What Are the Pharmacological Uses of the Oil Bean Plant?

Native to humid lowlands of West Africa, the African Oil bean plant (Pentaclethra Macrophylla) is not only valued for its tasty large, glossy brown seeds and soil improvement properties; but for a variety of pharmacological uses. According to the "African Journal of Biotechnology," the oil bean's pharmacological uses from its seeds, roots, bark and leaves, benefit treatment for obesity, itching, heart problems, high blood pressure and wound management.

Fever reduction

Leaves from the Oil Bean plant when boiled with bush pepper produce a liquid given to treat fever. A small, wine-glass of the beverage is administered twice a day.

Pain and itching relief

A study reported by "African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines," details how an extract of Oil Bean leaves, seed, and bark justifies its use for treating itching and pain in animals and man and improving the anti-inflammatory response.

Healing lotions

Oil expressed from the seeds has an anti-inflammatory quality that aids in wound management. Seeds are ground into a paste/lotion and render an antimicrobial effect promoting healing. An extract prepared from the bark is applied to leprosy sores.

Anti-diarrheal agent

An extract prepared from the leaves of the Oil Bean plant can decrease propulsive bowel movements and the amount of fecal output. The extract also works as an anti-spasmodic and produces a antimicrobial effect.

Decreases anemia

The rich mineral composition of fermented seed makes it a good, low-cost source of protein. Increased intake of the seed as food, increases Hemoglobin values in test animals as reported by "The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness." Increased oxygenation of tissue enhances specific hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells important in proper cardiac function.

Obesity

The Oil Bean plant can be used as a source of dietary estrogens (phytoestrogens). Dietary estrogens can be employed in nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical preparations and vitamin supplements to provide better nutrition and aid in controlling obesity.

Abortion

The Oil Bean has abortion-inducing pharmacologic action. The seeds crushed and eaten with red ants can produce abortion and is used in undeveloped native African populations as a home abortion remedy.