« Zanguera Gbé »: antibiotic, anti-malarial and deworming agent

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Extract from the article: The partridge wood or the cassia of Siam commonly called in Ewe "Zanguera tsi", is a tropical plant or a small evergreen tree that grows very quickly. The leaves are yellowish-green, and the flowers bloom in the warm season, giving yellow flowers. It

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The partridge wood or the cassia of Siam commonly called in Ewe "Zanguera tsi", is a tropical plant or a small evergreen tree that grows very quickly. The leaves are yellowish-green, and the flowers bloom in the warm season, giving yellow flowers. It is a traditional medicinal plant with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, vermifuge and analgesic properties.

Leaves, trunk and root bark, roots and flowers of Zanguera tsi or cassiia siamea are the parts used in traditional medicine. At the end of the work of the « Study of the phytochemistry and biological activities of the leaves of Cassia siamea Linn&Bar (Caesalpiniaceae) used in the traditional treatment of malaria in Togo »,  thesis presented and defended publicly on July 28, 2011 by Miss Ama Yesunyo Ahonsou, it emerges that the leaves of Cassia siamea have real assets: « Cassia siamea leaf powder is well preserved; many of its constituents pass through water, which is what justifies the effectiveness of traditional forms of preparation (decocted, infused); its extracts are rich in polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins, sterols and triterpenes) which are known for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. »

The laxative and purgative activity is due to the presence of anthraquinones. The aromatic alkaloids would be at the origin of the antiplasmodial activity as well as lupeol, certain anthraquinones like bi anthraquinones. Other alkaloids are antipyretic and antivertigo. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the plant are linked to the presence of tri-terpenes, flavonoids, anthraquinones and phytosterols. The hypotensive, anxiolytic and sedative activity is attributed to barakol. This same barakol is said to be involved in laxation.

Excellent natural tranquilliser

In traditional Thai medicine, this medicinal plant has been used successfully for thousands of years to treat anxiety disorders, mild panic attacks, stress and sleep disorders.

But the most important property of Cassia siamea is the treatment of central nervous system depression. Thanks to its sleep-inducing effects, it is a soporific and is of great help against insomnia. It has a relaxing effect on the muscles. Muscle convulsions are relieved allowing the muscle fibre or smooth muscle to close. In Laos the young, fresh leaves and flowers are eaten as a vegetable. After 3 successive boils (to remove bitterness), the leaves are crushed and mixed with coconut milk until pureed. This dish called « On Khi-Lek » is slightly laxative and helps to fall asleep. The Anhydrobarakol contained in its young leaves favours the induction of sleep and provides a feeling of relaxation, even appeasement.

Purgative and diuretic properties

The infusion of leaves sweetened with honey is taken against stomach aches, ulcers, diarrhoea, vomiting, gastrointestinal disorders or malabsorption, and colon problems. The roots, boiled in water, are used to treat haemorrhoids, bilharzia, dropsy and blood dysentery. The decoction is taken to treat intestinal worms, including tapeworms.

A remedy for malaria

This plant is used to treat periodic fevers and malaria. In West Africa it is widely used as an antimalarial remedy. Preparations are given orally, or a steam bath of leafy twigs boiled in water is prescribed to treat malaria, dizziness, malaria attacks and fever; the liquid must also be drunk. The results of the study presented by Ms Ama Yesunyo Ahonsou showed that « pharmacological tests confirmed antiplasmodial, antioxidant, malaria transmission blocking and anti vector activities. The aqueous decoction of Cassia siamea leaves is non-toxic; it has anti-radical, antipyretic and analgesic properties, which is beneficial for the management of simple malaria in traditional medicine ».

Recipe 1: Cassia siamea leaves and flowers combined with "Tigbé" lemongrass or Cymbopogon citratus leaves in an infusion to be drunk as much as you like during a day.

Recipe 2: Cassia siamea roots + Xylopica aethiopica "Guinea pepper or Atikanli" fruits + Cymbopogon citratus lemongrass leaves in a decoction to be drunk as much as one likes for 4 days.

Bark of the trunk administered as an aqueous decoction and infusion at a dosage of half a glass per os 3 times a day. Leaves administered orally as an aqueous decoction and infusion, same dosage as above.

Other benefits

The leaves and bark of the trunk are effective against diabetes, hypertension, asthma, constipation and diuresis. Useful for treating diabetes, inflammation of the lymph, urinary stones, Beri-Beri (deficiency or lack of vitamin B1 or thiamine). The root bark treats angina, jaundice, rhinitis which is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity.

It is said to be used to reforest dry areas where it can be naturalized. The plant is therefore considered to be a shade or windbreak tree. Its wood is said to be used in cabinet making because of its hardness and durability. The leaves are browsed by ruminants but are very toxic to pigs.

Attention

Some of the plant's compounds are cytotoxic. These are barakol contained in the young and fresh leaves and flowers of the plant but which disappears after several boiling and stilbene derivatives contained 10 times more in the barks than in the leaves.

Raymond DZAKPATA

Article validated by Mr. Sénam Kokou Bédi-Djinékou, Phytotherapist