Tephrosia bracteolata is a West African leguminous shrub valued for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and veterinary uses, and for improving soil fertility.
Leaf extracts are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic; roots are used for venereal diseases; the plant also treats diarrhea, stomachaches, and edema.
Used as fodder for goats and sheep, fixes nitrogen to improve soil fertility, and serves as green manure; contains rotenoids for treating livestock parasites and as a fish poison (not for human consumption).
While not heavily documented in rituals, it plays a role in traditional medicine as a blood purifier and general remedy for physical ailments.
Thrives in savanna, rocky plains, and poor sandy soils; propagated by seeds (germination aided by boiling or acid treatment); drought-tolerant and performs better when intercropped with grasses.
