REVEALED!

Natural Cure
for
HIV, Cancer
Stroke, Diabetes
+ CURE FOR MANY OTHER DISEASES
This publication is designed to provide cure, through the
natural means, with the use of herbs, to various ailments and
diseases that have continued to claim so many lives on a daily
basis.

Publisher: Ella A. Davis

Copyright: 2003

Published by: De BookBuilder Publishing Co.

All　
rights　reserved．
The　 text　
of　this　
publication，　
or　
any　part　
thereof，　
may　 not　
be　
reproduced　 in　
any　manner　 whatsoever　without　
written　
permission　 from　the　publisher．

Printed　
in　
the　
United　
States　
of　
America　

ii
 DEDICATION
To God.

To the spirits of all, who have died of any of the diseases

discussed in this book. May their souls rest in perfect peace.
Amen.

iii
 INTRODUCTION
This book, well-researched discusses natural ways to cure
killing diseases, which has continued to take its tolls on human
beings, irrespective of age, gender and financial status.

It is of note that most of these killing diseases were not heard of

some decades agos, when the use of herbs was well
embraced to cure diseases, especially in Africa, until the
emergence of scientific medicines. The argument against the
use of herbal medicine to cure diseases was that of
measurement. However, in spite of the lapses in measuring
the quantity to be taken, herbal medicine was effective, without
any adverse effects on he users.

Without any bias, the advent of scientific methods and ways of

life should rather build on the potency of the herbal medicine
for the benefit of human race, not to condemn it or write-off its
potentialities.

However, The effectiveness of herbs in preventing and curing

diseases, including the deadly ones, is, on a daily basis being
confirmed, even by scientists, hence the shift to using herbal
medicine for curing ailments or diseases.

Written in a friendly, easy-to-understand manner, chock full of

actual examples and accurate data, NATURAL CURE FOR HIV,
CANCER, STROKE, DIABETES contains cure and prevention to
many deadly diseases, thereby heightening the chances of
living long and healthy.
iv
 CONTENT
Introduction iv
Dedication iii

Chapter One: 1-5

Revealed! Natural Cure for HIV, Stroke

Chapter Two: 6-12

Nature's cure for stroke

Chapter Three: 13-17

Plantain extract treats ulcers, diabetes

Chapter Four: 18-21

Eating oyster mushrooms, ginger also helps
with diabetes

Chapter Five: 22-26

Pawpaw leaves juice cures dengue fever

Chapter Six: 27-32

Pimples? Go for garlic juice or scent leaf

Chapter Seven: 33-37

Local plant provides novel ulcer treat
v
Chapter Eight: 38-46
Herbs useful for treating hypertension

Chapter Nine: 47-53

Infertility: Why men should take alligator pepper

Chapter Ten: 54-58

Lemon and pineapple peels, others cure
typhoid fever

Chapter Eleven: 59-63

Best herbal solution to try for anaemia

Chapter Twelve: 64-73

Citrus oil extract works on stress, bad mood,
poor sleep

Chapter Thirteen: 74-79

How bitter kola, garlic ease discomfort
from sex

Chapter Fourteen: 80-85

Suffering from skin infections? Try black soap

Chapter Fifteen: 86-90

Why bee stings relieve painful joints

Chapter Sixteen: 91-96

Eat lobsters, prevent breast cancer

viii
Chapter Seventeen: 97-103
Why you must take pineapple

Chapter Eighteen: 104-109

Herbal male contraceptives; closer than imagine

Chapter Nineteen: 110-115

Fight that wakefulness, bad mood with honey

Chapter Twenty: 116-120

Coconut juice, answer to menopausal discomforts

Chapter Twenty-One: 121-124

Ginger, vitamin D may help treat asthma

Chapter Twenty-Two: 125-130

Herbal remedy for river blindness

Chapter Twenty-Three: 131-135

Bitter melon promises solution to cancer, stress

Chapter Twenty-Four: 135-142

African star apple tree offers cure for anaemia

Chapter Twenty-Five: 143-146

Cocoa useful in managing diabetes

Chapter Twenty-Six: 147-150

Common vegetable may offer cure for
sleeplessness, anxiety
Chapter Twenty-Seven: 151-155
Almond shell a potential cure for ringworm,
skin problems
 Revealed!
Natural Cure
for HIV, Stroke

Nigella sativa, commonly called black seeds or cumin has

been documented to possess many medicinal uses. But the
least expected is in the treatment of HIV to ensure a low HIV
load in the body which is very rare despite extensive therapy
with highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART).

In a new study, scientists reported the case of an adult HIV

patient that lost his HIV-specific antibodies or ‘seroreversion’
after six months of treatment with Nigella sativa and
suggested the possibility that it might effectively control HIV
infection.

Nigella sativa is a popular herb that has been in use in many

forms (root, leaf and seed) for many centuries. Called
Kamansulum in Kanuri or Habbatussauda in Hausa, black
seeds have found its usefulness in the treatment of various
ailments, including infectious to non-infectious diseases,
wound healing, as a worm expeller, reducing blood pressure,
treatment of arthritis, stroke and asthma.

The 2013 study documented in the latest edition of the

1
African Journal of Traditional Complement Alternate Medicine
the complete recovery and sero-reversion of an adult HIV
patient after treatment with Nigella sativa concoction for a
period of six months.

The study was entitled “Nigella sativa concoction induced

sustained seroreversion in HIV patient”. It was carried out by
Abdulfatah Adekunle Onifade from the Immunology unit,
College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Andrew Paul Jewell
from St George’s University of London & Kingston University,
London, UK in collaboration with Waheed Adeola from the
Clinical Pharmacology Department, University College
Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The 46-year-old patient presented to the herbal therapist

with history of chronic fever, diarrhoea, weight loss and
multiple papular pruritic lesions of three months duration.
Examination revealed moderate weight loss, and the
laboratory tests of ELISA (Genscreen) and western blot (new
blot 1 & 2) confirmed the man had HIV infection. His HIV viral
load and CD4 count were 27,000 copies/ml and 250 cells/
mm3 respectively.

The artisan was taking 10mls of Nigella sativa concoction

twice daily for six months. He was monitored daily and visited
regularly to ascertain the effectiveness of the herbal
concoction. But the man was not on highly active
antiretroviral therapy (HAART) before, during or after the
Nigella sativa concoction therapy.

The researchers documented that fever, diarrhoea and

2
multiple pruritic lesions (Severe itching patches),
disappeared on 5th, 7th and 20th day respectively on Nigella
sativa therapy. The CD4 count decreased to 160 cells/ mm3
despite significant reduction in viral load (d”1000 copies/ml)
on 30th day on N. sativa. Repeated ELISA and Western blot
tests on 187th day on Nigella sativa therapy was sero-
negative. The post therapy CD4 count was 650cells/ mm3
with undetectable viral (HIV-RNA) load.

They wrote: “Nigella sativa concoction is likely to be virucidal

(an agent that deactivates or destroys viruses) because viral
load reduced significantly and symptoms and signs
associated with HIV infection disappeared despite reduction
in CD4 count at early phase of treatment in this patient.”

They declared that the sustained sero-reversion caused by

Nigella sativa might be due to complete absence of HIV
infected cells from the body, adding that “the sustained sero-
reversion induced by Nigella sativa concoction in this HIV
patient means that all HIV cells at all stages in infected cells in
the body must have been lysed(destroyed).”

But they suggested that there is need to further study more

HIV patients on Nigella sativa therapy and its ability to
deactivate or destroy viruses such as HIV.

Previously, several herbs have been documented to have

ability to deactivate or destroy virus such as HIV. Also, many
herbal remedies had played many roles in treatment of
HIV/AIDS ranging from opportunistic infections to the
prevention of HIV replicating itself in the body. For instance,
3
some Chinese medicines have been reported to cause sero-
reversion in HIV patients.

Aloe Vera, St. Johnswort, echinacea, licorice, and ginseng are

just a few of the herbs used to treat HIV/AIDS. Taking
immunity-boosting herbs (such as astragalus, echinacea, and
ginkgo) may help revive an ailing immune system, and
certain herbs (such as garlic) may help battle bacteria and
viruses.

In addition, two principal African herbal compounds used for

HIV/AIDS treatment in sub-Saharan Africa include Hypoxis
hemerocallidea (common name: African potato), and
Sutherlandia. These two herbal remedies are currently
recommended by the South African Ministry of Health for HIV
management.

Increasing more research on alternative medicine is being

done but many when used alongside HIV drugs can affect
their potency. For example, studies have shown that garlic
and St. John’s wort interfere with HIV therapy.

4
5
 Nature's cure
for stroke

Stroke still remains a challenge for the researchers and

scientists for developing ideal drug. Several new drugs are
being evaluated showing excellent results in preclinical
studies but when tested in clinical trials, they failed.

Till today, an ideal drug that is effective in curing stroke is not

available. But preventive measures are used to reduce the
severity of the disease. Several new drugs are being
evaluated showing excellent results in pre-clinical studies but
when tested in clinical trials, they failed.

Many herbal drugs from Indian system of traditional

medicines and also in Chinese system of medicine are being
evaluated and had shown beneficial effects in stroke.

These drugs not only improve the blood flow to the dying
brain cells (neurons) but also have beneficial effect on the
biochemical mechanisms involved in the development of
stroke and thus, will prove to be more useful in the treatment
of stroke.

6
A stroke, sometimes called a “brain attack,” occurs when
blood flow to an area in the brain is cut off. As a result, the
brain cells, deprived of the oxygen and glucose needed to
survive, die. If not caught early, permanent brain damage can
result.

In the study, the scientists evaluated Nigella sativa for the

treatment and preventions of stroke and its consequences in
animals and found it could ensure protection for brain cells
becoming damaged from stroke.

Nigella sativa is an annual herbaceous flowering plant. It

tastes slightly bitter and peppery with a crunchy texture. Its
seeds are angular, generally small size, dark grey or black in
colour. Also the seeds are used for edible and medicinal
purposes in many countries, including Egypt, Syria and Iran.
They are used as a condiment in bread and other dishes.

Since old times, Nigella sativa, commonly referred to as black

cumin or seed of blessing (English), Kamansulum (Kanuri)
and Habbatussauda (Hausa) is considered an important
medicinal herb as natural remedy for wide range of diseases.

The plant is widely studied for so many medicinal uses

including pain control (analgesic), an antioxidant, anti-
bacterial, reducing blood pressure, treatment of asthma as
well as reducing the risk of illness and disease by
strengthening immune system.

In carrying out the study, the chloroform and petroleum ether

extracts of Nigella sativa seeds were administered to

7
laboratory animals. The animals were divided into six groups,
each group consisting of six rats each receiving different
treatments orally for seven days.

All the different extracts were made accordingly and

administered at a dose of 400 mg/kg per orally daily for seven
days. Care was taken to ensure the same proportion of each
extract was dosed to each animal for the comparisons. The
last dose was administered three hours before inducing
stroke in rats. Normal control group and sham-operated
animals received distilled water.

Although the researchers are yet to come to terms on the

mechanism that establish the exact role of Nigella sativa as a
therapeutic agent in stroke, they reported a reduction in brain
tissue death due to inadequate blood flow(infarct volume),
alongside many other benefits such as improvement in
locomotor activity and grip strength.

They wrote in the 2013 edition of the Journal of Pharmacy

And Bioallied Sciences: “The chloroform and petroleum ether
extract of Nigella sativa showed the protective effects in
cerebral ischemia. The present study confirms the
antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory
properties of Nigella sativa already reported.”

Previously, this group of scientists had reported in the 2012

edition of the Journal of Pharmacy And Bioallied Sciences that
even the water and hydroalcoholic extracts of Nigella sativa
also confer protection against brain cell death arising from
stroke due to its antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and
8
anti-inflammatory properties.

Meanwhile, acupuncture is widely used in China for

enhancing recovery from strokes. However, while some
studies have suggested benefits, the best-designed and
largest studies have not been promising.

Evidence suggests that high consumption of fish or fish oil

reduces stroke incidence. This is believed to occur as a result
of a number of effects, including impairment of blood clots
and improvement of cholesterol profile.

Many other herbs and supplements may also reduce the

blood’s tendency to clot, and thereby help to prevent strokes,
including garlic, ginger, Vitamin E and ginkgo. However, the
supporting evidence for these supplements remains weak at
best, and the mere fact that they may thin the blood does not
prove that they will reduce stroke risk.

For example, while vitamin E is known to reduce blood

clotting and is also a strong antioxidant, several large studies
have failed to find vitamin E helpful for stroke prevention.

A study published in the November 2010 issue of the “Journal

of Ethnopharmacology” supports the use of ginseng root
extract for stroke recovery.

In an interesting study investigating the effects of music

therapy, stroke patients who listened to music of their own
choice in the early stages of their recovery demonstrated
more improvement in memory and attention than those

9
patients who listened to language (books on tape). Music
listeners were also less depressed and confused than
subjects who neither listened to music nor language.

Research findings at the Canadian Stroke Congress also said

consistent exercise for stroke victims can improve memory,
language, thinking and judgment problems by almost 50 per
cent — all within about six months after a person suffers a
stroke.

Forty-one patients, of whom 70 per cent had mild to

moderate walking problems requiring a cane or walker, took
part in a five-day-a-week aerobic and strength/resistance
training programme that was adapted to their physical
limitations. The workouts included walking, lifting weights
and doing squats and were designed to imitate activities most
healthy people would do in daily life.

At the conclusion of the programme, the researchers found

“significant improvements” in overall brain function in the
participants. Attention, concentration, planning and
organising improved the most. Muscle strength and walking
ability improved dramatically, too.

Not only does exercise dramatically improve cognitive

abilities following a stroke, but it could also save the lives of
many stroke victims. People who have cognitive deficits after
strokes have a threefold risk of dying. They are also far more
likely to be institutionalised.

But if their cognition can be improved through exercise,

10
which also has many physical benefits, it can as well become
a standard of care for people following stroke.

11
12
Plantain extract
treats ulcers,
diabetes
Grown throughout the tropical regions of the world, the
plantain is a close relative of the banana, making important
contributor to the economy of many countries. The
nutritional value of unripe plantain makes it stand out as a
very important addition to any healthy living diet plan due to
its nutrient content.

Practitioners of traditional medicine have long prized the

starchy fruit for its medicinal properties, which reputedly
include an ability to cure ulcer. It is used in herbal medicine to
treat sluggish bowels, to heal wounds, to fight skin infections,
to reduce phlegm, to soothe urinary tract infections, and to
ease dry coughs.

Most ulcers are not caused directly by stress but by the

bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which is why ulcers today are
often treated with antibiotics along with an acid suppressor.
Studies on rats with ulcers caused by daily aspirin use have
shown that unripe green plantain can both prevent the
formation of ulcers and help to heal them. The agent believed
to be responsible for plantain’s curative effects was tested it
13
in rats.

Scientists reason that the starch in plantain’s unripe form

helps to decrease acidity and reduce irritation. It stimulates
the cells on the lining of the stomach to produce mucus that is
thicker, which guards against acid aside its elimination of
stomach bacteria that has been pointed as the main cause of
ulcers.

Moreover, in a review that appeared in a 2002 issue of the

“Indian Journal of Pharmacology,” two researchers that
chronicled more than 30 years of research into the curative
properties of dried powder of unripe plantain also conclude
that the plantain powder is a potent herbal remedy for the
treatment of peptic ulcer disease.

Medical research confirms that the plantain is also good for

many of life’s ailments including diabetes. Unripe plantain
has the potential of lowering blood sugar, according to a
study, titled “Hypoglycemic effect of methanolic extract of
Musa paradisiaca (Musaceae) green fruits in normal and
diabetic mice”. It was published in Experimental Clinical
Pharmacology by J. A. Ojewole and C. O. Adewunmi.

Although this group of researchers do not know the precise

mechanism of the hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering)
action of unripe plantain, they suggested that it could be due,
at least in part, to stimulation of insulin production and
subsequent glucose utilisation.

Nevertheless, the findings of this experimental animal study

14
indicate that unripe plaintain possesses hypoglycemic activity
lends credence to its folkloric use in the management and/or
control of adult-onset, type-2 diabetic mellitus among the
Yoruba-speaking people of South-Western Nigeria.

In addition, diabetic patients are more prone developing

stomach ulcers because they are at risk to acquire H. Pylori
infection due to their blood glucose concentration levels.
Unfortunately, the high blood sugar also contributes to a
delay in the healing of this ulcer.

But Indian researchers, looking into the benefit of unripe

plantain in diabetic animals that also had ulcer, indicated that
it could be more effective in diabetes with concurrent gastric
ulcer.

The 2013 study published in the BMC Complementary and

Alternative Medicine was entitled “Healing effects of Musa
sapientum var. paradisiaca in diabetic rats with co-occurring
gastric ulcer: cytokines and growth factor by PCR
amplification.”

