Botanical Overview
Hispid Ouabain (Strophanthus hispidus) belongs to the Apocynaceae family. While not among the most extensively documented medicinal plants, this species has recorded uses that warrant attention from researchers and practitioners. The dogbane family (Apocynaceae) includes herbs, shrubs, vines, and trees with milky sap containing alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. The flowers are typically five-petaled and often showy with a tubular corolla. Many species in this family are highly toxic but also source of important cardiac medications.
General Description
Its flowers feature a yellow corolla and yellow corona lobes spotted with red, purple or brown. The seeds, like those of several other Strophanthus species, contain potent cardiac glycosides (notably strophanthin) absorbable through wounds - hence its use in African arrow poisons and later in modern medicine as a digitalis-like heart stimulant. Strophanthus hispidus is native from west tropical Africa east to Tanzania and south to Angola. It is naturalized in China.
Family Context
The Apocynaceae family is primarily tropical and subtropical. Notable medicinal members include:
- Alstonia scholaris — 42 documented uses
- Madagascar Periwinkle — 40 documented uses
- Oleander — 30 documented uses
- African Snakeroot — 28 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Hispid Ouabain has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Benin, Congo (DRC), Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, and others.
Traditional Uses
Hispid Ouabain has been traditionally used for cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular health.
- Heart
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 19 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities
- Saponin: soap-like compounds with immune-modulating activity