Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Strophanthus gratus

Please 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: the margin between a useful dose and a dangerous dose is extremely narrow, overdose may cause severe cardiac disorders. Internal use is strictly discouraged outside of specialized and qualified medical or traditional supervision. Contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children, and in case of ongoing cardiac treatment (risk of major interactions). Never prepare or consume the seeds without rigorous identification and control, as the active ingredient (ouabain) is related to digitalin.

Powder / maceration — Seeds

Traditional seed preparation (historical use, not to be reproduced)

In the traditions that made use of it, the seeds were finely ground then incorporated into preparations dosed with extreme precision by experienced practitioners. This preparation should under no circumstances be reproduced outside a qualified professional setting, as the toxicity of the plant is high. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Strophanthus gratus grows wild in the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa; it is not cultivated for domestic purposes and is not found in common herbal commerce due to its toxicity.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

The pods and seeds were traditionally harvested at maturity, at the end of the rainy season, by knowledgeable individuals aware of the risks associated with handling the plant.

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