Maytenus senegalensis

Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Excell, [sibhubhu, red spike thorn] (Celastraceae) stem bark decoction is taken by women for iirfertility. The stem bark contains flavonoids, polyphenols, steroids and tarmins (15). Leaves of the plant are also nsed for treating nansea (11). The plant also has antidiabetic and antimalarial properties (41,42). 

Hartogiella schinoides (Celastraceae) leaves are reported to have similar stimulant activity to C. edulis when chewed (86). Leaves are chewed in southern Africa to relieve thirst, prevent fatigue and are reported to cause weight loss due to lack of appetite (61). Other members of the Celastraceae with psychoactive uses are Maytenus senegalensis and M. heterophylla which are used to treat epilepsy in Zimbabwe and East Africa respectively (87,88), however little is know about their chemistry. 

The leaves of Maytenus senegalensis are used in East Afiica for hookworm infestations. In the Sudan, the antiplasmodial activity of M. senegalensis leaves and stem bark was reported (IC50 5.1 and 3.9 xg/ml respectively). Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the dichloromethane fraction of M. senegalensis revealed terpenoids and traces of phenolic principles. The antiplasmodial activity of Maytenus spp. is promising. The survival time was similar to that of CQ (p > 0.05). ... 

The root extracts of Maytenus senegalensis have been shown to inhibit protein kinase C, as well as having lethality against brine shrimp. The dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene alkaloids mayteine, putterine A and putterine B have been isolated from the root extracts. Quinonemethide triterpenoids, which have revealed potential anti-tumour and antimicrobial activities, are another diverse group of secondary metabolites from the related species Maytenus ilicifolia. ... 

Maytenus senegalensis (Lam.) Exell. Bademi = Tshiphandwa = Mnyabuiiko leaves powdered are taken in milk juice female sterility is drunk vermifuge 80 81... 

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