A mini-review of pharmacological and economical values of Funtumia africana

Abstract

Funtumia africana belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is a fast growing tree found in green forests and forest reserves in West Africa. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine to treat and manage various diseases such as diabetes, cancer, burns, amoebic dysentery, urinary incontinence, bacterial infections and malaria. It is used economically for the production of furniture, match sticks and firewood. This review paper presents the botanical description, pharmacological uses and economic importance of F. africana.

Full text

~ 62 ~
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2022; 11(3): 62-64
E-ISSN: 2278-4136
P-ISSN: 2349-8234
www.phytojournal.com
JPP 2022; 11(3): 62-64
Received: 04-02-2022
Accepted: 14-04-2022
Precious E Oyaseiye
Department of Chemical
Sciences, Niger Delta University,
Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa,
Nigeria
Bamidele Martin Amos Tautua
Department of Chemical
Sciences, Niger Delta University,
Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa,
Nigeria
Sandile P Songca
School of Physics and Chemistry,
University of KwaZulu Natal,
Durban, South Africa
Corresponding Author:
Bamidele Martin Amos-Tautua
Department of Chemical
Sciences, Niger Delta University,
Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa,
Nigeria
A mini-review of pharmacological and economical
values of Funtumia africana
Precious E Oyaseiye, Bamidele Martin Amos Tautua and Sandile P Songca
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/phyto.2022.v11.i3a.14418
Abstract
Funtumia africana belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is a fast growing tree found in green forests and
forest reserves in West Africa. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine to treat and
manage various diseases such as diabetes, cancer, burns, amoebic dysentery, urinary incontinence,
bacterial infections and malaria. It is used economically for the production of furniture, match sticks and
firewood. This review paper presents the botanical description, pharmacological uses and economic
importance of F. africana.
Keywords: Funtumia africana, phytochemicals, medicinal plant
Introduction
Humans have relied on plants as a source of medicine throughout history, and this is especially
true in developing countries, where traditional medicine plays an important role in health care
and medicinal plant research [1, 2]. Plant-based therapies have significantly improved human
health and well-being [3]. The healing properties of these medicinal plants are as a result of
their high content of alkaloids and polyphenolic compounds and many other bioactive
phytocompounds [4]. Infusions from such plants’ parts (leaves, stems, barks and roots) are used
in traditional healing systems in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in the management and
treatment of diseases such as diabetes, fever, malaria, abdominal diseases, etc.[5].
Botanical description of the plant
Funtumia africana (Benth) commonly known as ‘Bush rubber’ belongs to the family
Apocynaceae, generally found in green forests and forest reserves in west Africa especially
Eastern and Western part of Nigeria [6].It is a tropical tree, usually growing up to 30 m in
height (Figure. 1).
Funtumia africana and Funtumia elastica are the two species that make up the genus
Funtumia. Both species have comparable leaves that are glaborous, leathery, elongated, elliptic
more or less acuminate, cuneate at the base, and have short stalks [7]. Flowers and fruits of
Funtumia africana are longer than those of Funtumia elastica. The latex of F. elastica
coagulates easily while that of F. africana does not [8].
The bark of F. africana is brown to dark in color, thin and fissured, and then becomes granular
as the tree matures. The leaves are elliptic or ovate in shape, with a round or cuneate base,
acuminate apex measuring 20×9 cm, and wavy leaf margins. The primary lateral vein axels are
not pitted. Flowers are yellowish white, fragrant in dense cymes with a corolla tube and lobes
6-10 mm, and 5-7 mm in length respectively. The ripe fruits are greyish brown, fusiform, with
an acute or acuminate apex, up to 30 cm long with hairy wind-borne seeds [9].
Fig 1: Leaves and flowers of F. africana (A); F. africana tree (B)

