6 Health benefits of African leaves that are not to be missed: uses, side effects, interactions

African leaves or Vernonia amygdalina is an herbal plant that is popularly used as a traditional medicine in western Africa, especially in Nigeria. Indeed, what are the benefits of African leaves for health?

Information on the nutritional value of African leaves

Vernonia amygdalina

Summarized from various studies, Vernonia amygdalina leaves are a fairly high source of protein, fiber (water insoluble type), and healthy fats. In addition, African leaves are enriched with a number of other important minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and sodium. These leaves also contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B complex which can help meet the body's daily needs.

The benefits of African leaves for body health

African leaves have many health benefits that are not known to many people. Among them:

1. Lowering cholesterol

According to the Journal of Vascular Health and Risk Management, African leaves are believed to reduce levels of bad LDL cholesterol in the blood by up to 50 percent and increase good cholesterol levels. Increasing HDL cholesterol is the biggest risk factor for heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Meanwhile, good HDL cholesterol levels actually help maintain heart health and other body functions.

Even so, the findings of these studies are still limited to the results of experiments on lab rats. So far, there is no strong research evidence regarding the benefits of African leaves for lowering cholesterol in humans. However, it doesn't hurt to try, right? (As long as you consult your doctor first, yes!)

2. Helping cancer treatment

African leaf extract has been shown to reduce excess estrogen levels in the blood which is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. That is why African leaves are believed to help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

These findings also suggest that the leaves may aid recovery during breast cancer treatment. In a study belonging to Jackson State University, African leaves can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. In other studies the leaf extract was shown to kill cancer cells in the nose and throat area.

3. Prevent heart disease

African leaves contain linolenic acid (omega 3) and linoleic acid (omega 6) which are very important for the body, but are not produced in the body. Based on a study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adequate intake of omega-3 and omega-6 can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

A 2009 study published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design reports that these two fatty acids have been shown to protect against coronary heart disease, sudden cardiac arrest, heart failure, blood clotting disorders, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, and are anti-inflammatory (to fight injury, irritation). or infection). In addition, omega 3 fatty acids are able to control rheumatism and provide protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Relieves the symptoms of malaria fever

African leaf juice has been used for centuries to treat malarial fever. In a clinical trial in Africa, fresh African leaf extract was shown to be 67% effective in reducing fever and mild malaria. However, you can't just rely on these leaves to cure malaria. You still need a doctor's care.

5. Contains antioxidants

Vernonia amygdalina is a plant that is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants themselves function to protect against cell damage due to oxidative stress from exposure to free radicals. Antioxidants help reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, aging, diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, autoimmune diseases, and other generative diseases.

6. Helping diabetes treatment

In the region of its native habitat, African leaves are widely used for alternative diabetes treatment in addition to major medical therapies.

This leaf extract contains active substances such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols which are useful for lowering blood glucose after meals. The ethanol extract present in African leaves can also reduce overall blood sugar levels. Studies conducted on animals show that these leaves lower blood glucose by up to 50% compared to untreated diabetic animals.

Do not carelessly consume African leaves without consulting first

Apart from those mentioned above, African leaves still have a myriad of other benefits such as helping to maintain immunity to treating intestinal worms. However, keep in mind that consumption of African leaves is not intended as a primary treatment.

Scientific evidence to support the claim of the benefits of African leaves for treating various chronic diseases is still lacking. Most of the findings above are still preliminary in nature because they are made only based on laboratory tests on lab animals, not yet proven in humans.

Tell your doctor first if you intend to consume African leaves while undergoing any treatment related to your condition. Herbal medicines should not be taken carelessly because each person's reaction to medicines can be different from one another. Even though you have the same complaints, it is not certain that herbal remedies that turn out to be suitable for you will provide the same properties to your child or neighbor.

Because of that herbal medicine should only be consumed to maintain health, recovery of disease, or reduce the risk of disease - not to cure it. To cure the disease, a doctor's prescription is still needed.