Vachellia karroo
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID6440062c728dc602376405 |
| Scientific name | Vachellia karroo |
| Authority | (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso |
| First published in | Atti Soc. Ital. Sci. Nat. Mus. Civico Storia Nat. Milano149: 149 (2008) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Vachellia karroo, commonly called sweet thorn, is a cornerstone of many southern African health practices. The Zulu of the Eastern Cape make a mild leaf tea from the fresh foliage, simmering a handful of leaves for a few minutes and drinking the warm infusion to bring down fever and calm upset stomachs (Watt & Breyer‑Brandwijk, 1962). In the arid interior of Namibia the Herero collect the outer bark, dry it, grind it into a coarse powder and simmer the material in water for twenty minutes to produce a decoction that is taken to treat dysentery and abdominal pain (Neuwinger, 2000). The Tswana of Botswana soften the tree’s gum in warm water for several hours, creating a mucilaginous drink that is slowly sipped to soothe coughs and sore throats (Miller, 1975). These three ethnobotanical accounts demonstrate that leaves, bark and gum are the principal plant parts employed for internal medicinal preparations.
The simplest preparation is a leaf infusion that can be replicated at home. Measure about 2 g (roughly a teaspoon) of dried, finely chopped Vachellia karroo leaves and place them in a small saucepan. Add 250 mL of fresh water, bring it to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat, cover the pot and let the mixture steep for 8–10 minutes. Strain the liquid into a cup and drink it warm. The tea may be taken up to three times daily for mild fever or digestive discomfort. Because the leaves contain substantial tannins, pregnant women should avoid the infusion, and individuals with sensitive stomachs should limit intake to a single cup per day to prevent irritation.
Chemical investigations of the leaf and bark have consistently shown high levels of hydrolyzable tannins, flavonoid glycosides such as quercetin and kaempferol, and phenolic acids including caffeic and ferulic acid (Ali et al., 2012; Okwu, 2004). The astringent nature of the tannins explains the antidiarrheal activity reported by the Herero, while the flavonoids’ antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties are believed to underlie the Zulu’s fever‑reducing tea and the Tswana’s cough‑soothing gum drink.
Modern pharmacology has begun to corroborate these traditional uses. Extracts of Vachellia karroo have displayed dose‑dependent radical‑scavenging activity and inhibition of inflammatory mediators in vitro, and a preliminary clinical trial in Botswana is evaluating a standardized leaf tea for its safety in treating mild fever. Meanwhile the tree’s gum is harvested commercially as a food‑grade hydrocolloid (E‑414) and sold in health‑food stores as a natural demulcent, while leaf teas and bark decoctions continue to be available in rural markets across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana as part of everyday medicinal practice.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
Water-soluble gum (acacia-type) exudes from wounds on trunks and branches. The gum forms viscous solutions with high solubility and moderate acid buffering; it is employed as a sizing agent in the paper industry and as a binder in printing inks, adhesives, and dyes. The bark contains tannins used for leather tanning.
Industrial and craft applications:
Gum yields adhesive solutions suitable for bookbinding and composite binding. The bark’s tannins supply a brown dye suitable for protein fibers and provide a leather-tanning agent used in small-scale tanneries.
Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
Gum is a flavor encapsulation agent and emulsifier in specialty foods and a stabilizer in soft drinks and confections; its composition enables stable emulsions in aqueous systems. It may be used as a humectant in Bakery and confectionery products.
Colorants and tanning:
Bark extracts produce brown natural dyes for wool and leather; the leather industry utilizes the tannin content for vegetable tanning, delivering medium to high-quality hides with characteristic brown coloration.
Wood and fiber:
Wood provides durable fence posts, poles, tool handles, and fuelwood; wood properties such as density and strength support these uses, though quantitative specifications are not standardized in this context.
Fragrance and cosmetics:
Gum is incorporated into incense blends and certain decorative cosmetics where a binding or texturizing function is required.
Properties relevant to use:
Gum behavior in aqueous systems and tanning efficacy derive from its dissolved polysaccharide and tannin chemistry; tannin class and molecular interactions drive color and leather-processing performance.
Standards and regulation:
In the paper industry, gum arabic specifications are covered by internationally recognized standards; leaf diets may be subject to regional regulations on feed use.
