MEDICINAL USES OF MORINGA

The Moringa Tree with its edible leaves, flowers, and pods are one of most power packed, nutritious trees in the world, but it is also one of the most healing trees in the world. All of the tree is either used for food, medicine, or cooking. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years to both prevent and treat almost 300 diseases. The information in this article is not based on double blind research but on the historical and current usage of Moringa leaves, flowers, and pods in Nigeria, and many other countries. This is how the people have used it in the past and how they use it now. Much of this information was observed and documented in the different health projects by physicians in their treatment of AIDS, malnutrition, and disease. In Nigeria, Ayurvedic physicians use it in their standard treatment protocols. How can Moringa leaves have an impact on so many problems? Many health problems are due to poor nutrition, malnutrition and imbalanced disease states, which result in immune system breakdown and disease. When you correct those imbalances and nutritional deficiencies with super packed nutritious food, it is bound to improve health and disease states. The ability for Moringa leaves, flowers, bark, and pods to have such diverse healing effects is due to the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healing elements the tree contains. A review of Moringa's power packed nutrition: Here is a nutritional breakdown of Fresh Moringa Leaves: 7 times the Vitamin C of Oranges; 4 times the Calcium of Milk; 3 times the Potassium of Bananas; 2 times the Protein of Yogurt; 4 times the Vitamin A of Carrots; and ¾ the iron of Spinach. Moringa leaves when dried become a even greater, powerhouse of nutrition containing: ½ the Vitamin C of Oranges; 17 times the Calcium of Milk; 15 times the Potassium of Bananas; 9 times the Protein of Yogurt; 25 times the Vitamin A of Carrots; and 20 times the Iron in Spinach. All elements except the Vitamin C is increased when you dry the leaves in the shade. Drying the leaves in direct sunlight decreases its nutritional values. How Moringa and Artemisia Annua Leaves benefit AIDS Patients: There are health projects going on in Tanzania, Musoma, and other areas. There is a real AIDS crisis in these areas. In these AIDS cases, the doctors have found that the combination of two herbs, Moringa and Artemisia Annua, improved the energy, stamina, and CD4 counts of the AIDS patients. Some of their patients came in so weak, they were not able to walk or care for themselves. They improved so dramatically that many were able to go back to work and many stayed to help the incoming patients. These dramatic improvements were documented over and over again by the doctors in these health projects. How the herbs were used in the treatment protocols: The physicians combined dried Moringa Leaves with Artemisia Annua and then added one heaping teaspoonful of the powder to make a tea. A liter of tea using 5 grams of the powder was given 3 times a day to the patient while the symptoms were acute. Later when the patients improved, it was reduced to a cup a day. When you consider the super nutrition in Moringa leaves, it is easy to understand how the Aids patients would improve. The power packed nutrition would bolster their immune function, strength, stamina and ability to live a more normal active life. Moringa does NOT cure AIDS but helps the AIDS patient live longer and improves their quality of life and health. Often the AIDS patient does not die from AIDS, but from one of the opportunist infections that prey on their compromised immune system. Moringa Leaves and its effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, breast milk production, and anemia: In India, the leaves are used to normalize blood pressure and to treat anxiety. In 1994, a team of researchers identified a new nitride and mustard oil glycoside that demonstrated its ability to lower blood pressure. An infusion of the leaf is used to reduce sugar levels though not as effectively as the standard hypoglycemia medicine. Moringa leaves mixed with honey then followed with coconut milk drunk 2 to 3 times a day is used for diarrhea, dysentery and colitis. Moringa leaves have been observed and documented by doctors in the health projects to increase breast milk production and the health of nursing mothers. This is due to the nutrition in the leaves especially the protein, calcium, and iron content. Given to failure to thrive infants, it encourages weight gain and improved health due to the super packed nutritional content of the leaves. Moringa leaves are given to improve anemia in infants, children and adults because of its high iron content. Iron tablets cause stomach distress, constipation, and are difficult to digest. Iron tablets are not easy to obtain in these poor communities. Given their compromised digestive systems due to malnutrition, the iron tablets would most likely not even be utilized by the body. Researchers have not identified all the various elements in the plant that affect these health problems. It may be that in the overall improvement of the patient's nutritional status that these imbalances are corrected. Improved nutrition supports the patient's own body mechanisms to heal and correct these conditions.

