The Truth About Alligator Pepper: Benefits, Uses And More

The Alligator Pepper

Scientific name:  Aframomum melegueta is a  plant native to West African countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, Liberia, Cote D’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Togo, Gambia, and Ghana. It is actually an herbaceous perennial plant. it is also used in ayurvedic practices. The alligator pepper grows in the swampy habitats of the West African nations. It possesses a tufted leafy stem that can be up to 1.5m high.

Alligator pepper produces purple-colored flowers which form into pods that are at least 7cm in length. This pod contains numerous reddish-brown seeds. The sharp and peppery taste of alligator pepper seeds is caused by the aromatic ketone present in them.

This article will focus on the health benefits of alligator pepper for men in more detail.

 Used as a spice

Alligator pepper has been used as a condiment in African dishes. The sharp peppery and pungent tasting seed has been a staple in African cuisines for a very long time. In Igbo culture, It is blended together with groundnuts and eaten with kola nuts or garden eggs. It is also used in cooking pepper soup, stews, and jollof rice.

GIT health

When it comes to the gastrointestinal tract, Seed extracts from this plant have been used to treat diarrhea, ulcer, and intestinal infections. This is mostly anecdotal evidence.

Wound Healing

It is currently known to contain a high amount of tannins. it has aseptic properties and is usually ground up and mixed with different herbs and placed on an open wound.

Anti-inflammation

This wonderful seed is high in gingerol which inhibits leukotriene and prostaglandin synthesis. It helps the body fight against inflammation factors.

Boosts libido

In the world of sexual health, it is known to stimulate vasodilation. This increases blood flow to the genitals. This is the reason why it is known to be a libido booster. It is also known to delay ejaculation.

Antimicrobial properties

Studies show that seed extracts contain antimicrobial properties. These properties work against the cultivation of bacteria such as salmonella, klebsiella, or staphylococcus aureus.

Pain relief

This seed extract is a natural, organic analgesic. When you grind, alligator pepper mixed with turmeric, shea butter, and capsaicin makes a good pain relief ointment. it can be used in the topical treatment of joint pain, arthritic pain, etc.

Anti-Oxidant Properties

They are an incredibly wonderful source of phytonutrients such as terpenoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. They work against free radicals.

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Conclusion

Alligator pepper has multiple benefits and everyone should get to know more about them to enjoy the goodness they offer. It is however not safe in pregnant and lactating women which are based on this study that shows that a high dosage of alligator pepper administered to pregnant rats led to the termination of their first trimester pregnancies.

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