-
Importance Of Utazi (gongronema Latifolium) And Nchuanwu (ocimum Gratissium) In Human Body
CHAPTER ONE -- [Total Page(s) 2]
Page 2 of 2
-
-
-
In Southern part of Nigeria, the plant is called “effinrin-nia†by the
Yoruba,â€Nchuanwu†in Igbo, while in the Southern part of Nigeria, the
Hausa call it “Daidoyaâ€. (Effraim et al; 2002).
Nutritional
importance of this plant centers on it’s usefulness as a seasoning
because of its aromatic flavor (C.N. Ezekwesili et at; 2004).
Nchuanwu
in folk medicine, ocimum gratissimum is extensively used throughout
West Africa as a febrifuge, anti-malaria and anti-convulsant. The leaf
juice is used in the treatment of stomach pain and catarrh. Oil from
leaves have been found to posses antiseptics, anti-bacterial and
anti-fungal activities (Ezekwesile et al; 2004).
In the coastal area
of Nigeria, the plant is used in the treatment of epilepsy (Osifo, 1992)
high fever (Oliver 1980) and diarrhea (Oliver 1980 and Sofoware 1993).
While in the savannah areas decoctions of the leaves are used to treat
mental illness (Abdulrahman, 1992).
Nchuanwu is used by the Ibos of
Southern Nigeria in the management of the baby cord. It is believed to
keep the baby’s cord and wound surface sterile. It is used in the
treatment of fungal infections, fever, cold and catarrh (Iwu, 1986).
They
play quite significant role in our diets of the population because they
are major sources of essential macro nutrients, micro nutrients and
vitamins.
Due to their seasonal nature and high moisture content,
there is need therefore to develop an appropriate technology for their
preservation so as to guarantee their availability all year round (Eze
and Chibuzor 2008).
1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVE
The aim of this project work is to determine the vitamin composition of Utazi and Nchuanwu leaf juice (vitamin A and C).
CHAPTER ONE -- [Total Page(s) 2]
Page 2 of 2
-
-
ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]The research work was focused on the possible vitamin composition of Utazi (Gongronema latifolium) and Nchuanwu (Ocimum gratissimum) leaf juice. Here, it was only the vitamin A and C that were scientifically tested for. Where upon, it was discovered that Utazi had 1.14mglml of vitamin A and 34:61mg1 100m1 of vitamin C, while Nchuanwu had 2.14mglm1 of vitamin A and 30.76mg1 100m1 of vitamin C. From the result gotten, it shows that Utazi and Nchanwu are good sources of vitamin A and C, with high ... Continue reading---
