Crude extracts as well as the isolated alkaloidal constituents of the plant proved to have anti-malarial, anti-hypertensive and anti-hyperglycemic properties. This was contained in a press release issued by the Centre, a copy was made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Koforidua.

It indicated that in-vitro studies showed that the plant had anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and other pathogens.The plant has over the years been used for the treatment of malaria, urinary tract infection and inflammatory conditions by some herbal medicine practitioners in the country.

Dr. Alfred Ampomah Appiah, a Principal Research Scientist and Deputy Executive Director of the Centre, who later spoke to the GNA, said the findings had proven right many of the traditional uses of the plant.

He added that ‘nibima’ held enormous potential for the development of essential medicines including anti-malarial agents. Complementary and alternative medicine practitioners in North America and Europe recommend the use of preparations of the plant for treatment of Lyme disease - an infection caused by bacteria, spread by ticks.