It is a versatile plant with a wide range of uses. Its role in traditional medicine has led to its integration into the pharmaceutical industry.

The plant, which belongs to the Apocynaceae family, is commonly known as “devil’s pepper”, a name that reflects its potent properties and peculiarities. This shrub or small tree, which can reach a height of up to 8 metres, is a formidable presence in its habitat. Unlike its younger counterparts, the older parts of the plant are conspicuously devoid of latex, distinguishing it from related species within the same botanical family.The Rauvolfia vomitoria plant is characterised by whorled branches decorated with enlarged and clumpy nodes.
Its leaves, arranged in groups of three, vary in shape from elliptic-acuminate to broadly lanceolate, contributing to the overall density and texture of the plant’s foliage.

The therapeutic versatility of Rauvolfia vomitoria is reflected in its wide range of uses. CC BY-SA 3.0/ Ehoarn Bidault

The small but sweet-scented flowers of Rauvolfia vomitoria are nestled in inflorescences whose branches are strikingly pubescent, giving a subtle tactile sensation when touched. The corolla lobes of the flowers are barely visible, suggesting specialised pollination mechanisms or adaptations within its ecological niche.
As the plant matures, it produces fleshy fruits that ripen to a bright red, attracting the attention of both human observers and potential seed dispersers in the wild. This vibrant display of colour further enhances Rauvolfia vomitoria‘s ornamental value, contributing to its aesthetic appeal in natural landscapes.
Devil’s Pepper has been revered throughout Africa for centuries for its myriad therapeutic properties. This shrub or small tree has attracted considerable attention in traditional medicine for its remarkable efficacy in treating a range of ailments, from diarrhoea and malaria to high blood pressure and male infertility.
Throughout Africa, Rauvolfia vomitoria is a staple of indigenous pharmacopoeias, with traditional uses ranging from the treatment of skin infections to snakebites. Harvested from the wild for local medicinal purposes, every part of the tree is used.

Rauvolfia vomitoria has been used for centuries to treat psychiatric disorders, insomnia and manic tendencies. CC BY-SA 4.0/Ji-Elle

The therapeutic versatility of Rauvolfia vomitoria is reflected in its wide range of uses. Decoctions or extracts of its roots are used to treat diarrhoea, jaundice, venereal diseases, rheumatism, snakebites, colic, fever, anxiety, epilepsy and hypertension. In addition, macerated roots or mashed fruit are used for various skin conditions, while bark, twigs and leaves are used as a laxative and emetic.
In addition, root decoctions, macerates or powders are used throughout the plant’s range to treat high blood pressure and as a sedative for people with epilepsy or psychiatric conditions. Infused in palm wine, the roots are believed to have aphrodisiac properties and are used to treat female sterility.
Despite its toxicity, Rauvolfia vomitoria has uses beyond medicine. Pastes made from pulverised roots are used to coat arrowheads and spears for hunting, and mixed with manioc meal as rat poison. Interestingly, the plant is also sought after to enhance athletic performance, underlining its diverse cultural and practical importance.
Rauvolfia vomitoria has been used for centuries to treat psychiatric disorders, insomnia and manic tendencies. Its role in traditional medicine has led to its integration into the pharmaceutical industry, where compounds extracted from the plant, including, deserpidine, ajmalicine and ajmaline, are used in various medicines.

Despite its toxicity, Rauvolfia vomitoria has uses beyond medicine. CC BY-SA 4.0/Scamperdale

Externally, Rauvolfia vomitoria root products are used to treat skin conditions such as rashes, pimples, chicken pox, wounds, scabies, psoriasis, leprosy, haemorrhoids, head lice and parasitic skin diseases. Decoctions of the root are used in massages and baths to relieve fatigue and rheumatismand in mouthwashes to treat gingivitis or thrush.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Rauvolfia vomitoria has other utilitarian uses. Young twigs are used as stirring sticks for drinks, while larger branches stir indigo mixtures in dyeing pits. The bark provides a yellow dye and its fibre has many uses. The wood is of little economic importance, although it is occasionally used for small kitchen utensils and as fuel.As communities continue to harness its healing potential and explore its practical uses, Rauvolfia vomitoria remains a testament to the profound interplay between nature and human ingenuity in addressing health and societal needs. (Open Photo: Rauvolfia vomitoria. CC BY-SA 4.0/Cyrille Mas)

Richard Komakech