adapted to different climate conditions and thrives at high altitudes up to 1,200 meters above sea level.

Chemical composition

The pharmacological meaning of Voacanga africana lies in the various alkaloids, which occur in the bark, the leaves and in particular the seeds. The most important alkaloids include Voacangin, Voacamin, Iboga, Voacangin-Boga and Akuammidin. These connections belong to the group of indolate alkaloids and show a variety of effects on the central nervous system.

Voacangin, one of the main active ingredients, is a forerunner of Ibogain, a well -known psychoactive alkaloid that is known for its hallucinogenic properties and its potential use in addiction therapy. Iboga itself is a strong hallucinogenic alkaloid that traditionally used by indigenous peoples in initiation rites and healing ceremonies. Voacanga africana's alkaloids can cause similar effects, although they are less intense than pure ibogain.

Medical use

Voacanga africana is traditionally used in African folk medicine for a variety of purposes. The bark and seeds are used to treat mental disorders, malaria, high blood pressure and diarrhea. In some regions, the plant is considered a remedy for snake bites and skin diseases. The psychoactive properties of the plant were also used in spiritual ceremonies and as part of rituals that aim at healing and communication with the spiritual world.

In modern medicine, there is interested in Voacanga africana due to the potential therapeutic applications of their alkaloids. Voacangin and ibogain were examined as possible treatment options for dependency diseases, in particular opioid and cocaine addiction. These substances act as NMDA receptor antagonists and influence the dopamine system, which can reduce the withdrawal symptoms in addicted. However, the clinical application of ibogain is controversial, since it can lead to serious side effects and even death for improper use.

Ecological meaning

Voacanga africana also plays a role in her natural ecosystem. The flowers offer an important source of food for pollinators such as insects, and the seeds are spread by animals that eat the fruits. In addition, the plant contributes to ground stabilization in tropical forest areas and is part of biodiversity in the regions in which it grows.

Hanging and protection

Although Voacanga africana is widespread in many parts of Africa, the plant is considered potentially endangered due to the excessive use and the destruction of its natural habitats. The increasing demand for the pharmacologically effective seeds has led to an intensive harvest in some regions, which endangers the natural existence of the plant. Initiatives for sustainable harvesting and protecting the natural habitat of the plant are therefore of great importance to ensure their long -term availability.