Euclea natalensis is commonly known as Natal guarri in English. Among the Venda of South Africa it is called mutanqale while it is fondly called Natalghwarrie among the Afrikaners also of South Africa. It usually grows into a shrub or a small tree of medium size with dark green leaves which usually have a covering of woolly hairs on the lower surface. It produces spherical berries which are red in color when mature. Euclea natalensis inhabits a variety of ecological habitats in South Africa ranging from the coastal bushes to areas about 1000 m above sea level.
Medicinal uses
Herbalists and traditional medical practitioners among the Venda use it in the management of diabetes. Root powder of the plant is sued among the Shangaan tribe in the treatment of skin lesions in leprosy. It is used by the Zulu as a purgative.
Phytochemistsry
Euclea natalensis contains a variance of phytochemical compounds such as; euclein, 7-methyl-juglone, diospyrin and natalenone. It has a n abundance of quinones including; BN-quinones, mamegaquinones and 8,8-dihydroxy-4.40 dimethoxy-6.6-dimethyl-2.2-binaphtyl-1.1-quinone.
Bioactivity
Euclea natalensis has a potent activity against carbohydrate mediated disorders and therefore diabetes thanks to its ability to inhibit the enzymes alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase (same mode of action of some conventional anti-diabetic drugs). The inhibition of the two which are principal enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism regulates glucose release into the blood. In addition, the naphthoquinones found in Euclea natalensis have shown potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.