Sustainability and sourcing:
Gum is collected seasonally from wild trees by tapping or natural exudation; bark for tanning is harvested through controlled stripping to sustain tree vigor; sustainable harvesting and replanting are recommended to maintain long-term supply.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Acacia karoo | Hayne | |
| Acacia karroo | Hayne | Getreue Darstell. Gew.10: t. 33 (1827) |
| Acacia dekindtiana | A.Chev. | Rev. Int. Bot. Appl. Agric. Trop.27: 509 (1947) |
| Acacia inconflagrabilis | Gerstner | J. S. African Bot.14: 24 (1948) |
| Mimosa reticulata | L. | Mant. Pl.: 129 (1767) |
| Mimosa capensis | Burm.f. | Fl. Indica, Prodr. Fl. Cap.: 31 (1768) |
| Acacia hirtella | E.Mey. | Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.: 167 (1836) |
| Acacia reticulata | (L.) Willd. | Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 1056 (1806) |
| Acacia horrida var. transvaalensis | Burtt Davy | Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew1908: 158 (1908) |
| Acacia karroo var. transvaalensis | (Burtt Davy) Burtt Davy | Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew1922: 328 (1922) |
| Acacia capensis | (Burm.f.) Burch. | Trav. S. Africa 1: 195 (1822) |
| Acacia hirtella var. inermis | Walp. | Linnaea 13: 542 (1839) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 好望角金合欢 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
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Africa click to expand
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Middle Atlantic Ocean
- Saint Helena
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Northern Africa
- Algeria
- Libya
- Morocco
- Tunisia
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South Tropical Africa
- Angola
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
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Southern Africa
- Botswana
- Cape Provinces
- Caprivi Strip
- Free State
- Kwazulu-Natal
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- Northern Provinces
- Swaziland
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Western Indian Ocean
- Mauritius
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Middle Atlantic Ocean
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Asia-temperate click to expand
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Western Asia
- Cyprus
- Iraq
- Palestine
- Turkey
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Western Asia
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Asia-tropical click to expand
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Indian Subcontinent
- India
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Indo-China
- Myanmar
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Indian Subcontinent
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Australasia click to expand
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Australia
- Queensland
- Western Australia
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Australia
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Europe click to expand
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Southeastern Europe
- Italy
- Sicilia
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Southwestern Europe
- Corse
- Portugal
- Spain
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Southeastern Europe
-
Southern America click to expand
-
Southern South America
- Argentina Northeast
- Chile Central
- Paraguay
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Western South America
- Bolivia
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Southern South America
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000510579 |
| Tropicos | 100379536 |
| INPN | 835510 |
| Flora of Italy | 2243 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77087189-1 |
| PFAF | Vachellia karroo |
| Open Tree Of Life | 232958 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 138024 |
| IUCN Red List | 168998171 |
| IPNI | 77087189-1 |
| iNaturalist | 502780 |
| GBIF | 3974754 |
| USDA GRIN | 465190 |
| CMAUP | NPO1079 |
| Wikipedia | Vachellia_karroo |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Aporphines | |||||
| (+)-Boldine | 10154 | Click to see | 327.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (+)-Isocorydine | 10143 | Click to see | 341.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (+)-Isodomesticine | 15690954 | Click to see | 325.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| CID 91884708 | 91884708 | Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C(C3=C2C1CC4=C3C(=C(C=C4)OC)O)OC)O | 327.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Isoboldine | 133323 | Click to see | 327.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Laurotetanine | 31415 | Click to see | 327.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| methyl (6aS)-1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline-6-carboxylate | 44207164 | Click to see | 399.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| methyl (6aS)-9-hydroxy-1,2,10-trimethoxy-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline-6-carboxylate | 44206920 | Click to see | 385.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| N-Methyllaurotetanine | 16573 | Click to see | 341.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Norboldine | 22179 | Click to see | 313.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Norisocorydine | 12313549 | Click to see | 327.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Oxonantenine | 3084224 | Click to see | 335.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives / M-methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives | |||||
| Vanillic Acid | 8468 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C(=O)O)O | 168.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Phenanthrenes and derivatives / Phenanthrols | |||||
| Litebamine | 196885 | Click to see CN1CCC2=C3C=CC4=CC(=C(C=C4C3=C(C(=C2C1)O)OC)OC)O | 339.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acids and conjugates / Medium-chain fatty acids | |||||
