Botanical Overview
Alstonia boonei, belonging to the Apocynaceae family, is a tropical African tree commonly known as Pattern wood, Cheesewood, or God’s tree. The bark, root, and leaves are traditionally used for medicinal purposes across West and Central Africa.
Common names: Cheesewood, God’s tree, Pattern wood.
Parts Used: Bark, Root, Leaves.
Energetics
Temperature: cooling
Moisture: drying
Tastes: bitter, astringent
Tonicity: tonifying
Qi/Blood/Fluid: qi
Primary Actions
- Antimalarial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antipyretic
- Antimicrobial
- Astringent
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Malaria
- Diarrhea
- Rheumatism
- Respiratory infections
- Digestive upset
Syndromes
- Febrile illnesses
- Inflammatory conditions
- Infectious diseases
TCM
No well-documented uses.
Ayurveda
No well-documented uses.
Unani
No well-documented uses.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The plant contains alkaloids, diterpene alkaloids, steroids, tannins, and flavonoids, contributing to its medicinal properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of bark: 20-40 g in 1 liter water, taken 2-3 times daily
- Powdered bark in capsule form
- Standardized extracts as per formulation
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe within traditional dosages. Caution during pregnancy is advised due to limited safety data. Possible gastrointestinal irritation at high doses. Potential additive effects with antihypertensive medications.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified.
Selected References
- Medicinal plants used in the treatment of malaria in Ghana
- African Herbal Pharmacopoeia: Alstonia boonei De Wild.
- Antimalarial activity of Alstonia boonei