MEDICINAL USES OF SHEA BUTTER

Shea butter is used as a base for medicinal ointments and has been claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It has been claimed internationally to be an effective treatment for the following conditions: 1. Fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretch marks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis. It is also being used as a sun blocking lotion; although the level of protection against the sun's ultraviolet radiation is extremely variable, ranging from nothing to approximately SPF 6. In Nigeria, Shea butter is used for the management of sinusitis and relief of nasal congestion. This is due to its hydrating properties which help in relaxing the tension in the face skin thus easing respiration. The anti-aging benefits of Shea butter have been recognized internationally and there is a mind-boggling range of Shea butter products available these days. Industrial The main industrial use of Shea butter outside Africa is in cosmetics, such as moisturizer creams and emulsion and hair conditioners for dry and brittle hair. It is also used by soap makers, typically in small amounts (5-7% of the oils in the recipe), because of its property of leaving a small amount of oil in the soap. The Vitamins A and E found in Shea butter help in keeping the skin supple and healthy. It also prevents premature wrinkles and facial lines. Vitamin F works as a rejuvenator. (Vitamin F from our local Food) Rough and chapped skin is soothed and healed. Shea butter penetrates the skin easily and does not clog the pores. Dry skin and dry scalp relief • Heals blemishes and keeps wrinkles at bay • Excellent skin moisturizer • Reduces itchiness caused due to excessive dryness of the skin • Cures minor burns and tough skin on feet • Evens out skin tone • Offers sun and wind protection • Restores elasticity to the skin • Restores lost hair lustre • Eliminates scalp irritation caused due to chemical processing

Medicinal uses of Pepper fruits(Dennettia tripeta)(igbere)

