Cryptolepis sanguinolenta

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. An extract from the root is traditionally used in West Africa for malaria.

The roots of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta contain a major alkaloid called cryptolepine.

The roots are also used as a yellow dye.

Description
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is a woody climbing shrub with slender branches that can grow up to 8 cm long. It exudes a yellowish to orange latex that turns red upon exposure. The leaves are opposite, simple and petiolate; the petiole can reach 15 mm long. Leaflets are ovate to elliptical in shape, up to 10 cm long and 6 cm wide, margin entire, and the apex is acuminate while base tends to be cuneate to rounded. Flowers are arranged in axillary panicles and the corolla is tube-like and yellow.

Distribution and habitat
Distributed in West and Central Africa from Senegal eastwards to the Central African Republic and southwards to Uganda and Angola. Found in savannas and in montane, dry and gallery forests.

Chemistry
The alkaloid cryptolepine has been isolated from root of the plant and so are two isomers of crytolepine, neocryptolepine and Isocryptolepine.

Uses
Roots of the plant is traded as a source of yellow dye for leather and textiles.

In Benin, the latex is used as an antiseptic and in Ghana root extracts are used in treating respiratory infections and malaria.