Sarcocephalus latifolius (Nauclea latifolia): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Sarcocephalus latifolius work to reduce fever and pain?

Sarcocephalus latifolius contains bioactive alkaloids (including naucletine), flavonoids, and tannins that contribute to its medicinal effects. These compounds are believed to work through anti-inflammatory and antipyretic pathways, potentially inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and modulating pain signaling. The alkaloids may also contribute to antimicrobial activity against certain pathogens. Evidence level: C (preliminary studies and traditional use support these mechanisms, though more clinical research is needed to fully elucidate the pathways).

Can Sarcocephalus latifolius be taken with other pain or fever medications?

There is limited clinical data on specific drug interactions for Sarcocephalus latifolius. Due to its traditional use for fever and pain, it may theoretically interact with antipyretic medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs, potentially enhancing effects or increasing side effect risk. The presence of alkaloids suggests possible interactions with liver-metabolized drugs. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before combining treatments. Evidence level: C.

What is the correct dosage for Sarcocephalus latifolius bark decoction?

The traditional adult dosage for Sarcocephalus latifolius bark is 5-10 grams prepared as a decoction, taken twice daily. To prepare, simmer the dried bark in water for 15-20 minutes, then strain before consuming. The fruit can be eaten freely as food without specific dosage restrictions. Evidence level: C (based on traditional use). Start with lower doses to assess tolerance, and consult a qualified herbalist for personalized guidance.

Is Sarcocephalus latifolius safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Sarcocephalus latifolius is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided. The plant contains alkaloids that may stimulate uterine contractions or adversely affect fetal development. There is insufficient safety data for use during breastfeeding, so nursing mothers should also avoid this herb. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal preparations. Evidence level: C.

What is Sarcocephalus latifolius used for in traditional medicine?

Sarcocephalus latifolius, also known as Nauclea latifolia or African peach, has been traditionally used in West African medicine for treating fever, diarrhea, pain, and various digestive conditions. The bark is primarily valued for its antipyretic and analgesic properties, while the edible fruit is consumed as food. Traditional healers also use it for gastrointestinal complaints and as a general tonic. Evidence level: C (based on ethnobotanical documentation and preliminary research).

What side effects can occur from taking Sarcocephalus latifolius?

Sarcocephalus latifolius may cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals, including nausea, stomach discomfort, or loose stools. These effects are typically mild and may be reduced by taking the decoction with food. Due to the tannin content, prolonged or excessive use may interfere with nutrient absorption. Discontinue use if severe or persistent symptoms occur and consult a healthcare provider. 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 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Sarcocephalus latifolius (syn. Nauclea latifolia), known as the African pincushion tree, is a West African plant used in traditional medicine for treating malaria, pain, and various other illnesses [PMID:27346294, PMID:36281909].

Background

Sarcocephalus latifolius (also known as Nauclea latifolia) is a shrub or small tree found in tropical areas of Africa [PMID:20822326, PMID:24506054, PMID:27346294].

Traditional uses

It is widely used in folk medicine to treat malaria [PMID:36281909, PMID:27114686, PMID:25794802], epilepsy [PMID:27346294, PMID:20822326], pain (including muscle, joint, and neuropathic pain) [PMID:27346294, PMID:29098206, PMID:24263011], anxiety [PMID:20822326], fever [PMID:20822326, PMID:21600276], hypertension [PMID:29098206], hepatitis [PMID:29098206], jaundice [PMID:29098206], and rheumatism [PMID:29098206]. The leaves are traditionally used by the Fulanis in Nigeria to deworm animals [PMID:32697959].

Active compounds

The plant contains indole alkaloids such as strictosamide, angustoline, nauclefine, angustidine, and naucleidinal [PMID:11547422, PMID:36281909]. Other identified compounds include betulinic acid, ursolic acid [PMID:38326823], flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, and tannins [PMID:32256953]. While tramadol was previously reported as a natural phytochemical in the roots, subsequent research confirmed it is an anthropogenic contamination from synthetic drug administration to cattle in Cameroon [PMID:25219922, PMID:26473295].

Mechanism of action

Indole alkaloids from N. latifolia promote LDL uptake in HepG2 cells by inhibiting PCSK9 [PMID:30668438]. Betulinic and ursolic acids may mediate antimalarial activity through docking with PfEMP-1 and PfPKG proteins in Plasmodium falciparum [PMID:38326823]. Leaf extracts exhibit inhibitory activities against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase [PMID:32256953].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DPain/Nociception

Root decoction produced significant antinociceptive activity in animal models [PMID:20822326]; alkaloid fractions exhibited potent anti-hyperalgesic and anti-allodynic effects in rat models of neuropathic pain [PMID:24263011].

Evidence DMalaria

Strictosamide displayed moderate antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum [PMID:11547422]; root extracts showed in vivo antiplasmodial effects in P. berghei-infected mice [PMID:38326823].

Evidence DHypertension/Fertility

Ethanol root extract lowered high blood pressure in hypertensive Wistar rats [PMID:40156777].

Evidence DCoccidiosis

Root extracts exhibited oocyst sporulation inhibition (75.85%) in vitro [PMID:39195799].

Evidence DDiabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction

A mixture of S. birrea, N. latifolia, and P. longum ameliorated memory impairment and protected striatal neurons in T2D rat models [PMID:37821784, PMID:37441190].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

Hydromethanolic extracts of N. latifolia exhibited significant clastogenic/aneugenic activity in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells [PMID:21600276]. In chicken embryos, root extracts caused toxico-pathological effects [PMID:39515114].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts. There is strong phytochemical evidence for the presence of indole alkaloids and a clear correction regarding the synthetic origin of tramadol in certain samples.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 25219922 (2014) — Tramadol--a true natural product? · Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)
2.PMID: 36281909 (2023) — Strategy for the quality control of herbal preparations made of Sarcocephalus latifolius: Development and validation of a UHPLC-PDA method for quantification of angustoline and strictosamide and chemical profiling using LC-QToF. · Phytochemical analysis : PCA
3.PMID: 27346294 (2016) — Nauclea latifolia: biological activity and alkaloid phytochemistry of a West African tree. · Natural product reports
4.PMID: 26267411 (2015) — Biomimetic synthesis of Tramadol. · Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
5.PMID: 32697959 (2021) — Bioactivity and cytotoxicity profiling of vincosamide and strictosamide, anthelmintic epimers from Sarcocephalus latifolius (Smith) Bruce leaf.

Sarcocephalus latifolius

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Sarcocephalus latifolius