In the studied animals, they said the extract of the unripe

plantain promoted ulcer healing because of its effects on the
lining of the intestine by stimulating cells on the lining of the
stomach to produce mucus that is thicker, thus given the
ulcers time to heal. It also reduced the free radicals that were
generated.

They wrote: “extract of Musa sapientum fruit (MSE) showed

antidiabetic and better ulcer healing effects compared with

15
OMZ (Omeprazole an antiulcer); or INS (insulin) in diabetic
rat and could be more effective in diabetes with concurrent
gastric ulcer.

They reasoned that the presence of many chemical

substances like flavonoids, saponins, glycosides and alkaloids
in unripe plantain probably contribute to ensuring healing of
chronic diabetic gastric ulcer, concluding that “unripe plantain
could be a better choice in diabetes with concurrent peptic
ulcer”.

Previously, a meal of unripe plantain with local spices like

cloves, onions, garlic and ginger has been purported as the
answer also to erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, kidney
problems and high blood pressure.

How is it used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction or low

sperm count? Reverend Fr. Anslem Adodo, Director, Pax
Herbal Clinic and Research Centre Ewu, Edo State, who was
of the opinion that roasted plantain is good for men,
suggested that men should make it a habit of eating one or
two roasted plantain daily.

Reverend Fr. Anslem Adodo added: “Take more plantain or

unripe bananas. They help to rejuvenate the sexual organ
with high level of potassium. Include garlic in every meal.
Garlic is generally a good anti oxidant and a good remedy for
impotence in particular. Include ginger in every meal too.
Ginger has healing properties to treat erectile dysfunction.

16
17
 Eating oyster
mushrooms,
ginger also helps
with diabetes
Are you diabetic? Do you desire to help for the management
of your condition? Well, oyster mushrooms and ginger should
be your delight.

Medical experts from the Bangladesh Institute of Research

and Rehabilitation for Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic
Disorders (BIRDEM), in Dhaka, found that Oyster mushrooms
may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes because it
helps to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol in type 2
diabetes.

In researchers in a clinical study, put 89 middle-aged men and

women on a special diet plan that involved eating oyster
mushrooms for one week followed by a seven day break and
then a further week of mushroom dietary intervention.

During the first seven days, they noted significant drops in

systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum glucose, total
cholesterol and triglycerides.

Levels increased over the following week before falling again

18
in the second week of oyster mushroom consumption.

The researchers concluded in the study which was published

in the peer-reviewed Mymensingh Medical Journal that oyster
mushrooms “significantly reduced blood glucose, blood
pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol of diabetic subjects
without any deleterious effect on liver and kidney function”.

Oyster mushrooms have a naturally occurring statin called

lovastatin, which explains their cholesterol-lowering effect.
However, the mechanisms behind the plant’s hypoglycaemic
effect (ability to lower blood sugar) are not fully understood.

Moreover, an Austrian study discovered that ginger, a

common spice used to treat nausea, heartburn and
indigestion, could also be used to help improve long-term
management of diabetes.

Researchers from the University of Sydney have found that

ginger may be able to control blood sugar levels in diabetic
patients by increasing the uptake of glucose into muscle cells
without the need for insulin.

The researchers stated that ginger could assists in the

management of high levels of blood sugar that create
complications for long-term diabetic patients, and thus
allowing cells to operate independently of insulin .

They discovered that extracts from Buderim Ginger rich in

gingerols boosted uptake of glucose. Specifically, the
gingerols increased distribution of the GLUT4 protein, which
appears on the surface of the skeletal muscle cells and allows
19
transport of glucose into cells.

In people with type 2 diabetes, however, the skeletal muscles’

ability to uptake glucose is significantly affected due to
impaired insulin signalling and inefficiency of the GLUT4.

In this study, which appeared in the natural product journal

Planta Medica, the researchers hoped that these promising
results for managing blood glucose levels can be examined
further in human clinical trials.

20
21
 Pawpaw leaves
juice cures
dengue fever
RESEARCHERS, looking into how juice of pawpaw leaves cure
dengue fever, have come up with findings that it not only
cures but improves the health of a patient by increasing the
body’s blood platelet count.

In this new study to understand the effects of pawpaw leaf

juice as a possible herbal medicine to cure dengue fever, the
researchers said the leaves of papaya fruit were high in
complex vitamins that might help bone marrow to rapidly
increase blood platelet production.

They found that the pawpaw leaves juice caused the blood
platelet count to increase. The increase in number of platelets
varied from one patient to the other that ranged from 8000 to
11000.

Writing in the Medical Aromatic Plants journal, “As per the

medical report of patients, the number of platelets had
increased within the prescribed time (24 hours) of drinking
leaf juice of papaya in all five patients of dengue.”

22
The dengue patients had reiterated that there was a
significant improvement in their health within 24 hours of
taking papaya leaf juice.

A total of five such patients with dengue fever were

interviewed for understanding the effects of papaya leaf juice
on the ailment. Their blood test reports on the platelets
counts were also examined before and after consuming
papaya leaf juice.

Dengue fever is one of the life threatening diseases caused by

dengue virus (Flavivirus) that is borne and transmitted by
mosquitoes. It is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates
worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

Also known as break-bone fever, it causes extreme body pain,

especially in the joints of bones. Though some preventive
measures have been suggested to cure dengue, so far there
is no effective medicine and vaccine approved for the dengue
virus.

World Health Organisation estimated that every year, 50

million people across the world are infected by dengue and
about 2.5 billion people are at risk from this dreadful disease,
which spreads over about 100 countries.

Dengue fever is a severe, flu-like illness that affects infants,

young children and adults, but seldom causes death. Its
symptoms include severe headache, pain behind the eyes,
muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or
rash.

23
The dengue virus’ main effect is on platelet production.
Normally, a platelet in our body lasts for about five to 10 days
and the body replenishes them when required. This virus
destroys the body’s capacity to produce new platelets (during
the period the virus is effective).

The platelet count for a normal person varies from 150,000 to

250,000 per micro litre of blood. On becoming infected, a
patient’s platelet count starts falling. A platelet count below
100,000 per microlitre is alarming – immediate medical
attention is required. A platelet count below 50,000 can be
fatal.

A fall in the platelet count prevents formation of clots and this

leads to haemorrhaging, which results in both internal and
external bleeding. Once such bleeding starts, the situation is
almost irreversible.

Traditionally, there is a belief that juice of papaya leaves is

useful for the treatment of dengue fever. As per this belief, the
people collect fresh leaves of papaya and extract their juice
by crushing and squeezing.

Only the leafy part is collected not the sap and stalk. The
extracted juice is filtered through a clean cotton cloth or filter
to remove the uncrushed hard fibres or pieces of leaves. One
leaf of papaya gives about one tablespoon of juice, which is
quite bitter in taste.

Two tablespoons of papaya leaf juice are given to dengue

patient three times per day after every six hours interval. The

24
leaf is not boiled and cooked, as it is believed that rinsing with
hot water or boiling makes the leaf lose its strength.

Besides leaf juice of papaya, there are reports indicating that

the extract of some other plant, such as Vitex negundo,
Azadirachta indica (neem) and Artemisia annua contains
properties that work against the viruses.

Recent researches show that pawpaw leaves are also

beneficial in the treatment of kidney stones, hypertension,
malaria, lack of breast milk, malnutrition, rheumatism, acne,
abdominal pain during menstruation and dysentery.

A recent research in the United States, for instance, has given

scientific support to a chemical compound in pawpaw tree
which is reported to be a million times stronger than the
strongest anti-cancer drug.

In addition, papain, the powerful enzyme in pawpaw helps to

ease stomach ailments and indigestion. Pawpaw has been
effective in easing heartburn and is also given to stimulate the
appetite. In many areas of the world, pawpaw is used as a
worm expeller.

25
26
 Pimples?
Go for garlic juice
or scent leaf
IF pimples and acne scars on the face are bothering you, try
laser treatment and chemical peels. If you prefer natural
recipes, garlic juice or regular wash with scent leaves are an
alternative.

The acne problem usually starts around the age of 10 and 13.
Though many overcome it in their 20s, for some it lingers. But
90 per cent of teenagers suffer from acne in varying degrees
of severity. It has a psychological effect on many teenagers
who want to have clean and clear skin.

In teenagers, dermatologists say that there are two things

that trigger acne problem. First are hormonal changes in the
body. In boys, it is the increased secretion of testosterone
and in girls, the levels of both testosterone and oestrogen
rising.
Due to these hormones, the oil secretion in the body
increases and the skin becomes oily and more prone to acne
and breakouts. The other trigger for acne is bacterial
infection.

27
Acne usually begins with blackheads. Blackheads are formed
when oil and dead cells get trapped in a pore. They then turn
black when exposed to air. When blackheads become
inflamed, they become red (pimples). They multiply when
touched with dirty hands.

How do natural remedies like garlic juice, clay packs, lemon

juice and Ocimum gratissimum (Scent leaf) help in avoiding
acne and lighten scars? Applying these natural remedies as a
face mask or in washing the face at least once or twice a week
will help extract excess oil (serum).

Garlic juice, like scent leaves would also kill acne-causing

bacteria. In addition, the citric acid in the lemon juice helps in
lightening scars. Also, the skin becomes acidic and the
bacteria doesn’t grow in an acidic environment.

Scientists in a study to justify the use of scent leaves in the

treatment of acne found that it effectively kills three major
germs that cause skin problems. These are Trichophyton,
Microsporum, Epidermophyton together with Malassezia
furfur (the cause of eczema).

The 2012 study was published in the Journal of Microbiology

Research. It was carried out by Mbakwem - Aniebo C;
Onianwa O and Okonko I.O, all from the University of Port
Harcourt, Rivers State.

Ethanolic extracts of scent leaf at different concentrations

were tested on specimens collected by scrapping affected
spots on the scalp, skin, toes and feet of 40 children. These

28
were children drawn from four locations namely Aluu, Choba,
Rumuosi and Emohua areas.

The ethanolic extract was made from fresh leaves of scent

leaves, which were air dried and finely grounded. In this
study, the ethanol extracts of scent leaves showed high
antifungal activity against the four major germs that cause
diseases on the skin.

In many rural areas of Nigeria, the use of herbal plants as

treatments for various bacterial infections still thrives and
some of these plants have been analysed and shown to be
effective against many germs that cause diseases.

Ocimum gratissimum, commonly known as scent leaf or

Clove basil, is found in many tropical countries. Some of its
vernacular names in Nigeria include Ncho-anwu or Ahuji in
Igbo; Efinrin in Yoruba, Aramogbo in Edo and Daidoya in
Hausa.

Scent leaf has numerous medical uses. The oil extracted from
its leaves has been described to be active against several
species of bacteria and fungi.

From recent findings, scent leaf has proved to be useful in the

medication for people living with Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV), and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome
virus AIDS. In Congo, scent leaf decoction is used for
diarrhoea, gonorrhoea infection, vaginal douches for vaginitis
and used in treatment of mental illness.

29
Extracts of scent leaves has also been reported to have
lowered blood pressure, strong insect repellent effects and
kill many micro-organisms that cause diseases, including
candida.

So, how can such natural remedies like garlic juice, clay packs
and lemon juice be used to lighten scars and in avoiding
acne? Garlic juice can be applied to the face for about an hour
at least once a week. Although garlic juice will kill acne-
causing bacteria, it is important that it is not kept on the face
for too long as it can aggravate sensitive skin.

Also, applying on the face a mixture made from equal parts of

milk cream and lemon juice is helpful. The lactic acid and citric
acid in these two (respectively) help in lightening the scars.
While a regular clean-up will reduce blackheads, ground
nutmeg with unboiled milk applied on acne for between one
and two hours can make pimples disappear.

To heal acne, make a paste of ground orange peel with water

and apply on the affected area. Wash it off after 20 to 30
minutes with lukewarm water. Also, the watery gel from Aloe
Vera plant is also a highly effective natural cure against acne.
The enzyme-rich gel has very soothing anti-inflammatory and
anti-bacterial properties.

Another home remedy for pimples includes apples and honey.

Grate a small bit of apple into a fine mush and add honey to
make a sticky, fruity paste. Apply to the pimples or the whole
face and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash well.

30
A good recipe for pimples can also be concocted from basil
leaves. Boil water and add dried basil leaves. Allow it to
steep for 10 minutes, strain and refrigerate until cool. Apply
to the pimples or all over your face, if it’s oily.

Cucumber is one of the easiest and refreshing treatments

used for the treatment of acne. Blend the cucumber into a
paste and apply it on the affected area. Leave it for 30 to 45
minutes and then wash it off.

Nevertheless, people desiring a pimple-free face can also try

the following:

•Practise clean skin habits. This will deter the formation of

pimples. But avoid scrubbing the skin.

•Keep your hands off: Touching the skin passes extra dirt, oil,
bacteria, and grime that can trigger acne and other skin
irritations. When a pimple starts to form, refrain from
squeezing, pinching, or picking.

•Shave with caution: Shave in such a way that it does not

irritate the skin to provoke pimples to form

•Read all skin care labels: When purchasing skin care

products, be on the lookout for words, such as “oil-free,”
“greaseless,” and “hypoallergenic.”

31
32
 Local plant
provides novel
ulcer treat
SCIENTISTS have recorded giant strides in ongoing efforts to
identify traditional medicinal plants to treat stomach ulcer.
Researchers from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-
Akoko, in a study of three common medicinal plants
confirmed their effectiveness for managing ulcer disease
caused by starvation followed by aspirin or ibuprofen
treatment, excessive drinking of alcohol, and smoking.

Under laboratory conditions, the scientists proved that Kigelia

africana, Nauclea latifolia, and Staudtia stipitata could be
employed in management of peptic or duodenum ulcers
caused by non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and similar
conditions.

Peptic ulcer is a sore of the stomach or duodenum caused by

a number of factors including an infection by Helicobacter
pylori, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
such as starvation followed by aspirin or ibuprofen treatment,
excessive drinking of alcohol, and smoking.

In Nigeria, Kigelia africana (Sausage tree, uyan tree in

33
Yoruba), Nauclea latifolia (Pin cushion tree, egbesi in Yoruba,
Ubuluinu in Igbo and Tafashiya or Marga in Hausa), and
Staudtia stipitata(commonly known as noive and oropa or
Ewe Gbomorin in Yoruba) are tropical trees in Africa used for
treating various ailments and remedies. The multipurpose
nature of these herbal trees makes them important for
everyday use in the African set up.

Nauclea latifolia in traditional medicine is used to treat

different health problems including epilepsy, fevers, malaria,
and pain. In addition, this medicinal plant has also been
reported to have analgesic property giving relieve for
rheumatism, cough, toothaches and pain in fever. The
ethanol extract of its bark was reported useful for treating
hypertension in rats in a dose dependent manner.

Moreover, the stem of Nauclea latifolia is taken as chewing

stick to treat tooth decay. It is applied topically to wounds. Its
bark is also chewed as a mouth antiseptic, to relief bad taste
resulting from indigestion and as a worm expeller.

Bark extracts of Kigelia africana is reported to be useful in the

treatment of malaria, cancer, venereal diseases, wounds,
renal ailments, eczema, depression, body weakness and
impetigo. It is traditionally used for its effectiveness in
improving the firmness and elasticity of the skin.

Other traditional uses include, use of the fruit for its

antimicrobial properties in combating skin problems such as
acne, eczema, wound dressing, and as water disinfectant.

34
S. stipitata is most commonly exploited for timber. The leaves
are also used for catching naked-handed crustaceans and
shellfish, and nutlets used for beads and necklaces in Ghana.

In this study, which has contributed to the search for potent

and locally available plant materials for managing ulcer
disease caused by non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, the
researchers induced ulcer by administering aspirin orally to
albino rats.

These researchers involved in this study entitled,

“Antiulcerogenic Activity of Kigelia africana, Nauclea latifolia
and Staudtia stipitata on Induce Ulcer in Albino Rats” were R.
T. Orole; O. O. Orole and T. O. Adejumo.

Biochemical parameters showing the effects of ethanolic

extracts of the different leaves used in treating ulcer were
thereafter tested using standard methods.

They found that K. africana at a concentration of 450 mg/kg

body weight gave the best results in the treatment of ulcer in
the studied animals when compared with the reference drug,
Cimetidine, conventionally also used in the treatment of the
problem. The leaf extract of S. stipitata showed the least
efficacy, but their effectiveness in treatment of ulcer was
dose-dependent.

Written in the 2013 edition of the journal, European Journal

of Medicinal Plants, the scientists attributed the effectiveness
of these common plants in the treatment of ulcer to some
chemical substances they contained. These included as

35
tanninsk and flavonoids.

Flavonoids and alkaloids have anti-ulcer properties. Alkaloids

accelerate the ulcer healing process and subsequently
increases gastric mucus production after the lesion had been
formed. Alkaloids also protect the stomach from bleeding and
increase the pH of the gastric fluid, thus preventing damages
induced by aspirin.

