Detarium microcarpum
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fd60092dec357574822 |
| Scientific name | Detarium microcarpum |
| Authority | Guill. & Perr. |
| First published in | Fl. Seneg. Tent.: 271 (1832) |
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.
Among several West African peoples, the stem bark of Detarium microcarpum is the part most often prepared as a decoction for digestive upset and fever. In northern Senegal, Hausa speakers prepare a bark decoction for dysentery and related gut complaints (Bennett et al., 2021). In Ghana, Akan practitioners also use the stem-bark decoction for fever and as a general tonic for weakness and convalescence (Heinrich et al., 2004). In parts of the Sahel including northern Nigeria and Niger, the bark is sometimes boiled with water and filtered into a warm drink to reduce fever and stomachache (International Centre for Research in Agroforestry, 1999). Near Borno and Yobe in Nigeria, healers additionally mention the root bark in decoction form for gastrointestinal complaints (Aliero, 2007).
Practical decoction: combine 30–60 g of dried stem-bark pieces (or 15–30 g of chips) with 1 liter of water in a non‑reactive pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and keep at a gentle boil for 20–30 minutes. Let cool to comfortably warm, strain through a fine cloth or strainer, and drink 1–2 cups daily for 2–4 days. This preparation has been recorded in ethnobotanical field reports for dysentery and fever (ICRAF, 1999; Bennett et al., 2021). Do not exceed moderate, short‑term use. It is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation, and children should use only under professional guidance.
The bark’s bitterness and astringency align with known phytochemicals that include tannins, saponins, and flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol; phenolic acids including gallic and caffeic acid; and terpenoids like lupeol and betulinic acid have been reported in leaves and bark extracts (Heinrich et al., 2004; Gill, 1992). These constituents plausibly account for the recorded gastrointestinal and antipyretic activities in traditional preparations.
Today, Detarium microcarpum remains available in regional markets primarily for food uses, while bark used for decoctions is still found in some local healing contexts; modern phytochemical studies continue to profile its tannins and flavonoids and their biological effects, but few commercial products are widely distributed outside Africa.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
The edible, sweet–tart fruit pulp is processed into jams, syrups, and pulp flour for baking in West Africa. Seeds yield a non-drying oil suitable for cooking and soapmaking.
Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
Fruit pulp is an ingredient in local preserves and confectionery; pulp flour is used in cereal mixes and baked goods. Seed oil is a cooking oil in rural communities.
Wood and fiber:
Wood is used locally for carpentry, joinery, tool handles, furniture, and farm implements. Seasoned logs are used for mortar and pestles and rural construction.
Properties relevant to use:
Seed oil from Detarium microcarpum is non-drying with a fatty-acid profile dominated by oleic and linoleic acids, giving good oxidative stability and suitability for edible uses and soap. The fruit pulp’s high sugar content aids preservation in jams and syrups and provides body in flour blends. Wood density and color characteristics suit small structural and craft applications.
Sustainability and sourcing:
Fruits and seeds are gathered from wild and farm-garden trees across West African savannas; the species regenerates naturally and via seeds. Current supply is primarily from local harvesting rather than plantation forestry, and national timber regulations apply to logging and trade.
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | sweet dattock |
| English | tallow tree |
| Arabic | ديتار صغير الثمار |
| Arabic | كهبل صغير الثمار |
| Bambara | ntamajalan |
| French | petit detar |
| Hausa | taura |
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
-
Africa click to expand
-
Northeast Tropical Africa
- Chad
- Sudan
-
West Tropical Africa
- Benin
- Burkina
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Togo
-
West-central Tropical Africa
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
-
Northeast Tropical Africa
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000166421 |
| UNII | 19EW13Y4D3 |
| Tropicos | 13047646 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:492282-1 |
| The Plant List | ild-1282 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 698926 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 327901 |
| IUCN Red List | 19893027 |
| IPNI | 492282-1 |
| iNaturalist | 139189 |
| GBIF | 2961176 |
| Freebase | /m/0pc5sbb |
| EOL | 417833 |
| USDA GRIN | 411953 |
| Wikipedia | Detarium_microcarpum |
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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If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Phytochemical Profile Top
Add a new one!
Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Lignans, neolignans and related compounds / Furanoid lignans / Tetrahydrofuran lignans / 7,9-epoxylignans | |||||
| (2S,3R,4R)-2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]tetrahydro-3-furanmethanol; (+)-Lariciresinol dimethyl ether | 14237703 | Click to see | 388.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acids and conjugates / Medium-chain fatty acids | |||||
| 3,4-epoxyclerodan-13E-en-15-oic acid | 11602192 | Click to see | 320.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| 5-(4,5,7a,7b-tetramethyl-2,3,3a,5,6,7-hexahydro-1aH-naphtho[1,2-b]oxiren-4-yl)-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 73025993 | Click to see | 320.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids | |||||
| (E)-3-Methyl-5-((1R,4aR,8aR)-5,5,8a-trimethyl-2-methylenedecahydronaphthalen-1-yl)pent-2-enoic acid | 12305551 | Click to see | 304.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| 5-[(1R,4aR,8aR)-5,5,8a-trimethyl-2-methylidene-3,4,4a,6,7,8-hexahydro-1H-naphthalen-1-yl]-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 162923832 | Click to see | 304.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| Copalic acid | 11162521 | Click to see CC(=CC(=O)O)CCC1C(=C)CCC2C1(CCCC2(C)C)C | 304.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids / Colensane and clerodane diterpenoids | |||||
| (E)-5-[(1R,2S,4aS,8aR)-1,2,4a,5-tetramethyl-7-oxo-3,4,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl]-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 162953178 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| (E)-5-[(1R,2S,4aS,8aS)-1,2,4a,5-tetramethyl-7-oxo-3,4,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl]-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 12000609 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| (E)-5-[(1S,2R,4aR,8aR)-1,2,4a-trimethyl-5-methylidene-3,4,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl]-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 14193905 | Click to see | 304.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00153-X |
| (E)-5-[(1S,2R,4aR,8aR)-5-formyl-1,2,4a-trimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydronaphthalen-1-yl]-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 15765001 | Click to see CC1CCC2(C(C1(C)CCC(=CC(=O)O)C)CCC=C2C=O)C | 318.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00153-X |
| (Z)-5-[(1R,2R,4aR,5S,6S,8aS)-5,6-dihydroxy-1,2,4a,5-tetramethyl-3,4,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl]-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 162945580 | Click to see CC1CCC2(C(C1(C)CCC(=CC(=O)O)C)CCC(C2(C)O)O)C | 338.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| 2-Oxo-Kolavenic Acid | 13918477 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83158-U https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00153-X |
| 3,4-dihydroxyclerodan-13E-en-15-oic acid | 11559144 | Click to see CC1CCC2(C(C1(C)CCC(=CC(=O)O)C)CCC(C2(C)O)O)C | 338.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| 3,4-Dihydroxyclerodan-13Z-En-15-Oic Acid | 11624227 | Click to see | 338.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| 5-(1,2,4a,5-Tetramethyl-2,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydronaphthalen-1-yl)-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 73880585 | Click to see | 304.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00153-X |
| 5-(1,2,4a,5-Tetramethyl-7-oxo-3,4,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl)-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 73033271 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00153-X |
| 5-(5-Formyl-1,2,4a-trimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydronaphthalen-1-yl)-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 163081310 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00153-X |
| 5-(5,6-dihydroxy-1,2,4a,5-tetramethyl-3,4,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl)-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 73006873 | Click to see | 338.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| 5-[(1R,2R,4aR,8aS)-1,2,4a,5-tetramethyl-7-oxo-3,4,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl]-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 162953179 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| 5-[(1R,2S,4aS,8aS)-1,2,4a,5-tetramethyl-7-oxo-3,4,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl]-3-methylpent-2-enoic acid | 162953177 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| 5alpha,8alpha-(2-Oxokolavenic acid) | 11623867 | Click to see | 318.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| Kolavenic Acid | 6441458 | Click to see | 304.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00153-X |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Tetraterpenoids / Carotenoids / Xanthophylls | |||||
| (2Z,4E,6E,8E,10E,12E,14E,16E,18E)-19-[(3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl]-3-hydroxy-1-[(1R,4S)-4-hydroxy-1,2,2-trimethylcyclopentyl]-4,8,13,17-tetramethylnonadeca-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18-nonaen-1-one | 11505441 | Click to see | 616.90 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP058123Q |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids | |||||
