Akuamma Seeds

Akuamma Seeds (Picralima nitida)

Akuamma Seeds are used in African herbal medicine primarily as a pain reliever. Known as Akuamma, the seed contains the alkaloids, Akuammine and Pericine as well as a number of related minor alkaloids.  Aside from analgesia, akuamma seeds (Picralima nitida) are also used as a skeletal muscle relaxant and an anti-diarrheal.

Akuammine is an indole alkaloid that is structurally related to yohimbine and mitragynine. Akuammine is soluble in ethanol. Traditionally the seeds were powdered and taken orally. But given the extremely bitter nature of the seeds, it is not surprising that pharmaceutical makers in Africa isolated the active compounds to produce capsules sold under the name Picap. The seeds are said to contain about 3.5%-4.8% Akuammine.