Benefits of Ogbono ( Irvingia gabonensis). Several studies have been carried out to ascertain the medicinal, nutritional and other benefits of Irvingia gabonensis. Anegbeh et al., (2003) agree that the Irvingia fruits are utilized both in modern and traditional medicine for treating several diseases.
Some benefits of ogbono include; Edible Purposes :
- Irvingia gabonensis fruit can be eaten as fresh fruit. The sweet pulp can be juiced or used for making smoothie, jelly, jam and wine. The seeds can be pressed for vegetable oil or margarine.
- The dried ogbono seeds can be ground and used for preparing ogbono soup , stew, Gabon chocolate and dika bread.
Anti-diabetic Properties :
- Diabetes has remained a challenging health condition that has caused the loss of several lives. Ngondi et al., (2005) agree that ogbono seed is capable of reducing fasting blood glucose levels in obese beings. The study showed that the aqueous extracts of leaf and bark of Irvingia gabonensis had more anti-diabetic activity than the ethanolic extracts.
- However, the researchers recommended further studies to determine the toxicity of Irvingia gabonensis leaf and bark extracts.
Analgesic Properties :
- Okolo et al., (1995) screened the water and ethanol extracts of the powdered stem bark to ascertain the analgesic effects of this fruit. The results were further compared with standard analgesic drugs. The study suggests that the water extract has analgesic effects similar to a narcotic analgesic.
- The ethanol extract might contain compounds that behave similarly like non-narcotic analgesic agents. The results of this study are the first pharmacological basis that supports the traditional use of Irvingia gabonensis as a pain remedy. The bark can be boiled and used for relieving tooth pain.
Medicinal Tablets Production : Ogbono contains sticky wax (mucilage) that is useful for making medicinal tablets. The wax acts as a binding agent during tablets production.
Lagos, Nigeria
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