Entada Abyssinica (Entada abyssinica): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

What are the active compounds in Entada abyssinica and how do they work?

Entada abyssinica exerts its medicinal effects through a synergy of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The tannins provide astringent properties useful for wound healing and reducing inflammation, while flavonoids contribute antioxidant effects. Saponins and alkaloids are believed to underpin the plant's antimicrobial activity against respiratory pathogens. These compounds collectively support its traditional use in managing infections and promoting tissue repair (Evidence Level: C).

Is Entada abyssinica safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Entada abyssinica is considered unsafe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The presence of alkaloids and other active constituents poses a risk of uterine stimulation or potential toxicity to the developing fetus. Traditional contraindications explicitly advise against its use for pregnant women and children under the age of six. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this herb and consult a healthcare professional for safer alternatives (Evidence Level: D).

What is the recommended dosage for Entada abyssinica bark?

For adults, the traditional dosage involves preparing a bark decoction of approximately 200 ml, taken two to three times daily. This preparation is commonly used to address respiratory infections, fever, or stomach discomfort. For external wound healing, a leaf poultice is applied topically to the affected area. Users should adhere strictly to these traditional guidelines, as higher doses may lead to adverse effects, and treatment duration should be monitored by a qualified practitioner (Evidence Level: Traditional).

Are there any drug interactions associated with Entada abyssinica?

While specific clinical trials are lacking, there is a theoretical risk of interactions due to the herb's alkaloid content and metabolic pathways. Because Entada abyssinica is used traditionally for malaria and fevers, it may interact with antimalarial or antipyretic drugs, potentially altering their efficacy. Additionally, concurrent use with immunosuppressants is discouraged due to the plant's potential immunomodulatory effects. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use (Evidence Level: D).

What are the traditional uses of Entada abyssinica?

Entada abyssinica is widely used in tropical African traditional medicine to treat respiratory infections, fevers, and malaria. The leaves are frequently applied as a poultice to facilitate wound healing and manage skin conditions. Internally, preparations made from the bark are utilized to alleviate stomachaches. These applications are supported by ethnobotanical knowledge, though clinical validation remains limited (Evidence Level: C).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 24 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Entada abyssinica is a medicinal plant used in traditional African medicine, demonstrating antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitrypanosomal activities in laboratory studies [PMID:35406911, 11429241, 9705008].

Background

Entada abyssinica (Fabaceae), also known as the Splinter bean, is a plant species found in East and West Africa [PMID:33344536, 15587590].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used in folk medicine for the treatment of respiratory bacterial infections [PMID:35406911], gastrointestinal bacterial infections [PMID:28264698], sleeping sickness [PMID:9705008, 15587590], and as part of a polyherbal remedy for peptic ulcers [PMID:23031266]. It is also documented for use against cough and diarrhea in Uganda [PMID:34991719] and respiratory tract disorders in Tanzania [PMID:39640901].

Active compounds

Identified constituents include a new ceramide (entadamide), monomethyl kolavate, 24-hydroxytormentic acid, chondrillasterol, quercetin 3'-methylether, and various dihydroxypropyl esters [PMID:37977828]. Other isolated compounds include tannins, gallic acid derivatives [PMID:33344536], a diastereoisomer of kolavenol [PMID:9705008], monomethyl ester-15-kolavic acid [PMID:15587590], and a new peltogynoid named entadanin [PMID:25522546].

Mechanism of action

Monomethyl ester-15-kolavic acid selectively inhibits the GAPDH enzyme of Trypanosoma brucei [PMID:15587590].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DBacterial Infections

Extracts showed antibacterial activity against various strains, including Salmonella typhimurium [PMID:28264698] and other bacteria with MIC values ranging from 0.13 to 8 mg/ml [PMID:9533435], though activity against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria was selective and relatively low (MIC 64-1024 µg/mL) [PMID:26060474].

Evidence DInflammation

Defatted methanolic extract (50-200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, granuloma tissue formation, and acetic acid-induced vascular permeability in mice [PMID:11429241].

Evidence DHuman African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness)

A diastereoisomer of kolavenol showed trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense with an IC50 of 2.5 µg/ml [PMID:9705008].

Evidence DFungal Infections

Stem bark extracts showed activity against various Candida species [PMID:8786762].

Evidence DViral Infections

Leaf extracts were found to be highly active against Semliki forest virus [PMID:11801376].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

A sub-acute toxicity study in Wistar albino rats using methanolic stem bark extract (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg daily for 28 days) was conducted to evaluate biochemical and histological parameters [PMID:34557104]. Some active extracts showed high cytotoxicity against human fibroblast cell lines (WI-38) [PMID:8980587].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based entirely on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D). While there is promising laboratory data regarding antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, there are no human clinical trials available to establish efficacy or safety in humans.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 37977828 (2024) — Chemical profiling by UHPLC-Q-TOF-HRESI-MS/MS and antibacterial properties of Entada abyssinica (Fabaceae) constituents. · Natural product research
2.PMID: 33344536 (2020) — A Polyphenol-Rich Extract From Entada abyssinica Reduces Oxidative Damage in Cryopreserved Ram Semen. · Frontiers in veterinary science
3.PMID: 35406911 (2022) — An Annotated Inventory of Tanzanian Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for the Treatment of Respiratory Bacterial Infections. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 9533435 (1998) — Antibacterial activity of East African medicinal plants. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 34991719 (2022) — Herbal medicine used for the treatment of diarrhea and cough in Kampala city, Uganda. · Tropical medicine and health

Entada Abyssinica

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Entada Abyssinica