Tanzania researching Red Stinkwood for the development of medicine to cure prostate and urinary tract problems
The tree commonly known as the African Cherry of Pygeum is known for its bark extract, which is widely used as medicinal herb capable of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other lower urinary tract disorders
Black News 
The National Health Science Training facility in Tanzania has hatched special cooperation with the country’s custodian of forests for extensive studies on some tree species with medical properties.
The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Dar-es-salaam has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) to promote research on the Prunus Africana, a highly valued medicinal tree species.
The Red Stinkwood (Prunus Africana), known as Umkhakhase in South Africa, happens to be a rare tree with valuable herbal properties.
Prunus africana is an endangered species endemic to the montane forests of Africa.
The tree commonly known as the African Cherry or Pygeum is known for its potent bark extract, which is widely used as medicinal herb capable of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other lower urinary tract disorders.
Prunus africana is an evergreen tree with medicinal bark and scented flowers, native to Eastern and Southern Africa regions but currently threatened by over-exploitation, excessive logging and habitat loss.
The tree is classified as vulnerable and is highly protected due to growing demand for its medicinal value leading to excessive illegal logging.
The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science operating under the auspices of the National Referral Hospital is a leading medical research institution, which is utilizing the tree in ongoing scientific research and the development of potential treatments for prostate cancer and related diseases.
Under the signed agreement, Tanzania Forest Services will oversee large-scale cultivation and conservation of the medicinal tree to ensure a sustainable supply for research and pharmaceutical development at MUHAS.
The Senior Conservation Officer for the Northern Kilimanjaro forest plantation Fred Ng’wani, said the plantation has intensified efforts to increase production of Prunus africana seedlings in response to the growing demand.
He said the tree species is being grown in six forest plantations operating under the Tanzania Forest Services in the country.
The TFS has managed to produce nearly 100,000 tree seedlings for the Prunus Africana species in the last three years.
“This year alone the Forest Agency intends to produce at least 38,000 seedlings at the Rongai plantation in Kilimanjaro,” Ng’wani stated.
Apart from Prunus africana, the plantation also grows large quantities of Pinus patula (pine trees), which dominate much of the forest estate.
