Uses of Ocinum Gratissimum (efinrin) In Nigerian Traditional Medicine
Posted: Sunday, June 13, 2010
by Rahaman Onike
The plant is a shrubbery herb in the family of Lamiaceae and its botanical name is ocinum gratissumum. The plant is called efinrin (Yoruba), Daidoya (Hausa) and Nahianwu (Igbo) among others in Nigeria . This medicinal plant is commonly cultivated in Nigeria for home use in gardens and village huts. It is also called flora of West Tropical Africa. The chemical constituents of the plant have healing power and medicinal properties. The chemical components could be extracted using aqeous (water) or ethanonic methods and the leaves could be dried and powered.
Okoli C.O. et al (2009) in an experimental research carried out in the department of Pharamacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences, University of Nigeria , Nsukka, reported that efinrin (ocinum gratissimum) has anticonvulsant and anxiolytic properties.
The leaf oil when mixed with alcohol can be applied as a lotion useful for treating skin infections. The dried leaves of the medicinal plant when snuffed can alleviate headaches (Biomed Central.com). The roots of the plant can be used as sedative for children. Experimental studies by other herbal scholars equally showed that the extracts of the plant could relax intestinal smooth muscles.
Also, a study by Nweze E.I. and Eze (2009) revealed that the plant is good for the treatment of conjunctivitis when instilled directly into the eyes. Ethanonic (alcoholic) extract of the efinrin plant is a good antioxidant and could reduce plasma glucose level of diabetic patients.
Oyedeji L. (2007) in a book entitled Drugless Healing Secrets reported that efinrin (ocinum grassimum) is beneficial in the prevention of malaria. Adodo A. (2006) in the book entitled Nature Power regarded efinrin as a plant with curative power.
Odugbemi Tolu (2008) in an edited book A textbook of medicinal plants from Nigeria - highlighted that ocinum grassimum (efinrin) plant is good for the treatment of cough, diarrhea, convulsions, bronchitis, antimicrobial, hypertension, piles, fever, cold, colic and it is a good antibacterial.
The various chemical elements in ocinum grassimum serve different purposes in health management. Prof. Fafowora A., (2008) in his book medicinal plants and traditional medicine in Africa reported that efinrin is good for treating diarrhea. Ocinum grassimum according to Fafowora (2008) is 75 per cent thymol. Thymol is a crustalline substance with pungent odur; It is anti-microbial and has antiseptic properties. Because thymol has natural anti-bacterial properties, it is good for treating yeast and bacterial infections. Thymol constituents are tapeworm expeller, good as expectorant and it is a good cough medication. The plant is edible and is meant for internal and external applications / uses.
The essential oil of ocinum grassimum have antinociceptive properties. Nociceptors are nerves which sense and respond to parts of the body which suffer damage. Nociception is the term commonly used to refer to the perception of pain. Alkaloids is another phytochemical element in ocinum grassimum which have direct effects on the body; it reduces spasms; relieves pain and can dry up bodily secretions. Tannins as another phytochemical property contained in ocinum grassimum helps in improving body resistant to infections. The flavonoids contained in the plant makes it good for anti-inflammatory uses and for maintaining healthy circulation. Saponins as constituent of the plant is a strong expectorants and it aids absorption of other nutrients. Terpenes which is another constituent of the plant reduces blood sugar. Steroidal aglycon as phytochemical element of the plant has anti fungal effects. The plant can be administered in the treatment of mestral disorders. The cyanogenic glycosides are also potent elements in ocinum grassimum which are good as sedative, relaxant on heart and muscles and can assist in suppressing and soothing irritant dry coughs.
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