Add spice to your life with this African pepper

 

Aframomum melegueta is a plant that has been studied for its potential health benefits. The essential oil and some of its components, such as paradol, gingerol, and shagaol, have been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The plant extract has also been found to be lethal to snail hosts of schistosomes and has positive activity in a cytotoxicity assay.

 

Studies on rats have shown that Aframomum melegueta can modify sexual behavior in male rats by increasing sexual arousal, increasing penile erection index, and enhancing orientation towards females. Additionally, Aframomum melegueta has been shown to have potential as a dietary supplement or spice for foods and as a potential source of new medicines for a variety of diseases, including inflammation, infections, and central nervous system disorders.

Some studies suggest that the selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzyme by Aframomum constituents may be indicative of more tolerable anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds than most conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The phenolic component has been shown to possess a significant antiglycation and antioxidant effect, which may be useful in its application as a dietary supplement.

Aframomum melegueta has been identified as a potential source of new medicines for a variety of diseases, including inflammation, infections, and central nervous system disorders. The potential benefits of this plant have been demonstrated in studies conducted on animals. However, further studies are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of Aframomum melegueta for humans.

Aframomum melegueta is considered a safe herbal supplement, and no human toxicity or allergic reaction has been reported. A subchronic toxicity study conducted on rats showed a dose-related increase in absolute and relative liver weights in males and females dosed with 450 and 1500 mg/kg, respectively. At the same doses, there was a significant decrease in blood glucose in males. Nevertheless, further research is required to understand the potential risks and benefits of using Aframomum melegueta as a supplement.

Sources:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425148/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296340/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/
• Kim, Y., Keogh, J., & Clifton, P. (2016). Grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta): a review of its effects on the regulation of appetite and energy expenditure. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 56(13), 2117-2127.
• Li, X., Li, Y., Lu, J., Li, M., Liang, Y., & Zheng, X. (2019). Chemical composition, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil from grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta K. Schum). Natural product research, 33(23), 3394-3397.
• Singh, G., Maurya, S., & de Lampasona, M. P. (2005). Chemical and biocidal investigations on essential oils of some Indian Curcuma species. Progress in Crystal Growth and Characterization of Materials, 51(2-4), 173-179.