cnestis ferruginea

The shrub Cnestis ferruginea is native to Africa. It is best known for its uses in herbal medicine.

The tart, astringent fruit is chewed for oral hygiene. Extracts from the fruit have been found to have antimicrobial effects, especially against gram-positive bacteria.

Olugbade T.A., J.O. Oluwadiya, and W.A. Yisak. (1982). Chemical constituents of Cnestis ferruginea DC. I. Petroleum ether fraction. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 6(3):365-70

Cnestis ferruginea in West African plants – A Photo Guide. ...