Bridelia grandis is an evergreen tree within the Euphorbiaceae family, it occurs in secondary forests of Central and West Africa. Its wood is traded under the name Assas, a name it shares with Bridelia micrantha.[2][3]
Description
The species is capable of reaching 30 meters in height, though usually smaller and reaching a diameter of about 80 cm.[4] Its trunk is straight and cylindrical, the bark is rough and deeply fissured with a dark brown to black appearance.[4] Leaves: simple, alternate distichous arrangement, leathery surface texture, they are commonly red when young before growing into a dark green color at maturity; stipules present, 6 – 10 mm, petiole, 4 – 8 mm long.[4] Leaf blade has an elliptic to obovate outline, apex is acuminate while the base is rounded to cuneate, length within a range of 6 – 14 cm and the width is within a range of 2 – 6 cm; it has persistent soft hairs beneath.[4] Flower, unisexual and largely monoecious. Dark purple colored fruit when ripe with a fleshy mesocarp and hard endocarp.[4]
Distribution
Occurs in West and Central Africa.
Chemistry
Polyphenols and condensed tannins can be extracted from the stem bark, extracts showed some effectiveness against oral streptococci.[5][6]
Uses
Bark extracts used as ingredient in decoction to treat dysentery and improve lactation.[4] In Cameroon, the Baka people use stem bark extracts to treat for oral cavity issues.[6] Wood is used in furniture and canoe making.