Among the plants that have been reported to be useful in the

treatment of ulcer include whole plant of Diodia
sarmentosa(Tropical Buttonweed), leaves of Cassia
nigricans, Ficus exasperate, and Synclisia scabrida (ezizo in
Igbo), roots of roots of Zapoteca portoricensis, Morinda
citrifolia L., Azadirachta indica (neem), Melia azadirachta
(white cedar), Asparagus racemosus Wild, Aspilia
Africana(ákòò yúnyún in Yoruba, òòránÌjìlá or azuzo in Igbo
and jamajina in Hausa), Kielmeyera coriacea and Carica
papaya (pawpaw).

36
37
 Herbs useful
for treating
hypertension
The idea of drug-free high blood pressure management
through the use of herbs and spices has slowly been gaining
ground because the reliance on prescription drugs has not in
any way shown that the condition could be cured through this
manner.

In the last three decades, a lot of concerted efforts have been

channelled into researching the local plants to see which
contains substances that could help to lower blood pressure.
A 2011 review in the journal, Pharmacognosy Review,
indicated that over 49 naturally occurring medicinal plants
have been validated for use in treatment of hypertension.
They included the following:

Garlic
Garlic has been reported to have blood pressure (BP)
lowering effect. Meta-analysis of randomly chosen literary
data in the journal, Annals of Pharmacotherapy in 2008
demonstrated that garlic relatively decrease BP in patients
with increased systolic pressure, but not in patients without
increased systolic pressure.
38
The antioxidative and antihypertensive effect of garlic has
been observed in 20 patients with hypertension compared to
20 patients with normal pressure, who have been receiving
garlic pearls preparation for a period of two months.

Annona muricata
In 2004, researchers reported in the Journal of Pharmaacolgy
that the leaf extract of Annona muricata with the common
name, prickly Custard apple, lowers elevated BP by
decreasing resistance that blood undergoes as it passes
through the blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure.

Apium graveolens
Commonly called Celery, Chinese theory has it that it is
effective for hypertension because it acts upon the liver. One
type of hypertension (HTN) is associated with liver. In
Mainland China, celery was useful in reducing HTN in 14 of 16
patients. The juice was mixed with equal amount of honey
and about 8 ounces were taken orally three times each day
for up to one week.

It reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the

difference was significant, indicating that seeds of A.
graveolens can be used as a safe and effective treatment of
HTN.

Green oat
A 2002 pilot trial involving people with mild or borderline
hypertension that had oat cereals in their normal diet
recorded a significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic
blood pressure. Soluble fibre-rich whole oats may be an

39
effective dietary therapy in the prevention and adjunct
treatment of HTN.

Breadfruit leaves
A 2004 study showed in the Journal of Pharm. Pharmacol.
that the leaf extract of the breadfruit decreased the tension of
phenylephrine-stimulated isolated guinea pig aorta rings by
15 to 35 per cent.

Tea
Although black tea shows no effect on blood pressure in
people with hypertension, population research in the 2004
journal of Archives of Internal Medicine linked consumption
of green tea and oolong tea with a decreased risk of
developing HTN.

Coffee weed or Cassia occidentalis

The leaf of this plant is used in local folk medicine as an
antihypertensive agent. In vitro studies of the leaf extract has
arelaxant effect on the aortic rings. The studies revealed that
cassia extract may be relaxing smooth muscle and reducing
blood pressure.

Castanospermum australe
Crude extracts of this plant commonly called Black bean has
been reported to cause a reduction in systolic as well as
diastolic blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner.

Crataegus pinnatifida
Chinese Hawthorn has been used in China as a decoction for
treatment of hypertension for thousands of years.
Pharmacological and clinical trials have shown that this plant
40
lowers blood pressure. In experiments with anesthetised
rabbits, intravenous administration of the extract preparation
lowered the BP for up to three hours.

Crinum glaucum
River Lily or swamp lily as it is commonly called was
investigated for its effects on respiratory and cardiovascular
functions. Increasing doses of the aqueous extract caused a
corresponding decrease in both systolic and diastolic
pressures.

Carrot
Carrot has been used in traditional medicine to treat
hypertension. Extracts from the carrot plant caused a dose-
dependent reduction in arterial blood pressure in
anesthetised rats.

Soybean
Soybean has been found to be effective as a hypotensive
agent. One study has shown a very modest reduction in BP,
whereas other study shows no benefit.

Cotton
Pima cotton is a tropical perennial plant that produces yellow
flowers and has black seeds. A study has shown that the leaf
extract of the plant useful to treat HTN and delayed/irregular
menstruation.

Roselle
One study reported the antihypertensive effect of calyx of
roselle. Another study indicated that an intravenous
administration of 20 mg/kg of a water extract of dry roselle
41
produced a fall in the BP of experimentally induced
hypertensive rats.

Clinical trials of the plant extract in human being have shown

reliable evidence of antihypertensive effects. A standardized
dose of roselle given to 39 patients and captopril, 50 mg per
day, given to the same number of patients did not show
significant difference relative to hypotensive effects,
antihypertensive effectiveness and tolerability.

Linseed or Flaxseed
Linseed and its oil are rich in á-linolenic acid, an essential fatty
acid that appears to be beneficial for the heart diseases,
inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and other health
problems. Several studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3
fatty acids lower BP significantly in people with HTN.

Tomato
A study showed that extract of tomato modestly reduces BP
in patients with mild, untreated HTN. A significant correlation
has been observed between systolic BP and lycopene levels.

Tomato extract when added to patients treated with low

doses of antihypertensive had a clinically significant effect-
reduction of blood pressure by more than 10 mmHg systolic
and more than 5 mmHg diastolic pressure.

Moringa oleifera
In anesthetised rats, the crude extract of the leaves of M.
oleifera caused a fall in systolic, diastolic, and mean BP in a
dose-dependent manner. The antihypertensive effect was
brief, returning to normal within two minutes.
42
Musanga cecropiodes
The ethanol extract of the plant stem bark of this plant
commonly called Umbrella tree has been reported to relax the
body, and therefore a hypotensive agent. The water extract
of the stem bark has been reported to produce a dose-
dependent reduction in mean arterial blood pressure.

Ocimum basilicum
Extracts of Basil, as it is commonly called has been reported
to cause a fall in systolic, diastolic, and mean BP in a dose-
dependent manner. The antihypertensive effect is brief and
returns to normal within two minutes. This cardiovascular
effect of the extract has been attributed to eugenol, which
exerts its effect by blocking the calcium channels.

Pomegranate
Pomegranate juice is becoming a more popular fruit drink.
Research shows that pomegranate reduces the activity of
antihypertensive medication (angiotensin converting
enzymes or ACE) by about 36 per cent. Clinical research
reveals contradictory results. One study shows modest
reduction in systolic BP after drinking 50 ml/day of
pomegranate juice for a year. Another study shows no benefit
after drinking 240 ml/day of the juice for three months.

Radish
Its plant has been found to have anti-hypertensive activity.
Its extract caused a dose-dependent fall in BP and Heart rate
of rats in animal studies. The extract was safe in mice up to
the dose of 10 grammes per kilogrammes.

43
Rauwolfia serpentina
This is considered to be the most powerful hypotensive plant.
Reserpine, the purified alkaloid of R. serpentina, was the first
potent drug widely used in the long-term treatment of
hypertension(HTN). Only a small dose is required to achieve
results and to avoid side effects. Nasal congestion is the most
common side effect.

Sesame
Alcoholic extract of its seeds caused hypotension in
anesthetized rats. A fall in systolic as well as diastolic blood
pressure (BP) in dose-dependent manner was observed.
Sesamin and sesaminol are the major phenolic constituents
of sesame oil. A study in hypertensive patients indicated that
sesame oil consumption is a useful prophylactic treatment in
HTN and cardiovascular hypertrophy.

Sticky Nightshade or Wild Tomato

The intravenous administration of the extract (50 and 100
mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in BP in anesthetised
hypertensive rats. Oral administration of the extract also
produced a dose-dependent hypotensive effect in conscious
hypertensive animals.

Cocoa Bean
A growing body of clinical research also shows that daily
consumption of dark cocoa bean, 46 to 105 g daily, providing
213 to 500 mg of cocoa polyphenols, can lower systolic BP by
about 5 mmHg and diastolic by about three mmHg.

Wheat bran
It has been reported that increasing dietary wheat bran
44
intake by three to six g/day modestly reduces systolic and
diastolic BP.

Cat’s Claw herb

In traditional oriental medicine, cat’s claw herb has been used
to lower BP and to relieve various neurological symptoms.
The hypotensive activity has been attributed to an indole
alkaloid called hirsutine.

Mistletoe
The effect of the aqueous extracts of leaves of the Mistletoe
plant was studied on arterial blood pressure and heart rate in
albino wistar rats. The results suggested that the mistletoe
extract produces antihypertensive effect without alteration in
heart rate.

Black plum
Oral administration of the extract of this plant on BP of rats
exerts hypotensive effect. Both the systolic and diastolic
blood pressures were significantly reduced within 45 minutes
after oral administration of the extract.

Ginger
It acts to improve blood circulation and relaxes muscles
surrounding blood vessels. The crude extract of ginger
induced a dose-dependent in the arterial blood pressure in
rats. But human trials for hypotensive effect of ginger have
been few and generally used a low dose with inconclusive
results.

45
46
 Infertility:
Why men
should take
alligator pepper
Couples with infertility, no doubt face a lot of trying times,
especially in Africa, where it is not culturally accepted that a
couple does not have a child of their own. Little wonder
prayers are made at wedding ceremonies that the new bride
would give birth to both the male and the female child.

Globally though with few exceptions, the desire of every

couple is to become parents within the first or second year of
married life. While many couples have this dream fulfilled,
there are quite a number of others who do not; no matter
how hard they try. Unfortunately, many homes are going
through the agony of childlessness with the problem of
infertility fast becoming a plague in this part of the world.

The prevalence of infertility in Nigeria is put at between 20

and 25 per cent among married couples, according to
experts. However, 40 to 45 per cent of all consultations in
gynaecological clinics are infertility-related.

Experts say while 75 per cent of infertility cases are caused by

biological make up such as sperm count, its motility and
47
volume, ovulation (the monthly release of an egg), blockage
of the fallopian tubes and endometriosis, about 25 per cent of
the cases are due to complications caused by sexually
transmitted diseases resulting from unprotected sex with
multiple partners. 10 per cent of the cases are caused by
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Sperm motility refers to the forward motion capacity of the

sperm. The shape of the sperm, technically referred to as
sperm morphology is another crucial factor in male fertility.
70 per cent normally-shaped sperm indicates good
morphology; and abnormally shaped sperm appear with
malformed heads, (including two heads, tiny heads, round
heads) and tails (two tails, short tails). These shapes tend to
affect their motility.

Again, weight is an issue in male infertility. Fertility doctors

are of the opinion that increased body mass may be
associated with decreased fertility, as obesity creates
relatively high levels of the female-associated hormone
oestrogen.

In Cameroon, traditional practitioners use medicinal plant

materials to treat male factors (erectile impotence, disorders
of ejaculation and oligozoospermia) responsible for male
infertility, including the seeds of Aframomum melegueta.

Cameroonian researchers in a study that evaluated the

effects of dry seeds of the aqueous extract of Aframomum
melegueta on some reproductive parameters of mature male
rats found that it could cause an increase in the secretions of
48
epididymis and seminal vesicle, which are accessory sex
organs.

The 2012 study was entitled “Effects of the aqueous extract

of dry seeds of Aframomum melegueta on some parameters
of the reproductive function of mature male rats.”It was
documented in the journal, Andrologia.

Mature male albino wistar rats were used for the study. They
were given aqueous extract of dry seeds of alligator pepper
for a period lasting between eight and 15 days. This was
performed in two doses: 115 and 230 mg kg”1 during for days
and 115 mg kg”1 during 15 days. Control rats received
distilled water during the same periods.

The animals were sacrificed and their blood, as well as testis,

epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate were collected and
analysed.

The researchers reported that alligator pepper at doses of

115 and 230 mg kg”1 stimulated the production of
testosterone. This might be because of the presence of
flavones in the seeds of alligator pepper.

Aside this, they said intake of extracts of alligator pepper also

causes a significant increase in testicular cholesterol after
eight and 15 days of treatment. This is physiologically
important, as cholesterol is the primary substrate for
androgen and especially testosterone production.

Given that alligator pepper stimulated the secretions of the

49
testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle after eight days and
this stimulatory activity was maintained 15 days later, they
wrote, “these findings supported the traditional use of this
plant as solution for male reproductive problems, especially
those linked to the secretion of the sexual glands.”

Alligator pepper is widely used by many ethnic groups in

Nigeria for various purposes. It is served along with Kolanuts
to guests for entertainment, as communion and used for
religious rites by diviners for invoking spirits. It is a common
ingredient for preparing pepper soup, a spicy delight in most
parts of West Africa.

For ages, alligator pepper, also referred to as grains of

paradise or atare in Yoruba has been used in traditional
medicine for the treatment of many diseases. The extracts of
its seeds has been used for years against intestinal infections,
infestations, haemorrhoids, to calm indigestion and heart-
burn.

In West African folk medicine, grains of paradise are valued

for their warming and digestive properties. A report has it that
in Ghana, the seeds of alligator pepper are chewed to cure
dysentery, as a sedative against toothache, anti-rheumatism,
migraine and to cure fever.

Iwu M. (1993) in the book entitled Handbook of African

Medicinal Plants confirmed uses of alligator pepper for the
treatment of leprosy, taken for excessive lactation and post
partum hemorrhage, galactogogue and as a worm expeller.

50
According to the Medicinal Plants of Nigeria- South West
Nigeria Volume 1 compiled and published by Nigeria Natural
Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Victoria Island,
Lagos, alligator pepper seeds are chewed to improve sperm
count in men. Also its leaf juice is used to improve fertility in
women and also to regulate menstrual flow.

Meanwhile, researchers have also shown that extracts of

walnut tree are effective anti-microbial agents, could be used
to boost sperm count, fertility, menstrual flow, treat uterine
fibroids, and bring relieve in hiccups. In Nigeria, African
walnut is called asala or awusa in Yoruba; ukpa in Ibo; and
okhue or okwe in Edo.

Cissus populnea and Sesamum radiatum are two tropical

medicinal plants used to correct male infertility factor in
South-Western part of Nigeria.

Experts’ evaluation of these herbs found they have

antimicrobial activity, which may cure some sexually
transmitted infections that could be responsible for male
infertility.

An investigation on these herbs used in folkloric medicine to

treat male infertility in the 2009 edition of Research Journal of
Medicinal Plant showed that the essential oil from the stem
powder of C. populnea and the leaves of S. radiatum inhibit
the growth of several germs of bacteria origin and as such
may correct male infertility factor arising from bacterial
infection.

51
Cissus populnea (Ogbolo or Ajara (Yoruba) or Daafaaraa
(Hausa) is used extensively in medicinal preparations in West
Africa. Sesamum radiatum commonly referred to as
benniseed is used for the treatment of catarrh, eye pains,
bruises and erupted skins.

The study entitled “Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of

the Essential Oil from the Stem Powder of Cissus populnea
and the Leaves of Sesamum radiatum, Herbal Medications for
Male Infertility Factor” was carried out by Osibote, E.A.S., M.
Ogunlesi, W. Okiei, T. Asekun and O.B. Familoni, all from the
Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos.

Mucuna pruriens (Werepe in Yoruba and Agbala in Igbo)

which is also used as a male fertility enhancer in
phytomedicine, has been found to contain L-dopa, an
important brain chemical involved in mood, sexuality, and
movement. It is commonly called cowitch, cowhage, velvet
bean, cow-itch or buffalo bean.

In one study, oral intake of the seeds in 56 human males was

able to improve erection, duration of coitus, and post-coital
satisfaction after only four weeks of treatment.

The seed also has ability to induce the formation and

development of spermatozoa in human males, being able to
improve sperm count and motility.

52
53
Lemon and pineapple
peels, others cure
typhoid fever

ONE of the commonest diseases in sub-Saharan Africa is

typhoid fever, which is typically transmitted through
contaminated food or drinkable water, and is usually as a
result of poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinkable
water. Unfortunately, uncountable number of lives had been
lost to the disease, which natural medicine experts’ treat with
a decoction made from peels of pineapple, lemon and
Dodonea Viscosa.

The leaves of Dodonea viscosa, peels of pineapple and lemon

are widely used traditional remedies against various
ailments, such as digestive system disorders like: indigestion,
ulcers, diarrhoea, constipation, upset stomach and tonic to
digestive system.

Various parts of Dodonea viscosa plant have also been used

as common household remedy to treat ailments like fever,
sore throat, cold, malaria, and rheumatism, itching, ulcer,
diarrhoea, toothaches and wounds.

Similarly, various parts of pineapple have been used as

54
treatment for diarrhoea, worm infestation, indigestion,
pneumonia, arthritis, pain, haemorrhoids and purgative.
Furthermore, various parts of Citrus senensis (big lemon)
have been used to treat colic, cold, upset stomach, diuretic,
and as tonic to digestive system and skin, as well as in the
treatment of vitamin deficiencies.