| (6aS,6bR,12aS)-2,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a-heptamethyl-10,13-dioxo-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,11,12,14b-dodecahydropicene-4a-carboxylic acid | 163187259 | Click to see CC1(CCC2(CCC3(C(=CC(=O)C4C3(CCC5C4(CCC(=O)C5(C)C)C)C)C2C1)C)C(=O)O)C | 468.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| > Organic acids and derivatives / Carboxylic acids and derivatives / Dicarboxylic acids and derivatives | |||||
| (4aR,5S,6R,8aR)-5-(carboxymethyl)-5,6,8a-trimethyl-3,4,4a,6,7,8-hexahydronaphthalene-1-carboxylic acid | 51693746 | Click to see | 280.36 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83158-U |
| 5-(Carboxymethyl)-5,6,8a-trimethyl-3,4,4a,6,7,8-hexahydronaphthalene-1-carboxylic acid | 45359842 | Click to see | 280.36 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83158-U |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Secondary alcohols / Cyclohexanols | |||||
| 6-Methoxycyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol | 230881 | Click to see COC1C(C(C(C(C1O)O)O)O)O | 194.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| An inositol | 892 | Click to see | 180.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| Npc236271 | 440078 | Click to see | 194.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| Ononitol, (+)- | 164619 | Click to see | 194.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / C-glycosyl compounds | |||||
| alpha-D-Fructofuranose | 11105942 | Click to see | 180.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| Beta-D-Fructofuranose | 439709 | Click to see C(C1C(C(C(O1)(CO)O)O)O)O | 180.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / O-glycosyl compounds | |||||
| Sucrose | 5988 | Click to see | 342.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / Phenolic glycosides | |||||
| Melilotoside | 5280759 | Click to see | 326.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83158-U |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Monosaccharides / Hexoses | |||||
| Beta-D-Glucose | 64689 | Click to see | 180.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| Grape sugar | 79025 | Click to see C(C1C(C(C(C(O1)O)O)O)O)O | 180.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Cyclic ketones / Cyclohexenones | |||||
| 2-(1,2,4a,5-tetramethyl-7-oxo-3,4,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl)acetic acid | 85401663 | Click to see CC1CCC2(C(C1(C)CC(=O)O)CC(=O)C=C2C)C | 264.36 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83158-U |
| 2-[(1S,2R,4aR,8aR)-1,2,4a,5-tetramethyl-7-oxo-3,4,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-naphthalen-1-yl]acetic acid | 162955096 | Click to see CC1CCC2(C(C1(C)CC(=O)O)CC(=O)C=C2C)C | 264.36 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83158-U |
| N-[1-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5,5-trimethyl-6-oxocyclohexen-1-yl)-3-methoxypropan-2-yl]-7-methoxy-9-methylhexadec-4-enamide | 73818203 | Click to see CCCCCCCC(C)CC(CC=CCCC(=O)NC(COC)C(C1=CC(C(C(C1=O)(C)C)O)C)O)OC | 537.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00153-X |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Lactones / Gamma butyrolactones | |||||
| (1S,3R,4R,5R)-1,3,4-trihydroxy-6-oxabicyclo(3.2.1)octan-7-one | 10125106 | Click to see | 174.15 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| 1,3,4-Trihydroxy-6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-7-one | 288574 | Click to see | 174.15 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Catechins | |||||
| Catechin | 9064 | Click to see | 290.27 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-3542(93)90095-Z https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83158-U |
| Epicatechin | 72276 | Click to see | 290.27 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83158-U https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-3542(93)90095-Z |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Catechins / Catechin gallates | |||||
| (-)-Epicatechin gallate | 107905 | Click to see C1C(C(OC2=CC(=CC(=C21)O)O)C3=CC(=C(C=C3)O)O)OC(=O)C4=CC(=C(C(=C4)O)O)O | 442.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-3542(93)90095-Z |
| Catechin 7-O-gallate | 471393 | Click to see | 442.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0166-3542(93)90095-Z |
| Epicatechin-3-Gallate | 65056 | Click to see | 442.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83158-U |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-3-O-glycosides | |||||
| 5,7-Dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one | 5462193 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2=C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)O | 448.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00153-X |
| Astragalin | 5282102 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2=C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)O | 448.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(95)00153-X |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / O-methylated isoflavonoids / 7-O-methylated isoflavonoids / 7-O-methylisoflavones | |||||
| 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-7,8-dimethoxy-4H-chromen-4-one | 638205 | Click to see | 342.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-6215(02)00025-3 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |