FACTS ABOUT PREKESE AND BENEFITS

 

The purplish-brown fruit of the aidan tree, prekese peaks from September to December. Long, curving pods hang from the tips of branches clad with small green leaves and flowers that shift from creamy pink to deep orange in spring.

Prekese — also known as prɛkɛsɛ (soup perfume), oshosho, osakirisa, ubukirihu or aidan fruit — is a medicinal plant of the aidan tree, commonly used as a cooking spice which adds a slightly sweet yet stringent flavor that imbues dishes and drinks with a fragrant, sugary aroma. Native to West Tropical Africa, aidan trees, which can grow up to 25 meters (~82 feet) tall, are full of therapeutic qualities. The fruit has long been celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties and a host of other health benefits

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.