Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Monograph

Hannoa

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: Plant with strong bitterness whose active principles (quassinoids) are potent: unsupervised use may cause digestive disorders or toxicity if doses are not controlled. Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, nor for young children, in the absence of sufficient safety data. Should under no circumstances replace a recognized antimalarial or antiparasitic treatment; the reported traditional use does not constitute proof of medical efficacy. Consult a healthcare professional or experienced herbalist before any use, especially in case of ongoing medication (interaction risks not excluded).

Decoction — Stem or root bark

Bark decoction

In tradition, a piece of bark is boiled for a long time in water to extract the bitterness and active principles. This very bitter decoction is consumed in small quantities, always under the supervision of a knowledgeable person. Dosage to be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Powder — Dried and ground bark

Dried bark powder

The dried bark is ground into fine powder, sometimes mixed with honey or another preparation to soften the bitterness, according to local traditional practices. Dosage to be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Sourcing the plant

Hannoa grows wild in open forests and wooded savannas of West and Central Africa; dried bark can sometimes be found in certain traditional African herbal markets, more rarely in Europe.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

The bark is traditionally harvested in the dry season, a period when it is considered to best concentrate its bitter principles.

← Back to profile