Bitter leaf is a traditional
ingredient in many African
soups. Also known as Vernonia
amydalia, its bitter taste makes it
distinct from many other
ingredients used for preparing
soups. Recent studies indicate
that eating more of Bitter leaf
also called ‘Ewuro’ in Yoruba.
‘Onugbu’ in Igbo, and ‘Shiwaka’
in Hausas, has many potentials
health benefits.
Treat diabetes:
Bitter leaf does not only reduce
the blood sugar level drastically,
it also helps to repair the
pancreas. Squeeze 10 handfuls
of the fresh leaves in 10 litres of
water and take two glasses
thrice daily. Some people take a
handful of bitter leaf and eat it
too.
According to a study published
in the Journal of Pharmacy &
Bioresources, researchers at the
University of Jos, stated that the
crude chloroform extract of the
leaves of Bitter leaf has an anti-
diabetic effect in rats with
diabetes mellitus (Type 2
diabetes) under laboratory
conditions.
Similarly, researchers writing in
the Medical Journal of Islamic
World Academy of Sciences said
that the administration of
aqueous extract of bitter leaf at
a concentration of 500 mg/kg of
body weight significantly
decreased the level of blood
glucose. Its efficacy to lower
blood glucose level was
comparable with that of
chlorpropamide, a standard drug
used in the management of
diabetes.”
Indeed, a Bitter leaf-based herbal
anti-diabetic medication has
passed human clinical trials and
received a United States Patent
6531461 for the treatment of
diabetes far back as 2008.
Ward off heart attack, stroke:
Regular consumption of
vegetables such as Vernonia
amygdalina (bitter leaf) and
Telfairia occidentalis (Ugwu) can
help to regulate the blood’s
cholesterol level, a risk factor for
heart attack and stroke.
This build-up of cholesterol and
other substances called plaque,
can narrow the artery like a
clogged drain, leading to
arteriosclerosis, or hardening of
the arteries. Over time, this
causes heart attack.
The 2011 study published in the
African Journal of Biochemistry
Research showed that the
treatment with bitter leaf and
ugwu diets led to a significant
increase in serum good
cholesterol (HDL-C), showing their
protective role in conditions that
affect the heart and blood
vessels such as heart attack.
Treat stomach ache
In cases of constipation, stomach
ache and inflammation of the
stomach, bitter leaf is a remedy.
Chew the tender stem of the
plant like a chewing stick and
swallow the bitterness or extract
the juice and add a pinch of salt
to three tablespoons for
immediate relief.
Prevent malaria
Bitter leaf has been widely used
and recognised for its efficacy in
preventing malaria. The raw
leaves are plucked and washed
before being squeezed to extract
the juice. Drinking the juice alone
is an antidote for malaria.
Scientists in a study of the
antimalarial activities of the
aqueous and ethanolic crude
extracts of bitter leaves, found
that under laboratory conditions,
extracts of bitter leaf made from
water and ethanol showed
moderate antimalarial activity
and a negligible level of toxicity
in the test animals–rats.
In the 2011 edition of the
Science World Journal study, the
ethanol extract of bitter leave
showed the highest antimalarial
activity of 78.1 per cent. The
water extract had the malaria
parasite growth inhibition of
74.0 per cent.
In addition, another 2008 study
documented in the journal
African Health Sciences the
potential use of bitter leaf in
reversing chloroquine resistance
when used as an adjuvant with
chloroquine.
Prevent toothache
Researchers in 2005 edition of
the African Journal of Traditional,
Complementary and Alternative
Medicines say that chewing the
stem of Bitterleaf helps to
prevent Gingivitis (a tooth-gum
problem) and toothache due to
its proven antimicrobial activity
says. Whilst the bitter taste may
make it unappealing to many
people for everyday use, a
person with embarrassing
gingivitis or toothache may
benefit from using it.
Treat skin infections
Common skin diseases such as
ringworm, eczema and others
have been successfully treated
with bitter leaf because of its
antimicrobial effect.
In many communities,
individuals squeeze and paste
bitter leaf regularly on the
affected portion of the skin,
coupled with the drinking of the
fresh bitter leaf juice. This clear
the skin diseases in no time.
Supports healthy liver
Bitter leaf protects the liver from
drug induced damage. A study
published in Journal of Medicinal
Food suggests that Bitter leaf
elicits protection against liver
damage through its antioxidant
(prevents cell death) activity on
acetaminophen-induced hepatic
damage in mice.
Inhibits breast cancer
The results of a study by
Professor Ernest B. Izevbigie
suggest that Bitter leaf, if
incorporated in the diet, can
slow cancer growth and even kill
cancer cells. Simply squeeze the
flesh leaves in water and take a
glassful four times daily.
Hastening childbirth
The aqueous extract of Bitter
leaf can help in inducing labour.
Ugandan researchers studying
the use of Bitter leaf herbal
remedies in stimulating
childbirth traditionally in rats
found that the water extract of
the plant showed marked rat
uterine stimulation (oxytocic).
This is an indication that Bitter
leaf can hasten childbirth or
cause abortion if used in
preterm pregnancy.
In Malawi, ethnobotanical survey
found that the dried bark of
Bitter leaf is used to improve
contractions of the womb during
childbirth.
As worm expeller
Wild chimpanzees in Tanzania
eat bitterleaf to get rid of worms
and other parasite diseases.
Stop bleeding
Where there is no medical help,
blood oozing from fresh wound
can be stopped by squeezing
fresh, green bitter leaves and
dropping it on the wound.
Protects prostate from damage
A study published in Health
Inequalities Hub indicated that
extract of bitter leaf can help to
combat the adverse effects of
diabetes on the testes of male
rats.

Wonderful!
Instead of drinking yoyo bitters, drink this.highly medicinal

This is a good research. Thanks

hm, interesting

Telfaria occidentalis is commonly called Ugu in most parts of Nigeria with different parts of the plant being employed for various disease conditions ranging from convusion, Anaemia and Malaria. The acids, vitamins and minerals http://www.joeyarticles.com/telfaria-occidentalis-scientific-classification-cucurbitaceae-family/