Strophanthus Tinctures – Tradition and Modernity

Strophanthus Tinctures in African Tradition

Strophanthin, obtained from the seeds of Strophanthus gratus and kombe, has been used by local African tribes for centuries not only as a component of poisons, but also – according to ethnobotanical accounts – as a raw material for preparing traditional tinctures used in rituals and folk medicine.

Such tinctures were often prepared on the basis of alcohol or water, and their main function was to harness the powerful properties of the plant for magical or protective purposes.

Tinctures in the 19th and 20th Century – Between Phytotherapy and Pharmacy

After the discovery of strophanthin by European researchers, attempts were made to use it also in the form of tinctures and alcoholic extracts in academic medicine. These tinctures had very strong effects and were used exclusively under strict medical supervision.

Substances isolated from the seeds even made it into official pharmacopoeias – however, due to their potency and risk, they were eventually replaced by safer preparations.

"Knowledge about strophanthin tinctures survived mainly among collectors and herbal enthusiasts. Today these are primarily collector's and educational preparations, not medicinal products."
– Herbalist, 2024

Recipes and Safety – For Educational Purposes Only!

Tinctures prepared from strophanthus seeds may look similar to other herbal extracts: seeds are soaked in alcohol (usually 60–90%), left for several weeks in a dark place, and then filtered.

• In Poland (and most EU countries) strophanthus seeds are legal exclusively for ornamental and collector purposes – not for the production of supplements or medical preparations.
• Preparing tinctures may serve exclusively educational, collector or scientific purposes (e.g. for independent research).
• Strophanthus extracts must not be used independently – the active glycosides are extremely potent!

Strophanthus – Inspiration for Collectors and Scientists

Today, strophanthus tinctures are primarily a topic for botanists, collectors and enthusiasts of unusual plants. The very preparation of such a tincture (without intention of consumption!) can be a fascinating lesson in phytochemistry and the history of natural medicine.