Anti-inflammatory and Hypoglycaemic Effects of Tetrapleura Tetraptera.

The fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) [Fabaceae] is frequently used in Tropical African traditional medicine for the management and/or control of an array of human ailments, including arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, asthma, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, epilepsy, schistosomiasis, and so on. The present study was undertaken to examine the anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Taub) fruit aqueous extract in rats. Fresh egg albumin-induced pedal oedema and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus were used as experimental test models of inflammation and diabetes.

Tetrapleura tetraptera is a species of flowering plant in the pea family native to Western Africa. The plant is called Prekese (or, more correctly, Prɛkɛsɛ) in the Twi language of Ghana. It is also called Uhio (Uhiokrihio) in the Igbo Language of Nigeria,

The tree has many uses. Its sweet fragrance is highly valued. The fruit is conventionally used as spice and as a natural multivitamins. It is rich in protein, lipids, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and vitamin C. In Nigeria, it is cooked in soup and fed to mothers to prevent post-partum contraction. In Ghana, prekese has been used to flavor soft drinks. The major constituents are Tannins, flavonoids and starch.

In West Africa, the plant Tetrapleura tetraptera (locally known as Aridan) is used as a spice, a medicine and as a dietary supplement rich in vitamins. It is mostly found in Ghana in the West Africa. it is used to prepare palm nut soup because of it medicinal benefits.

Below are 5 health benefits of Prekese:

1. Diabetes

Prekese Fruit Juice

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.

2. Fever And 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.

3. Mosquito Repellent

The fruit has a strong smell due to which it is often used as the mosquito repellent and is effective too. This property is attributed to the presence of essential oils in it.

4. Pospartum 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.

5. 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.