Alligator pepper, which
is botanically known as Aframomum melegueta is a popular herbaceous perennial
plant that is originally from West Africa in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon,
Liberia, Cote D’ivoire, Sierra Leone, Togo, Gambia and Ghana.With the Yoruba
Name (Ataare). It belongs to the zingiberaceae or ginger family and thrives
mainly in swampy habitats especially in the West African coasts.
The seeds of the
alligator pepper are similar to the grains of paradise however alligator pepper
seeds are usually sold enclosed with the pods while the grains of paradise are
sold as single seeds.
The tree grows about 1 meter tall with narrow lanceolate leaves that have similar appearance with the bamboo leave.
The fruit is distinguished by its ovoid shape with reddish colour when fresh however, the colour changes to brown when dry.
The skin of the fruit has close similarity with the back of an alligator and this suggests the origin of its name. The fruit contains many small brownish seeds with sharp peppery, bitter, pungent and aromatic flavour. The fruit encloses the seeds, which are sealed with inner thin papery whitish skin. It’s strong pungent, peppery taste is as a result of its aromatic ketones and high tannin content.
The Alligator pepper is very useful both spiritually and medically, Alligator pepper is a highly valuable spice as a result of its high medicinal and nutritive values; for example, the phytochemicals derived from its seeds are being used since time immemorial for treating several diseases.
Benefits of Alligator Pepper
1. Consumption Purposes
Alligator pepper is a popular spice that is normally snacked upon especially by elders and sometimes youths. In traditional meetings and events such as baby naming ceremonies, traditional marriages, burial ceremonies, town meetings etc, the alligator pepper is usually served together with kola nuts and peanut butter (ósè ọ́jị́) as part of the customary rites.
Both the seeds and leaves can also be used for garnishing salads and for preparing assorted dishes such as pepper soup, stews, chicken and lamb dishes etc. It’s hot peppery and pungent flavour augments dishes and makes them spicy. While cooking, alligator pepper can be substituted with black pepper, grains of paradise, piper guineense or black cardamom. The seeds are usually ground before adding to dishes as they tend to be a little bit hard. Furthermore, the beer industry normally uses the alligator pepper for strengthening and flavouring alcoholic beverages such as gin, beer, wine and ale.
2. Anti-oxidizing Properties
Alligator pepper seeds are an excellent source of phytonutrients such as terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponin and phenolic compound. They scavenge for free radicals and offer protections against viruses, allergens, microbes, platelet aggregation, tumors, ulcers and hepatotoxins (chemical liver damage) in the body. This suggests why it is commonly used in folk medicine for preventing and tackling intestinal problems.
3. Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders
The seeds extracts of the alligator pepper can be used for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach pain, diarrhea, ulcer and intestinal worms.
4. Wound Healing
The seeds can be crushed and used for preparing concoctions for treating and healing wounds. Alligator pepper contains a high amount of tannin that is distinguished by its stringent property and as such it is very effective for healing wounds, treating burns and soothing inflamed mucous membrane.
5. Antimicrobial Properties
The seed extract has antimicrobial properties due to its constituents of phenolic compounds that are normally used as disinfectants. Studies reveal that Aframomum melegueta extract is broad spectrum and as such has inhibitory effect on the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia etc.
6. Aphrodisiac Properties
Studies reveal that the alligator pepper is aphrodisiac in nature thus can be used for stimulating sexual desires.
7. Anti-inflammatory Properties
The seed has anti-inflammatory properties due to its constituent of gingerol that inhibits the leukotriene and prostaglandins synthesis. It offers protection against inflammation of the body.
8. Analgesic Properties
The aqueous extract of the plant is analgesic in nature and as such can be used for relieving and alleviating pains such as joint pain, toothache, stomach pain, arthritic pain and rheumatoid pain.
9. Dermatological Care
Alligator pepper can be used for preparing herbal remedy for treating infectious skin diseases such as measles, chickenpox and smallpox.
10. Stimulating Properties
Due to its stimulating properties and peppery pungent taste, the alligator pepper is normally chewed as a stimulant to keep the body alert.
11. Malaria Treatment
The leaves are used for preparing herbal medicines for preventing and treating malaria.
12. Digestive Properties
The seeds aid easy digestion of food thereby preventing constipation and bloating.
Side Effects of Alligator Pepper
There are no recorded side effects of the alligator pepper however pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged not to consume it based on the following reasons;
An experiment by Inegbenebor et al., (2009) show that high dosage of alligator pepper administered to pregnant rats led to termination of their first trimester pregnancies. Based on this report, pregnant women in their first trimester are highly recommended to refrain from eating the alligator pepper in other to avoid miscarriages.
Lactating mothers should avoid taking alligator pepper in high quantities as it can reduce the prolactin secretion. Prolactin is a hormone released from the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production after childbirth. No doubt that breast milk is essential for newborn babies as it offers them immunity and nutrition before they are of age to easily eat and digest solid foods
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