Family: Sapotaceae

Scientific name: Vitellariopsis marginata

Authority: (N.E. Br.) Aubrév.

Synonyms: Austromimusops marginata (N.E.Br.) A.Meeuse, Baillonella marginata (N.E.Br.) Baehni, Mimusops marginata N.E.Br.

Zulu names: amasethole, umphumbulu

Other name: forest bush milkwood

Plant description: V. marginata is a small tree (or shrub) with simple broad leaves, white flowers, grey bark, and globose fruits that turn purplish-red when ripe. It occurs in the forests of South-East Africa.

Uses:

The roots are used as an ingredient to make a commercial herbal tonic called imbiza ephuzwayo.
The roots and leaves are used to make a tonic that is taken orally for blood cleansing or detoxification.
The roots and leaves are used to make a tonic that is taken as enema for sexual stimulation and to treat male impotence.
The roots are used as an aphrodisiac.
The roots are used to make psychoactive medicine to alter consciousness, perceptions, moods, and emotions.
The roots are used to make an infusion to treat idliso, food poisoning.
The roots are used to treat indigestion.
The wood is used for construction.

Safety precaution:

Using traditional medicine responsibly can enhance your overall health and well-being. Misuse and abuse can lead to complications. You can inquire about the correct use of traditional medicine from a knowledgeable herbalist and practitioner. You can also visit imithiyesintu.co.za or email: info@imithiyesintu.co.za to learn more about traditional medicine

References and further reading:

Ajao, A.A., Sibiya, N.P. and Moteetee, A.N., 2019. Sexual prowess from nature: A systematic review of medicinal plants used as aphrodisiacs and sexual dysfunction in sub-Saharan Africa. South African Journal of Botany, 122, pp.342-359.
Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. and Cunningham, A.B., 1996. Zulu Medicinal Plants: An Inventory. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.
Loffler, L. and Loffler, P., 2005. Swaziland Tree Atlas.
Manana, C.J., 1968. Umongo Wolwazi. African Medical Herbs.
Masondo, N.A., Stafford, G.I., Aremu, A.O. and Makunga, N.P., 2019. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from southern African plants: An overview of ethnobotanical, pharmacological potential and phytochemical research including and beyond Alzheimer’s disease treatment. South African journal of botany, 120, pp.39-64.
Pujol, J., 1990. NaturAfrica: The Herbalists Handbook. Jean Pujol Natural Healers Foundation, Durban.
Sobiecki, J.F., 2002. A preliminary inventory of plants used for psychoactive purposes in southern African healing traditions. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, 57(1-2), pp.1-24.
Van Vuuren, S. and Frank, L., 2020. Southern African medicinal plants used as blood purifiers. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 249, p.112434.