Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lophira lanceolata, commonly known as "false shea" or "meni oil tree," is traditionally used in various African ethnomedicinal practices to manage skin ailments such as itching, rashes, and other dermatological complaints. Documentation from ethnobotanical surveys in West and Central Africa reports that extracts from the leaves and bark are applied topically to relieve itching, often in the context of treating general skin irritations, wounds, or insect bites. This traditional use is supported by the presence of secondary metabolites in the plant, such as flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which are compounds known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, direct clinical or experimental studies specifically examining the efficacy of Lophira lanceolata for pruritus (itching) are lacking. Most of the support for its use is anecdotal or based on community knowledge passed down through generations. A few in vitro studies indicate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in extracts of Lophira lanceolata, which could theoretically contribute to a reduction in itching caused by infectious or inflammatory skin conditions. Overall, while there is a strong tradition of using Lophira lanceolata for itching, scientific validation remains limited, and the evidence is largely ethnobotanical rather than clinical.

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