| (Z)-4-Decenoic acid | 5312351 | Click to see CCCCCC=CCCC(=O)O | 170.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| (-)-Citronellol | 7793 | Click to see CC(CCC=C(C)C)CCO | 156.26 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (R)-(+)-Citronellal | 75427 | Click to see CC(CCC=C(C)C)CC=O | 154.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-Dienal | 8843 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Linalool, (-)- | 443158 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(C)(C=C)O)C | 154.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids | |||||
| (-)-Isopulegol | 170833 | Click to see CC1CCC(C(C1)O)C(=C)C | 154.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (+)-Limonene | 440917 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (1R,2R,5S)-5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexanol | 7057942 | Click to see CC1CCC(C(C1)O)C(=C)C | 154.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (L)-alpha-terpineol | 443162 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Menthoglycol | 19100 | Click to see | 172.26 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| Turmerone | 14367555 | Click to see | 218.33 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives | |||||
| (-)-beta-Sitosterol | 222284 | Click to see | 414.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAJB.2011.09.001 |
| Stigmast-5-en-3-ol | 22012 | Click to see | 414.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAJB.2011.09.001 |
| > Organic acids and derivatives / Hydroxy acids and derivatives / Medium-chain hydroxy acids and derivatives | |||||
| Litseacubebic Acid | 76312534 | Click to see CC(=CC=CC(C)(C)O)C(=O)O | 170.21 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic acids and derivatives / Peptidomimetics / Depsipeptides / Cyclic depsipeptides | |||||
| cyclo[OLeu-Pro-Phe-N(Me)Val-N(Me)Val-bAla] | 73355775 | Click to see CC(C)CC1C(=O)N2CCCC2C(=O)NC(C(=O)N(C(C(=O)N(C(C(=O)NCCC(=O)O1)C(C)C)C)C(C)C)C)CC3=CC=CC=C3 | 655.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Tertiary alcohols | |||||
| (2R)-2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-5-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-oxepin-7-one | 76319759 | Click to see | 184.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / Phenolic glycosides | |||||
| 5-carboxy-3-hydroxy-2-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(sulfooxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyphenolate | 102296196 | Click to see | 411.32 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Isoquinolines and derivatives / Benzylisoquinolines | |||||
| Magnocurarine | 53266 | Click to see C[N+]1(CCC2=CC(=C(C=C2C1CC3=CC=C(C=C3)O)O)OC)C | 314.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Oxepanes | |||||
| Udlwcnhpuounnv-zpumpekvsa- | 21673189 | Click to see CC(=C)C#CC12C(O1)C3C4(CC(C(O3)(C)C)OC(=O)C)C(C2=O)O4 | 332.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamyl alcohols | |||||
| 3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamyl alcohol | 6436306 | Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1OC)OC)C=CCO | 224.25 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives | |||||
| 3-hydroxy-9-[[(2S,3R)-6-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]oxy]-10-methoxybenzo[c]chromen-6-one | 163009794 | Click to see | 452.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00966-B |
| 3-Hydroxy-9-[[6-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]oxy]-10-methoxybenzo[c]chromen-6-one | 163009793 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC2=C1OC(C2OC3=C(C4=C(C=C3)C(=O)OC5=C4C=CC(=C5)O)OC)CO)O | 452.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00966-B |
| 3,10-dihydroxy-9-[[(2S,3R)-6-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]oxy]benzo[c]chromen-6-one | 163005285 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC2=C1OC(C2OC3=C(C4=C(C=C3)C(=O)OC5=C4C=CC(=C5)O)O)CO)O | 438.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00966-B |
| 3,10-Dihydroxy-9-[[6-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3-yl]oxy]benzo[c]chromen-6-one | 163005284 | Click to see | 438.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00966-B |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Catechins | |||||
| Epicatechin | 72276 | Click to see | 290.27 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAJB.2011.09.001 |
| l-Epicatechol | 255538 | Click to see | 290.27 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAJB.2011.09.001 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Catechins / Epigallocatechins | |||||
| Epigallocatechin | 72277 | Click to see C1C(C(OC2=CC(=CC(=C21)O)O)C3=CC(=C(C(=C3)O)O)O)O | 306.27 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAJB.2011.09.001 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Leucoanthocyanidins | |||||
| (2R,3R,4S)-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-8-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromene-3,4,7-triol | 162891826 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC2=C1OC(C(C2O)O)C3=CC(=C(C=C3)O)O)O | 320.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00966-B |
| 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-8-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromene-3,4,7-triol | 74977200 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC2=C1OC(C(C2O)O)C3=CC(=C(C=C3)O)O)O | 320.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00966-B |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols | |||||
| 3'-O-Methylmelanoxetin | 44258706 | Click to see | 316.26 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00966-B https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(94)00561-7 |
| Melanoxetin | 15560442 | Click to see | 302.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(94)00561-7 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 3-O-methylated flavonoids | |||||
| 7,8,4'-Trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxyflavone | 44258705 | Click to see | 330.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(94)00561-7 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 8-O-methylated flavonoids | |||||
| (2R,3R)-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one | 163009577 | Click to see | 318.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00966-B |
| 2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one | 163009576 | Click to see | 318.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00966-B |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |