Ancient Herbarium — Detailed Record

Acokanthera oblongifolia

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Highly toxic plant: all parts, particularly the fruits, seeds, and milky sap, contain cardiotonic glycosides that are potentially fatal. Never ingest in any form; contact of the sap with open wounds or mucous membranes is dangerous. Absolutely contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and in cases of ongoing cardiac treatment (risk of major interaction). Any use, even external, should be avoided outside the supervision of a qualified professional with precise knowledge of this species.

Traditional preparation (non-food use) — Sap and bark

Arrow poison preparation (historical use)

The sap was traditionally harvested and then reduced by slow heating until a thick, dark paste was obtained, which was then applied to arrowheads. This process, documented among several peoples of southern Africa, has no therapeutic purpose and is reported here strictly for ethnobotanical purposes. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Sourcing the plant

This plant is not intended for foraging or domestic cultivation due to its toxicity; it is only encountered in its natural environment in southern and eastern Africa or in certain specialized botanical gardens, under supervision.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

Traditionally, the sap and bark were collected year-round by knowledgeable practitioners, but no harvesting is recommended today outside a supervised scientific context.

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