Silkrubber (aka. The African Rubber Tree, Funtumia elastica, syn. Kickxia elastica), is a tall evergreen tree producing a milky latex sap, with dark green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers. This tree is native to West Africa in tropical rainforest regions.
The plant parts of Silkrubber have multiple uses. The latex has been harvested for rubber production, which has significant industrial applications, but is not the main commercial source of natural rubber. The wood, being lightweight and durable, is used in the construction of furniture and tools. Additionally, the bark and leaves are sometimes used in local crafts and traditional remedies.
Silkrubber also has uses for Agroforestry in promoting economic benefits and soil conservation.
In some West African cultures, Silkrubber is important in ritual and traditional practices. In traditional medicine, Silkrubber has been used for various indications, including respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis, as well as inflammation, skin conditions and fevers. The bark and latex are often applied in poultices or brewed into teas for their medicinal properties.
Through scientific investigation, Silkrubber has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimalarial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antipyretic, and antioxidant activities.
The bark of Silkrubber contains hydrolysable tannins, sapogenetic glycosides, steroids and saponins; whereas, the leaves contain hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, starch and alkaloids. Steroidal alkaloids isolated from the bark include holarrhetine, conessine, holarrhesine and isoconessimine. Tannins in dried leaf material are approximately 2.4% w/w and stem bark 1.3% w/w.
An interesting study on Silkrubber investigated its use in asthma, with extracts showing significant bronchodilator activity. Another study highlighted its antimicrobial properties, demonstrating the effectiveness of its extracts against various pathogenic bacteria.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Silkrubber
