Combretum adenogonium (PROTA)

• Combretum fragrans F.Hoffm. (1899),
• Combretum ghasalense Engl. & Diels. (1899),
• Combretum ternifolium Engl. & Diels. (1899).

• Four-leaved bushwillow, four-leaved combretum (En).

Combretum adenogonium is widely distributed in tropical Africa, and occurs from Senegal and Guinea east to Eritrea and Ethiopia, and south to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It does not occur in the humid forest zone of Central Africa.

Throughout its distribution area the leaves, bark and roots are medicinally used. A leaf decoction or infusion, sometimes combined with the bark, is widely drunk to treat fever and malaria. It is also used as a steam bath for this purpose. Powdered stem bark in water and a root decoction are commonly taken to treat intestinal problems, including diarrhoea, intestinal worms and stomach-ache. A root and stem bark decoction is taken to treat lower backache. A root and leaf decoction or pulped leaves are applied to syphilitic sores, leprosy and snakebites. Powdered leaves or stem bark, or a leaf infusion, is sprinkled on fresh wounds, septic wounds, skin rash, burns and fungal skin infections.

In Burkina Faso a leaf decoction is taken to treat headache, menstrual problems, itch and high blood pressure. It is also taken as a tonic to treat lack of energy. Stem bark powder in water is taken as an anti-abortive. In northern Nigeria the Fula people take a bark infusion together with natron to treat chest pain. In Tanzania the dried and powdered roots and fruits are also applied to sores and burns. The roots are boiled and the liquid is drunk to treat chest cough. A decoction of the roots is used as a bath for children with convulsions. A piece of stem is chewed to treat coughs. In Zimbabwe a root infusion is drunk as an aphrodisiac.

Nomads feed cattle the leaves or give them a leaf infusion to drink to treat blackleg. The stem bark has been used as fish poison.

Combretum adenogonium has a range of other uses. It is an important source of firewood and is also used for charcoal making. The wood is used for construction, fencing and tool handles but is susceptible to beetle attack. In Ghana it is one of the preferred woods to smoke fish. From the boiled leaves a yellow dye is extracted. The leaves are browsed but are considered a low quality fodder, and are only used when fodder is scarce. The flowers produce much nectar, and are important bee forage. In Sudan women use the smoke from the wood as perfume. The bark exudes a red gum, which is edible. In Sierra Leone the root together with the root of Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. is made into an alcoholic beverage. In Cameroon the twigs are used as toothbrush.

The gum is traded in the local markets as a snack.

The crude stem bark and leaf extracts contain flavonoids, steroids, triterpenes, tannins and anthocyanosides. The ethyl acetate extracts contained 3,7-dimethoxy flavonol. The sterols β-sitosterol and stigmasterol were isolated from the stem bark.

Chloroform, methanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves, roots and stem bark showed weak antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. A partially purified methanolic leaf extract significantly reduced the activity of neuraminidase from Clostridium chauvoei (jakari strain) in a dose-dependent fashion.

A methanolic leaf extract showed moderate activity against Plasmodium falciparum. A crude stem bark extract showed significant insecticidal activity against mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens). A hydro-ethanolic leaf extract showed moderate antifungal activity against 10 Candida species and 10 filamentous micromycetes.

An aqueous leaf and stem bark extract showed significant antiviral activity against Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus T2, but was inactive against Coxsackie B2 and Semliki Forest Virus A7. The aqueous extracts were also active against Vesicular Stomatitis Virus T2. Methanolic and aqueous leaf and stem bark extracts showed high anti-HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) activity with IC₅₀ values < 10 μg/ml against HIV-1 (III_B strain).

A methanolic leaf extract showed significant antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects against three human cancer cell lines: HeLa (cervical carcinoma), T 24 (bladder carcinoma) and MCF 7 (breast carcinoma). A root extract, however, was inactive.

The gum contains as major amino acid aspartic acid, and in lesser amounts alanine, glycine, serine, leucine, glutamic acid, valine and threonine.

