Sassy bark is obtained from Erythrophleum guineense, a huge tree mainly
distributed in west coast of Africa.
The bark is poisonous but has been used for medicinal purpose by the
natives of Africa as it possesses many properties.
The bark is also commercially produced and exported in different parts
of countries.
Sassy bark collected from the tree varies from the age of the tree. The
bark is usually hard, curved or flat of about 8 to 10 cm long and 4 to 7
cm wide.
The outer surface of bark is dull grey tinted and sometimes it appears
black having reddish spots.
The bark collected is eventually bumpy, elevated and rugged coarsely.
Sassy bark is extensively cultivated in west coast Africa, guinea and
senegambia.
Bark.
Sassy bark contains toxic alkaloids erythrophloeine, resin, and tannin,
small quantity of fatty acid, ipuranol and luteolin.
The bark is said to possess actions of astringent, analgesic and
anodyne.
The toxic compound found in sassy Erythrophloeine is considered useful
in heart diseases.
Hydrochloride found in sassy bark is useful for anesthetic properties
and used in dental surgeries.