Health Benefits of GANGRONEMA latifolium (Utazi)

Just like me most people don't like utazi because of it's bitter taste(who no like sweet things.. Lol ) good things don't always come easy... Utazi as popular comes called in the east comes with a full package of health benefits...

GANGRONEMA latifolium (utazi) is a climbing shrub with broad, heart-shaped leaves that has a characteristic sharp, bitter and slightly sweet taste, especially when eaten fresh. The stems have soft/hairy that yields milky latex or exudates.

It belongs to the family of plants known as Asclepiadaceae and it is widespread in tropical rainforest of West African countries, such as Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Senegal, etc.

In southern Nigeria, where it is commonly grown, the Igbos call the plant utazi, the Yoruba know it as arokeke and the Efik and Ibibio call it utasi. Parts used Fruits, seeds, leave, root and bark.

Chemical constituents Bitter principles, essential oils, alkaloids, saponins and tannin, various minerals, vitamins and some essential amino acids.

Properties Experience has shown that the whole plant exhibits the following herbal actions- analgesic, antitumor, broad spectrum antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral), antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, anti-sickling, anti-asthmatic, mild expectorant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, digestive tonic and laxative properties.

Methods of preparation The fresh leaves or the stem can be chewed or the sap extracted with water or palm wine. The whole plant can equally be infused with boiling water (as tea) or by boiling (decoction).

In some cases, the dried or fresh leaves are prepared as tincture (i.e. extraction in alcoholic beverages). Uses Nutritional Uses Like most bitter-tasting herbs, Gangronema latifolium contains “Bitter principles” (a combination of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, essential oils, etc).

Generally speaking, bitter-tasting herbs, such as bitter leaf, utazi, phyllanthus, etc. are known to act as stimulating tonics for the digestive system.

Benefits

They stimulate the flow of bile and appetite for food and they enhance the activities of the pancreas, regulate blood sugar and promote the detoxification actions of the liver.

In southern part of Nigeria, especially among the people of Southeast and South-South, the leaves of this herb are used commonly for nutritional purposes, including as a spice and vegetable to garnish some special local delicacies, such as Isiewu, nkwobi, abacha/ugba (African salad) ofe nsala (white soup), unripe plantain porridge, etc because of its sharp-bitter and sweet taste.

In many local “joints,” where people enjoy Isiewu, nkwobi and abacha/ugba (African salad) with palm wine or beer, the leaves are usually added to these delicacies to help prevent drunkenness or hangover.

The leaves are believed to neutralise the intoxicating properties alcohol and its harmful effects on the liver. Medicinal Uses An infusion or decoction of the whole plant (the leaves and stems) is used in the home treatment of: Digestive problems, such as loss of appetite, dyspepsia, colic and stomachache, constipation, dysentery and intestinal worms.

To lower blood sugar levels and high blood pressure in diabetic and hypertensive patients, respectively. To cleanse the womb and treat abdominal pain after childbirth.

To prevent liver damage associated with alcoholism and viral hepatitis. Helpful in treating malaria. To relieve cough, wheezing and asthmatic attacks.

A decoction of Gongronema latifolium (utazi), Mormodica charantia (balsam pear) and Ocimum gratissimum (fever plant) is usually given to patients been treated for hepatitis to help cleanse and rebuild their liver.

NOTE An occasional liver cleansing and rebuilding therapies are usually recommended to patients who have suffered hepatitis. An unhealthy liver is the root cause of many health problems.

With a weak liver, the body cannot function properly. Apart from hepatitis (viral or toxic), some of the things that affect the liver adversely, include synthetic hormones (xenoestrogen), some analgesics, over-eating, malnutrition, worm infestation and emotional breakdown, fatty and over-cooked food.

These and many more are the health benefits of Utazi... U see why u should always insist that utazi is present in your day to day meals ...

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