Synopsis

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

Alchornea floribunda is primarily used in traditional medicine in parts of West and Central Africa, including Nigeria and Cameroon, for the treatment of snake bite. Traditional healers use various parts of the plant, particularly the root bark, either as a decoction or as a topical application to the bite area. The ethnobotanical rationale for its use is based on long-standing practices and cultural beliefs about its efficacy, rather than on rigorous scientific validation. Several ethnopharmacological surveys and reports (e.g., Burkill, 1997; Neuwinger, 2000) document its use in folk medicine, with some accounts detailing procedures for preparation and administration. However, scientific studies directly investigating the plant's anti-venom properties are very limited. While Alchornea floribunda contains phytochemicals—such as alkaloids and flavonoids—known to have diverse pharmacological activities, there is minimal empirical data specifically supporting anti-venom efficacy. One or two in vitro or animal studies have suggested possible anti-inflammatory or cytoprotective effects, but these do not directly establish its effectiveness against snake venom. Therefore, the use of Alchornea floribunda for snake bite remains grounded in traditional practice, with only weak scientific support at this time.

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