Crossopteryx febrifuga (Crossopteryx febrifuga): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Crossopteryx febrifuga work for fever?

Crossopteryx febrifuga exerts its antipyretic effects primarily through its quinovic acid glycosides and alkaloids. These compounds are believed to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, which helps lower elevated body temperature associated with fevers. Additionally, the presence of flavonoids contributes to anti-inflammatory activity, supporting the traditional use for malaria and fever management. While the exact mechanism requires further clinical validation, the combination of these bioactive constituents supports its long-standing use in West African ethnomedicine as a fever remedy. (Evidence Level: C).

Is Crossopteryx febrifuga safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Crossopteryx febrifuga is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided. Traditional knowledge and pharmacological profiles suggest that the alkaloids and other uterine-stimulating compounds present in the bark may pose a risk of miscarriage or harm to the developing fetus. Lactating women should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data regarding the transfer of active compounds to the infant. Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies if you are pregnant or nursing.

What is the correct dosage for Crossopteryx febrifuga bark?

The traditional adult dosage for Crossopteryx febrifuga involves preparing a bark decoction using 5 to 10 grams of dried bark, taken twice daily. This preparation is commonly used for the management of fever, malaria, and dysentery. Because the evidence level is currently rated C (preliminary/traditional), users should adhere strictly to traditional preparation methods and avoid exceeding these amounts. Duration of use should be monitored by a qualified practitioner, especially given the potential for gastrointestinal side effects at higher doses.

Does Crossopteryx febrifuga interact with other medications?

Currently, there is limited clinical data regarding specific drug interactions for Crossopteryx febrifuga. However, due to its significant tannin content, it may theoretically interfere with the absorption of certain medications, particularly alkaloids and minerals, if taken simultaneously. It may also potentiate the effects of antipyretic or anticoagulant drugs. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before adding this herb to their regimen to avoid potential absorption issues or unintended synergistic effects. (Evidence Level: C/Theoretical).

What are the traditional uses of Crossopteryx febrifuga?

Crossopteryx febrifuga is widely utilized in Sub-Saharan African traditional medicine, primarily as a classic remedy for fever and malaria. The bark is employed to treat intermittent fevers, coughs, and dysentery due to its antipyretic and astringent properties. While these applications are well-documented in ethnobotanical surveys, scientific validation remains at a preliminary stage (Evidence Level: C). Practitioners value it for its ability to reduce body heat and address gastrointestinal complaints, making it a staple in West African herbal pharmacopeias.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 22 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Crossopteryx febrifuga is a plant of the Rubiaceae family used in traditional African medicine to treat conditions such as trypanosomiasis, malaria, and pain [PMID:39401738, PMID:22468009].

Contexte

Crossopteryx febrifuga (Rubiaceae) is a savanna tree species found in Africa [PMID:39401738, PMID:28307253]. It is characterized by a high intrinsic resistance to fire due to its bark properties and thicker trunk compared to some other savanna species [PMID:28307253].

Usages traditionnels

In traditional African medicine, it is used to treat trypanosomiasis [PMID:39401738], malaria [PMID:22468009, PMID:36679099], painful inflammatory disorders [PMID:22468009], fever [PMID:40893781], epilepsy [PMID:40893781], depression [PMID:40893781], and various respiratory diseases [PMID:10632088].

Composés actifs

Phytochemical profiling has identified organic acids, phenol derivatives [PMID:36679099], and various triterpenes from the stem bark, including a new ursane-type triterpene oxoglucopyranoside, 3β-d-glucopyranosyl-ursa-12,20(30)-diene-27,28-dioic acid, shanzhiside, shanzhiside methyl ester, β-sitosterol, hederagenin, and oleanolic acid [PMID:31525160, PMID:26352201]. Pectic-type polysaccharides (approximately 75%) have been isolated from the fruits [PMID:19150368].

Mécanisme d'action

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic stem bark extract may be mediated via non-selective inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase pathways [PMID:22468009]. Fruit extracts may exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing ROS production [PMID:36679099].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DTrypanosomiasis

Dichloromethane extracts showed antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei with an IC50 of 9.3 ± 0.8 μg/mL [PMID:39401738].

Preuve DGastric Ulceration

Methanolic stem bark extract dose-dependently reduced ulcer index induced by ethanol (24-92%) and piroxicam (81.81-98.60%) in Wistar rats [PMID:22468009].

Preuve DMalaria

Stem bark ethanolic extracts showed dose-dependent chemo suppressive activities against parasitaemia in early and established infection stages in mice [PMID:15234749]; aqueous extracts showed significant antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-resistant W2 strain (4 < IC50 < 10 μg/ml) [PMID:12738078].

Preuve DCough

Decoctions significantly decreased the number of citric acid-induced coughs in guinea-pigs at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg (inhibition rates of 62.86%, 69.03%, and 77.44% respectively) [PMID:10632088].

Preuve DAmoebiasis/Spasms

Polyphenolic extracts inhibited Entamoeba histolytica growth (MAC < 10 μg/ml) and inhibited acetylcholine/KCl-induced contractions in guinea-pig ileum by more than 70% [PMID:10782488].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

In mice, the mean survival period during established malaria infection tests was low, which was noted as a possible indication of toxicity resulting from sub-chronic administration of the extract [PMID:15234749]. Histopathological studies of rat stomach tissues were conducted to determine the safety profile of the stem bark extract on the gastrointestinal tract [PMID:22468009].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (rats, mice, guinea-pigs), indicating potential antitrypanosomal, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive activities. There are no human clinical trials provided.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 39401738 (2024) — Antitrypanosomal activity of Crossopteryx febrifuga and phytochemical profiling using LC-MS/MS analysis coupled to molecular network and SIRIUS. · Fitoterapia
2.PMID: 22468009 (2011) — Gastro-protective effect of Crossopteryx febrifuga in Wistar rats. · African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM
3.PMID: 36679099 (2023) — Chemical Profile, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potency of Extracts of Vitex madiensis Oliv. and Crossopteryx febrifuga (Afzel ex G. Don). · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 28307253 (1997) — Alternative fire resistance strategies in savanna trees. · Oecologia
5.PMID: 31525160 (2019) — A new ursane-type triterpene oxoglucopyranoside from Crossopteryx febrifuga. · Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Crossopteryx febrifuga

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Crossopteryx febrifuga

Hibiscus tiliaceus

Abrus precatorius

Osmorhiza longistylis

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Crossopteryx febrifuga

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Crossopteryx febrifuga

Plantes associées

Hibiscus tiliaceus

Abrus precatorius

Osmorhiza longistylis

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales