Prekese or Tetrapleura tetraplera is a native of west tropical Africa and belongs to the pea family. The fruits of the plant have a pungent aromatic odor due to which it also possesses insect repellent properties. It is primarily used as spices. It is used as medicinal plant primarily in Ghana, Nigeria and other African countries.
1. Wound Healing Properties
Wet fruit extract of the dry prekese has very good wound healing properties. Traditionally the aqueous extract from the fruit is used for healing which is proved scientifically too. However, the low concentration (200mg/ml) of the extract proved to be more efficient than when high concentration (2000mg/ml) extract was taken. The study was done at the University of Uyo. To have best effects always use the fruit extract in low concentration for healing wounds.
2. Convulsion Management
In traditional medicine, herbal mixture out of ingredients including stem, fruit, and leaves has a positive effect on treating convulsions. As per a study done at University of KwaZulu-Natal it was found that aqueous extract of the fruit contains anticonvulsant properties. It is also helpful for epilepsy patients in management and control of the condition. The fruit extract has the ability to slow down the nervous system.
3. Analgesic Properties
In the same study mentioned above, it was also found that Prekese contains strong analgesic properties. Due to this, the extract is often used to manage arthritis pain. It reduces inflammation in arthritis and rheumatism patients.
4. Fever & Enema
A person who is recovering from a medical condition is often asked to bathe with water soaked with whole fruit. This also gives fast relief from feverish conditions. Similar infusion also helps people suffering from constipation, enema, and emetic.
5. Flavonoids & Phenolic Acids
Prekese is rich in flavonoids which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These properties of the fruit help in the prevention of heart diseases. Phenolics extract of the fruit was found to be beneficial in prevention and control of hyperuricaemia. This is attributed to its phenolic acids and flavonoids content.
6. Diabetes
As per a study done on rats, it was found that Tetrapleura tetraptera or Uyayak is very beneficial in controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was also found that prekese fruit extract was beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels in both fasting and nonfasting conditions. It is primarily used in South Western Nigeria for the treatment of the condition as a folkloric medicine.
7. Mosquito Repellant
The fruit has a strong smell due to which it is often used as the mosquito repellant and is effective too. This property is attributed to the presence of essential oils in it.
8. Antimicrobial
Due to the antibacterial and antimicrobial property of the prekese, the fruit extract is used in making of soap. The soap does not only have medicinal benefits for skin but it also improves the hardness and the foaming.
9. Postpartum Care
Edeminang pod is used as an additive in the soup which is served to postpartum mother to avoid contraction. The pods are rich in potassium, iron, and calcium which are the three most important ingredients required for postpartum woman. The soup also helps in the production of milk in new mothers and helps to restore the lost blood. The
10. Gastrointestinal Disorders
The fruit extract is often used traditionally in curing problems like diarrhea, vomiting or stomach pain, Its uses in gastrointestinal-related ailments could be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals.
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Hypertension
The number of people living with hypertension high blood pressure is predicted to be 1.56 billion worldwide by 2025.The increasing prevalence of the condition is blamed on lifestyle and dietary factors, such as physical inactivity, alcohol and tobacco use, and a diet high in sodium – usually from processed and fatty foods.Prekese has been identified as a powerful medicinal plant for curing blood pressure.
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Weight loss
Prekese can be brewed to make Prekese tea which is used for weight loss. The Prekese drink has the ability to cleanse the extra fats in our bodies.
Source: Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5FM
