Myrianthus Arboreus (Ujuju): Traditional Uses, Science-Backed Benefits, Evidence

Myrianthus arboreus, also called African breadfruit tree, Ujuju (Igbo) or Abo (Yoruba), is a plant traditionally used across West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, for food and health purposes. Across cultures, its leaves, fruits and extracts are believed to support immunity, metabolism, fertility, digestion and overall well-being.

Below are traditional uses, scientific insights and research links you can cite.

🔎 1. Traditional Uses Of Ujuju In African Medicine

Across communities in Nigeria, Ghana and the Congo Basin:

• People eat the leaves as leafy vegetable.
• Used traditionally for conditions like anaemia, gastritis and hypertension.
• Used traditionally to support women’s reproductive health and amenorrhoea (missed periods).

Believed to provide general strength and prevent weakness.

🧪 2. Science-Backed Benefits with Research Links

🍃 Antioxidant and Phytochemical Properties

A study says Aqueous leaf extract of Myrianthus arboreus contains phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties.
The research confirms presence of key phytochemicals — flavonoids, tannins, phenols — and demonstrates significant antioxidant activity helping scavenge harmful free radicals (1).

🧬 Reproductive Health Support (Lab Evidence)

Anther study indicates that leaf aqueous extract improves polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) conditions in rats. In the study, Myrianthus arboreus leaf extract improved PCOS-related infertility markers in female rats, providing experimental evidence for traditional use in women’s reproductive health (2).

🌱 Antioxidant Phenolic Content

In another study of Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Capacity in Myrianthus arboreus, researchers found that polyphenol compounds contribute to antioxidant effects. This supports traditional claims about protection from oxidative stress (3).

🥗 Fruit And Nutrition Research

A study published on European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, researchers examined the fruit pulp composition and found that Myrianthus arboreus fruit has carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fatty acids, suggesting nutritional value as a food source (4).

🐀 Research on Fertility and Hormonal Effects

Another study on Myrianthus arboreus and fertility indices in female rats showed improved sexual maturation and increased fertility indexes in animal models — giving scientific support for traditional infertility treatment claims (5).

🐭 Metabolic Health & Insulin Sensitivity (Animal Evidence)

Furthermore, another study says the plant improves insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet mice.

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This PubMed indexed research suggests Myrianthus arboreus extract may reduce inflammation and improve insulin response, hinting at usefulness in metabolic regulation (6).

🧠 3. Nutritional Value And Mineral Content

Also, an Assessment of proximate, mineral and anti-nutritional compositions of the plant confirmed that the leaves contain essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium and potassium, which support general health (7).

📌 Quick Summary of What Science Says About Myrianthus Arboreus (Ujuju)

Important Things To Note

✔ Scientific research in humans is limited — most studies are pre-clinical (lab/animal).
✔ Always consult a qualified health professional before using plant extracts for medicinal purposes.