The common names of the plant include marula and cider in English, umganu among the Zulu tribe in South Africa and maroela in Afrikaans. It grows to become a tall or medium size tree which is deciduous and bears fleshy fruits which are nearly spherical in shape and is yellow when ripe. The tree produces aqueous latex. Sclerocarya birrea is abundant in the woodlands and bushes of South Africa.
Medicinal uses
Infusions of the leaves of Sclerocarya birrea as well as decoctions of the roots are administered in the management of diabetes. It is also used against a variance of stomach problems including diarrhea and dysentery.
Phytochemistry
Phytochemicals analysis of the bark of the Sclerocarya birrea tree showed presence of an abundance of procyanidins. Also found in the bark are flavonoids, catechins and gallotannins.
Bioactivity
Sclerocarya birrea possesses blood glucose lowering effects exhibited in its strong inhibitory properties against enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism (namely alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase) which is responsible for its hypoglycemic effects. Antidiarrheal properties of Sclerocarya birrea have been attributed to the activity of procyanidins.