Small, deciduous tree up to 10(–12) m tall; crown obovoid to rounded; bark grey-brown to creamy-brown, vertically fissured, exuding gum; branchlets glabrous to short-hairy, sticky or not. Leaves in whorls of 3–4 or sometimes opposite, simple and entire; stipules absent; petiole up to 1.5 cm long, leaving a prominent circular scar; blade narrowly to broadly ovate-elliptical to ovate, up to 15(–20) cm × and 9(–11) cm, apex acute or obtuse, base cuneate, papery to leathery, usually with sticky exudate, especially when young, sparsely scaly above, densely scaly beneath, but often very difficult to see due to the glutinous exudation, pinnately veined with 7–10(–13) pairs of lateral veins, usually prominent on both surfaces, reticulation slightly raised beneath. Inflorescences an axillary spike on elongated shoots or clusters of spikes on reduced axillary shoots, giving the appearance of a panicle, spike up to 7 cm long, shoots densely yellow-brown short-hairy. Flowers bisexual, regular, 4-merous, greenish yellow to white, fragrant; receptacle consisting of 2 parts, lower part 1.5–3 mm long, densely short-hairy, upper part funnel-shaped to broadly campanulate at the base and cup-shaped at apex, 2–3 mm × 2–3 mm, short-hairy; sepals broadly triangular, c. 1 mm long; petals free, spoon-shaped to obovate, 2–3 mm × 1–1.5 mm, glabrous; stamens 8, free, 5–6 mm long; ovary inferior, 1-celled. Fruit an almost circular to elliptical, 4-winged nut, 2.5–3.5 × 2.5–3 cm, with 5–7 mm long stipe and up to 12 mm broad wings, brown to reddish-yellow, sticky and slightly scaly, indehiscent, 1-seeded. Seedling with hypogeal germination; cotyledons transversely elliptical.

Combretum is a very large genus, comprising about 250 species and distributed worldwide in the tropics and subtropics. About 140 species occur in tropical Africa; c. 20 species are endemic to Madagascar.

Combretum adenogonium flowers during the second half of the dry season or at the beginning of the rainy season, before the new leaves appear.

Combretum adenogonium occurs in dry tree savanna and wooded grassland, also along the fringes of seasonal swamps, rocky soil and hard pans, often on termite mounds, from sea-level up to 2300 m altitude.

Combretum adenogonium is propagated by seedlings or wildlings. There are c. 10,000 seeds/kg. Germination of fresh seed is good and fast, but the seeds lose their viability quickly with time.

Combretum adenogonium can be coppiced and lopped. It is fairly fast-growing in general, but on compacted soils it is slow-growing.

Combretum adenogonium is widespread and common and is not threatened by genetic erosion.

Combretum adenogonium has many traditional medicinal uses, e.g. against malaria, intestinal problems and infections, and its antibacterial and antiviral activities have shown promising results in vitro. An anticancer test showed promising results as well. More research is necessary, however, to evaluate its potential, e.g. in clinical trials. More research on its phytochemistry is needed as well. The safety profile also needs to be established.

• Arbonnier, M., 2004. Trees, shrubs and lianas of West African dry zones. CIRAD, Margraf Publishers Gmbh, MNHN, Paris, France. 573 pp.

• Burkill, H.M., 1985. The useful plants of West Tropical Africa. 2nd Edition. Volume 1, Families A–D. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, United Kingdom. 960 pp.

• Exell, A.W., 1978. Combretaceae. In: Launert, E. (Editor). Flora Zambesiaca. Volume 4. Flora Zambesiaca Managing Committee, London, United Kingdom. pp. 100–183.

• Fyhrquist, P., Mwasumbi, L., Haeggstrom, C.A., Vuorela, H., Hitunen, R. & Vuorela, P., 2002. Ethnobotanical and antimicrobial investigation on some species of Terminalia and Combretum (Combretaceae) growing in Tanzania. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 79(2): 169–177.

• Fyhrquist, P., Mwasumbi, L., Vuorela, P., Vuorela, H., Hitunen, R., Murphy, C. & Adlercreutz, H., 2006. Preliminary antiproliferative effects of some species of Terminalia, Combretum and Pteleopsis collected in Tanzania on some human cancer cell lines. Fitoterapia 77(5): 358–366.

• Maregesi, S.M., Ngassapa, O.D., Pieters, L. & Vlietinck, A.J., 2007. Ethnopharmacological survey of the Bunda district, Tanzania: Plants used to treat infectious diseases. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 113: 457–470.

• Maregesi, S.M., Pieters, L., Ngassapa, O.D., Apers, S., Vingerhoets, R., Cos, P., Vanden Berghe, D.A. & Vlietinck, A.J., 2008. Screening of some Tanzanian medicinal plants from Bunda district for antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 119(1): 58–66.

• Maregesi, S., van Miert, S., Pannecouque, C., Haddad, M.H.F., Hermans, N., Wright, C.W., Vlietinck, A.J., Apers, S. & Pieters, L., 2010. Screening of Tanzanian medicinal plants against Plasmodium falciparum and human immunodeficiency virus. Planta Medica 76(2): 195–201.

• Mbabazi, S., 1993. Chemical investigation and biological activity of organic compounds from Combretum adenogonium. BSc Project Report, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. 35 pp.

• Mbuya, L.P., Msanga, H.P., Ruffo, C.K., Birnie, A. & Tengnäs, B., 1994. Useful trees and shrubs for Tanzania: identification, propagation and management for agricultural and pastoral communities. Technical Handbook 6. Regional Soil Conservation Unit/SIDA, Nairobi, Kenya. 542 pp.

• Adjanohoun, E.J., Adjakidjè, V., Ahyi, M.R.A., Aké Assi, L., Akoègninou, A., d’Almeida, J., Apovo, F., Boukef, K., Chadare, M., Cusset, G., Dramane, K., Eyme, J., Gassita, J.N., Gbaguidi, N., Goudote, E., Guinko, S., Houngnon, P., Lo, I., Keita, A., Kiniffo, H.V., Kone-Bamba, D., Musampa Nseyya, A., Saadou, M., Sodogandji, T., De Souza, S., Tchabi, A., Zinsou Dossa, C. & Zohoun, T., 1989. Contribution aux études ethnobotaniques et floristiques en République Populaire du Bénin. Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique, Paris, France. 895 pp.

• Adjanohoun, E.J., Ahyi, M.R.A., Aké Assi, L., Dan Dicko, L., Daouda, H., Delmas, M., de Souza, S., Garba, M., Guinko, S., Kayonga, A., N'Golo, D., Raynal, J. & Saadou, M., 1985. Médecine traditionnelle et pharmacopée - Contribution aux études ethnobotaniques et floristiques au Niger. Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique, Paris, France. 250 pp.

• Anderson, D.M.W., Howlett, J.F. & McNab, C.G.A., 1987. Amino acid composition of gum exudates from some African Combretum, Terminalia and Anogeissus species. Phytochemistry 26(3): 837–839.

• Asase, A., Oteng-Yeboah, A.A., Odamtten, G.T. & Simmonds, M.S.J., 2005. Ethnobotanical study of some Ghanaian anti-malarial plants. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 99(2–3): 273–279.

• Batawila, K., Kokou, K., Koumaglo, K., Gbeassor, M., de Foucault, B., Bouchet, P. & Akpagana, K., 2005. Antifungal activities of five Combretaceae used in Togolese traditional medicine. Fitoterapia 76(2): 264–268.

• Chhabra, S.C., Mahunnah, R.L.A. & Mshiu, E.N., 1989. Plants used in traditional medicine in eastern Tanzania. 2. Angiosperms (Capparidaceae to Ebenaceae). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 25: 339–359.

• Fyhrquist, P., Mwasumbi, L., Haeggstrom, C.A., Vuorela, H., Hitunen, R. & Vuorela, P., 2004. Antifungal activity of selected species of Terminalia, Pteleopsis and Combretum (Combretaceae) collected in Tanzania. Pharmaceutical Biology 42(4/5): 308–317.

• Maima, A.O., Thoithi, G.N., Ndwigah, S.N., Kamau, F.N. & Kibwage, I.O., 2009. Phytosterols from the stem bark of Combretum fragrans F. Hoffm. East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 11(2). 6 pp.

• Malgras, R.P.D., 1992. Arbres et arbustes guérisseurs des savanes maliennes. A.C.C.T. & Éditions Karthala, Paris, France. 478 pp.

• Baerts, M. & Lehmann, J., 2011. Combretum fragrans. [Internet] Prelude Medicinal Plants Database. Metafro-Infosys, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium http://www.metafro.be/prelude. March 2011.

• Useh, N.M., Nok, A.J., Ambali, S.F. & Esievo, K.A.N., 2004. The inhibition of Clostridium chauvoei (Jakari strain) neuraminidase activity by methanolic extracts of the stem barks of Tamarindus indicus and Combretum fragrans. Journal of Enzyme Inhibition & Medicinal Chemistry 19(4): 339–342.

• Vollesen, K., 1986. Name changes for two well-known African Combretaceae. Kew Bulletin 41(4): 962.

• Adjanohoun, E.J., Aké Assi, L., Floret, J.J., Guinko, S., Koumaré, M., Ahyi, M.R.A. & Raynal, J., 1979. Médecine traditionelle et pharmacopée - Contribution aux études ethnobotaniques et floristiques au Mali. Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique, Paris, France. 291 pp.

• Exell, A.W., 1978. Combretaceae. In: Launert, E. (Editor). Flora Zambesiaca. Volume 4. Flora Zambesiaca Managing Committee, London, United Kingdom. pp. 100–183.

• N.S. Alvarez Cruz, Unidad de Medio Ambiente, Delegación del CITMA, Cor. Legón 268 / Henry Reeves y Carlos Roloff, Sancti Spiritus C.P. 60100, Cuba

Alvarez Cruz, N.S., 2011. Combretum adenogonium Steud. ex A.Rich. In: Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa / Ressources végétales de l’Afrique tropicale), Wageningen, Netherlands. Accessed 3 April 2025.

• See the Prota4U database.