But the usefulness of this decoction in the treatment of

typhoid fever, however, experts in a laboratory study
involving animals have justified. In this 2012 study, published
in the Journal of Natural Sciences Research, the researchers
tested the natural remedy against different strains of disease-
causing germs, including that which causes typhoid fever-
Salmonella paratyphi B and Salmonella typhi.

Involved in the study were Lawal Danjuma from the

Department of Community Health, School of Health
Technology, Kano and Mukhtar M. Dauda and Taura, D.Wada
from the Microbiology Unit, Department of Biological
Sciences, Bayero University, Kano.

They found that the ethanolic extract of leaf and peels of

these plants demonstrated antibacterial potential on all the
tested organisms. Furthermore, antibacterial potential was
prominent against S. paratyphi B3.

They wrote: “The results of the present study, shows that

these plants extract possess bioactive constituents of
pharmacological significance. Therefore, further studies are
recommended for the isolation, purification and
characterisation of these chemical constituents for the
55
understanding of the synergism mechanism.”

In traditional medicine, the dried peel of pineapple is usually

boiled with combination of other plants like cloves of garlic
and leaves of aloe vera and has been proven to be effective in
the treatment of typhoid fever and gastro-enteritis.

A similar study that involve the combination of three different

extracts, reported that the combination of pineapple, Aloe
barbadensis and garlic was synergistic on S. typhi, but in this
study the combination of D. viscosa leaf, pineapple and big
lemon peel was found to be antagonistic on the tested
organisms.

Previously, researchers had also concluded that Euphobia

hirta ((Emi ile/Egele in Yoruba or Asthma weeds); Citrus
aurantifolia ((Lime fruit), Cassia occidentalis (Sanga rai’dore
in Hausa, Akidiagbara in Igbo, Abo rere in Yoruba), and
Cassia eucalyptus, which are used by the Nupes of Bida in
Niger State of Nigeria for the treatment of typhoid fever to be
effective, linking this to Cassia eucalyptus. This 2002 study
was documented in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Other candidates’ herbs for the treatment of typhoid fever

listed by researchers in the 2005 edition of the Journal of
Dietary Supplements included aqueous and ethanol extracts
of Terminalia avicennioides, Momordica balsamina (ejìnrin in
Yoruba or African pumpkin), Combretum paniculatum
(burning bush or forest flame-creeper) and Trema guineensis
wasa-wasa in Adja or aférifé in Yoruba. Also are aqueous
extracts of Morinda lucida Brimstone tree; oruwo or erewo in
56
Yoruba; eze-ogu or njisi in Igbo) and Ocimum gratissimum
(Efinrin in Yoruba, Aai doya ta gida in Hausa and Nchonwu in
Igbo).

Similar, a group of researchers wrote in the 2007 edition of

the African Journal of Biotechnology, that the combination of
Balanites aegyptiaca (desert date in English, Adowa in
Yoruba, or Aduwa in Hausa) and M. Oleifera (Ben Oil Tree or
Ewé Igbale in Yoruba) show a promising development that
will help to discover new chemical classes of antibiotics that
could serve for treating this infection that otherwise has
become highly refractive to most of the conventional
antibiotics used for its treatment.

The fact that the plants are very common makes it a cheaper
alternative drug development for human consumption,
provided toxicological investigations and further purification
is carried out.

An individual recuperating from typhoid fever can also benefit

from consuming a ripened banana combined with honey. Also
drink hot water blended with honey or apple juice are also
extremely beneficial. Other remedies for typhoid fever had
been listed to include garlic. The raw garlic is peeled and suck
for 20 minutes or so. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and it will
suck up mucous and kill bacteria.

57
58
 Best herbal
solution to try
for anaemia
Doctors rarely complete a day’s work at the clinic without
talking to a patient who complains of fatigue. The whole
world appears to be in the ‘fast lane’ and it is almost
fashionable to complain of fatigue. Many people also confuse
fatigue with weakness ,which is a feeling that extra effort is
needed to perform daily activities that require moving the
arms, legs and other muscles of the body.

Fatigue, a feeling of tiredness, exhaustion or lack of energy,

has many causes, including anaemia. Whatever the cause
may be, anaemia affects the effective transfer of oxygen to
the cells, and fatigue is one of its symptoms. Some anaemia
may be purely self-inflicted. Those that skip meals in an
attempt to lose weight may end up developing anaemia.

Anaemia is characterised by fatigue, shortness of breath, pale

skin, concentration problems, dizziness, a weakened immune
system and energy loss. Infections, excessive sweating and
staple food stuffs like vegetables or cereals with high bran
and phytate content are some of the factors that account for
high anaemic incidence in developing countries as compared
59
to developed nations.

Iron-deficiency is the most common form of anaemia and

occurs when there is some form of blood loss from the body.
This is generally seen in women who suffer from heavy
monthly periods, those who do not consume a nutritious diet
or those who have an excess requirement of nutrition, like in
pregnancy.

These can cause inadequate iron in the body that helps make
haemoglobin - a part of the red blood cells which supplies
oxygen to body cells. In order to balance this loss, a daily
absorption of 2.0 mg of iron is considered necessary. This is
achieved through eating iron-rich foods including green leafy
vegetables, beans, nuts, meat and dried fruits. But in the
cases of severe deficiency, iron supplementation is prescribed
to get the iron levels back to normal.

The use of medicinal plant to treat anaemia is gaining more

patronage worldwide. Sorghum bicolor (poroporo baba),
Basella alba (Amunututu), Bark of Magnifera indica (Mango),
Telfaria occidentalis (Ugwu) and leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa
(Zobo) are widely used as blood-builder among the three
major ethnic groups.

So what is the best natural recipe to supplement the body iron

level, thus correcting anaemia? Experts’ assessment of five
common blood-builder medicinal plants identifies this as
Sorghum bicolor. This was followed by Bark of Magnifera
indica (Mango). The least effective of the option was Zobo.

60
The researchers analysed the total iron concentration in
these five medicinal plants used to treat anaemia and found
that S. bicolor showed the highest concentration of iron while
leaves of H. sabdariffa showed the least concentration of Fe.

They included A.O. Majolagbe, C.T.Onwordi and K.A. Yusuf

from the Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University
and V. Kuteyi from the Department of Science Laboratory,
Yaba College of Technology. The study was entitled:
“Concentration and Bioavailability of Iron in Some Selected
Blood-Building Medicinal Plants in South-west Nigeria.”

The researchers writing in the 2013 edition of the Journal of

Environment said: “Based on the findings of this research
work, it was concluded that Sorghum bicolor, Bark of
Magnifera indica, Basella alba, Telfaria occidentalis and
Leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa have highIron contents and are
suitable for use as blood-building herbs. The bulk of the iron
is available to humans and animals.”

The researchers, who noted that the speciation pattern

revealed that a substantial amount of Iron in the plants is
associated with the residual fraction, however declared that
more clinical tests needed to be carried out to investigate the
rate of absorption and utilisation of iron in the plants.

Previously, a 2010 study on the yellow leaf of pawpaw shows

it was equally a good blood builder. A study that analysed
samples of pawpaw leaves (Green, Yellow and Brown) in the
IJRRAS indicated that yellow pawpaw leaves has the highest
amount of iron. It was carried out by P.B. Ayoola and A.
61
Adeyeye from the Department of Science Laboratory
Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology,
Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

In many African countries like Cote d’Ivoire, people have

developed traditional care for treating anaemia. An
ethnomedical survey on plants used against anaemia in the
2012 edition of the African Journal of Traditional Complement
Alternative Medicine listed them to include Tectona grandis
(teak), Justicia secunda (water-willow or shrimp plant),
Khaya senegalensis (mahogany), Amaranthus spinosus
(Inine in Igbo and tete elegun in Yoruba), Thalia geniculata,
Imperata cylindrical, Stylosanthes erecta (Nigerian Stylo) and
Adansonia digitata (African baobab tree, ose (yoruba), igi-
ose or kuka (Hausa)).

Although, all these plants showed the presence of iron in

various amounts, so justifying in part their traditional use in
the treatment of anaemia, the researchers found that the iron
content of Khaya senegalensis and Justicia secunda were
much lower.

62
63
 Citrus oil extract
works on stress,
bad mood, poor sleep

MANY people probably recognise the smell of common

aromatherapy scents from their bathing soap, such as
jasmine, rosemary, and lavender.

Probably many people might have heard that each scent can
influence the body in different ways. For example, the
lavender scent in bathing soap is supposed to relieve stress
and calm the body.

Though the term “aromatherapy” did not appear until the

early 1900s, the concept has been around for thousands of
years. Egyptians used odours to treat diseases, and the Greek
physician, Dioscorides, even wrote books on essential oils
and their healing properties. Today, aromatherapy is popular
not only in spas but also as a way to relieve labour pains,
reduce chemotherapy side effects, and promote restful sleep.

Few reliable scientific studies have been conducted, but a

study from the Mie University School of Medicine found that
patients with depression needed smaller doses of
antidepressant medications after citrus fragrance treatment.
64
Another study from the University of Vienna demonstrated
that when the scent of orange oil was used in dental clinics,
female patients exhibited decreased anxiety. These studies
imply that some fragrances may have a clinically quantifiable
effect on mood.

Scientists at the Centre for Autoimmune Diseases at Tel Aviv

University, also recently discovered a link between
depression and our sense of smell, and found that citrus
fragrances—lemons in particular—directly affected
neurotransmitters in the brains of mice. The aromas help
boost serotonin, a feel-good hormone, and reduce levels of
norepinephrine, a stress hormone.

While there may be evidence for aromatherapy’s mood

altering effects, scientific proof of how it improves mood and
ensures smaller doses of antidepressant medications are
needed is lacking until now.

This study at Brazil indicated that the oil extracted from fresh
peels of Citrus aurantium (Osan jagan or Bitter orange)
ensures an improvement in mood and sleep by working on
the central nervous system. This is an hybrid between Citrus
maxima (pomelo) and Citrus reticulata (mandarin).

This laboratory study, which was published in the 2013

edition of the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
however did not notice any impartment of movement in the
tested mice, signs of toxicity or biochemical changes, except
a reduction in cholesterol levels after the treatment.

65
For the study, fresh peels of ripe Bitter orange fruits were
processed to extract oil from them. This was administered to
mice while conventional drugs like Diazepam for anxiety and
imipramine hydrochloride, a standard antidepressant
drug,were used as controls.

The researchers wrote that the oil extracted from the fresh
peels of Bitter orange possesses a significant mood altering
effect, adding that these results are promising, as using
extracted oil from Bitter orange for treatment might be
considered a complementary therapy for the treatment of
anxiety disorders.

However, further studies are necessary to explore the

detailed mechanism of action of the extracted oil.

In addition, they said that the extracted oil from Bitter orange
appears to be well tolerated, as none of the different doses
caused alterations or showed signs of toxicity.

But it is not only oils from peels of Bitter orange that can be an
aromatic asset for health. Research from Japan’s Osaka
University showed that the scent of grapefruit can actually
boost metabolism and reduce food cravings.

In aromatherapy, Lemon essential oil has an amazingly wide

range of uses. It is perfect for destroying air-borne germs in
hospital rooms, waiting rooms, and schools. Researchers
have showed that vaporised Lemon essential oil can kill
meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in one
hour, staphylococcus aureus in two hours and germs causing

66
pneumonia within three hours.

Even a 0.2 per cent solution of Lemon essential oil can kill
diphtheria bacteria in 20 minutes and inactivate tuberculosis
bacteria. Its antiseptic properties will last for 20 days. It is
particularly effective in neutralising unpleasant body odours
of patients suffering from cancer.

In another research, Lemon essential oil has shown to have

antidepressant effects. A 1995 Mie University study found
that citrus fragrances boosted immunity, induced relaxation,
and reduced depression. Lemon essential oil is an immune
stimulant. It increases white blood cells, improves
microcirculation and is antiseptic.

In individuals having trouble staying focused on workout

routine, studies have also shown that the scent of lemon oil
can actually create a greater sense of concentration, while
increasing alertness.

In terms of skin care uses, the health benefits of Lemongrass

oil in aromatherapy are numerous. It has been used
considered in many skin care products because of its
antibacterial, astringent and antiseptic properties. For
example, it can be found in deodorants to prevent excessive
sweating and body odour, in lotions to eliminate cellulite, and
in creams to soothe broken or inflamed skin. It is also a kind
of aromatherapy oil for its pleasing and uplifting effects.

Previously, Indian researchers, in the 2010 International

Journal of Pharmaceutical Technical Research, also

67
substantiate the claim that leaves of grapefruit reduce stress
and anxiety. It has sedative effect on the central nervous
system. This effect was comparable to the effect produced by
diazepam, hence, the suggestion that this plant may be
developed as a potentially useful agent for sleep disorders
and related diseases.

The smell of spiced apple, Dr Gary E. Schwartz, a Professor of

Psychology and Psychiatry at Yale University, found to
produce changes in blood pressure and other physiological
responses, comparable to those achieved through
meditation, a standard relaxation technique used to help
people deal with stress.

MANY people probably recognise the smell of common

aromatherapy scents from their bathing soap, such as
jasmine, rosemary, and lavender. Probably many people
might have heard that each scent can influence the body in
different ways. For example, the lavender scent in bathing
soap is supposed to relieve stress and calm the body.

Though the term “aromatherapy” did not appear until the

early 1900s, the concept has been around for thousands of
years. Egyptians used odours to treat diseases, and the Greek
physician, Dioscorides, even wrote books on essential oils
and their healing properties. Today, aromatherapy is popular
not only in spas but also as a way to relieve labour pains,
reduce chemotherapy side effects, and promote restful sleep.
Few reliable scientific studies have been conducted, but a
study from the Mie University School of Medicine found that
patients with depression needed smaller doses of
68
antidepressant medications after citrus fragrance treatment.
Another study from the University of Vienna demonstrated
that when the scent of orange oil was used in dental clinics,
female patients exhibited decreased anxiety. These studies
imply that some fragrances may have a clinically quantifiable
effect on mood.

Scientists at the Centre for Autoimmune Diseases at Tel Aviv

University, also recently discovered a link between
depression and our sense of smell, and found that citrus
fragrances—lemons in particular—directly affected
neurotransmitters in the brains of mice. The aromas help
boost serotonin, a feel-good hormone, and reduce levels of
norepinephrine, a stress hormone.

While there may be evidence for aromatherapy’s mood

altering effects, scientific proof of how it improves mood and
ensures smaller doses of antidepressant medications are
needed is lacking until now.

This study at Brazil indicated that the oil extracted from fresh
peels of Citrus aurantium (Osan jagan or Bitter orange)
ensures an improvement in mood and sleep by working on
the central nervous system. This is an hybrid between Citrus
maxima (pomelo) and Citrus reticulata (mandarin).

This laboratory study, which was published in the 2013

edition of the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
however did not notice any impartment of movement in the
tested mice, signs of toxicity or biochemical changes, except
a reduction in cholesterol levels after the treatment.
69
For the study, fresh peels of ripe Bitter orange fruits were
processed to extract oil from them. This was administered to
mice while conventional drugs like Diazepam for anxiety and
imipramine hydrochloride, a standard antidepressant
drug,were used as controls.

The researchers wrote that the oil extracted from the fresh
peels of Bitter orange possesses a significant mood altering
effect, adding that these results are promising, as using
extracted oil from Bitter orange for treatment might be
considered a complementary therapy for the treatment of
anxiety disorders.

However, further studies are necessary to explore the

detailed mechanism of action of the extracted oil.

In addition, they said that the extracted oil from Bitter orange
appears to be well tolerated, as none of the different doses
caused alterations or showed signs of toxicity.

But it is not only oils from peels of Bitter orange that can be an
aromatic asset for health. Research from Japan’s Osaka
University showed that the scent of grapefruit can actually
boost metabolism and reduce food cravings.

In aromatherapy, Lemon essential oil has an amazingly wide

range of uses. It is perfect for destroying air-borne germs in
hospital rooms, waiting rooms, and schools. Researchers
have showed that vaporised Lemon essential oil can kill
meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in one
hour, staphylococcus aureus in two hours and germs causing

70
pneumonia within three hours.

Even a 0.2 per cent solution of Lemon essential oil can kill
diphtheria bacteria in 20 minutes and inactivate tuberculosis
bacteria. Its antiseptic properties will last for 20 days. It is
particularly effective in neutralising unpleasant body odours
of patients suffering from cancer.

In another research, Lemon essential oil has shown to have

antidepressant effects. A 1995 Mie University study found
that citrus fragrances boosted immunity, induced relaxation,
and reduced depression. Lemon essential oil is an immune
stimulant. It increases white blood cells, improves
microcirculation and is antiseptic.

In individuals having trouble staying focused on workout

routine, studies have also shown that the scent of lemon oil
can actually create a greater sense of concentration, while
increasing alertness.