~ 63 ~
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry https://www.phytojournal.com
Phytochemistry of the plant
Many pharmacologically active phytochemicals are found in
Funtumia africana, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins,
saponin, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, reducing sugars,
steroids, and phenolic compounds [10].
Funtumine and funtumidine are the main steroidal alkaloids in
F. africana. They are hypotensive and are used as an
anesthetic locally [9]. Methyl ursolate was isolated from the
chloroform fraction of the leaves of F. africana [11] (Figure 2).
Fig 2: Compounds isolated from F. africana
Pharmacological uses of the plant
Funtumia africana is a common plant in African traditional
medicine, with its many parts used to treat various diseases,
such as inflammation, malaria, cancer, fever amoebic
dysentery, diarrhea, and bacterial infections have all been
treated with the plant, which has also been demonstrated to
have larvicidal properties [12]. In West Africa, it has
traditionally been used to treat urinary incontinence and burns
[13].
People in Niger Delta region of Nigeria have used F. africana
leaves for diabetes management and treatment. Findings
revealed that the leaf extracts/fractions possess antioxidant
and free-radical scavenging activities [14]. Antioxidants such
as saponins, flavonoids, polyterpenes, polyphenols and
vitamine E contains blood boosting or replenishing activities
that effectively prevent excessive oxidative stress caused by
certain medications and external sources. The leaf extract also
inhibits lipid peroxidation and restores hematological indices
to a normal level [15]. Many local traditional medicine
practitioners claimed the leaves of F. africana have
hepatoprotective activities when they were used for the
treatment of hepatic diseases such as hepatitis infection [6].
The bark extract possesses broad antibiotic, antimalarial,
anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal activities [11].
The root decoction is drunk for amoebic dysentery, and it can
also be pounded and mixed with palm wine and water which
have been used in the Benin area of Nigeria for incontinence
of urine [8].
Current Research
Over the past five years F. africana has been widely
investigated possibly due to its phenolic content. The root
extract inhibited formation of advanced glycation end-
products, and lipid peroxidation [16]. These findings align with
the antioxidant studies of the methanol leaf extracts which
showed decrease in glutathione-peroxidase, superoxide
dismutase, and catalase activities [17]. Recently, these
antioxidant properties were rationalized in terms of the total
phenolic, flavonoid, and tannins contents [18]. The ethanol leaf
extracts restored normal liver function in rats; regulated
minerals, prostate enzymes and prostate gland morphology in
rats [19, 20]. The leaf extracts also showed positive impact on
rat prostatic hyperplasia indicators such as levels of
testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol and also
showed bactericidal activity against strains of methicillin
resistant Staphylococcus aureus [21, 22]. The observed
moderation of triacylglycerol and high-density lipoproteins
suggest that the combined F. africana extract possesses
antilipidaemic properties [23]. Therefore, there has been
escalating medicinal interest in F. africana.
Economic Importance
Latex has been used as a bird lime in the past. The wood is
white and even textured which can be used to make cheap
joinery and furniture; it burns well and might be suitable for
match sticks manufactures. The wood is also said to be
utilized for crafting chairs, doors, and other household
necessities [24].
The branches and trunk can be used as fuel wood. In West
Africa, seed floss is used to stuff cushions. In the forest, the
root system of F. africana protects moist soil from erosion.
The littered leaves improve soil fertility in the surrounding
while the fragrant yellow white flowers are visited by bees for
nectar and pollen [9].
Conclusion
F. africana is rich in phytochemicals, especially steroidal
alkaloids and polyphenolic compounds. Extracts of this plant
are utilized in the treatment and management of several
diseases such as amoebic dysentery, incontinence of urine,
severe burns, diabetes and malaria. F. africana is
economically important because apart from its medicinal
benefits, its branches and trunk are sources of wood used for
making furniture, match sticks, and firewood.
F. africana has the potential of being a raw material for drug
discovery which will lead to economic growth of the local
communities. Further investigation of the plant is necessary to
fully understand its chemical constituents and to ensure that
the plant extracts are safe for consumption.
References
1. Farnsworth NR. The role of medicinal plants in drug
development. In: Krogsgaard-Larsen, S., Brogger
Christensen, S., Kofod, H. (Eds), Natural Products and
Drug development. Munksgaard, Copenhagen, 1994.
2. Srivastava J, Lambert J, Vietmeyer N. Medicinal plants:
An Expanding Role in Development. The World Bank,
Washington, DC. 1996, 18.
3. Iwu MM, Duncan AR, Okunji CO. New antimicrobial of
plant origin. Janick, J (Eds), ASHS Press, Alexandria,
VA, 1999.
4. Ajoko IT, Amos-Tautua BMW, Songca SP.
Ethnomedicinal and economical profile of Triumfetta
cordifolia: A mini review. Journal of medicinal plants
studies. 2020;8(5):208-209.
5. Amos-Tautua BM, Kazeem AA, Olusiji A, Olatomide
AF, Adebayo O, Songca SP. Effect of the leaf extracts of
Funtumia africana (Benth.) Stapf against selected
pathogens. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies.
2020;8(4):125-129.
6. Uroko RI, Agbafor A, Nwuke CP, Uhuo EN, Nweje-
Anyalowu PC, Orjiakor CA. Hepatoprotective and
curative effects of methanol extract of Funtumia africana

~ 64 ~
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry https://www.phytojournal.com
leaves against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage
in rat. Drug Invention Today. 2019b;12(2):352-358.
7. Keay RWJ. Review: Trees of Nigeria.-Clarendon Press
Oxford. Nordic Journal of Botany. 1989;11:322.
8. Burkill HM. The useful plants of the west tropical Africa.
Royal Botanic Garden. 1997;2:969.
9. Orwa C, Mutua A, Kindt R, Jamnadass R, Anthony S.
Agroforestry tree database; a tree reference and selection
guide version 4.0, 2009.
(http:/www.worldagroforestry.org/sites/tree database.asp
10. Gurib-Fakim A. Medicinal plants: Traditions of yesterday
and drugs of tomorrow. Molecular Aspects of Medicine.
2006;27:1-93.
11. Ramadwa TE, Elgorashi EE, McGawa LJ, Ahmed AS,
Eloff JN. Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory activity and
cytotoxicity of Funtumia africana leaf extract fractions
and the isolated methyl ursolate. South African Journal of
Botany. 2017;108:126-131.
12. Odugbemi TO, Akinsulire OR, Aibinu IE, Fabeku PO.
Medicinal plants useful for malaria therapy in Okeigbo,
Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria. African Journal of
Traditional & Complementary Alternative Medicine.
2006;4:191-8.
13. Wagner H, Seegert K, Sonnenbichler H, Ilyas M.
Steriodal alkaloids of Funtumia africana. Plant Medica.
1987;53(5):444-9.
14. Amos-Tautua B, Ajileye O, Ndoni S, Bamidele F,
Onigbinde A. Evaluation of phenolic contents, free
radical scavenging activity and functional group analysis
of the leaf extract of a medicinal plant in Niger Delta
Region. Chemistry International. 2017;3:250.
15. Uroko RI, Egba SI, Uchenna ON, Orjiakor CA, Agbafor
A, Alaribe CC. Therapeutic effects of methanolic extract
of Funtumia africana leaves on antioxidants and
haematological indices of carbon tetrachloride-induced
oxidative stress in rats. Drug Invent Today.
2019a;12(1):114-122.
16. Nkemehule FE, Ogbonnia SO, Odukoya OA.
Antiglycation and antioxidant activity of Funtumia
africanaroot used in the management of diabetes,
Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research.
2018;2(5):203-208. https://doi.org//10.26538/tjnpr/v2i5.1
17. Ikechukwu UR, Egba SI, Uchenna ON, Orjiakor CA,
Agbafor A, Alaribe CC. Therapeutic effects of
methanolic extract of Funtumia africana leaves on
antioxidants and hematological indices of carbon
tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats. Drug
Invention Today. 2019;12(1):114-122.
18. Frempong TF, Badu M, Boamah VE, Amponsah IK,
Agbemade B, Boateng RA, et al. Phenolic content,
antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activities of the
extracts from Funtumia africana and Funtumiaelastica.
Chemistry Africa. 2021; 4: 503–512.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-021-00249-5
19. Uroko RI, Adamude FA, Egba SI, Chukwu CN, Asadu
CL, Okwara EC. Effects of combined ethanol extract of
Funtumia africana and Abutilon mauritianum leaves
(FAAM) on liver function indices of benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH) induced rats, Herba Polonica.
2020a;66(3):24-35. https://doi.org/10.2478/hepo-2020-
0013.
20. Uroko RI, Adamude FA, Egba SI, Nwuke CP, Asadu CL,
Anyaorah P. Effects of combined ethanol extract of
Funtumia africana and Abutilon mauritianum leaves on
prostate biomarkers and serum mineral levels in prostatic
hyperplasia induced male rats. Journal of Renal
Endocrinology. 2020b;7(1):e06-e06.
https://doi.org/10.34172/jre.2021.06
21. Uroko RI, Nwuke CP, Egba SI, Uchenna ON, Nwaekwu
FE, Anyanwu PO. Effects of combined ethanolicic
extracts of Funtumia africana and Abutilon mauritianum
leaves on sex hormones and prostate indices of benign
prostatic hyperplasia induced rats. Animal Research
International. 2020c;17(3):3892-3902.
22. Kouadio NJ, Kipre BG, Guessennd NK, Kouassi KA,
Yao K, Kone MW. Activity evaluation of leaves’ extracts
of Funtumia africana Stapf (Apocynaceae) towards
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
and phytochemical screening. SM Journal of Medicinal
Plant Studies. 2017;1(1):1001.
https://doi.org//10.36876/smjmps.1001
23. Uroko RI, Chukwu CN, Egba SI, Adamude FA, Ajuzie
JC. Combined ethanol extract of Funtumia africana and
Abutilon mauritianium leaves improves the lipid profile
and kidney function indices of benign prostatic
hyperplasia in rats. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum,
Technologia Alimentaria. 2020d;19(4):395-404.
https://doi.org/10.17306/J.AFS.0819
24. Palgrave KC. Trees of Southern Africana. 3rd edition,
New Holland Publishing, South Africa, 2002, 958.