Acacia Nilotica, the Multipurpose Medicinal Plant

Acacia nilotica (Fam. Fabaceae), commonly known as the gum Arabic tree, Egyptian mimosa, scented thorn, or prickly acacia, is a multipurpose medicinal tree widely distributed across Africa, Asia, and parts of the Middle East. In Nigeria, it is often referred to as bagaruwa (hausa), ugba or ukpaka in igbo, and eso booni in Yoruba. It is also known as Vachellia nilotica.

Constituents

Phytochemical studies have revealed that the major constituents of Acacia nilotica include tannins (especially gallotannins and catechins), flavonoids (such as quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin), saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, essential oils, and polysaccharides (gum exudates). The plant also contains ascorbic acid, carotene, protein, fibre, arabin, calcium, magnesium, and selenium.

Preparations

Acacia nilotica is available in the form of bark, pods, leaves, seeds, and gum. These parts can be prepared as decoctions, powders, pastes, exudates, or smoke. Such preparations are widely used in folk medicine, though modern research continues to validate many of their traditional applications.

Pharmacological actions and medicinal uses

Acacia nilotica has been found to exhibit antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antiplasmodial, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and wound-healing activities. Extracts from the bark, pods, and leaves show inhibitory action against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as against fungi. The seeds and pods are traditionally used to expel intestinal worms. The high tannin content contributes to reduced intestinal motility and secretion, while flavonoids and saponins help suppress inflammatory pathways. Flavonoids also scavenge free radicals, offering protective benefits in chronic diseases. Topical applications of extracts accelerate tissue repair and prevent infections. Some studies indicate hypoglycaemic activity, though further clinical trials are required.

These properties make Acacia nilotica useful in the treatment of venereal diseases, nausea, burns and wounds, stomach ache, and diarrhoea. It has also been used in the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and cancer. Boiled leaf extract has been employed in treating chest pain, pneumonia, weakness, fever, malaria, headache, cough, painful joints, backache, and stomach ulcers, among other ailments. The fresh pods are considered beneficial in sexual disorders such as spermatorrhoea, watery semen, recurrent nocturnal emissions, and premature ejaculation. Some studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing pelvic organ prolapse and in improving the quality of life of women affected by this condition.

Adverse effects

While generally considered safe in traditional doses, excessive or prolonged use may produce undesirable effects such as gastrointestinal irritation and constipation, allergic reactions, and reduced nutrient absorption.

Economic uses and potentials

Beyond its medicinal value, Acacia nilotica is an economically important tree. It is used in the pharmaceutical and food industries as a stabiliser, emulsifier, and demulcent in syrups, lozenges, and confections. The leaves and pods provide nutritious fodder for livestock, while the wood is valued for fuel and timber. The plant also enhances soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, thereby supporting sustainable agriculture.

Gum Arabic serves as a foreign exchange earner for many African countries, including Nigeria. In local markets, the dried pods or seeds of Acacia nilotica—commonly used in herbal remedies—sell for roughly ₦1,700–₦1,800 per kg. Export-grade gum can cost between US$2–$3 per kg, depending on purity and supply contracts.

References

Roozbeh N., Darvish L. (2016). Acacia nilotica: New plant for help in Pelvic Organ Prolapse. J Menopausal Med. 22(3):129–130. doi: 10.6118/jmm.2016.22.3.129. Epub Dec 31. PMID: 28119891; PMCID: PMC5256354.

By Pharm. Ngozika Okoye MSc, MPH, FPCPharm

(Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency)

Email: ngozikaokoye@yahoo.com