The health benefits of pepper fruit is plenty. and this is why it is an amazing fruit to consume whenever it is in season.
Pepper fruit is also known as Dennettia tripetala (D. tripetala) or West African pepper. It is a tropical fruit found in West Africa.
Indeed, Nigeria boasts of producing a large amount of this fruit. However, not everyone who consumes it in the West African region knows the benefits of pepper fruit.
It is a famous fruit in traditional medicine and culinary practices in the African region. Africans love pepper.
While there are identifiable health benefits of pepper fruit, it’s important to note that scientific research backing these claims is not much.
Here are some health benefits of pepper fruit, from traditional usage and some scientific studies:
1. Pepper Fruit Is Rich In Nutrients
Pepper fruit is a good source of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. These are important for overall health and well-being.
A study says pepper fruit is highly nutritious and rich in protein, carbohydrates, as well as the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E (1).
Also, the plant possesses phytochemicals that are really helpful to humans. We will provide all other way it helps in this article.
2. Pepper Fruit Contains Antimicrobial Properties
Pepper fruit has shown antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi, suggesting it may have potential as a natural antimicrobial agent.
According to a study, the essential oil and phenolic acid extract of pepper fruit can inhibit the growth of food-borne microorganisms (2).
Some of the microorganisms the study points are Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli.
3. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Some studies suggest that pepper fruit extracts may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in reducing inflammation-related conditions (3).
Different ailments, including heart diseases and cancer have been linked to chronic inflammation in the body.
Eating this fruit whenever it is in season will help lower risk of different ailments that are linked to inflammation.
4. Rich In Antioxidants
Also, there are different antioxidants in pepper fruit – flavonoids and ascorbic acid, saponin, tannins and glycosides among others.
Furthermore, these compounds can help protect you against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases (4).
5. Promotes Good Digestive Health
Traditionally, pepper fruit has been used to promote digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort such as bloating and indigestion.
A study says pepper fruit is rich in phytochemicals that promote digestive health.
Some studies showed it contains antiulcer properties such as flavonoids and alkaloids. (5)
6. Contains Anti-diabetic Effects
Preliminary studies on animals suggest that pepperfruit may have hypoglycemic effects and could be beneficial in managing diabetes (6).
However, further research is necessary to confirm these effects in humans.
7. Anti-ulcer Potential
Some animal studies indicate that pepper fruit extracts may have protective effects against ulcers.
Also, a study says it could be used in treatment of ulcer.
According to the study, the ethanol extract of pepper fruit seed has potent and dose-dependent anti-ulcer effect against aspirin-induced ulcer which could be attributed to its flavonoid content (7).
8. Antihypertensive Effects
Preliminary studies on animals suggest that pepper fruit extracts may have blood pressure-lowering effects, but human studies are lacking (8).
9. Pepper Fruit Lowers Cancer Risk With Anticancer Properties
Some research indicates that pepper fruit extracts may possess anticancer properties.
A study says it is helpful in the treatment of prostate cancer (9).
However, there is need for more studies to determine the potential benefits and mechanisms that offers that benefit.
10. Respiratory Health
Traditionally, people use pepper fruit to alleviate respiratory symptoms, such as coughs and colds, although scientific evidence is limited.
According to a study, roots of D. tripetala are used ethno-medicinally for the treatment of cough(10).
11. Anti-malarial Activity
Some studies suggest that pepper fruit extracts may have anti-malarial properties.
According to a study, the phyto chemical composition of Dennettia tripetala – alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides – offers antimalarial benefits.
12. Wound Healing
One of the other health benefits of pepper fruit is that, in traditional medicine, it works for wound treatment.
In fact, it brings healing to wound as a result of the flavonoid in it (11).
All an individual needs to do is to grind the seed and then add it as past on the surface of the wound.
Interestingly, it will begin to prevent infection from happening again in the wound. This also aids the healing process.
Also, this is why it is effective in treatment of stomach ulcer which is also a wound.
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Get the fruit and just snack on it, if you are want to try it for ulcer healing.
13. Pepper Fruit Offers Liver Protection
Preliminary studies on animals indicate that pepper fruit extracts may have hepatoprotective properties.
In fact, an animal study says the fruit protects the liver and kidney against damage (12).
14. Weight Management
Some traditional beliefs suggest that pepper fruit may have properties that aid in weight management, but scientific evidence is lacking in this regard.
However, we also know that the seed is rich in fibre and may help you feel full for long.
15. Pepper Fruit Boosts Heart Health
Some animal studies suggest that pepper fruit extracts may have cardioprotective effects, including potential cholesterol-lowering properties (13).
However, more research is necessary to confirm these effects in humans.
16. Anti-allergic Properties
Traditionally, people use this fruit to alleviate allergies, but the is need for more research to back this claim.
17. Immune System Support
The presence of antioxidants in pepper fruit may contribute to supporting immune function.
Also, the fruit is rich in vitamin C and other vitamins that help boost your immune system.
18. Analgesic Properties
Pepper fruit extracts have been traditionally used for pain relief, and some studies suggest it may have analgesic properties.
A study say the essential oil of the fruits possesses analgesic effects as great as that induced by the powerful opioid morphine as well as aspirin and indomethacin.
This oil also relieved inflammation in rodents with edema to levels comparable with that of dexamethasone (14).
19. Traditional Uses And Benefits of Pepper Fruit
In traditional medicine, pepper fruit serves various purposes, including the treatment of toothache, rheumatism, and menstrual pain.
However, more scientific evidences are necessary to back these claims.
20. Culinary Uses
One of the other benefits of pepper fruit is that it serves as a spice or flavouring agent in cooking.
Basically, it adds a unique taste and aroma to dishes.