Nigeria researchers have shown that eating pepper fruits could decrease the risk of blindness caused by glaucoma. THE season is here again! Pepper fruit is in town. It comes with the rains. It is spicy and peppery. The young leaves are chewed on account of their pungent spicy taste. The fruits, green at first then turning red, ripen in April and May have a peppery spicy taste and are chewed for this property. The fruit is held to be a good source of vitamin. Botanically called Dennettia tripetala, pepper fruit belongs to the plant family Annonaceae. It is called ako in Edo, nkarika in Ibibio, mmimi in Igbo, and ata igbere in Yoruba. But Nigerian researchers have demonstrated how a meal rich in pepper fruit reduces the risk of glaucoma by stabilizing the Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) of the eye. The study titled Effect of Dennettia tripetela Seed Intake on the Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) of normtensive Emmetropic Nigerian Igbos, was authored by researchers at the Department of Optometry Abia State University, Uturu. IOP is the pressure within the eyeball as a result of the constant formation and drainage of the aqueous humour. It is the internal pressure of which allows the eye to hold on to its shape and function properly. Intraocular pressure is controlled primarily by the rate of secretion or rate of drainage of the aqueous humour. These will be building up pressure leading to increased risk of optic nerve damage, a pathological condition called glaucoma. Glaucoma is rated as the second leading cause of vision loss worldwide. It is also estimated that 66.8 million people are affected by glaucoma worldwide and 6.7 million are bilaterally blind because of the disease. It was said to affect individuals of all age groups but is more prevalent after the fourth decade of life. Black subjects, in comparison with Caucasian subjects are known to have increased risk of optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma. IOP is essential in visual health because it sustains the metabolism of the cornea and lens. Generally, the normal range of IOP value is between 13mmHg to 21mmHg. IOP above these values are considered to be pathological resulting in glaucoma. According to the Abia State University study, results obtained showed that consumption of 0.75g of seed gradually reduced the mean IOP from 15.6mmHg to 11.20mmHg, (25.64 per cent reduction) after 60 minutes; and gradually reversed towards baseline value at 120mins-post ingestion. The mean induced change in IOP at 60 minutes was 4.00mmHg. The effect was found to be statistically significant. The researchers wrote: “Result obtained from this study showed that ingestion of 0.75g of reduced the Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) of normotensive emmetropes though not sustained. At 30 minutes post consumption of pepper fruit, the IOP was reduced by 17.30 per cent (12.90mmHg) from the mean baseline of 15.60mmHg. This decrease in IOP was consistent at 60 minutes (a 25.64 per cent reduction 11.20mmHg) and then started reverting towards baseline. This decrease was therefore not found to be sustained after 60minutes post consumption of the seeds. The IOP returned almost to baseline after 120 minutes (a mean of 15.40mmHg) post ingestion of 0.75g. There was a statistically significant reduction of IOP after 30 minutes and 60 minutes. This reduction in IOP recorded was probably due to the ascorbic acid, magnesium, flavonoid, melatonin, thiamin, vitamin B, lipoid acid content of Ascorbic acid had been established to support the osmotic influx of water following osmolarity elevation of blood artificially leading to the fall in IOP. “The effect of flavonoid in IOP reduction is thought to be as a result of the reduction in excessive permeability of blood aqueous membrane within the eye. The presence of lipoic acid (fatty acid) probably helped in the reduction of IOP by increasing glutathione in red blood cells and lacrimal fluid of glaucomatous patients thereby reducing the IOP. “Finally, the presence of melatonin, thiamine (vitamin B) and vitamin B perhaps also contributed to the reduction in IOP. This is due to the fact that melatonin levels have been found to decrease in glaucomatous patient and normal diurnal rhythms of IOP fluctuation reflect melatoninrhythms. Since glaucoma has been found to be one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide the need for cheaper and acceptable adjuvant remedy becomes necessary Therefore ingestion should be encouraged as an adjuvant in the treatment of glaucoma.” According to a study published in African Journal of Food Science by researchers at the Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, pepper fruit is a well-known Nigerian spicy medicinal plant normally used in folk medicine to cure fever, cough, toothache, as well as a stimulant and in the preparation of some special dishes for pregnant and postpartum women. The study is titled “Changes in the total phenol content and antioxidant properties of pepper fruit (Dennettia tripetala) with ripening.” The researchers concluded: “The present study shows that unripe pepper fruit has higher antioxidant activities than the ripe pepper fruit, despite its lower total phenol content. Therefore, the physiological changes that accompanies ripening of pepper fruits that brings about changes in pigment would increase the total phenol, but decreases the antioxidant properties of pepper fruit.” . An epidemiological association between those who have a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetable and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain forms of cancer has been recorded. Some communities in parts of Southern Nigeria also utilized the leaves and roots, in addition to the fruits for medicinal purpose. D. tripetala is used as masticators, which when chewed produces unique peppery effect. The peppery spicy taste of mature D. tripetala fruits usually serves as a mild stimulant to the consumer. The fruits are sometimes taken with kolanut, garden egg and palm wine in parts of Nigeria, especially in Southern part of Nigeria where it serves also for cultural entertainment of guests, particularly during coronation, new yam festivals, weddings and marriage festivals. D. tripetala fruit has also been reported to be used as spice in flavouring food, and as seasoning, which are added to prepared food such as meat, sausages, soups and vegetable. The peppery fruits of D. tripetala are applied to the food meant for pregnant women and are important in the diets of postpartum women, during which time it is claimed that spices and herbs aid uterine contraction. D. tripetala fruits contain important nutritive substances such as vitamins, minerals and fibre.

MEDICINAL USES OF ALLIGATOR PEPPER

Alligator pepper means different things to different people. It is served along with Kola-nuts to guests for entertainment, as communion and used for religious rites by diviners for invoking spirits. It is a common ingredient in pepper soup, a spicy delight in most parts of West Africa. But since antiquity, alligator pepper has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases. The alligator pepper plant has both medicinal and nutritive values and the extracts of its seeds has been used as an antidote to dysentery and diarrhoea. What is more, it is an effective herb for the treatment of snake bite. But alligator pepper, which is called names such as grains of paradise, Atare (in Yoruba), chitta (Hausa), or Guinea pepper, is one seed individuals with diabetes might find very good in ensuring the regulation of their blood sugar, thus protecting them from complications of the disease such as blindness and limb amputation. Surprised that alligator pepper has multipurpose? The medicinal uses of alligator pepper dates back into ages and recently scientists in a new study corroborate its usefulness in lowering blood sugar under laboratory conditions. Researchers in ascertaining the blood-sugar lowering effect of alligator pepper had 25 albino rats that were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each. Two control groups: non-diabetic (positive) and diabetic (negative) were administered tap water as vehicle solvent, throughout the duration of the experiment. The remaining three groups received 100 mg/kg of metformin, 200 and 400 mg/kg orally and aqueous(water) seed extract of alligator pepper respectively and simultaneously.

