| Botany
A tree reaching a height of up to 3 meters.
Leaves are simple, opposite, oblong-elliptic; dark green in the upper
surface and pale beneath. Flowers are creamy white and showy. Fruit
comes in pairs, brownish, 3 to 5 cm in diameter. Seeds are embedded
in the pulp.
Distribution
In secondary forests and
thickets at lower elevations.
Sometimes ornamentally cultivated for its flowers.
Uses
Folkloric
Reported anti-tumor use.
Studies
• Anti-cancer:
A study reports nine of 35 tree species tested had positive anticancer
activity. Voacanga globosa was added to the list of trees with anticancer
substances based on a report on actual remission and inhibition of induced
cell division.
• Alkaloids / Tabernaemontanine:
Further studies on the alkaloids of Voacanga globosa (Blanco) Merrill:
Isolation and characterization of tabernaemontanin.
• Alkaloids
/ Antituberculosis: Study of alkaloid from Voacanga globosa
with potent antituberculosis activity.
• Anticancer: Study of medicinal plants in the Philippines lists nine of 35 tree species to possess anticancer activity, including Voacanga globosa, with anticancer substances based on remission and inhibition of induced cell division.
Availability
Wildcrafted. |