In terms of skin care uses, the health benefits of Lemongrass

oil in aromatherapy are numerous. It has been used
considered in many skin care products because of its
antibacterial, astringent and antiseptic properties. For
example, it can be found in deodorants to prevent excessive
sweating and body odour, in lotions to eliminate cellulite, and
in creams to soothe broken or inflamed skin. It is also a kind
of aromatherapy oil for its pleasing and uplifting effects.

Previously, Indian researchers, in the 2010 International

Journal of Pharmaceutical Technical Research, also

71
substantiate the claim that leaves of grapefruit reduce stress
and anxiety. It has sedative effect on the central nervous
system. This effect was comparable to the effect produced by
diazepam, hence, the suggestion that this plant may be
developed as a potentially useful agent for sleep disorders
and related diseases.

The smell of spiced apple, Dr Gary E. Schwartz, a Professor of

Psychology and Psychiatry at Yale University, found to
produce changes in blood pressure and other physiological
responses, comparable to those achieved through
meditation, a standard relaxation technique used to help
people deal with stress.

72
73
 How bitter kola,
garlic ease
discomfort
from sex
Candidiasis vaginitis or thrush, as it is more commonly
known, is a fungal infection of the vagina. It is the most
common cause of vaginal discharge in women during their
reproductive years. Experts suggest that 75 per cent of
women are affected by vaginal thrush, making it one of the
most common infections seen by doctors.

Despite its widespread occurrence, many women keep on

being embarrassed by this infection caused by yeast of the
Candida family that are among the normal organisms that are
part of the gut, mouth and the genital tract. Candida albicans
causes around 80 to 95 per cent of infections, while Candida
glabrata, which is more resistant to treatment, is responsible
for about five per cent of occurrences.

The symptoms of vaginal thrush include itching, soreness and

irritation, pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, pain
or discomfort during urination and vaginal discharge, which is
usually odourless. This can be thin and watery, or thick and
white, like cottage cheese.

74
Thrush, a condition that can significantly disrupt a woman’s
life, however reoccurs in between 40 per cent and 50 per cent
of women. As soon as the infection clears, it returns.

Unfortunately, another five per cent to eight per cent

experience a persistent infection, thus many women
incorporating complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) such as yogurt and garlic into their personal care plan
to prevent or cure this infection.

Many antifungal drugs, including imidazole antifungal agents

such as miconazole and clotrimazole, which is the first-line
treatment for thrush, have limited use, toxicity and side
effects.

Within the last decade there has been an emergence of

antifungal drug resistance, which was uncommon in the past.
Scientists in a new study have however corroborated the
antimicrobial effects of garlic and bitter kola extracts on
Candida albicans, indicating that they show promise as
alternative therapy for vaginal candidiasis. Both herbs are
easily and locally available.

The research published in the African Journal of Clinical and

Experimental Microbiology was carried out by Adejare O. Y.
from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Lagos; ,
Oduyebo O. O., Oladele R. O. and Ogunsola F.T from the
University of Lagos in collaboration with Nwaokorie F. O.
from the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Yaba, Lagos.
The study was entitled “In-vitro Antifungal Effect of Garcinia
Kola and Garlic (Alliums Sativum) isolates of Candida”.
75
In this study, the researchers tested the methanol and
aqueous extracts of bitter kola and garlic on various species
of Candida collected from vaginal swab samples of women
with vulvovaginal candidiasis. The effectiveness of the
extracts was compared with fluconazole and miconazole, two
common conventional antifungal drugs.

For this study, which was conducted between May and

September 2007, 126 women with symptoms of
vulvovaginal candidiasis were sampled from Lekki and Idi-
Araba branches of a community healthcare facility for women
and children in Lagos and Candida species were isolated from
25 of them.

Although the aqueous extracts of the herbs were less active

than the alcoholic extracts based on the findings of the study,
the researchers indicated that the different species of
candida were inhibited by various concentrations to the bitter
kola extract.

They wrote: “This study demonstrated the inhibitory effects

of local herbs in comparison with known antifungal agents on
vaginal Candidasis, Fluconazole and miconazole are azole
anticandidal agents known to be highly active against
Candida and so their inhibitory effects in this study is not
surprising.”

Given that a high systemic concentration would be required

for therapeutic effects, which implies possibility of systemic
toxicity usually associated with a high therapeutic dose, they
suggest that these agents could be incorporated into
76
formulations of efficacious drugs for the treatment of vaginal
candidiasis in future if larger study or clinical trials is done to
corroborate the finding.

They wrote: “This study shows that the extracts of Garcinia

kola and Alliums sativum possess anticandidal activity and
provide preliminary evidence of the presence of one or more
soluble constituents with antifungal properties. The
antifungal properties can be investigated further by purifying
and characterizing the active agents and by determining
toxicological effect if any on normal vaginal micro flora.”

Reports have it that in using yogurt to treat thrush, the

women both eat the yogurt that contains acidophilus, which
is a probiotic that stimulates the growth of “healthy” or
“good” bacteria in our bodies and apply it directly to the
vagina at bed time. The plain yogurt is inserted using a spoon
or an applicator for vaginal creams.

Also women increase their daily intake of garlic. Garlic has a

high level of antibacterial and antifungal properties. A diet
high in garlic fights bacterial vaginitis and prevents it from
reoccurring. But the other option is to wrap a whole clove of
garlic in a thin piece of medical gauze and insert this into the
vagina.

The garlic is replaced with a fresh clove every eight to 12

hours. The small piece of the gauze is hung outside of the
body for easy removal.

Previous reviews on common complementary and alternative

77
therapies for thrush indicated some women also resort to
using tea tree oil, black walnut, Echinacea and goldenseal to
treat bacterial vaginitis.

The use of tree oil and garlic under some laboratory

conditions had been shown to have some potential for the
treatment of vaginal infections like vaginitis.

Most clinicians also recommend non-pharmacological

management which included dietary changes and use of
cotton undergarments.

78
79
 Suffering from
skin infections?
Try black soap
Troubled by skin infections like impetigo, shingles, athlete’s
foot, body lice and scabies? A remedy that is oftentimes
forgotten is the locally manufactured soap (popularly known
as black soap) that is made from lye obtained from the ash of
burnt cocoa husks, plantain peels, palm wastes, wood and
other plant debris.

Soaps aid in general body hygiene by physical removal of

microorganisms adhering lightly to the skin. The act of
washing or scrubbing the body with the soap is expected to
lead to a reduction in the microbial load on the skin and this
can contribute to a reduction in the incidence of skin
infections.

The Nigerian market is flooded with different types of herbal

soaps with claims of efficacy and is enjoying increasing
patronage for the treatment of a variety of skin infections.
With extracts of medicinal herbs incorporated into them, the
soaps are used to bath the affected areas. In eastern Nigeria,
some plants which have frothing or foaming ability have been
employed as soap for bathing and treatment of skin and
80
wound infections.

Due to lack of evidence on the efficacy of herbal soap, and the

poor aesthetic presentation, these soaps are mostly
patronised by low income group in the local communities in
the past. But interestingly, the popularity of herb-based
soaps is increasing due to many years of accumulated
experience on their efficacy on skin disorders, thus the need
to have them evaluated for their ability to kill many germs
(anti-microbial activity).

Now, scientists in a study that tested the anti-microbial

properties of 20 locally-manufactured soaps found that all the
soaps possessed anti-microbial properties and they can
contribute to the treatment and management of skin
infections caused by bacteria when they are prepared with
the appropriate plant materials.

The 2013 study entitled “The anti-microbial assessment of

some Nigerian herbal soap” was carried out by Igbeneghu O.
A. at the Department of Pharmaceutics, Obafemi Awolowo
University, Ile-Ife. It was published in the African Journal of
Traditional and Complement Alternative Medicine.

Twenty brands of herbal soaps (two samples each) were

purchased from herb sellers and stores in five different
markets in Osun and Oyo states located in Western Nigeria.
These samples were purchased in their original packages and
taken to the laboratory. The packages in 35 per cent of these
soaps indicated that they contain aloe vera, camwood extract
(osun in Yoruba), cocoa pod ash solution, honey, palm kernel
81
oil, palm bunch ash solution. But some also had in them
avocado oil and lime juice.

It was tested on five different germs that cause skin

infections- Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus
capitis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus species,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Candida albicans and C.
Pseudotropicalis. These were obtained from the
Pharmaceutical Microbiology laboratory of Obafemi Awolowo
University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

In the study, the researchers reported that the herbal soaps

exhibited antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms
in a manner that is dependent on how much of the herbal
extract the soap contains as well as the type of skin disease-
causing germ it is tested on.

Interestingly, the scientists were able to prove that the herbal

soaps were quite effective against such skin problems as
acne, impetigo, furuncles and carbuncles given that the
soaps were able to kill germs that cause these skin infections.
They wrote: “Majority of the soaps were active against the
Gram positive organisms than the gram negative organisms
and fungi. The Gram positive organisms, especially the gram
positive cocci including S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and S.
capitis, were inhibited to a large extent by most of the herbal
soaps tested.

“This is of significance as skin infections such as acne,

impetigo, furuncles and carbuncles are caused by this group
of Gram positive organisms and the use of these soaps
82
against such infections as indicated by the sellers of these
soaps is justified by the results of this study.”

Although local producers of herbal soaps in most cases

portray their products as active against all kinds of skin
diseases or infections irrespective of causative organisms,
the scientists said this is not the case given that about 75 per
cent of the soaps were found to be inactive against the two
Gram negative organisms -E. coli and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa.

Also, they did not have any effect yeasts. In addition, none of
the soaps tested were confirmed effective for the treatment
of fungal skin infections.

The results of this study, therefore, showed that

Nigerianherbal soaps possess anti-microbial properties and
as such they can contribute significantly to the treatment and
management of skin infections caused by bacteria if they are
well prepared with the appropriate combination of plant
materials to target specific causative organisms as well as
packaged aesthetically with appropriate directions for use
and storage.

Previous studies have established the anti-microbial activities

of many plant materials used in the preparation of these
soaps such as Palm kernel oil, aloe vera, honey, cam wood,
lime juice, palm bunch ash, cocoa pod ash, avocado oil and
shea butter.

Honey, for example, has been shown to possess anti-

83
microbial properties against many organisms especially those
involved in wound and skin infections while the leaves of
Pterocarpus stems (Camwood) have been reported to be
medicinally useful in the treatment of superficial skin
infections such as eczema.

A 2011 preliminary investigation of an herbal soap

incorporating cassia senna leaves and a powder made from
the whole plant of Ageratum conyzoides (Goat Weed and Imi-
Esu in Yoruba) in the Continental Journal of Pharmaceutical
Sciences also showed activity against skin infections such as
ring worms, acne, impetigo, furuncles and carbuncles that
are caused mainly the gram positive organisms and fungi.

Senna alata commonly called ringworm, ‘craw craw’ plant or

candle stick plant is also used for dermatitis, eczema
ringworm and gonorrhoea.

An evaluation of the antiseptic properties of Cassia alata-

based herbal soap in 2007 edition of The Internet Journal of
Alternative Medicine found it also effective against skin
infections caused by Gram-positive and opportunistic yeast
such as acne, boils, carbuncles, furuncles, breast abscess and
infantile-impetigo.

84
85
 Why bee
stings relieve
painful joints
FOR centuries, honey, bee pollen, and bee venom have been
used to treat a number of ailments that vary between chronic
pains to skin conditions. Apitherapy, or the medical use of
honeybee products that range from royal jelly to bee venom,
was used by the ancient Egyptians as a homeopathic remedy
for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), dissolving
scar tissue such as keloids, Herpes zoster, reducing the
reaction to bee stings in people who are allergic, swollen
tendons (tendonitis), and muscle conditions such as
fibromyositis.

A bee sting is an unpleasant experience that undoubtedly

everyone would choose to avoid if given the choice. However
a growing number of people are choosing to be stung by bees
in an alternative form of illness treatment called apitherapy.

Today, bee venom therapy, or bee sting therapy, has captured

the attention of medical science as a potential homeopathic
remedy for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Bee venom is
made by bees. This is the poison that makes bee stings
painful. Bee venom is used to make medicine.
86
ALS, often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a
progressive neuro degenerative disease that affects nerve
cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Its early symptoms often
include increasing muscle weakness, especially involving the
arms and legs, speech, swallowing or breathing.

Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and
from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The
progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS
eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die,
the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle
movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively
affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may
become totally paralysed.

Scientists in a 2103 study published in the BMC

Complementary and Alternative Medicine that looked at the
effect of bee venom on ALS found that bee stings could
soothe the neuro inflammatory events that occur in a
symptomatic ALS in laboratory animals.

In the study, which came to conclusion that bee venom, in

fact could prevent the impairment that is caused by ALS, the
researchers found that bee venom treatment may be able to
eliminate the cell toxicity induced in cells of the brain and the
spinal cord by ALS.

Although little is known about the mechanisms by which bee

venom prevent the impairment that is caused by ALS, the
researchers suggested however that bee venom should be
considered as a new treatment that can be developed to
87
bring relief from the pain of ALS and even prevent it from
developing in the first place.

Although bee venom therapy is largely an unproven

technique, about 50 U.S. physicians report good results using
the substance to treat not only pain but arthritic conditions,
multiple sclerosis, and other health woes. Other practitioners
treat high blood pressure, asthma, hearing loss, and even
premenstrual syndrome with bee venom.

For example, Christopher Kim, in his article, printed in the

March 1989 issue of the German journal, Rheumatologie had
administered apitherapy to 3,000 people, including 108
rheumatoid and osteoarthritis patients over a two-year
period that had not responded to convention treatments.

Starting with twice-weekly injections, he gradually increased

the number of shots until the patients improved significantly.
Most subjects showed improvement after an average of 12
injections.

In addition, researchers in another Clinical randomised study

of bee-sting therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which was
documented in the 2008 edition of the journal, Zhen Ci Yan
Jiu, also said that combined application of bee-venom
therapy and medication is superior to simple use of
medication in relieving RA, and when bee-sting therapy used,
the commonly-taken doses of western medicines may be
reduced, and the relapse rate gets lower.

There is no standardised practice for the administration of

88
bee venom. Stinging is not limited to any specific area of the
body, as stings in different places seem to produce different
results. Some practitioners purport that the location of the
sting is important, with the sting acting as a sort of
acupuncture in combination with the effects of the venom,
while others report the location is not important.

The number of stings also varies widely from a few to

hundreds and they may be administered either by live bees or
by injection. This treatment can cause pain, and even result
in death if the subject has an allergy to bee venom, which can
produce anaphylactic shock.

Apitherapy researchers suggest that certain compounds in

bee venom, namely melittin and adolapin, help reduce
inflammation and pain, and that the combination of all the
“ingredients” in bee venom somehow helps the body to
release natural healing compounds in its own defence.

Bee venom is a complex mixture of substances that are

known to induce immune and allergic responses in humans.
Practitioners believe all the ingredients in bee venom work
together to cause the body to release more natural healing
compounds in its own defence. Bee venom is also said to
increase blood circulation and reduce swelling.

89
90
 Eat lobsters,
prevent breast
cancer
Lobster is one of the most popular and common seafood
mostly found in restaurants mixed with delicious sauces that
are known. However, just a few of people know the health
benefits of eating lobster sea-foods despite many studies
proving that there are really various health benefits of fish oil,
lobsters, crabs and other sea-foods for the body's health.

Lobsters are marine crustaceans almost similar to shrimps in

figure. However, lobsters have harder shells and larger
bodies. These nutritious marine species are abundant
sources of essential vitamins, minerals and high quality
protein.

It contains vitamin A which is good for the eyes, B vitamins

which are important for healthy skin, nervous system
functioning, and healthy blood, vitamin D which works with
calcium to promote strong bones, and vitamin E which is an
antioxidant.

Lobster is also rich in minerals such as selenium which helps

to boost the immune system, the body's defense against
91
disease-causing organisms. Selenium helps to promote a
healthy thyroid as well. Other minerals supplied by lobster
include phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and copper which
help to promote strong, healthy bones and muscles as well as
iron, zinc, and manganese. Iodine supplied by lobsters helps
to prevent goiters and promote functioning of the thyroid
gland.

A 100 gramme serving of boiled lobster contains 98 calories,

72 mg of cholesterol, and .6 mg of fat. By comparison, a 100
gram serving of skinless, roasted chicken breast contains 165
calories, 85 mg of cholesterol, and 3.6 mg of fat. A similar
portion of lean beef contains 216 calories, 86 mg of
cholesterol, and 9.9 mg of fat. A poached egg contains 149
calories, 423 mg of cholesterol, and 10 mg of fat.

Results of a 2009 study published in the Journal of Agriculture

and Food Chemistry article showed that the muscle of lobster
contained less cholesterol than crab, crayfish, or shrimp,
making lobster a good addition to a low-fat, low-cholesterol
diet.

