Some underutilized indigenous timber trees with high medicinal values: Its challenges and prospects

Abstract

Underutilized species is referred to species to which little or no attention is paid by the policymakers, agricultural researchers, and plant breeders. Medicinal plants used in traditional medicine have a natural origin, are effective, and less expensive. Traditional doctors in African countries make use of plants in treating millions of people. Albizia zygia, Alstonia boonei, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Newbouldia laevis and Canarium schweinfurthii are the underutilized indigenous timber trees with high medicinal value that were discussed. Different parts of these trees like the bark, root, leaves, flower, stem, gum are used as medication in treating diverse diseases such as painful urination, epilepsy, convulsion etc. This study aims at reviewing the underutilized indigenous timber trees with high medicinal values, their challenges, and prospects. Methods are derived to increase the value chain of underutilized timber trees which can contribute to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and other stakeholders mainly through income generation.