Strychnos madagascariensis is a deciduous small tree widely used as traditional medicine in tropical Africa. The current study critically reviewed the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of S. madagascariensis. S. madagascariensis is mainly used as charm and rituals, insecticide, ethnoveterinary and traditional medicine for gastrointestinal problems, menstrual problems, hypertension, ringworm and wounds. Pharmacological research identified alkaloids, fatty acids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, triterpenoids and volatile metabolic compounds. The crude extracts of S. madagascariensis exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, larvicidal and toxicity activities. S. madagascariensis crude extracts and compounds isolated from the species should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations aimed at correlating its medicinal uses. © 2021, Indian journals. All rights reserved.