Prekese or Tetrapleura Tetraplera is a native of west tropical Africa and belongs to the pea family. The fruits of the plant have a pungent aromatic odor, which also possesses insect repellent properties. It is primarily used as spices. It is used as a medicinal plant mainly in Nigeria and other African countries. Some of the top diseases for which it is used medicinally are inflammation, convulsions, skin ailments like leprosy, and rheumatoid pains. Uyayak, Edeminang, Osakirisa, Osho, Dawo, Ojewole, and Adewunmi are other names of Prekese.
Prekese is a rich source of antioxidants with a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. It also does have anti-inflammatory properties. Its leaves, bark, and above all, fruits contain medicinal properties.
Lets have a look at Top 11 Health Benefits of Prekese
1. Wound Healing Properties
Wet fruit extract of the dry Prekese has excellent wound healing properties. Traditionally, the aqueous extract from the fruit is used for healing, which is also proven scientifically. However, the extract’s low concentration (200mg/ml) proved more efficient than when the high concentration (2000mg/ml) extract was consumed. The study was done at the University of Uyo.
For the best effects, always use the fruit extract in low concentration for healing wounds.
2. Convulsion Management
In traditional medicine, an herbal mixture of ingredients, including stem, fruit, and leaves, has a positive effect on treating convulsions. As per a study done at University of KwaZulu-Natal it was found that aqueous extract of the fruit contains anticonvulsant properties. It is also helpful for epilepsy patients in managing and controlling the condition. The fruit extract can slow down the nervous system.
3. Analgesic Properties
In the same study mentioned above, it was also found that Prekese contains strong analgesic properties. Due to this, the extract is often used to manage arthritis pain. It reduces inflammation in arthritis and rheumatism patients.
4. Fever & Enema
A person recovering from a medical condition is often asked to bathe in a water-soaked with whole fruit. This also gives fast relief from feverish conditions. Similar infusion also helps people suffering from constipation, enema, and emetic.
5. Flavonoids & Phenolic Acids
Prekese is rich in flavonoids which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These properties of the fruit help in the prevention of heart diseases. Phenolics extract of the fruit was found to be beneficial in prevention and control of hyperuricaemia. This is attributed to its phenolic acids and flavonoid content.
6. Diabetes
As per a study done on rats, it was found that Tetrapleura tetraptera or Uyayak is very beneficial in controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was also found that Prekese fruit extract was beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels in both fasting and nonfasting conditions. It is primarily used in South Western Nigeria to treat the condition as a folkloric medicine.
7. Mosquito Repellant
The fruit has a strong smell, due to which it is often used as a mosquito repellant and is practical too. This property is attributed to the presence of essential oils in it.
8. Antimicrobial
Due to the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the prekese, the fruit extract is used in making soap. The soap does not only have medicinal benefits for the skin, but it also improves the hardness and the foaming.
9. Postpartum Care
Edeminang pod is an additive in the soup for postpartum mothers to avoid contraction. These pods are rich in calcium, potassium, and iron, the three most essential ingredients for the postpartum woman. The soup also helps produce milk in new mothers and helps restore the lost blood.
10. Gastrointestinal Disorders
Its use in gastrointestinal-related ailments could be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals. The fruit extract is often used to cure problems like diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain. We have discussed the phytochemicals present in prekese in the point below.
11. High in Nutritional Value
Prekese is rich in phytochemicals that goes a long way in keeping a person healthy. It is also rich in nutrients like –
- antioxidants
- calcium
- copper
- iron
- lipids
- magnesium
- phosphorous
- potassium
- protein
- sodium
- sugars
- vitamin C
- zinc
12. Good for Heart Health & Treatment of Cardiovascular System
Prekese is a dietary supplement that has been shown to improve heart health by promoting the development of healthy blood vessels. In particular, it helps to reduce inflammation and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Prekese is also known to increase endothelial function, which can be essential in protecting against cardiovascular disease. Prekese might help you decrease your risk for stroke, high cholesterol levels, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular problems. Aspirin-like compounds found in Prekese have been linked with reducing platelet aggregation, which can minimize the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes.
13. Boosts Immune System
Prekese can boost the immune system in several different ways. First, prekese is high in vitamin C, which helps to increase your body’s resistance to infections and fights against cancer cells. Additionally, prekese contains antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Prekese also has anti-inflammatory properties that can improve joint health and alleviate pain associated with arthritis or other conditions. Lastly, precision diets are high in fiber which helps keep you feeling full longer and reduces the likelihood of constipation or other gastrointestinal issues.
Prekese is often called a wonder fruit due to its immense medicinal properties and practical health benefits in curing many diseases.
Prekese FAQ
What does Prekese do for the body?
Some of the well-known benefits of Prekese are –
- Prevents post-partum contraction in new mothers
- Helps in preventing growth of bacteria
- Helps in some types of ulcers
- It is often used as anti-microbial
- It also helps in reducing hypertension
- Helps in maging asthma
- Aidan fruit also helps to promote proper blood flow
What is Prekese called in English?
Prekese is called Aidan fruit in English.
Can a pregnant woman take prekese?
No, Prekese, which is also popularly known as Aidan fruit, should not be taken by pregnant women at all costs. It can cause pregnancy loss or miscarriage due to preterm uterine contractions.
Is Prekese an immune booster?
Yes, Prekese is known for its immune-boosting properties. The Aidan fruit has high Flavonoid content that, makes it high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps it in boosting the immune system.