Medicinal plants play a significant role in human health as they make an awesome substitute for orthodox medicine. Olacaceae is one of such medicinal plants that is often used in folk medicine mostly for giving relief from inflammatory pain.
Pain is a discomfort feeling caused as a result of disease or injury. Olacaceae contains antinociceptive properties, which suggests its ability of blocking the detection of a painful stimulus caused by sensory neurons. Locally known as Ewe ifon, Olacaceae is originally from Africa and here are some amazing benefits of this valuable plant.
Benefits of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. (Olacaceae)
Treatment of Rheumatoid Pain
The leaves and stems of Olacaceae can be decocted and used for treating rheumatism and joint pains.
Treatment of Asthma
Olacaceae can be used for preparing herbal medicines for treating asthma.
Cognitive Functioning
Olacaceae is a valuable plant for boosting the functioning of the central nervous system. It offers protection against mental illness and anxiety.
Antimicrobial Activity Olax subscorpioidea is antimicrobial in nature due to its constituent of flavonoids, steroids and alkaloids.
Fever Treatment
The leaves and stems of Ewe ifon can be decocted and used for treating fever and cold.
Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders
The stems and leaves of O. subscorpioidea can be used for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, dysentery.
DISCLAIMER
This post is for enlightenment purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional diagnostic and treatments. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or for counselling, guidance and treatment about a specific medical condition.
REFERENCES
1] Adeoluwa O. A., Aderibigbe A. O. and Olonode E. T. (2014), Antinociceptive property of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv (Olacaceae) extract in mice, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 156: pp. 353-355.
2] Ayandele, A. A. and Adebiyi A. O. (2007), The phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial screening of extracts of Olax subscorpioidea, African Journal of Biotechnology, 6: pp. 868-869.
3] Siqueira, I. R., Cordova, C. A. S., Creczynski-Pasa, T. B., Elisabetsky, E., Nunes, D. S. and Netto, C. A., (2002), Antioxidant Action of an Ethanolic Extract of Ptychopetalum olacoides Bentham (Olacaceae). Pharmaceutical Biology 40, pp. 374 – 378.
4] Soro YT, Traore F, Sakande J (2009), Activité analgésique de l’extrait aqueux de Ximenia americana (Linné)(Olacaceae), Compte Rendu Biol., 332: pp.371-376.
