Aidan fruit (Tetrapleura tetraptera) is a species of flowering plant in the pea family native to Western Africa. The plant is called Prekese (or, more correctly, Prɛkɛsɛ aka Soup Perfume) in the Twi language of Ghana. It is also called Uhio (Uhiokrihio) in the Igbo Language of Nigeria, The tree has many uses and we are going to list about 18 of them in the course of this article.
Aidan is very nutritious because it is full of essential phytochemicals and nutrients that are essential for our body. it’s also rich in iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and phenolic compounds.
Prekese also has about 234.42-379.48 g/cal of food energy, 7.44%-17.50% of crude protein and 4.98%-20.36% of crude lipid.
Now allow us to take a glance at the immense health benefits of prekese:
1. Control Diabetes:
According to a study conducted on rats, Tetrapleura tetraptera is useful for treating Type 2 DM. The fruit extract of prekese is claimed to lower glucose levels during fasting and non-fasting hours.
2. Acts As Mosquito Repellant:
The plant features a strong fragrance and is, therefore, acts as a mosquito repellant. The properties present in prekese are attributed to the essential oils present.
3. Postpartum Care:
The plant pod is employed as soup additive and is best served to postpartum mothers to stop contractions. The pods are said to be full of calcium, iron, and potassium. These three components are said to be important for postpartum woman. The prekese soup is claimed to supply milk in feeding mothers and restore lost blood.
4. Fever:
Prekese may be a great remedy when one is affected by cold. The simplest way to use the plant is to soak it in warm water. Bathe using the infused water. this is often said to greatly relief fever and blood heat. You can also do this when affected by enema, constipation, and emetic.
5. Wound Healing Properties:
The wet extract of the plant has wound-healing agents. consistent with a study done at Uyo University, the low concentration (200 mg /ml) is simpler than the upper concentration (200 mg/ml). So it’s recommendable to use the lower concentration of the plant to heal wounds.
6. Has Antibacterial Properties:
The plant contains antibacterial and microbial agents. Due to these properties, the extract of the plant is employed for creating soap. The soap can wont to heal skin diseases, inflammation and bacterial infection.
Apart from that, prekese also can add foam, fragrance, and harden the soap.
7. Contraceptive Properties:
The stem and bark of the prekese plant contains saponin and ethanol extract. These properties release an LH which is claimed to function as contraceptives.
8. Treats Leprosy:
According to a study, the Aidan plant is additionally used in leprosy treatment. The disease greatly affects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves which results in lumps and skin blemishes. The more serious leprosy cases also can cause mutilation and abnormalities.
9. Management Of Convulsion:
The stem, fruit, and leaves of the prekese are used for creating herbal concoction in folk medicine. This will help to manage convulsion. Studies reveal that the plant aqueous extract results in anticonvulsant activities and affects the central systema nervosum.
10. Anti-inflammatory Properties:
The plant extracts have anti-inflammatory agents and create an impression on several human pathogens, this will cause lowering body inflammation, arthritis, and rheumatoid pain.
11. Culinary Purposes:
The dried Taub plant has aromatic fragrance and is usually used as a spice for adding flavour to many dishes like white soup, meat pepper soup, kernel soup, and fish pepper soup. This spice is often either crushed or broken into small portions while cooking.
12. Treats Cardiovascular System:
Prekese is useful for the circulatory system due to its addition of essential phytochemicals. It also can be used for treating heart-related diseases.
13. Contain Molluscicidal Properties:
According to studies, the aqueous extracts of the leaves, stalk, stem, roots, and bark of the plant has molluscicidal agents. This reveals why it is a pesticide for treating pests. Prekese is usually used for gardening and planting flowers to urge obviate gastropod pests like slugs and snails.
14. Dermatological Care:
The prekese fruit is often dried in direct sunlight and blended into a fine powder. This extract is then used as an ingredient in soaps. It is a dermatological care product due to the presence of antibacterial and antimicrobial agents. The dried powdered extract is often used with other ingredients like palm nut oil and shea butter for external use.
15. Hypertension:
The stem and bark of the plant are often used for the treatment of hypertension. Studies reveal that the plant is useful for healing high vital sign and check oxidation levels of hypertension patients.
16. Supports Immune System:
The plant may be a rich source of vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. It helps in strengthening the system.
The presence of iron within the plant help in regeneration lost blood, zinc provides protection against a virus that results in tract infections, while potassium and calcium help in managing, preventing, and controlling muscle disorders and bone strengthening.
17. Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases:
The plant is often used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain thanks to its presence of phytochemicals.
18. Has Antibacterial Properties:
Studies suggest that the water extracts and alcohol presence of the plant can cause staphylococcus aureus. The presence of tannins and glycosides in prekese also can help in preventing bacterial growth.
How to Prepare Aridan or Prekese:
The prekese pods are often crushed and broken into small pieces to feature as a food flavouring. Additionally, the plant is often added to food during cooking and scooped out before serving. It’s essential to feature this spice to the food in order that it infuses well and provides an aromatic fragrance.
In herbal medicines the Aidan stem, root, leaves, bark, and pods are often mixed, boiled, squeezed, soaked, crushed, extracted, and made into concoctions.
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