Pharmacological and Therapeutic Activities of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth

Occurring widely in Africa and beyond is Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth, a medicinal plant with several attributes and considerable potentials. Various parts of the plant are used locally to treat cancer, ulcer, gynecological disorders, genital infections, skin diseases, diabetes, epilepsy, bacterial and fungal infections as well as being used as cosmetics. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of some parts of the plant have been explored for therapeutic purposes. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of a wide range of secondary metabolites. Toxicological effects of different extracts of the fruit, stem bark and leaf have been reported. In this review we provide an up-to-date information on established pharmacological and toxicological properties, as well as phytochemical constituents responsible for these activities in Kigelia africana.