Know Your Potent Herbs

Achyranthes aspera13126-1

Achyranthes aspera, commonly known as prickly chaff flower or devil’s horsewhip, is identified by various local names in Nigeria, including
Abora/Aboro (Yoruba), Agukwu (Igbo), Kaimin kadangaru (Hausa), and Udok mbiot (Ibibio).

The plant is widely distributed across Nigeria and is commonly found along roadsides, open fields, grasslands, and disturbed soils.

Traditionally, Achyranthes aspera has been used to manage pain and inflammation, digestive complaints, coughs, urinary support, wound healing, and fever.

Pharmacologically, it contains saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which contribute to its
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties,
making it a valuable component in herbal and nutraceutical formulations.

Know Your Herbs: 14126 – 2

Sweet Potato Leaf (Ipomoea batatas) is the leafy vegetable of the sweet potato plant.
In Nigeria, it is commonly identified by local names linked to sweet potato such as
Ewe Odunkumara (Yoruba),
Akwụkwọ Ji-Uto / Akwụkwọ Nduku (Igbo usage varies),
and Dankalin Zaki Ganye (Hausa), Ediam in Ibiobio.

Sweet potato leaf is widely cultivated and consumed across Nigeria, especially in farming communities.
It grows well in home gardens, farmlands, and moist tropical soils.

Nutritionally, sweet potato leaf is rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A.
It supports eye health, improves immune function, enhances skin integrity, and promotes healthy growth and development.

Traditionally and nutritionally, sweet potato leaf is used to address
vitamin A deficiency, night blindness, weakened immunity, anemia support, digestive weakness, and general malnutrition.

From a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical perspective, its beta-carotene and antioxidant compounds contribute to
antioxidant protection, immune modulation, anti-inflammatory support, and cellular repair,
making it valuable in nutrient-restorative and preventive herbal formulations.