Tag: Traditional african medicine

In West and Central Africa, bitter kola has been a staple of traditional medicine for centuries, valued for its potent healing properties. The health benefit of bitter kola is tied to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which are now drawing the attention of modern science.

The fruit of the sausage tree ($Kigelia africana$), known for its peculiar, pendulous shape, is highly toxic to humans when consumed raw. While its striking appearance might spark curiosity, attempting to ingest the uncooked fruit can lead to serious health complications, ranging from severe stomach upset to poisoning.

While elephants and baboons frequently consume the fruit of the Kigelia africana, its raw form is highly poisonous to humans. The question of whether you can eat Kigelia africana is complex, as it depends entirely on the method of preparation and which part of the plant is used.

The sausage fruit, a colossal, woody berry that can weigh over 20 pounds, is the extraordinary product of the African sausage tree, or *Kigelia africana*. While the raw fruit is toxic to humans, its unique properties have been harnessed for millennia in traditional African medicine, and it is now finding its way into high-end cosmetic products worldwide.