Ricinodendron heudelotii is a tree that can grow up to 40-metre high and 1,2m diameter. It has a grey (streching out towards white) bark. Njansang’s seeds are used as a sauce ingredient. Ricinodendron heudelotii plants are found generally in forests and agroforestry. Njansang bark is used to cure gonorrhea, caugh, leprosy, hernia, dysentery, éléphantiasis, syphilis. The extract of the bark is used as well to cure yellow fever, anaemia, toothache, malaria, etc.
Introduction
Part of the plant harvested: Almonds | Abstraction process: cold pressure
Family: Euphorbiaceae | Scientific name: Ricinodendron heudelotii | Commercial name: Njansang
Quality: 100% pure and natural, cold pressure without any chemical treatment, cosmetics quality
Country of origin: Cameroon | Production area: Peripheral area of Dja Reserve
Harvest period: September-March | Production in 2015: 100kg | Production capacity in 2016: 500kg
Organoleptic characteristics
Feature: Liquid | Colour: Yellow to yellow-brown | Melting point: 30 - 35°C
Physical and chemical characteristics
Acid value: 4,30 mg KOH/g | Peroxide value: 16,85 meq per O2
Fatty acids composition
Essential poly unsaturated fatty acids (E.F.A) or vitamin F: linoleic acid (omega-6) (15%), eleostearic acid: 40,98%
Mono-unsaturated acids (MUFA): oleic acid (omega-9) (26%)
Saturated fatty acids (SFA): stearic acid (7%), palmitic acid (5%),
Condition of preservation
Store in a dry place, protected from hit and light
Properties and use
Natural antioxidant
NGOs working in the sector
TFRD NGO (Tropical Forest and Rural Development) intervenes in the northern periphery of the Dja Reserve on 30 000 hectares with 24 villages. They reinforce more than 160 farmers including 50 women, to develop certified Rainforest Alliance cacao sector, and to valorise non-timber forest products.
AAFEBEN NGO (Appui à l’autopromotion de la femme de la Boumba et de Ngoko) intervenes in the Easter periphery of the Dja Reserve on 10 community forests of 50 000 hectares. It supports 10 women groups totalling 350 women, mostly from the Baka (Pygmy people) and Bantu ethnic groups; and work in harvest and commercialisation of non-timber forest products.
Impact on biodiversity and local communities
Njansang has a high economic value for the forest communities, yet it remains undervalued. Valorisation of non-timber forest product (NTFPs) facilitates incomes’ increases for the population who therefore see also an economic interest to protect and manage lastingly the tropical forest.
In addition, communities are supported to implant tree nurseries close to housing areas and fields. This eases the harvesting, the renewal of NWFP and limits the impact of harvesting on natural recovery.
Man and Nature cannot be hold responsible for any misuse of the information contained in these pages. These factsheets cannot be considered as a therapeutic or medical prescription and cannot in any way replace a consultation with a health professional.
