Gongronema Latifolium
Utazi / Arokeke
Gongronema latifolium known as utazi in Igbo language and arokeke in Yoruba language
It belongs to the class of medicinal plants that are beneficial in preventing and treating certain diseases and ailments that are detrimental to human health. Gongronema latifolium leaf can be chewed, infused or used for cooking.
And mainly used in the Western part of Africa for nutritional and medicinal reasons.
Culinary uses: used as a spice and vegetable to garnish some special local delicacies, such as Isiewu, nkwobi, abacha/ugba (African salad) ofe nsala (white soup), unripe plantain porridge, etc because of its sharp-bitter and sweet taste
Medicinal uses: An infusion or decoction of the whole plant (the leaves and stems) is used in the home treatment of: Digestive problems, such as loss of appetite, dyspepsia, colic and stomach-ache, constipation, dysentery and intestinal worms.
To lower blood sugar levels and high blood pressure in diabetic and hypertensive patients, respectively. To cleanse the womb and treat abdominal pain after childbirth
To prevent liver damage associated with alcoholism and viral hepatitis. Helpful in treating malaria, to relieve cough, wheezing and asthmatic attacks