Xylopia Aethiopica: A Review of its Ethnomedicinal, Chemical and Pharmacological Properties

Xylopia aethiopica  (Annonaceae), commonly called negro pepper, African pepper, Guinea pepper and spice tree, is an ever green aromatic tree growing up to 15-30 m high. It is a native to the low land rain forests and moist fringe forests in the savanna zones and coastal regions of Africa. Folklore medicine claimed it to be useful as abortifacients, ecbolics as well as in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery; stomach disorder, menstrual disorder, naso-pharyngeal infections, arthritis, rheumatism, infections, among others. This present article is a collection of up to date information regarding the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicological studies carried on  Xylopia aethiopica by different researchers (authors).