Known as the African cherry, Prunus africana fills the montane forests of central and southern Africa, presenting the world with an impressive and valuable natural resource. Growing at altitudes of 900–3,400 m above sea level, P. africana dominates the forest canopy with its imposing height of 30-40 m, making it the tallest member of Prunus. With a built-in love for moist climates, this incredible tree boasts black to brown bark and alternately arranged, dark green elliptical leaves. Its greenish white or buff flowers yield red to brown drupes featuring a seed in each of their two lobes, ripening from September through November.

In terms of traditional uses, P. africana exhibits ample versatility. Medicinally, oral decoctions of the stem bark serve as remedies for numerous conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), stomach ache, chest pain, malaria, heart conditions, and gonorrhoea, as well as urinary and kidney diseases. Its timber, dense and durable, is ideal for making axe handles and other household items, highlighting the utility the African cherry offers to its native and global populations.

The power of P. africana lies not just in its ability to aid physical ailments but also in the potential it has shown in the chemoprevention and chemotherapy of prostate cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that P. africana and its derived phytochemicals possess promising antiandrogenic and antiangiogenic properties. They show their might by killing tumor cells through apoptotic pathways, halting the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and altering the signaling pathways that cancer cells rely on for their survival. P. africana and its phytochemicals thus offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Moreover, the bark of different species of Prunus demonstrates a protective effect against BPH, a common urological disorder in men. Studies on Prunus species such as P. domestica, P. persica, P. amygdalus, P. cerasoides, and P. armeniaca have signified their potential to ameliorate the problematic symptoms of BPH. Notably, P. domestica's effectiveness equaled that of P. africana itself. This offers a new perspective for patients dealing with BPH, opening the door to potentially more accessible, effective treatment methods.

Additional research on the chloroform extract of P. africana stem bark suggests its potential as a therapeutic application. When administered, this extract does not cause clinical signs or pathology in rats at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg for eight weeks. It triggers a 50% mortality rate and notable clinical signs only at a dose of 3.3g/kg taken for six days. This indicates that the doses used in the therapy of prostate gland conditions, often much lower than those applied in the aforementioned study, should not be expected to cause pathological changes.

Beyond its anti-prostatic benefits, P. africana has also been found to exhibit wound healing activity. Evaluation of its 80% methanol stem bark extract revealed promising abilities in aiding wound healing in mice, backing up the long-held belief in Ethiopian traditional medicine. The highest wound healing effect was observed in mice treated with the aqueous fraction, which has higher phenolic and flavonoid content from the bark of P. africana tree.

Arguably the most precious gem Africa offers, the African cherry, or Prunus africana, still has a lot more to give. The potential therapies formulated from this plant species could be revolutionary, providing a natural, accessible way to combat numerous health problems. As we continue to conduct more research and explore the untapped wealth of P. africana, the future for this African treasure looks increasingly promising. Let's keep our minds open to the myriad of ways the African cherry can continue to benefit us, as we work on conserving this species for generations to come.

laura (2024/04/23)