Description
Perennial
Bitter leaf is native to the eastern and western parts of Africa where it grows wild along water ways, in grassland and at the edges of forests.
It is a shrub or small tree up to 2 - 5m with elliptical green leaves up to 20cm. long.
Bitter leaf as the name implies is a bitter plant, whose leaf extracts, stems, and barks are used for culinary, medical, and curative purposes.
It likes direct sunlight and water in well-drained soil.
Culinary Uses
In many African countries the leaves are used as a staple vegetable in soups and stews.
Due to its bitterness the leaves are washed several times after which they are dried and used to prepare meat dishes.
Fresh Bitter leaf can be squeezed or blended like smoothies and drink as juice, you can boil it and drink as tea or add a little bit with other greens in your salad.
Consume by chewing the tender stem to release a bitter liquid.
Pound the fresh leaves in a mortar and press out the juice.
Add a pinch of salt to three tablespoons of the undiluted liquid and drink.
Here's a closer look at some of the potential health benefits of bitter leaf:
Digestive Health:
Aids Digestion:
Bitter leaf is believed to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and juices, which can help in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients effectively.
Promotes Healthy Gut:
It's a good source of fiber, which is crucial for gut health and can help prevent constipation and other digestive problems.
Mild Laxative Properties:
Some believe bitter leaf has mild laxative properties, which can aid in relieving digestive discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties:
Reduces Inflammation:
Bitter leaf possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may help manage inflammatory conditions.
Antimicrobial Effects:
Studies have indicated that extracts from bitter leaf may have antimicrobial properties, which could be valuable in combating certain infections.
Improves Skin Health:
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of bitter leaf can improve skin health by treating conditions like acne and rashes.
Medicinal Uses.
It is said that Bitter Leaf contains vitamin A, C, E, B1 and B12.
It is rich in quinine, a compound which has been demonstrated to cure malaria, clean the liver, lymphatic system, and lungs.
Bitter leaf can aid up metabolism to help one lose weight because of nutrients like zinc, iron, fiber, and carbohydrate contained in it.
The antioxidant in Bitter leaf contributes to positive gastric effects that provide protection from stomach ulcers.
The high levels of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids may help protect against prostate cancer.
By drinking a Bitter leaf solution at night before bed will bring on a calmness and relaxation that helps relieve insomnia.
Bitter Leaf may enhance fertility - a study in the International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine has shown that it may have a positive effect on sperm quality.
The generally high levels of vitamins and minerals in Bitter leaf are beneficial to overall health, so will be beneficial to a couple trying to conceive.
Fever – it contains flavonoids, which have powerful antioxidant effects that can help with treating high fevers.
It was historically used in traditional medicine for the treatment of the bacterial infection typhoid fever.
Diabetes - Research published in the International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences demonstrates that the presence of phytochemicals, vitamins, and other nutrients such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and ash are thought to act together to lower blood sugar levels.
Bitter leaf contains Vitamin C which is a great antioxidant mineral that plays a vital role in the body, including the maintenance of bones and teeth.
Osteoporosis -
it also contains traces of vitamin K which helps the body to maintain healthy bones and prevents the weakening of bone tissue.
Bitter leaf improves metabolic function – it contains Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, that plays an important role in the metabolism of lipids, amino acids, and glucose in the human body.
Thiamine is an important dietary supplement that helps to oxidize fatty acids.
Free radicals - Another nutrient in bitter leaf is vitamin E, which serves as an antioxidant
fighting against free radicals that have harmful effects on the body’s system.
Prominent phytochemicals in bitter leaf include vernodalin, vernolepin, vernonioside, vernomygdin, and others. Further research to ensure the conservation of the plant and the sustainability of practices associated with it is paramount.
Written and edited by . Eric Azibataram
Email us @.ericazibataram24@gmail.com
Contact us @.+2348158907496
Reference :
Abdulmalik O, Oladapo OO, Bolaji MO (2016) Effect of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina on atherosclerosis in rabbits. ARYA Atheroscler 12(1):35–40
PubMed
Abosi AO, Raseroka BH (2003) In vivo antimalarial activity of Vernonia amygdalina. Br J Biomed Sci 60(2):89–91. https://doi.org/10.1080/09674845.2003.11783680
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Achuba FI (2018) Role of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) extract in prevention of renal toxicity induced by crude petroleum contaminated diets in rats. Int J Vet Sci Med 6(2):172–177.
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