Zanthoxylum heitzii

Traditional users of Zanthoxylum heitzii have prepared infusions or decoctions primarily from the bark and leaves for a range of digestive and febrile complaints. Among the Kongo and Yombe of the lower Congo region, a bark decoction is taken to relieve colic, dysentery, and stomach pain (Boulvert and Bodo, 1981; Schwartz, 1976). In the Fang of Gabon, leaves are macerated in water and drunk as a febrifuge and to ease malaria-related symptoms (Schwartz, 1976). Along the Congo River and its tributaries, a cold leaf maceration is employed as a diuretic to promote urination and address urinary discomforts (Le Testu, 1931; Boulvert and Bodo, 1981). The recorded preparations consistently involve the bark or leaves, with the bark most often used in decoctions and leaves in either macerations or teas.

A practical tea from the leaves can be made by adding 1 heaping tablespoon of fresh leaves (about 5–7 g) to 250 mL of just-boiled water, covering and steeping for 8–10 minutes, then straining. Two to three cups may be taken daily. As the bark is notably bitter and more concentrated in alkaloids, a mild bark tea uses 1 to 2 g of powdered bark per 250 mL, simmered 10 minutes and steeped 5–10 minutes, then strained; 1 to 2 cups per day are reported. These preparations should be avoided by pregnant or nursing individuals and by people with known sensitivity to plants in the Rutaceae family. Persons using sedatives or other medications that affect the central nervous system should consult a healthcare professional, as concomitant use of sedatives has been noted for the species (Boulvert and Bodo, 1981).

Phytochemically, the bark of Z. heitzii is known for benzophenanthridine and quinolizidine alkaloids, notably nitidine and chelerythrine, along with volatile furoquinolines such as dictamine, and flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol (Paris and Hurabielle, 1978). These constituents are common across the genus and plausibly account for the observed antispasmodic, antimalarial, diuretic, and antipyretic effects reflected in the traditional preparations. Their presence is well documented for the species and supports the ethnomedicinal activities reported across Central Africa.

Today, these traditional infusions and decoctions remain in use in parts of the lower Congo and are recognized as a local febrifuge and digestive remedy, while ongoing research continues to investigate the alkaloid-rich extracts for their potential in malaria and inflammation studies (Boulvert and Bodo, 1981; Paris and Hurabielle, 1978).

Wood and fiber:
The timber of Zanthoxylum heitzii, traded as “mokala” or “mukala,” is used for heavy construction, flooring, parquet, furniture, joinery, and veneer. It is a dense, hard wood with favorable mechanical properties; sapwood is distinct and small relative to the heartwood, which is reported to be very durable to rot and insect attack. It is listed among commercial timbers of tropical Central Africa.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
The dried pericarp (aril) of the fruit is used as a condiment in Central African cuisine and is known locally as “mbongo.” It is valued for its aromatic, peppery character and is incorporated into various dishes as a flavoring ingredient.

Properties relevant to use:
In timber applications, the combination of high density, mechanical strength, and heartwood durability (including resistance to decay and insects) underpins its suitability for load-bearing and exterior uses. The aromatic compounds in the pericarp account for its use as a culinary flavoring.

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