The researchers, who evaluated the fasting blood glucose in these rats daily, found that oral administration of aqueous extract of alligator pepper to diabetic rats lowered blood glucose to normal level within six days of administration, while metformin took 14 days. There was no significant difference in the duration of lowering the blood glucose by the two doses of extract administered, meaning that the effect was not dose dependent. The December 2010 study was published in the Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research and entitled “Evaluation of Hypoglycaemic Efficacy of Aqueous Seed Extract of Aframomum melegueta in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats. It was carried out by Adesokan Ayoade A, Akanji Musbau A and Adewara Gabriel S, all from the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin. They wrote: “This study, scientifically confirmed the locally acclaimed glucose lowering effect of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta by traditional medicine practitioners. The extract possesses a more potent hypoglycaemic property than metformin. It took 14 days to attain normoglycaemia in the group that received metformin and only six days in the two groups that received extract of A. melegueta.” The researchers, who stating that the fact that insulin is completely absent in alloxan-induced diabetes perhaps explain the reason the extract of A. melegueta was more efficient than metformin, declared that they were going to carry out further work to ascertain the precise mechanism of the action of the plant in reducing blood sugar level. According to them, “it would also be worthwhile to isolate the acclaimed active ingredients responsible for the pharmacologic activity in subsequent research.” Meanwhile, for diabetes that patronises alligator pepper, they would also be protected against common infectious diseases. The extracts of its seeds has been used for years in the treatment of infectious diseases as well as in the treating wounds and prevention of infections. In a study, researchers also tried to ascertain the potency of its extract in the prevention of many common disease-causing germs which include Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherictaia coli, Salmonella typhi and klebsiella pneumonia. These includes germs that causes food poisoning, pneumonia, blood infections and other deadly diseases The study was carried out by Doherty, V. Funmilayo in collaboration with Olaniran, O.Oluwakemi both form the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos was entitled “Antimicrobial Activities of Aframomum Melegueta (Alligator Pepper)”and published in the July, 2010 issue of the International Journal of Biology. The study found that the seed extract of alligator pepper inhibited the growth of all the bacteria tested, suggested that the plant extract has broad spectrum in activity (acts against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria). Higher antimicrobial activity of the extracts was observed on E.coli, Klebsiella spp and Salmonella spp at high concentration. That alligator pepper was able to halt multiplication of the virus in the laboratory is of great implication as it portends the possibility of giving the human body a chance to fight off disease-causing germs. Alligator pepper is reputedly aphrodisiacs, worm expellant, stimulants and diuretics as well as useful in the treatment of measles, leprosy, low breast milk production and excessive bleeding after child birth. Studies carried out on laboratory rats support the idea that they increase the libido (in rats) and that they can reduce pain and inflammation so may be good to treat arthritis. However, they are yet to be tested on humans. An ethnobotanical survey on plants used as male contraceptive used in the South-western part of Nigeria named alligator pepper as an herbal male contraceptives. The inventory was published in the African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Meanwhile, many medicinal plants have been confirmed to have blood-sugar lowering (hypoglycaemic) properties. Some of them include garlic, neem, unripe pawpaw fruit, ginger lily, Trigonella foerum (Fenugreek), Ocimum santum (Basil), and Aloe vera. Ginger lily (bush-cane), is called kakii-zuwaa in Hausa, mbiritem in Ibibio, okpoto in Ibo, andura and atare tete-egun in Yoruba. Researchers at the University of Reading, United Kingdom and Kogi State University, Anyigba validated the use of Costus afer as a hypoglycaemic (reduces blood glucose/sugar) plant in native medicine. According to the study published in British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, the plant extract did not reduce blood glucose in fed rats, but significantly reduced blood glucose when administered in combination with a conventional anti-diabetes drug, glibenclamide. In the study entitled “Evaluation of the Phytochemical Composition and Hypoglycaemic Activity of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Costus afer in Albino Rats”, they “Oral administration of the methanolic leaf extract of Costus afer showed a dose dependent hypoglycemic effect as revealed.”

