Strophanthus kombe & gratus dried seed

Strophanthus kombe is a vine that grows in the tropical regions of Eastern Africa. It is part of the genus Strophanthus which contains approximately 38 species. S. kombe contains a cardiac glycoside which directly affects the heart. Historically both the seeds and roots of the plant were used in the preparation of the poison arrow head used for hunting. Today, the seeds are used pharmaceutically for patients with certain heart conditions that affect blood circulation.

Strophanthus gratus is a woody liana that can grow up to 25 metres (82 ft), with a trunk diameter of up to 10 centimetres (3.9 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a white corolla, topped by red or purple color, with pink corona lobes.   S. gratus has been used medicinally: ouabain derived from the plant's seeds is used as a treatment for heart failure. S.gratus is native to Liberia, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon