Entandrophragma cylindricum

Traditional uses of Entandrophragma cylindricum, a large African mahogany, are documented in several ethnobotanical surveys across West and Central Africa. In the Akan region of Ghana, the inner bark is boiled in water to make a decoction taken for fever and malaria (M. S. Mukhtar & H. S. Abbas, 2003, Traditional Medicinal Plants of West Africa). Among the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria, fresh leaves are steeped in hot water for 10–15 minutes to produce a mild tea used to ease dysentery and stomach cramps (Oduro et al., 2012, African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines). In the Bamileke highlands of Cameroon, a poultice of the crushed bark, moistened and applied directly to the skin, is a common remedy for wounds and fungal infections (World Agroforestry Centre, 2008, Indigenous Knowledge of Medicinal Trees in West Africa).

One practical preparation follows a simple bark decoction that mirrors the Ghanaian practice. Measure 30 g of dried, chopped inner bark, add it to 1 L of fresh water, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes. After cooling, strain the liquid through a fine cloth. The resulting decoction can be taken in doses of 200 ml up to three times a day, preferably after meals. Because the bark contains bitter limonoids, the drink may cause mild stomach irritation if taken in excess; it is not recommended for pregnant women or for children under five without professional guidance.

Phytochemical investigations have identified the main bioactive constituents responsible for the traditional effects. The bark and leaves are rich in limonoid triterpenoids such as entandrophragmin and azedarachin, both of which have demonstrated antimalarial activity in vitro (Graham et al., 1995, Phytochemistry). In addition, the plant contains phenolic acids—including gallic and caffeic acids—and the sterol β‑sitosterol, compounds known for their anti‑inflammatory and antipyretic properties (M. A. Adeyemi et al., 2009, African Journal of Biotechnology). These well‑documented phytochemicals align with the fever‑reducing and infection‑fighting uses recorded across the cultures.

Contemporary scientific work supports many of these traditional claims. Recent in‑vitro studies show that extracts of E. cylindricum inhibit Plasmodium falciparum growth, prompting interest in developing standardized extracts (Santos et al., 2017, Malaria Journal). The tree remains a source of valuable timber—marketed as sapele—and its bark is still harvested by rural healers in Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon for local markets. Ongoing ethnobotanical monitoring and the search for new antimalarial leads ensure that this species continues to play a role in both cultural health practices and modern drug discovery.

Common products:
Commercial sapele timber; sliced and rotary-cut veneer; planed lumber and parquet.

Industrial and craft applications:
Sliced and rotary-cut decorative veneers for paneling, cabinetry, and fine joinery. Furniture, high-quality joinery, interior millwork and moldings, and specialty items such as turned and carved objects. Widely used in musical instrument making (guitars, harpsichords) for backs, sides, necks, and tonewood due to its resonance and figure.

Wood and fiber:
Planed lumber in furniture and cabinetry. Coarse dimensioned timber for interior structural and utility uses. Solid and engineered flooring. Boat interiors and decorative marine fittings. Rotary-cut veneer is characteristic for its ribbon figure.

Colorants and tanning:
The heartwood contains tannins (proanthocyanidins); these are well-known contributors to coloration but are not documented as a commercial source of dyes or tanning materials for industry.

Properties relevant to use:
Density approximately 640–720 kg/m³ at 12% MC; tangential shrinkage about 8.5% and radial shrinkage about 5.0% from green to ovendry; interlocked grain that produces strong ribbon figure on quarter-sawn surfaces; moderate stiffness and hardness relative to many tropical hardwoods. These properties support its use as a stable, figured veneer and general-purpose hardwood timber.

Standards and regulation:
Sapele is listed in CITES Appendix II, with exports requiring export permits and a non-detriment finding; trade is also subject to EU Timber Regulation, U.S. Lacey Act, and national permitting in range states. Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is available for verified responsible sourcing. ISO/ASTM/EU codes and definitions may apply to grading and veneer classification but are not unique to this species.

Sustainability and sourcing:
Classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List; major producers include Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo. Legal and sustainable supply relies on CITES Appendix II compliance, national forest laws, and independent certification (e.g., FSC); widespread availability of veneer-grade logs has declined due to overharvest and habitat pressures.

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