NAME: Chasmanthera dependens
FAMILY: Menispermaceae
COMMON NAMES: Chasmanthera
LOCAL NAMES: Ato-oloriraun
MORPHORLOGICAL DESCRIPTION:
Chasmanthera dependens is a climbing shrub producing stems 5 metres or more long.
USEFUL PART(s): Roots
GENERAL USES:
The fibrous stem is beaten and used as a sponge.
The roots and leaves are eaten.
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:
Sierra Leone east, Somalia, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana.
WHY IS IT GREEN?
Diuretics
Antigonococcal
For management of fractures.
Pain-killers
Arthritis
Rheumatism
Malaria
Dementia
Snakebites
Epilepsy
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
None known
FUN FACT
It is often planted in home gardens and is sold in local markets.
FURTHER READINGS
Aina, D. A., Owolo, O., Lateef, A., Aina, F. O., & Hakeem, A. S. (2019). Biomedical applications of chasmanthera dependens stem extract mediated silver nanoparticles as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, thrombolytic, and larvicidal agents. Karbala International Journal of Modern Science. https://doi.org/10.33640/2405-609X.1018
Githinji, E. K., Irungu, L. W., Tonui, W. K., Rukunga, G. M., Mutai, C., Muthaura, C. N., Lugalia, R., Gikandi, G., Wainaina, C. W., Ingonga, J. M., & Wanjoya, A. (2010). In vitro effects of Warburgia ugandensis, Psiadia punctulata and Chasmanthera dependens on Leishmania major promastigotes. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines.
Iloh, A. C., Schmidt, M., Muellner-Riehl, A. N., Ogundipe, O. T., & Paule, J. (2017). Pleistocene refugia and genetic diversity patterns in West Africa: Insights from the liana Chasmanthera dependens (Menispermaceae). PLoS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0170511
Tijani, S. A., Olaleye, S. B., & Farombi, E. O. (2018). Anti-ulcerogenic effect of the methanol extract of Chasmanthera dependens (Hochst) stem on male Wistar rats. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2017-0152