Utazi leaves are of a tropical plant and are used as a remedy for many years. Health benefits of utazi leaves are widely known in traditional medicine and used to treat various symptoms and diseases. The plant belongs to the family of Asclepiadaceae and mainly grows in tropical forests in the west of Africa, including Nigeria

Health Benefits of utazi leaves

Various pain symptoms removal

Utazi leaves help to remove pain symptoms of a different nature, namely:

• contusions
• cutaneous cuts
• inflammation of the skin

Utazi leaves on the skin

Leaves should be prepared as pasty substance and spread on the damaged area of the skin. Utazi leaves water and can be taken orally.

Maintaining the required blood sugar level in diabetes

Utazi leaf is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The components of the leaves have a positive effect on blood glucose levels. Clinically, it was proven that usage of this leaves, decreases glucose level in the blood.

Anti-sickling function

Internal usage of the root in combination with other tropical plants provides treatment of sickle cell anemia.

Use as an antioxidant

The ingredients of leaves include saponins and flavonoids, which are substances that exert an antioxidant effect on the human body, and also have antibacterial characteristics.

Use as a cure for carcinoma

The antioxidant substances contained in the leaves contribute to the prevention and treatment of cancer. These substances act as free radical scavengers. The medicinal extract obtained from the leaves helps the body to protect itself and treat such types of cancer as:

• carcinoma of the lungs
• adenocarcinoma

Treatment of asthma

As to the data published by Sonibare M.A. chewing fresh the leaves helps to soften the symptoms of a sore throat and relieve a cough. The root extract of the leaves, in its turn, removes the symptoms of asthma.

Anti-inflammatory action

The leaves are used in traditional medicine for the cure of the following diseases: arthritis/muscle tissue/redness

Treatment of gastric ulcer

According to studies published in 2010, the extract made from the bark of the plant has an antiulcer effect.

Cure of malaria

Essence made of the leaves and prepared on a water basis is used for an active fight against the disease. According to a study conducted in 2010, the leaves have antiplasmodial activity. That fact confirms that the leaves can be used as a medicine for malaria disease.

Relieving cough-drop symptoms

Traditionally, the utazi leaves consumption is generalized in Nigeria as medicine for coughing and sputum. If you chew fresh leaves or after scalding with hot water, almost instantaneous relief of the symptoms occurs.

Restoration of the protective function of the liver

The leaves help the liver to carry out detoxification. Putting them in alcohol, you can prepare a remedy, which can be taken internally for the treatment of hepatitis. Also, this extract is used to remove the effects of alcohol and prevent the effects of alcohol on the liver

Decrease cholesterol levels in the body

Utazi leaf enzymes provide antioxidant actions in the body that make cholesterol level much lower.

Improvements in digestive processes

Leaves have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system in general. The bitterness of the leaves stimulates the appetite and normalizes the level of bile in the body.

The utazi leaves and pregnancy

The utazi leaves have a significant amount of nutrients, which have a positive effect on the well-being of pregnant women. Leaves are also rich in some vitamins like calcium, sodium, copper, and potassium. Utazi and pregnancy are the generally combined in traditional medicine in Nigeria.

The leaves are used as a remedy for cleaning the uterus after childbirth and reducing pain symptoms of the abdomen. Nursing mothers can use leaves to control their weight and restore the body after birth.

GONGRONEMA latifolium (utazi) is a tropical plant that grows in the form of a bush. Leaves have a wide shape and bitter taste. Leaves are very common in Nigeria and are widely used in traditional medicine.