Botanical Overview
Latin name: Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides
Family: Rutaceae
Parts used: Bark, Root, Leaf
Common names: African Prickly Ash, Fagara, Prevost’s Pepper, West African Prickly Ash
Energetics
Temperature: warming
Moisture: drying
Tastes: bitter, pungent
Tonicity: tonifying
Primary Actions
- Analgesic
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimalarial
- Antioxidant
- Antiviral
- Diaphoretic
- Local anesthetic
- Stimulant
- Tonifying
Indications
Western
- Toothache
- Malaria
- Rheumatic pain
- Cough
- Skin infections
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal disorders
Syndromes
- Infectious diseases
- Inflammatory conditions
- Pain syndromes
TCM
No documented traditional Chinese medicine uses.
Ayurveda
No documented traditional Ayurvedic uses.
Unani
No documented traditional Unani uses.
Constituents & Mechanisms
This plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, essential oils, coumarins, and terpenoids, which contribute to its analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of bark or roots
- Poultices from crushed leaves for topical use
- Infusion of leaves for mild ailments
- Extracts standardized to alkaloid content (experimental)
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe in traditional applications. Caution advised during pregnancy and lactation because of limited safety data. High doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation or neurotoxicity. Avoid combining with neuroactive drugs without professional supervision.
Astrological Correspondences
No confirmed planetary or elemental rulers found in reliable sources.
Selected References
- Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides – Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2007)
- Pharmacological properties of Zanthoxylum species: A review – Frontiers in Pharmacology (2020)
- Handbook of African Medicinal Plants – Neuwinger, H.D. (2000)
- Toxicological assessment and bioactivity of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides – Phytotherapy Research (2016)
- Plants of the World Online (Kew)