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Importance Of Utazi Gongronema Latifolium And Nchuanwu Ocimum Gratissium
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In Southern part of Nigeria, the plant is called
“effinrin-nia†by the Yoruba,â€Nchuanwu†in Igbo, while in the Southern
part of Nigeria, the Hausa call it “Daidoyaâ€. (Effraim et al; 2002).
Nutritional importance of this plant centers on it’s usefulness as a
seasoning because of its aromatic flavor (C.N. Ezekwesili et at; 2004).
Nchuanwu in folk medicine, ocimum gratissimum is extensively used
throughout West Africa as a febrifuge, anti-malaria and anti-convulsant.
The leaf juice is used in the treatment of stomach pain and catarrh.
Oil from leaves have been found to posses antiseptics, anti-bacterial
and anti-fungal activities (Ezekwesile et al; 2004).
In the
coastal area of Nigeria, the plant is used in the treatment of epilepsy
(Osifo, 1992) high fever (Oliver 1980) and diarrhea (Oliver 1980 and
Sofoware 1993). While in the savannah areas decoctions of the leaves are
used to treat mental illness (Abdulrahman, 1992).
Nchuanwu is used
by the Ibos of Southern Nigeria in the management of the baby cord. It
is believed to keep the baby’s cord and wound surface sterile. It is
used in the treatment of fungal infections, fever, cold and catarrh
(Iwu, 1986).
They play quite significant role in our diets of the
population because they are major sources of essential macro nutrients,
micro nutrients and vitamins.
Due to their seasonal nature and high
moisture content, there is need therefore to develop an appropriate
technology for their preservation so as to guarantee their availability
all year round (Eze and Chibuzor 2008).
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]The research work was focused on the possible vitamin composition of Utazi (Gongronema latifolium) and Nchuanwu (Ocimum gratissimum) leaf juice. Here, it was only the vitamin A and C that were scientifically tested for. Where upon, it was discovered that Utazi had 1.14mglml of vitamin A and 34:61mg1 100m1 of vitamin C, while Nchuanwu had 2.14mglm1 of vitamin A and 30.76mg1 100m1 of vitamin C. From the result gotten, it shows that Utazi and Nchanwu are good sources of vitamin A and C, with high ... Continue reading---
