Abstract

A variety of ethnotherapeutic properties and pharmacological actions have been attributed to Peltophorum africanum Sond which belongs to the family Fabaceae. Besides being used in indigenous ethnoveterinary medicine, P. africanum is also traditionally used to treat a variety of human infections including sexually transmitted infections, diarrhoea, wounds, stomach disorders and erectile dysfunction. Reports from literature indicate that the plant possess a variety of compounds belonging to variety of classes, including flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and condensed tannins. Additionally, research reveals that different parts of this plant possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and antheImintic activity. In this current review, a comprehensive account of phytochemical constituents, toxicology and traditional ethnomedicinal uses of P. africanum, are presented along with the pharmacological activities.

Key words: Peltophorum africanum Sond, ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, sexually transmitted infections.