Different from other kinds of meat, consumption of lobster is

perfect for individuals on a limited or no carbohydrate diet.
Here are benefits of lobster intake.

Lobster Heights Sensitivity Drug Sex

The reputation of lobster as an aphrodisiac probably lies in its
ability to boost the overall health of the human body,
including its sexual health. Lobsters are particularly rich
source of nutrients like proteins, various groups of vitamins
92
and minerals, all of which are necessary for the optimum
functioning of the sexual organs.

More importantly protein has been shown to naturally boost

levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemicals in the
brain that heighten sensitivity during sex.

Lobsters, like many other edible marine creatures as oysters

are loaded with vitamins and minerals such as zinc which is
beneficial for boosting the male libido and enhancing sexual
performance in men. Also, lobster contains trace amounts of
selenium which is known to aid sperm mobility and motility.
Nearly 50 per cent of all selenium in a man is found in the
testes and seminal ducts. This makes intake of adequate
selenium important for healthy sex life.

Maintains a Healthy Heart

Lobsters are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which are known to
give benefits for the maintenance of a healthy heart. This is
one of the best health benefits of including lobsters in the
diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce
inflammation and triglycerides and blood pressure, all of
which are known risk factors for many heart related diseases
such as heart attack and stroke.

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the

fatty acids found in fish and shellfish may help to promote
brain health. It's also high in potassium, which helps regulate
heartbeat and maintain healthy blood pressure.

Supports Cholesterol Control

Many people are familiar with seeing taurine listed on food
93
labels because it has been added to many sports beverages.
Another benefit identified in a study was that lobsters are a
good source of taurine, which plays an important role in the
function of skeletal muscle, in anti-oxidation, and in reducing
cholesterol absorption.

Boosts Immune System

Like oranges, lobsters have high in selenium content that
increase the body's immune system. The immune system is
very important for the prevention of different diseases.

Supports Healthy Bones

Sea-foods such as lobster are rich in copper which is essential
for the development of bone tissues. This seafood could
prevent bone related diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis,
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and others. Other
minerals supplied by lobster include phosphorus, calcium,
magnesium, and copper which help to promote strong,
healthy bones and muscles as well as slow down bone loss in
women.

Prevents Goitre Disease

Consuming lobsters and other sea-foods are beneficial for
people who want to prevent goitres and promote functioning
of the thyroid gland because of its richness in iodine. Goitre is
a health condition which is caused by lack of iodine in the
body. In addition, it contains selenium which helps to
promote a healthy thyroid as well.

Prevents Anaemia
A lobster has copper in large quantities. Copper helps

94
produce and store iron in your body. It prevents anaemia due
to copper deficiency.

Supports Good Eye Sight

Vitamin A is known to be good for the eyesight and can even
prevent cataracts. Boiled lobster is a good source of vitamin A
and studies have reported that women getting good levels of
vitamin A have a lower risk for contracting breast cancer.

95
96
 Why you must
take pineapple

IF you need something really sweet, and not just any old fruit
will do, reach for fresh pineapple. Pineapple is more than a
delicious tropical-fruit treat. In fact, it is one of the sweetest
fruits around that offers exciting health benefits that can help
improve people’s quality of life.

Unlike expensive imports or seasonal fruits, pineapple is

available year-round and could easily be eaten alone or as
part of a larger meal anytime of the day.

Children loves it because it is sweet and easy to digest. Also

people who are looking for a sweet snack can fill up on
pineapple and yet consume relatively few calories compared
to high-sugar or high-fat foods such as potato chips and
bread.

Pineapple juice contains important enzymes, minerals, and

vitamins, including vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium,
potassium, and thiamine, which provide various health
benefits. Although the advantages from drinking pineapple
juice are many, for best results, it is advisable to drink freshly
97
made pineapple juice as opposed to processed (artificially
flavoured) pineapple juice.

Researchers are just beginning to study pineapple nutrition,

but the outlook so far suggests this common fruit could
deliver the following health benefits:

Supports healthy bones

A cup of pineapple provides 73 per cent of the required daily
requirement of the manganese the body requires to build
bone tissue and connective tissue.

Manganese is considered to enhance the absorption of

calcium, which in turn is beneficial in strengthening the
bones. Pineapple exerts remarkable benefits on the growth of
bones in young people; and it strengthens and fortifies bones
in the elderly.

What’s more, researchers say that pineapple is highly

effective in managing arthritis. Bromelain found in pineapple
acts like a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It relieves pain
and inflammation quickly. It reduces the swelling at the joint
and eases the discomfort. Bromelain also reduces the pain
and healing time, after a surgery. Pineapple juice is
considered to hasten the healing process, especially after a
major surgery.

Regular consumption of pineapples can help prevent the

occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis and also beneficial in the
management of age related disorders like osteoarthritis. In
fact, a study in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology

98
found that bromelain is effective in easing the pain and
discomfort of hip arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation states
that pineapple’s bromelain produces effects comparable to
NSAIDs for relieving joint pain.

Helps to lose weight

Eating pineapple can highly reduce sweet cravings because
of its natural sweetness, saving from a lot of sugar-induced
calories. Incorporating a lot of pineapple in ones meals will
also help a lot in weight loss because pineapples can make
one feel full without giving any fat.

Lessens risk of hypertension

One of the best ways to combat hypertension is to infuse a
high amount of potassium and a small amount of sodium in
one’s diet to lower blood pressure. Eating too much salt
increases your blood pressure, but eating pineapple could
help to offset the damage from salt. Pineapple contains about
one milligramme of sodium and 195 milligramme of
potassium.

Although not a substitute for hypertension medications, its

potassuim content can help to stimulate nerve impulses and
muscle contractions, potassium also help regulate the heart
beat. Another important job filled by potassium is its ability to
lower blood pressure.

Fights off diseases

Pineapples are known to be a very good source of vitamin C,
which protects our bodies from free radicals that attack our
healthy cells. Lots of free radicals in the body can lead to

99
major diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and various
cancers. Vitamin C is considered the most important water-
soluble anti-oxidant that fights against disease-inducing
substances within the body. It is also an excellent enhancer of
the immune system.

Cures constipation, irregular bowel movement

Pineapple is rich in fibre and water, making it effective in
curing constipation and irregular bowel movement. Fresh,
raw pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that
eases indigestion and helps to prevent inflammation and
swelling. It helps to ease indigestion because it is filled with
proteolytic enzyme that breaks down protein thereby
promoting digestion. Most of the bromelain, in pineapples, is
found in the core and the stem.

Bromelain found in pineapples work to neutralise fluids to

ensure that they are not too acidic. It also helps regulate the
secretions in the pancreas to aid indigestion. Apart from that,
since bromelain has protein-digesting properties, it can keep
the digestive track healthy.

Prevents blood clots

This rich source of anti-coagulant when consumed can help
to prevent blood clots. So, people who suffer from bleeding
disorders are advised to consume a bowl of pineapples daily.

Expels worm
Regular consumption of pineapple is recommended in
children, especially those with a common complaint of worm
infestation and abdominal pain. The fruit helps to expel

100
intestinal worms and parasites.

Supports healthy hearts

It is an excellent antidote for cardio-vascular disease due to
its ability to break-down cholesterol compounds. Also, its
bromelain content dissolves the fibrin, so stopping blood clot
in the same way that aspirin is supposed to.
In addition, bromelain has blood thinning properties, which
can help prevent and dissolve blood clots and plaque within
arteries. Blood clots can block the arteries as they get closed
off by plaque, leading to heart problems, including heart
attack.

Halts growth of cancer cells

Research published in the journal Planta Medica found that
bromelain was superior to the chemotherapy drug 5-
fluoraucil in treating cancer in an animal study.
Bromelain fights cancer in several ways including, reducing
inflammation and dissolving fibrin. Cancer cells hide under
fibrin to escape detection. Once the cancer cells are
uncloaked – they can be seen by the immune system.

Remedy for morning sickness

An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple
juice. It really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first thing in
the morning often make a difference. It is also good for a
healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages plaque growth.

Protection against vision loss

Intake of fruits is important for maintaining good vision. Data
reported in a study published in the Archives of
Ophthalmology indicates that eating three or more servings
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of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular
degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in
older adults, by 36 per cent, compared to persons who
consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

102
103
 Herbal male
contraceptives;
closer than imagine
Several potential approaches for induction of infertility in men
have been investigated over a long period including hormonal
and chemical approaches. But their usefulness has been
seriously questioned owing to their proven toxicity on both
the short as well as long term use in the reproductive system,
thus the pursuits for newer, potent, additionally safe, less
expensive method that require infrequent and self
administration and which had long lasting but complete
reversible antifertility effect.

Contraception is an important health issue for the 21st

century. In the quest for appropriate family size, it is surely
obvious that the male partner should be able to share the
benefits and risks of whatever contraceptive strategy the
couple may follow. For men to have as wide a choice as
women, however, there is clearly a need for a greater variety
of safe anti-fertility methods capable of reversibly
suppressing sperm production or sperm function in men
without interfering with their libido.

With the increasing need to develop new contraceptive

104
modalities for male, contraceptives that are effective and
with lesser side effects, scientists are assessing different
herbs, two of such herbs were Capparis aphylla and Carica
papaya leaves as male contraceptives.

Capparis aphylla is commonly known as desert broom (in

English). It is one of the South Africa’s most tenacious and
versatile plants because it survives in the harshest conditions
including severe frost and drought. The plant is used in
several medicines, including the treatment of worm
infestation, cholera, improve appetite, jaundice,
constipation, dysentery, rheumatism, stomach disorders and
skin diseases.

Carica papaya leaf belongs to the fruits and vegetable class.

It is highly abundant and is commonly known as pawpaw in
Nigeria. It is an invaluable plant that is prevalent throughout
tropical Africa and Nigeria is the third largest producer
globally.

Scientists in an assessment of an herbal oral contraceptive

suspension made from aerial parts of Capparis aphylla and
Carica papaya leaves in mature male rats under laboratory
conditions found the herbal suspension caused a reduction in
serum testosterone levels in all treatment groups when
compared with control.

In the study, the researchers found a marked reduction in the

level of fructose in the seminal vesicle in treated rats,
suggesting that the treatment had an adverse effect on the
sperm motility and count.
105
Similarly, the administration of HOCS at the dose of 200, 300
and 400mg/kg body weight caused a decrease in cholesterol
level in the testis and was nontoxic at the concentrations
applied. Cholesterol is the precursor for the production of
testosterone. Accumulation of cholesterol in the testis is a
direct evidence for anti-androgenic action.

The 2103 study entitled “Investigation of herbal oral

contraceptive suspensions for its antisteroidogenic and
antioxidant properties” was published in the International
Journal of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science.

They wrote: “the effectiveness of the herbal oral

contraceptive suspension was indicated by its anti-
androgenic activity, which was reflected by the regression
and disintegration of leydig cells, regressive and
degenerative changes in the testis, epididymis and vas
deference, and therefore reduction in the weight of testis,
epididymis and vas defernece.

“All these factors, thus, brought about functional sterility in

the extract treated rats. However, the induced infertility was
completely reversed on withdrawal of treatment within a
period of 110 days. Thus, these plants may have a potential in
the regulation of fertility in the male.

“Therefore, the range of tested doses could be potentially

exploring the possibility of developing an ideal contraceptive
to be 100 per cent effective, reversible and safe with minimal
side effects.”

106
Quite a number of medicinal plants like Achyranthes aspera
(èèmá àgbò in Yoruba and óòdådå ngwèlè in Igbo) neem,
Spondias mombin (Hog plum or Iyeye in Yoruba), Blighia
sapida, Xylopia aethiopica and pawpaw have already been
shown previously by researchers to have male anti-fertility
properties. For instance, pawpaw seed extract has been
shown to possess in vitro sperm immobilising effect on
human sperm.

Paradoxically, the patronage of traditional healers by men in

Nigeria for contraceptive purposes is not an exception as
indicated by the findings of an ethno botanical survey on
herbal male contraceptives used in the South-western part of
Nigeria.

This was a survey carried out by Iyabo Mobolawa Adebisi and

Shaibu Oricha Bello from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University,
Sokoto. It was a 2011 study published in the African Journal
of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. It took inventory of plants
used as male contraceptives in Sagamu Local Government
Area in Ogun State; Ibadan Southwest LG in Oyo State; Ede
Local Government in Osun State and Ofa Local Government
in Kwara State.

The investigation was conducted by direct interview of 15

traditional healers and medicinal plant sellers, documenting
consultations for contraception by male, names of medicinal
plants used, methods of preparation and doses of
administration.

The results of the survey, which indicated that over six

107
different plant materials were used either as single
preparation or in combination as male contraceptives, found
that alligator pepper and pawpaw bark were the most widely
used herbs as male contraceptive.

Their common methods of application include oral decoction,

dried powder applied to skin incisions and as rings soaked in
herbs and worn on the fingers.

The plants used as male contraceptives include leaves of

Boehaavia diffusa (commonly referred to as Hogweed or
Etiponla); Parkia biglobo seeds (commonly referred to as
locust beans or Iru); decoction of pawpaw bark (Ibepe in
Yoruba); alligator pepper seed (ataare in Yoruba); decoction
of Xylopia aethipica (commonly referred to as eeru alamo in
Yoruba or Negro or Ethiopian pepper); decoction of
Tetrapleura tetraptera fruits (aidan in Yoruba); and lime juice
(osan wewe in Yoruba).

The leaves of hogweed, locust beans, pawpaw bark and

alligator pepper seed were used in the ring form by the men.
Ring form of application involves boiling a metal ring in water
extract of the plant for hours. The ring is then worn on the
finger during sexual activities.

108
109
 Fight that
wakefulness, bad
mood with honey
When next you have problem sleeping or feeling low, a good
home remedy to reach out for is that bottle of honey. Are you
surprised? Honey is a natural product of bees that has been
used as a natural sweetener and a healing agent since time
immemorial to improve night’s sleep, facilitate restorative
sleep and ensure the rebuilding of tissues during rest when
taken before bedtime.

Honey, a highly valuable nutritive food product for children,

athletes and convalescents has been used in ethno-medicine
since the early humans. In more recent times, it has found its
usefulness in the treatment of burns, intestinal problems,
asthma and wounds.

Traditionally in Nigeria honey has been used in recipes to

treat various types of ailments such as cough (mixture of
equal parts of honey and fresh lemon juice); colds (mixture of
honey with cidar apple vinegar); sore or irritated throats
(honey drinks- mixture of a gargle of one quart water, 125
grammes honey and five gramme alum); and earache (put
drops of honey on a piece of cotton wool and put it into the
110
ear).

No doubt the beneficial effects of honey have been attributed

to its composition which could be variable, owing to the
differences in plant types, climate, environmental conditions,
and contribution of the beekeeper.

However, experts’ assessment of honey collected from floral

sources in Nigeria indicated that it is good for preventing
problems related to the nervous system such as anxiety and
depression, increase tolerance to pain as well as prevent
seizures or convulsions.

The tested honey samples were obtained from three

geographical regions of Nigeria. The honey samples were
from Idanre and Ile-Ife in the South Western; Ewu in Mid-
western; Umudike in Eastern and Kaduna and Jigawa
(Northern) regions. These were tested out on laboratory
animals.

The 2011 study, published in the African Journal of

Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, was
entitled “Neuropharmacological Effects Of Nigerian Honey In
Mice”. The study was led by Moses Atanda Akanmu at the
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Twenty minutes (20 min) period of each of the following

behavioural states: locomotion, rearing and grooming was
observed and scored at 10 minutes time interval. This was to
characterise the behavioural changes induced by the honey

111
sample in the mice when placed in an open field arena.

The researcher found that honey sample from Umudike (UD)

at dose of 10 per centV/v and diazepam significantly
increased sleep duration. The honey sample from Idanre (ID)
at 10 per cent v/v also improved the memory in the rats.

All the honey samples at the doses administered showed

ability to reduce anxiety (anxiolytic effects) except in some
doses. For instance honey sample from Idanre at 10 and 20
per cent V /v; honey sample from Ewu and honey samples
from Jigawa at 2 per cent V/v and JG: 40 per cent V /v ) when
compared with control did not ensure a reduction in anxiety
level.

In addition, administration of the honey samples delayed the

onset of convulsions and its severity, thus establishing
Nigerian’s honey against seizures.

For instance, the study said that the Umudike sample could
give between 50 and 66.7 per cent protection against induced
convulsion while Jigawa sample can ensure 16 per cent
protection when compared with control.

They wrote: “The present study provides evidence for the

anti-convulsant activity of the honey samples (especially the
honey obtained from Umudike. Thus, the protective effects of
this honey sample in seizures suggest that it could be useful
in the alleviation of seizures.”

Moreover, the results obtained after oral administration of

112
honey samples at different doses in mice showed that four
honey samples have significant analgesic effects at the
highest dose of 40 per cent V /v.

