Kigelia africana, commonly known as the sausage tree, has a long-standing history of traditional use in African ethnomedicine for treating skin lesions, wounds, and various dermatological conditions. Traditional healers apply poultices or topical extracts of the fruit, bark, or leaves directly to the affected skin to promote healing and reduce inflammation. The justification for its use in treating lesions stems from centuries of anecdotal evidence and community practice rather than robust clinical research.

Scientific validation for these uses is still limited but emerging. Phytochemical analyses have identified several bioactive compounds in Kigelia africana, such as iridoids, flavonoids, and naphthoquinones, which possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts from the plant can inhibit the growth of common skin pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus), suggesting a plausible mechanism for its traditional use. Additionally, some in vivo studies in animal models indicate potential wound-healing effects, such as promoting collagen synthesis and reducing wound size. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most evidence remains preclinical or anecdotal.

In summary, the use of Kigelia africana for lesions is primarily justified by traditional knowledge, with moderate support from laboratory-based research. More rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication.