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 parts of Africa for the management of abscesses and other skin ailments. Ethnobotanical surveys have documented its application in folk medicine, where different plant parts—particularly the bark and leaves—are prepared as poultices or decoctions to be applied topically to abscesses. The justification for this use is largely based on cultural heritage and the empirical knowledge of local healers rather than robust scientific studies. There is some preliminary scientific support for these traditional uses: a few phytochemical and antimicrobial studies have reported that extracts from Lophira lanceolata possess antibacterial activity against some pathogens implicated in skin infections. For instance, laboratory assays have shown inhibitory effects of its extracts on Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria commonly associated with skin abscesses. However, these studies are limited in number and scope, often lacking in vivo validation or clinical trials. Overall, while the traditional use of Lophira lanceolata for abscesses is well-documented and there is some early-stage scientific evidence suggesting antimicrobial properties, substantial clinical validation is lacking. Thus, the use is primarily justified by tradition, with only modest scientific backing so far.

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