Depression is a collection of psychological symptoms, which

include depressive thoughts, sadness, poor self-image, self-
blame, guilt, low confidence and feelings of hopelessness.
Although other five honey samples had no significant effect
on depression, the honey sample from Idanre was different.

The Idanre honey sample at the doses of 10 and 20 per cent

v/v significantly increased showed an antidepressant effect,
similar to the standard drug (Imipramine, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) in
the tested animal.

The researchers concluded: “This study has clearly

demonstrated that Nigerian honey samples can be used as
nutraceutical agents. Further studies are needed to
determine the toxicity potentials and various mechanism(s)
of actions of these honey samples.”

Also, in another study, researchers suggested increased

consumption of tomatoes to ward off depression.

In the study, the researchers who studied about 1000 men

and women over the age of 70 and analysed their health
status and their eating habits, found that people who
frequently ate tomatoes over a week had less symptoms of
sadness as compared to people who hardly ate it over a week.
However, the research found that the other fruits and
vegetables do not have the same benefits as tomatoes.

113
Everyday wonder vegetables like carrots, onions and
cabbage have little or absolutely no effect on the mental well-
being of a person.

Eating tomatoes do not only wards off depression, but also

helps in combating a lot of other severe health problems
because of its lycopene content. Lycopene is a miracle anti-
oxidant found in tomatoes which not only helps to combat
depression, but also reduces the risk of prostate cancer and
heart attacks.

Studies also suggest that foods such as chocolate, oily, fatty

fish such as sardines and coconut may help reduce stress,
ease anxiety and fight depression.

In a recent study of close to 3,500 men and women published

in the British Journal of Psychiatry, those who reported eating
a diet rich in whole foods in the previous year were less likely
to report feeling depressed than those who ate lots of
desserts, fried foods, processed meats, refined grains and
high-fat dairy products.

Drinking caffeinated black, green or oolong tea may elicit a

more alert state of mind, says a study in The Journal of
Nutrition. Researchers think theanine—an amino acid
present in these tea varieties—may work synergistically with
caffeine to improve attention and focus.

114
115
Coconut juice, answer
to menopausal
discomforts

Millions of women suffer from hot flashes during menopause,

but not many realise that diet can have a lot to do with it.
Fortunately, hot flashes do not have to be an inevitable part of
menopause. Surprisingly, women in some cultures in Asia
rarely experience discomfort from hot flashes at all.

What’s their secret? It could very likely be what’s on their diet.

Research indicated that many food items and local drinks,
including soya, beans and coconut juice may be useful in
preventing some menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes
in women.

Menopause or stoppage of menstrual cycle is a natural

process which occurs in all women near the age of mid 40‘s or
early 50‘s. Menopause is not a disease, but a new phase in an
older woman’s life, it usually causes ovulation to cease and
consequently menstruation stops.

In passing through this phase, many women experiences

variety of physical and psychological symptoms such as
anxiety, irregular period, headache, loss of libido, vaginal
116
dryness, fatigue, night sweat and weight gain.

Basically, menopause occurs due to the series of complex

hormonal changes and finally women enter into a stage
which marks the end of their reproductive cycle.

In recent years, coconut water has gotten a lot of attention

because of its many health benefits, including its refreshing
effect after a walk in the hot sun and minimising menopausal
discomforts such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Interestingly, Young Coconut Juice (YCJ) has been used in

Thailand by menopausal women for decades to alleviate
some symptoms associated with the decrease in the level of
oestrogen.

Coconut water is the clear, slightly sweet liquid found in

young, unripe coconuts. As the coconut ripens, this liquid is
absorbed into its flesh, so the riper the coconut, the less
coconut water it contains. For drinking purposes, nuts are
harvested at five to seven months of age.

People in tropical regions know that coconut trees have so

many benefits for life. However, as people eat coconut fruit,
they often throw out the coconut water forgetting that it
contains vitamins, nutrients, sugars, minerals and salts. It
also cholesterol free, fat free and is naturally low in calories. It
is suitable for all age groups.

Coconut water mimics oestrogen. Scientists in Kuwait who

examined the oestrogen-like effect of coconut water in

117
several groups of “postmenopausal” rats (having no ovaries)
reported that those rats that took coconut water over the
course of 10 weeks demonstrated oestrogen levels
comparable to or higher than rats that still had their ovaries.

Writing in the 2009 edition of the journal, Histology

Histopathology, they stated that the brain protecting effect of
coconut water was even greater in rats receiving hormone
replacement therapy (estradiol benzoate injections). Thus,
coconut juice could also serve as supplement in women that
also opt for hormone replacement therapy in women with
severe menopausal problems.

Moreover a recent study on coconut water also indicated its

regular intake by women about to attain menopause helps to
ensure quicker wound healing in them. In a 2012 study
documented in the BMC Complementary and Alternative
Medicine, the researchers said that aside accelerating wound
healing, it ensured less scarring, brighter skin, and softer hair.
“Such results seem to provide evidence to the observation
that young coconut juice has phytoestrogenic properties, and
that the latter could both act as SERM selective oestrogen
receptor modulators (SERMs), an alternative to hormone
replacement therapy (HRT). In postmenopausal women,
oestrogen reduction causes deleterious skin changes,
resulting in delayed wound healing.

What is more, research indicates that soya, a significant

element in the traditional Japanese diet, may be useful in
preventing hot flashes in women. Edible beans, especially
soybeans, contain the compounds genistein and daidzein,
118
which are oestrogenic and help control hot flashes.

Experts believe that this may explain why only 7 per cent of
menopausal Japanese women suffer from hot flashes, as
compared to 55 per cent of women living in the United States.
In fact, there is no Japanese word for “hot flashes.”

In addition to soya, women can help combat hot flashes by

eating more calcium-rich foods, magnesium-rich foods and
foods rich in vitamin E — like cold-pressed oils, green leafy
vegetables, nuts and almonds, as well as plenty of mineral-
and fibre-rich foods, like whole grains and fresh vegetables.

During menopause, it is also important for women to get

plenty of water. One of the best things to do during this time is
to be sure to drink plenty of quality water. Drinking water
replaces fluids lost to perspiration during hot flashes and can
even prevent or minimise the hot flashes themselves.

Certain lifestyle changes can also help ease hot flashes. For
example, regular exercise can help alleviate some women’s
discomfort. Also, it pays to quit smoking. A recent study at the
Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Centre found that women
who smoke have significantly more hot flashes than non-
smokers.

119
120
 Ginger, vitamin D
may help treat
asthma
Long known for its digestive benefits, new researches show
ginger and vitamin D may help asthma sufferers breathe
easier. Researchers found that adding ginger to asthma
medications can help make them more effective.

Surprisingly, ‘sunshine’ vitamin, vitamin D another study

found resulted in lower levels of a natural chemical in the
body that aggravates symptoms in asthma patients.

In the first study presented at the American Thoracic Society

2013 conference in Philadelphia, scientists found that
components of the peppery root interacted with medicines
called beta-agonists which relax the airways.

Ginger boosts the muscle-relaxant properties of asthma

drugs called beta-agonists. By relaxing the airway muscles,
beta-agonists help to open up the airways allowing the
sufferer to breathe during an asthma attack.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, causing

them to constrict and resulting in attacks of breathlessness

121
and wheezing which can be fatal. Severe asthma is currently
treated with steroid tablets which can have harmful side
effects.

Many sufferers have a steroid resistant variation of the

condition making it even more difficult to treat and putting
them at greater risk of hospitalisation from severe, even life-
threatening, asthma attacks.

The study’s lead researcher Dr Elizabeth Townsend, from

Columbia University in the U.S stated “These compounds
may provide additional relief of asthma symptoms when used
in combination with beta-agonists.

“By understanding the mechanisms by which these ginger

compounds affect the airway, we can explore the use of this
therapeutics in alleviating asthma symptoms.”

Also Elizabeth Townsend, a post-doctoral research fellow who

led the study stated that purified components of ginger can
work synergistically” with medications to relax muscles of the
airways.

The researchers hope future study would enable them to

better understand the processes on the cellular level and to
learn whether purified ginger might be effective for inhaler
delivery of medication.

Moreover, scientists at King’s College London suggested also

that Vitamin D has the potential to significantly reduce the
symptoms of sufferers by lowing levels of a natural chemical

122
in the body that aggravates symptoms in asthma patients.
The body makes most of its vitamin D from sunlight, although
oily fish is a good dietary source.

The team of scientists, which identified a mechanism through

which Vitamin D can reduce asthma symptoms, said this
might provide a potential target for future treatment of
asthma.

The results of the study published in the Journal of Allergy

and Clinical Immunology demonstrated that vitamin D could
potentially provide an effective add-on treatment for all
asthma sufferers, reducing the amount of steroid-based
medicines prescribed.

Asthma has become more prevalent in recent years, but

despite an improved understanding of what causes asthma
and how it develops, during the past 40 years few new
treatment agents have been approved for targeting asthma
symptoms.

For the majority of people with asthma, current available

medicines are an effective way of managing the condition but
we know that they don’t work for everyone, which is why
research into new treatments is vital.

123
124
 Herbal remedy
for river
blindness

African breadfruit has long been known among the people of

Eastern Nigeria, where it is eaten boiled or used in preparing
the delicious Ukwa soup. Called afon in Yoruba, Bafafuta by
Hausas and Ukwa in Igbo languages, the tree, that produces
this large round starchy fruit, has many health benefits,
especially for the heart and blood vessels.

Scientifically known as Treculia Africana, African breadfruit

which is similar to the breadfruit eaten in the Caribbean and
South Pacific is used either singly or in combination with other
herbs in the traditional herbal preparation by different
communities to treat various diseases.

From its leaves, fruits, stem to other parts of the tree such as
the root, experts have found African breadfruits and its other
variants present in other parts of the world, immensely useful
in the treatment of many chronic ailments such as diabetes
and hypertension.

For instance, researchers at the Indonesian Institute of

Sciences in a series of studies on the efficacy of breadfruit
125
leaves (Artocarpus Altilis) reported that its extract could
inhibit platelet aggression, reduces blood viscosity, and
protect the heart from acute ischemia (lack of blood flow to
the heart).

Their results found that the extracts of its leaves can prevent
the thickening of the walls of blood vessel supplying the heart
(atherosclerosis) by inhibiting fat accumulation in these blood
vessel walls as well as lower blood cholesterol levels
significantly.

In addition, toxicity tests on important organs in the body

such as the heart, kidneys, liver and the blood profile
indicated that this extract was safe. At varying doses, the
functioning of these organs was not affected.

Similarly, a 2012 study in the Pharmaceutical Biology tried to

explain how water extract of leaves of a variant of breadfruit
(Artocarpus altilis) can help to low blood pressure in healthy
individuals.

The study, which was carried out in Sprague–Dawley rats

with normal blood pressure, provided scientific evidence for
the use of the breadfruit in the treatment of hypertension.

It was a collaborative research involving Nigerian-born

experts such as Chukwuemeka R. Nwokocha and Daniel U.
Owu and their foreign counterparts at University of the West
Indies.

Moreover, Nigerian researchers have found that extracts of

African breadfruit could be the next best natural sedative
126
without side effects, thereby making it useful in the treatment
of mental illness. This study was published recently in
Ethnobotanical Leaflets entitled “Central Nervous System
Depressant Properties of Treculia Africana Decne.”

The researchers from the Faculties of Pharmacy Niger Delta

University, Bayelsa State and Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife, Osun State were A. O. Aderibigbe, I. O. Adeyemi and
O. I. Agboola.

They found that the crude extract possessed sedative effects,

which may be through increase in the activity of GABA in the
brain.

GABA is Gama amino butyric acid, and is an inhibitory

neurotransmitter that is essential for the proper functioning
of the brain and the central nervous system, and has the
effect of reducing excessive brain activity and promoting a
state of calm.

The researchers, who set out to verify the claim by local

herbalists that the plant was useful for the treatment of
mental illness wrote, “The crude extract possessed sedative
effect, which may be through increase in the activity of GABA
in the brain.”

In addition, researchers advocate African breadfruits for

diabetics. According to researchers at the Departments of
Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences,
University of Calabar, who conducted a study using a
breadfruit seed diet on rats, found that it significantly lowered

127
blood lipid levels and blood glucose levels in these rats
compared to rats fed on normal diet.

Many people take advantage of leaves of this breadfruit

variety to cope with various health problems. Taiwan society
has traditionally used the roots and stems for the treatment
of heart disease and hypertension. In the West Indies, the
yellowing leaf is brewed into tea and taken to reduce high
blood pressure and to relieve asthma.

In addition to lowering blood cholesterol levels, some people

are making it as a solution to save the kidney and ensure the
daily routine is still running. To treat kidney disease,
breadfruit leaves and drink boiled enough water every day on
a regular basis.

Breadfruit tree preparation has also been studied to treat

taeniasis (a digestive tract infection caused by tapeworms)
diabetes, sore eyes, sciatica, enlarged spleen, skin infections,
boils, burns, fractures, gout, and rheumatism.

Leaf extracts of the breadfruit tree have been used to treat

toothaches and diarrhoea. Crushed leaves are commonly
used to treat skin ailments and fungus diseases such as
‘thrush’.

Diluted latex is taken internally to treat diarrhoea, stomach-

aches, and dysentery. The sap from the crushed stems of
leaves is used to treat ear infections or sore eyes. The root
when macerated is used as a poultice for skin ailments. The
bark is also used to treat headaches in several islands.

128
The nutritional value of breadfruit is undeniable. Along with
rich amounts of energy, breadfruit also contains high
amounts of fibre. Research revealed that fibre helps in
reducing the triglycerides and bad cholesterol levels, thus
increasing the consumption of breadfruit lowers bad
cholesterol levels and increases good cholesterol levels. In
this way this fruit is protecting the body from heart attacks
and heart diseases.

Research studies reveal that the fibre present in breadfruit

can reduce glucose absorption from the food we consume, so
making it helpful in controlling diabetes. It also helps in
efficient functioning of intestines and bowels because its
consumption can regulate bowel movements and the clearing
of the built up waste from the intestines, thus making it
protective against colon cancer.

It contains good amounts of thiamine, vitamin C, niacin,

riboflavin, phosphorous and iron. These vitamins and
minerals offer essential nutrients to the body.

Breadfruit is also made in the form of flour which is richer in

lysine and many other essential amino acids. It is healthier
than wheat flour and helpful for the body’s growth and
development.

129
130
 Bitter melon
promises solution
to cancer, stress

Scientists, in a new study, have said that bitter melon juice

may help to prevent the development of pancreatic cancer by
cutting off the fuel supply to cancerous cells.

In a study performed in mouse models and on human cells in

the laboratory, they found that bitter melon juice restricts the
ability of pancreatic cancer cells to break down glucose,
therefore cutting off the cells’ energy supply and eventually
killing the cancer.

Writing in the journal Carcinogenesis, the researchers said

their results demonstrate that bitter melon juice, rather than
an extract offer ‘exciting’ cancer promise.

Momordica charantia is commonly called Bitter melon,

African Cucumber or Bitter gourd. In Nigeria, bitter melon is
called daddagu in Hausa; iliahia in Igala; akban ndene in Igbo
(Ibuzo in Delta State); or akara aj, ejinrin nla, ejinrin weeri,
ejirin-weewe or igbole aja in Yoruba. It looks like a hideous,
light green cucumber and it tastes very bitter. There are two
varieties of this vegetable.
131
Apart from being eaten mainly as vegetable, it is particularly
reputed as a folk medicine due to its therapeutic properties.
Aside this, it has numerous vital vitamins and minerals
including vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, Iron,
Calcium, Phosphorous, Copper and Potassium.

Previously, researchers indicated that daily consumption of

an antioxidant-rich melon extract may lower cholesterol
levels and prevent hardening of the arteries.

According to findings published in Nutrition, Metabolism and

Cardiovascular Diseases, they stated that consumption of the
commercially-available extract Extramel, in combination with
a high-fat diet was associated with a reduction in levels of bad
cholesterol, compared to animals fed only the high-fat diet.

The study was carried out in 60 hamsters. They were divided

into five groups. One group consumed a standard diet, while
the other four consumed a high-fat diet supplemented with
one of four doses of Extramel – 0, 0.7, 2.8, or 5.6 mg per day.
Hamsters were used because their development of
atherosclerosis is similar to humans.

After 12 weeks, the highest dose of the melon-extract was

associated with a 48 per cent reduction in total plasma
cholesterol, and a 53 per cent reduction in non-HDL
cholesterol, compared to the high-fat diet only group.

Previously, researchers stated in the journal Nutrition that a

daily intake of bitter melon because of its antioxidant content
may ease stress and fatigue.

132
In addition, daily consumption of an antioxidant-rich melon
extract also prevents obesity. According to a finding
published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,
the bitter melon extract prevent obesity in high-fat fed
hamsters. It decreased body weight, abdominal fat and
cholesterol. It stimulated liver for secretion of bile juices that
are very essential for metabolism of fats.