MEDICINAL USES OF BITTER LEAVES

As its name suggests, it is a plant whose main characteristic is it bitter stem and leaves. There also exists a species of the plant which produces a ‘sweet‘ leaf. Popular in most of West Africa and named after botanist, William Vernon, its botanical name is Vernonia, it belongs to the family of Asteraceae. Bitter leaf is also referred to as ironweed, a name coined from the intensely purple flowers which later take on a rusty hue. Bitter leaf is able to flourish in a variety of climates unlike other plants which are often native to certain areas. Although most popularly used for food, bitter leaf has also traditionally been used for its medicinal properties now proven by medical research. With around a thousand varieties, the bitter leaf plant’s uses range from antimicrobial to decorative. Some of the most common uses are noted below. 1. STOMACH ACHE: Chew the tender stem and swallowing the juices is a well known remedy for stomach aches. Alternatively pound the fresh leaves in a mortar to extract the juice. Add a pinch of salt to three tablespoons of the undiluted juice and drink. This version is reported to bring immediate relief. 2. SKIN INFECTIONS & OTHER AILMENTS: For skin infections such as ringworm, itching, rashes and eczema, the pure, undiluted extract of bitter leaf is excellent. Simply apply it to the affected part daily. The roots are used by sufferers of gingivitis and toothache due to antimicrobial properties which prevent the growth of bacteria. 3. GOOD FOR THE LIVER : Weighing between 1 and 3 kilograms, the liver is essential for the metabolism of fats and protein and must therefore be well taken care of. Alcohol, sugar, and processed foods we often feed ourselves can weaken the liver and make it susceptible to infections. Damage to the liver is often difficult to reverse and bitter leaf has long been used as a toner for this and other vital organs of the organ of the body. 4. DIABETES: As with the liver, bitter leaf helps repair the pancreas as well as cut down sugar levels in the blood. Agitate and squeeze ten handfuls of the fresh leaves in ten litres of water and drink two glasses thrice daily for one month. This amounts to six glasses daily. 5. INSOMNIA: Bitter leaf extract has been known to work magic for many unable to get restful sleep. Simply take two glasses of bitter leaf solution every night to experience great calm and well being. You may add a little honey if you wish. 6. PNEUMONIA: Squeeze the fresh leaves of the plant in water. Take a glass-full thrice daily. Warm [DO NOT BOIL the solution each time before drinking. Continue the medication for a month. To save time a large quantity can be made in one go. Add some honey to preserve the solution. NB: Bitter leaf extract stored for longer than twenty-four hours loses the bitterness but the efficacy remains. 7. PROSTRATE CANCER: Prostrate cancer is most common among black men over forty years old. Its symptoms include difficult and painful urination, among others. Bitter leaf helps increases the flow of urine and reduces the pain through its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also said to stop the cancer from spreading. Simply squeeze the fresh leaves in water and take a glassful four times daily. 8. FATIGUE: Often feel weak and tired? Do you lack vitality and vigour? Squeeze the leaves in water and drink a glass three times daily. Soon you will experience a new lease of energy. 9. STROKE: Bitter leaf solution has a calming effect on the nerves, strengthens the muscles and cleanses the system. 10. ARTHRITIS: Arthritis or rheumatism patients who have tried bitter-leaf solution as described above attest to its effectiveness. It soothes inflamed joints and eradicates the pain.

MEDICINAL USES OF ORANGES

The orange tree has many healing properties; there are different species of citrus orange, although medicinal uses of the differing oranges are similar. There is often confusion between the sweet orange tree (Citrus sinensis) and the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium); the bitter orange tree is the more versatile of the two trees, producing three different essential oils. However, the sweet orange tree also has healing properties within its fruit. Orange trees need a minimum temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit to grow successfully; they also need plenty of sun, well-drained soil and plenty of water through the growing season. The Differences Between Sweet Orange and Bitter Orange Both species of orange trees are members of the Rutaceae plant family; the bitter orange tree is an evergreen tree which grows up to 33 feet in height. It has dark green, glossy leaves, with sharp spines, fragrant white flowers and small fruit. The sweet orange tree is smaller than the bitter orange tree but with larger fruit; it has few spines and is not as hardy as the bitter orange tree. Essential Oils Produced by the Orange Tree The bitter orange tree produces three different essential oils which are used in aromatherapy; bitter orange oil from the fruit of the tree, Petitgrain oil from the leaves of the tree and orange blossom (or Neroli) oil from the flowers of the tree. The sweet orange tree produces one essential oil from the fruit of the tree. The fruit of the bitter orange is also high in vitamin C. In Chinese medicine, dried bitter orange is used to treat diarrhea and prolapse of the uterus. An essential oil of the bitter orange fruit is obtained by cold expression of the outer peel of the ripe fruit. The essential oil of both orange trees are used in the treatment of skin care, water retention, bronchitis, constipation, colds, flu and nervous conditions. Healing properties of orange are anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-depressant, sedative and a tonic. Essential oil of orange is obtained by cold expression of the ripe outer peel of the fruit. The fruit of the sweet orange tree contains vitamins A, B and C, in addition to potassium. In Chinese medicine, the dried orange peel is used to treat coughs and colds; however, traditional Chinese medicine consider oranges as a source of internal heat, which may aggravate skin conditions such as eczema. The Chinese also advise pregnant women against eating the fruit to lessen hyperactivity in the baby; in the West, it is thought that hyperactivity in children may be aggravated by oranges.

