Herbal Supplements For A Healthier Life

Botanical & Identity

Botanical Name

Kigelia africana

Common Names

Kigelia, Sausage Tree, Worsboom

Plant Family

Bignoniaceae

Part Used

Fruit (primarily), bark, roots, leaves (topical use only)

Taste Profile

Bitter, astringent (not typically used internally)

Energetics

Cooling, drying, tightening
Kigelia

Summary & Classification

Short Summary

Kigelia is an African medicinal tree whose fruit extract is prized for its skin-healing, firming, and anti-inflammatory properties. Widely used in topical applications for acne, eczema, skin tightening, wound healing, and even in breast and buttock tonics.

Herb Actions

anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal

Herbal Category

topical healing, cosmetic botanicals

Medicine System

african, western

Active Ingredients

Iridoids
,
Naphthoquinones (kigelinone)
,
Flavonoids
,
Sterols
,
Phenolic Compounds
,
Saponins
.

Chemistry & Effectiveness

Active Ingredients

Mechanism of Action

Kigelia's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds inhibit bacterial growth (including Staphylococcus and Propionibacterium acnes) and reduce skin inflammation. Flavonoids and iridoids promote skin elasticity, healing, and even pigmentation.

Modern Applications

Used in skincare for acne, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, scars, skin toning, and breast or facial firming. Often found in creams, serums, and balms.

Traditional Uses & Preparation

Traditional Uses

Used by indigenous African communities for skin infections, boils, fungal conditions, and as a topical beauty treatment. Fruit pulp was traditionally fermented and applied externally for wound care and breast firming.

Preparation & Usage

Used in topical extracts, creams, oils, or poultices. Not recommended for internal use due to toxicity of raw fruit.

Recommended Dosage

Topical only: Use as directed in creams or oils (typically 1–10% extract concentration in base formula).

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Not for internal use. Raw fruit is toxic if ingested.

Drug Interactions

None known for topical use.

Pregnancy & Lactation

safe

Side Effects

Rare: mild skin irritation or allergy in sensitive individuals. Perform patch test before first use.

Scientific & Source Info

Scientific References

– Binutu, O.A. et al. (1996). Antibacterial and antifungal activities of Kigelia africana. – Grace, O.M. et al. (2002). African plant extracts used in cosmetics: The example of Kigelia africana.

Sourcing Notes

Use standardised extracts from Kigelia africana fruit, processed under proper conditions. Raw preparation is unsuitable for direct skin or oral use without extraction.

Product Linkage

Used In Products

Radiant Renewal

Radiant Renewal Serum 50ml

R330.00