The bitter gourd is particularly used as a remedy for diabetes

because of its blood sugar lowering action. It contains insulin-
like peptides, alkaloids and charantin, all of which act
together to lower blood and urine sugar levels without
increasing blood insulin levels.

In January 2011, the results of a four-week clinical trial were

published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, which
showed that a 2,000 mg daily dose of bitter melon
significantly reduced blood glucose levels among patients
with type 2 diabetes, although the hypoglycaemic effect was
less than a 1,000 mg/day dose of metformin.

In folkloric medicine, its juice is used in the treatment of blood

disorders like blood boils and itching due to blood poisoning
because of its blood-purifying properties.

A glass of bitter gourd juice in the morning can help to

strengthen the immune system and increase the body’s
fighting power against infection. Researchers hypothesize
that bitter melon is as an immunomodulator. One clinical trial
found limited evidence that bitter melon might improve
immune cell function in people with cancer.
133
Bitter melon for high blood pressure can also be used
effectively as they are rich in an amino acid known as
citrulline that helps increase the nitric oxide and vitamin C.
This can quickly get rid of the active oxygen, enabling the
nitric oxide to remain longer in the blood vessels.

In addition, researchers from Saint Louis University in the US

said they have shown that an extract from bitter melon can
kill breast cancer cells and prevent them from growing and
spreading.

Bitter melon is used as a folk medicine in Togo to treat

gastrointestinal diseases, and extracts have shown activity in
vitro against the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. In
Togo, the plant is traditionally used against viral diseases
such as chickenpox and measles.

According to a study published in British Journal of

Pharmacology, bitter melon may offer alternative dietary
strategies to decrease opportunistic infections and improve
quality of life in People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

134
135
 African star apple
tree offers cure
for anaemia

Scientists have found that African star apple (Chrysophyllum

albidum) may stimulate increased production of red blood
cell, thereby reversing low blood volume.

The research, performed in animals, observed a significant

increase in red blood cells (RBC) counts, Haemoglobin (Hb)
concentration and pack cell volume (PCV) within three days
of treatment with extracts made from the stem bark of
African star apple tree.

Writing in the African Journal of Biomedical Research, the

researchers said African star apple stem bark might have
directly stimulated increased production of red blood cell
precursors thereby reversing the anaemic condition.

Anaemia is a condition in which a person’s blood has a lower

than normal number of red blood cells (RBCs), or the RBCs
don’t have enough haemoglobin. Haemoglobin—an iron-rich
protein that gives the red colour to blood—carries oxygen
from the lungs to the rest of the body. In people with
anaemia, the blood does not carry enough oxygen to the rest
136
of the body.

As a result, people with anaemia feel tired and have some

symptoms, because their bodies are not receiving enough
oxygen. In severe or prolonged cases of anaemia, lack of
oxygen in the blood can cause serious and sometimes fatal
damage to the heart and other organs of the body.

The study, entitled “Effect of Methanolic Extract of

Chrysophyllum albidum Bark on Haematological Indices in
Mice with Experimental Hemorrhagic Anaemia”, was carried
out by Adewoye E.O, and Salami A.T from the Department of
Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan in
collaboration with Emikpe B.O also from the Department of
Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan.

The researchers wrote: “The increase in the blood indices

was progressive, giving a notable effect on the seventh day of
treatment. Under normal condition, the body generates new
red blood cells (RBCs) to replace the lost red cells and this
process takes a much longer time.”

They suggested that the quick attainment of normal red

blood count in the tested animals could well be an indication
of accelerated red blood cell production occurring as a result
of African star apple treatment.

According to them, it might also be possible that the

methanoic extract of the stem of African star apple tree has
the ability to balance between the rate of destruction and
production of blood cells as evident in the increased RBC

137
count.

The increased haematological parameters observed in

anaemic mice treated with African star apple, the researchers
stated, could be a result of the flavonoid’s presence in the
plant while the tannin content might have been responsible
for the increase in body weight of the animals.

African star apple is a common plant in the tropical Central,

East and West Africa region. Its fruit, commonly called
‘Agbalumo’ in Yoruba land, is widely consumed and its plant
parts are vastly utilised.

The fruit has been found to have the highest content of

ascorbic acid per 100g of edible fruit or about 100 times that
of orange and 10 times that of guava or cashew. It has also
been reported to be an excellent source of vitamins, iron and
food flavours.

The stem bark is used as remedy for yellow fever and malaria,
while the leaves are used as emollients and for the treatment
of skin eruptions, diarrhoea and stomach-ache.

75 Swiss albino male mice were used for this study. The
animals were divided into five groups of 15 animals each. All
treatments were administered orally. On the third and
seventh day of the experiments, the animals had a complete
blood count test on their blood samples.

But anaemia is claimed to have been successfully treated with

common herbs by traditional medicine practitioners. Some of

138
these herbs have been documented. For instance, an ethno
botanical investigation of herbs used traditionally for the
treatment of anaemia in the South-West revealed 10
common herbs that can be used in different forms, both to
treat and prevent anaemia.

The exploration, which was published in the 2012 edition of

the European Journal of Medicinal Plants, was entitled
“Nutritional Composition of 10 Ethno Botanicals Used for the
Treatment of Anaemia in Southwest Nigeria.”

It was carried out by I. T. Gbadamosi and A. O.Yekini from the

Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, in
collaboration with Professor J. O. Moody from the
Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Ibadan,
Ibadan, Nigeria.

Herbs found to be helpful in the prevention and treatment of

anaemia included Parquetina nigrescens, Sorghum bicolor,
Terminalia catappa, Trema orientalis, Mangifera indica,
Waltheria indica, Theobroma cacao, Harungana
madagascariensis, Tetracera alnifolia and Detarium
microcarpum.

Mangifera indica is mango tree. Terminalia catappa is Indian

almond in English, mbansan mbakara in Efik and afara tree in
Yoruba. Parquetina nigrescens is kwankwanin in Hausa,
mgbidim gbe in Igbo, otonta in Igbo, ewedu in Yoruba, inuwu
elepe in Yoruba (Ife). Harungana madagascariensis is ayin in
Yoruba, marike in Hausa and atara in Ibo.

139
Tetracera alnifolia is opon tree in Yoruba. Waltheria indica is
Ewe epo in Yoruba and ‘hankufah’ or ‘hankubah’ in Hausa.
Theobroma cacao is called cocoa tree. Trema orientalis is
called afere tree in Yoruba. Parquetina nigrescens is called
ewe ogbo in Yoruba.

Sorghum bicolor is called oka baba in Yoruba; Harungana

madagascariensis is called amuje in Yoruba and Detarium
microcarpum is called arira in Yoruba. Parquetina nigrescens
is kwankwanin in Hausa, mgbidim gbe in Igbo, otonta in Igbo
(Asaba), ewidun in Yoruba, inuwu elepe in Yoruba (Ife).

The informal ethno botanical investigation that had female

herb-sellers in three local herbal markets in Ibadan as its
respondents, revealed the different ways the herbs are used
in the treatment of anaemia.

Preparation of decoction from plant materials formed the

most common method of preparation in remedies for
anaemia. They found that the barks of Detarium
microcarpum and Harungana maadagascariensis were cut
into pieces, dried and ground into powder. One teaspoonful of
the powder was taken with hot pap once daily.

Another preparation entails boiling the leaves of Sorghum

bicolor and the bark of cacao tree in water and taken 250
mililitres of the preparation twice daily. The leaves of
Parquentina nigrescens should be squeezed with water and
150 mililitres of the juice should be taken twice daily.

The respondents indicated that waltheria indica leaves

140
should be squeezed with water and little honey could be
added. 150 mililitres of the preparation is to be taken once
daily. Another recipe entails drying and grinding into powder
the bark of mango tree and small quantity of Aframomum
melequeta fruits. One tablespoonful of the powder is taken
once daily.

The fallen leaves of Terminalia catappa and leaves of

Parquentina nigrescens are boiled in water.

250 mililitres of the juice is taken once daily. Similarly, the

bark of cacao tree is boiled with water and mixed with hot pap
as baby food.

141
142
 Cocoa useful in
managing diabetes

Diets rich in cocoa may help people with diabetes to regulate

insulin levels, according to new research.

A study by Cordero-Herrera et al. in the Molecular Nutrition &

Food Research journal analysed how epicatechin, a main
flavanol in cocoa abundant in dark chocolate, can impact
insulin levels.

Diabetics have high blood sugar because the pancreas does

not produce enough insulin, or because cells fail to respond to
the insulin that is produced.

The researchers concluded that “a diet rich in epicatechnin

and/or cocoa may be a potential chemopreventive tool useful
for the management of diabetes”.

“Our data suggest that epicatechin and cocoa phenolic

extract strengthen the insulin signalling by activating key
proteins of that pathway and regulating glucose production
through activated protein kinase and modulation in HepG2
cells.”
143
The study said that current medications to maintain long-
term glycemic control in most diabetics were inadequate and
cocoa may be the answer.

However, a dietician and charity Diabetes UK have warned

that the concentration of flavanols may be too low in
chocolate and the extra sugar, fat and calories from upping
dark chocolate consumption would outweigh any potential
benefits.

The researchers of the study analysed the impact of cocoa

polyphenol extracts containing epicatechin on hepatic HepG2
cells, liver tissues.

The concentration of epicatechin in the cocoa polyphenol

extract ranged from 13.2 nM to 132 nM.

The researchers found that insulin pathways and receptors

were improved when subjected to the extracts.

Previous research funded by Mars, found that cocoa flavanols

could boost brain functioning and said that the effect was
mainly mediated by an improvement in insulin sensitivity.

The study, published in the American Heart Association’s

journal Hypertension found that cognitive functioning,
including memory and processing speed, improved in elderly
study participants with mild cognitive impairment when
drinking a high flavanol cocoa drink daily.

According to the American Heart Association over six per cent

of people aged 70 plus develop mild cognitive impairment, a
144
condition involving memory loss that can progress to
dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers said that flavanols in cocoa products could

reduce the risk of dementia.

They suggest that flavanols may alter the brain structure and
function by protecting neurons responsible for memory from
injury. Flavanols may also help by improving blood flow.

In study, 90 elderly participants with mild cognitive

impairment were given one of three dairy-based cocoa
flavanol drinks for eight weeks: 990 milligrams (high), 520
mg (intermediate) or 45 mg (low).

They were told not to consume other sources of flavanols

from food and beverages during the trial period.

The researchers measured changes in cognitive function

through neuro-psychological tests of executive function,
working memory, short

145
146
 Common vegetable
may offer cure for
sleeplessness, anxiety
To many people in Lagos and its environ, all that they know
about tree spinach, commonly referred to as efo iyana ipaja is
that like other vegetables. However, its consumption is good
for health. No thought is given to the medicinal uses of its
leaves.

Commonly called tree spinach, efo iyana ipaja, or efo

Jerusalem (Yoruba), the medicinal values of Cnidoscolous
aconitifolius has increased its cultivation and popularity in
many parts of the country.

A wide variety of claims have been made for its medicinal

efficacy as a treatment for numerous ailments ranging from
its ability to strengthen fingernails and darken gray hair to a
cure for alcoholism, insomnia, gout, scorpion stings, memory
and vision impairment.

Does it provide relief for insomnia? Experts’ in a laboratory

assessment of the leaves of Cnidoscolous aconitifolius
suggested that it was an effective sedative largely owing to its
profound depression of central nervous system, by extension
147
useful in treating insomnia and anxiety in humans.

Most adults have experienced insomnia or sleeplessness at

one time or the other in their lives. Insomnia, or
sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder in which there is inability to
fall asleep or to stay asleep as long as desired. Experts have it
that between 30 and 50 per cent of the general population is
affected by insomnia, and 10 per cent have chronic insomnia.
In carrying out the study aimed at ascertaining the safety,
sedative and hypnotic effects of tree spinach, the researchers
tested the extracts of the plant on Swiss albino mice.

The 2012 study which was entitled “Sedative effect of

hydroalcholic leaf extracts of Cnidoscolous acontifolius” was
published in the International Journal of Applied Research in
Natural Products. It was carried out by Adebiyi O.A., Raji Y.
and Adebiyi O.O. from the College of Health Sciences, Osun
State University, Osogbo in collaboration with Ilesanmi O.R.
from Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy,
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Swiss albino mice were randomly allotted to three groups and

treated with tree spinach extract, salt water solution and
diazepam. They were observed for signs of toxicity and
mortality over a 72-hour period and subsequently for 14
days.

In preparing the Cnidoscolous acontifolius hydroalcholic leaf

extract (CAHLE), the collected leaves of tree spinach were air
dried, made into a powder and then extracted with methanol
and water over a 72-hour period.
148
They found that extracts of tree spinach at doses of 100
mg/kg and 200 mg/kg showed significantly better efficacy
compared to 1mg/kg of diazepam. The plant extract
significantly increased the onset of sleep in all treated mice
groups compared to normal saline and dsodium
pentobarbitone treated groups.

In fact, lower doses of the extract produced most significant

increases in sleeping time. Furthermore, the extract showed
greater potency than 1 mg/kg of diazepam, a known
sedative.

They wrote: “Although, the CAHLE prolonged sleep latency,

CAHLE at a dose of 100 mg/kg increased sleeping time by a
factor of 1.7 compared to normal saline-treated group. It also
increased the sleeping time at all other test doses compared to
normal saline and diazepam treated groups. This ability to
prolong barbiturate sleeping time further lends credence to the
fact that CAHLE is sedative in action and prolongs sleeping time.

“From this study, it can be concluded that CA extract has

sedative action, thus justifying its use among traditional
healers to treat insomnia.

“The potency of CAHLE makes it an important candidate for

further evaluation to isolate or identify important bioactive
constituents that may serve as template for the development
of new generation drugs for the management of insomnia
that afflict a significant percentage of the human population
among whom it is a cause of significant morbidity and loss of
work hours.
149
150
 Almond shell a potential
cure for ringworm,
skin problems

For many people, all there is to the Almond fruit is its fleshy
part. The shells and hulls are used as fuel, livestock feed and
as waste material.

Surprisingly, the shell is a rich source of chemical substances

that can be used to treat skin problems such as ring worm.

Ringworm is a common and highly infectious skin infection

that causes a ring-like red rash on the skin. The rash can
appear almost anywhere in the body, with the scalp, feet and
groin being common sites.

The condition, medically known as “tinea,” is not serious and

is usually easily treated using creams that could be bought at
the pharmacy. However, ringworm is highly contagious and
easily spread among people. Despite its name, it doesn’t have
anything to do with worms. It is an infection of the skin
caused by a fungus.

Ringworm is very common. It is estimated that between 10

and 20 per cent of people will have a fungal skin infection at

151
some point during their lifetime. People of all ages can be
affected by ringworm, but children are particularly
susceptible to it. Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) is most
common in children.

Most cases of ringworm are mild and can be treated using

antifungal cream. Ironically, scientists have found that
creams made with extracts of almond shells are efficacious in
treating fungal skin problems such as ringworm.

This was the finding of a study to ascertain the effectiveness

of chemical substances extracted from the hard shell of
almond against some common fungi and bacteria responsible
for skin disease, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, food
spoiling.

The 2012 study entitled, “Therapeutic and Antioxidant

Potential in the Shell Extract of Prunus Amygdalus against
Dermal Mycosis,” was documented in the July edition of the
journal, Medicinal Aromatic Plants.

The methanol extract was prepared from the powdered hard

shell of almond. It was tested against eight micro-organisms;
two bacteria, five fungi and Penicillium (yeast) isolated from
patients with tinea infections such as ringworm. These germs
include strains of E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus,
Aspergillus niger, Candida albican, Trichophyton rubrum,
Trichophyton mentagrophyte, Candida krusi and Penicillium.

According to the scientists, the efficacy of plant extracts was

comparable with standard antibiotics. Aside the extract

152
working effectively against fungi such as Candida albicans
and Fusarium species, they wrote that the “shell extract of
almond is potentially a good source of anti-microbial agent
which can be used in assisting primary health care in
Pakistan.”

The scientists, who found that the efficacy of this plant

extract was comparable with standard antibiotics for
treatment of fungal infections such as ringworm, declared
that the signs of ringworm would be completely removed
using this extract for 15 days.

They wrote: “The data and results obtained in this study

demonstrated that the use of shell extract of almond as a
nutraceuticals may reduce the risk of common environmental
microbial infections, particularly skin disease, cancer;
intestinal and respiratory action because of by its phenolic
compounds.”

Moreover, the scientists stated that further work would be

required to isolate and study the chemical constituents of the
extract made from the seed shell of almond which makes it
potent to achieve thishealth benefit.

Almonds are among the earliest cultivated foods in history.

And its health benefits include getting relief from
constipation, respiratory disorders, cough, heart disorders,
anaemia, impotency, and diabetes. It also helps in hair, skin
(psoriasis) and dental care.

Both sweet and bitter almonds are available. Usually, sweet

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almonds are edible while the bitter ones are used to make
almond oil. The oil is used as food flavour.

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