MEDICINAL USES OF LOCUST BEANS

To many people, the name African Locust bean or monkey cutlass tree is associated with that cooking ingredient made from its seed, which is referred to as locust bean seed or dawa dawa in Hausa land. As with many African plants, the tree has had its use in traditional medical treatment of several diseases. To relieve diarrhea, the bark is boiled to make a tea. For infections, wounds, and fever, the bark is boiled and applied on the affected part of the body. The bark when macerated had being used in the treatment of toothache and treatment of wounds. Its leaves when crushed had being tried in the treatment of hemmorhoids and burns just as its flowers and bud when grilled and macerated has been used for the treatment of hypertension and in the prevention of leprosy in some communities. Some also use the decoction of the seed made by concentrating its extract through boiling to reduce tension, treat mouth sores as well as insect bites. Meanwhile, there is a scientific basis for its use in the treatment of wounds and stomach ulcers according to researchers that tried to assess the effect of the decoction on some germs that cause diseases. These are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Campylobacter jejuni/coli. H. pylori is the germ that causes stomach ulcer. The researchers from University of Yaounde, Cameroon, in the 2006 online edition of the journal Pharmacology tested the crude extracts of several plants, including locust bean tree bark along side others such as Pleiocarpa sp, Rinorea oblongifolia and Drypetes gossweileri. They considered also stem bark and seeds of bitter kola and wild basil leaves. They were dried and ground into a fine powder before extracted with either an alcoholic solution, water or both. Many of them were found to be effective in slowing down the growth of H. pylori and Campylobacter jejuni. These included the Garcinia mannii (a chew sticks for cleaning of teeth), locust bean, wild basil leaves and Markhamia lutea (Nile Tulip Tree). They suggested that the extracts either possess active principles with different (synergistic) antimicrobial mechanisms, or that the different active principles components of these plant extracts complement each other in a manner. Meanwhile, they declared that many of these plant extracts are active in laboratory conditions but not in humans due to their short stomach transit time and reduced contact with the infectious agent and/or due to their poor acid stability. According to them, the ability of the extract of the barks of these plants, including locust beans, slow down the growth of several germs including that for ulcer, thus providing some scientific support for their use in the traditional management of peptic ulcer disease. In addition, they said there may be the need for more studies to assess their safety and effectiveness in humans to further provide scientific validity for their traditional use. The effectiveness of locust bean root bark extract against some micro-organisms associated with urinary tract infections equally affirms the antibacterial properties of the bark of the tree. In an assessment by a group of researchers from the Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria, they said there are evidences that it can be used in the prevention of diseases caused by such germs as Escherichia coli known to cause bloody diarrhea and sometimes kidney failure; Staphylococcus aureus (germ that causes food poisoning, pneumonia and blood poisoning), Klebsiella pneumoniae (causes urinary tract infection) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (causes severe nosocomial infections). These germs are also associated with urinary tract infections. They found that both the water and methanolic extracts displayed appreciable antibacterial activities against such recalcitrant pathogenic bacteria like K. pneumoniea, S. aureus and E. coli that are known to show above average resistance to most chemical antimicrobial agents. These pathogens are known to cause majority of community and hospital acquired infections. However this group also tried expaining why the plant is helpful in treatment of diseases. Their justification for the folklore use of locust bean in medical practice by majority of the populations of the sub-Saharan Africa, they said may be due to its ability to inhibit these germs.They said its bark consist mainly of glycosides and tannins, appreciable amounts of saponins glycosides and phenolics, with trace amount of alkaloids in the June 2007 edition of the African Journal of Biotechnology Meanwhile, there are evidences that locust bean seeds because of such bioactive compounds may really have a basis for its effectiveness in the treatment of snakebites, diabetes, fever and infections caused by some susceptible pathogens. The presence in the root of substantial quantities of glycosides may justify the use of the decoctions for conditions of the heart and hypertension.