Health Benefits Of Uziza [Piper Guineense]

Uziza leaf, piper guineense, is a popular leaf in the eastern part of Nigeria.

People from this region use it in soup preparation.

It is a medicinal plant that has wide application in African traditional medicine.

Basically, in this modern age, adding uziza to your soup boosts the nutrient and aroma.

The Yoruba tribe call it ‘Iyere’ while the Efik and Ibibio tribes call it ‘Etinkene’. Edo people refer to uziza as Ebe-ahinhi akpoke’.

‘Uziza soup’, is common in the eastern part of Nigeria. Often, they prefer to prepare the soup with palm nuts (banga).

However, many do not know the health benefits of uziza leaves or seeds.

Interestingly, researchers have different submissions on the medicinal use of uziza. These rely on the compounds in the leaf or seed.

A 2016 study says the major compounds are Monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and benzenoids (1).

To understand these compounds we found researches on the health benefits of Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.

1.      Monoterpenes In Uziza

In 2014, a study says monoterpenes belongs to the group of isoprenoids containing ten carbon atoms (2).

It is often present in most plants.

According to the study, both natural monoterpenes and their synthetic derivatives are rich in various pharmacological properties.

2.      Sesquiterpene

Also, sesquiterpene, on the other hand, has great potential in the treatment of some chronic diseases.

The compound is used as antimalarials and are responsible for a range of other effects.

Furthermore, the compound is great for the prevention of neurodegeneration, antimigraine activity, analgesic and sedative activities.

Also, sesquiterpene is also great for the treatment of ailments such as diarrhoea, flu and burns.

As a result of the presence of these compounds in Uziza, the leaves and seeds have great health benefits.

Not many people know that they can add the leaves to ogbono soup. It brings a different taste.

Health Benefits Of Uziza

1.      Uziza Antifungal Property

Fungal infection is one of the common infections among women.

Spicing up your soup with the leaf or juicing it could help ward off fungi infection.

Indeed, this is the function of monoterpenes in the pant (3).

According to the study, this compound has antifungal properties. Basically, it could be used for the treatment of Aspergillosis and Candidiasis.

Furthermore, the plat is potent against multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi.

The extracts of uziza are also active against the tested bacterial and fungal strains.

It can inhibit the replication of these bacterial and fungal strains.

Also, extracts from the fruit is effective against Enterobacter aerogenes, Candida albicans, Bacillus cereus, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis

2.      Antibacterial

From the above explanations, you could see that uziza is potent against some bacteria.

All you could do is add it to your soup or juice it and drink.

3.      Rich In Antioxidants

In 2019, a study found that Uziza leaf extracts could lower lipid peroxidation. This prevents inflammation and oxidative damage (4).

Inflammation and oxidative damage could also affect a woman’s fertility. But if you add this leaf to your diet, it will reduce effects of antibodies.

Furthermore, it is good for the treatment of dysentery.

4.      Uziza is Anticancer

The seeds and leaves are rich in antioxidants. this makes them able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

According to a study, the antioxidants in the plant effectively inhibit the growth of leukemia.

Also, it inhibits the growth of cancer cells in the pancreas colon and some other parts of the body (5).

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Also, a compound, myrcene, in uziza is anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

It is helpful in fighting cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

5.      Anti-inflammatory

Also, myrcene in uziza makes it a great anti-inflammatory agent.

Most importantly, if you have eaten uziza soup before you will notice that it gives this calm feeling in the stomach and even nerves afterwards.

This happens because of its anti-inflammatory property.

6.      Uziza Improves health Health

According to studies, uziza contains a compound that promotes relaxation of smooth muscle tissue.

For instance, carvacrol, is a form of phenolic compound that could lower blood pressure.

According to a research, this compound decreases heart rate with positive results in anesthetized rats (6).

7.       Lowers Ulcer Risk

In addition, some sesquiterpene lactones protect the gastric lining from ulcer development.

Ulcer is a common condition, but adding uziza to your diet could help your stomach heal faster.

8.      Fertility

Indeed, here is one very amazing benefit of Uziza. According to some studies, the plant is good for fertility.

Uziza extracts are useful in the treatment of fertility disorder.

According to study, the plant could stimulate sexual behaviour (7).

9.      Lungs Infection And Cough

Also, the fruits of uziza are remedies for lungs infection.

It could also be used for the treatment of cough.

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