Prostate cancer and medicinal plant
Climbing Oleander (Strophanthus gratus) is a woody tropical liana that produces large showy clusters of soft pink flowers with burgundy throats. The flowers have a delightful rose fragrance and appear on the tips of branches.
Despite its beautiful rose scent, the pretty Climbing Oleander is not as friendly as it appears. The plant contains high concentration of cardiac glycosides, which are organic compounds that increase the output force of the heart. Ouabain is the main glycoside found in the seed, it is odorless but very bitter and extremely toxic. Extracts containing ouabain have long been used by Somali tribesmen and other groups to poison hunting arrows.
The plant has shiny, leathery, olive green, oblong to elliptical, glabrous leaves. The leaves are used to treat gonorrhea and constipation, as well as applied externally to treat snakebites and to cure fever. The root is said to be an aphrodisiac. Most notably the seeds contain the highest concentration of glycosides which can be extracted and used as a rapid cardiac stimulant. Ouabain derived from the plant's seeds is used as a treatment for heart failure
More recent studies have found a novel use that can prove relevant for treatment of prostate cancer. This plant is still poisonous and can cause nausea, vomiting, and heart problems if not used properly.
Popular as an ornamental it is grown in gardens and parks. The plant prefers full sun and fertile soil for optimum growth.
Scientific name: Strophanthus gratus
Common names: Climbing Oleander, Rose Allamanda, Indian Rubber Vine
Family: Apocynaceae
Native Distribution: West Africa
Picture credits; Jyoti Prateek
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Reference
Plants of Singapore
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