Not less but not enough is being said about the plant that never dies, with its green and purple jagged margins that are capable of producing new plants vegetatively when it falls to the ground. This plant is called the Miracle Plant, scientifically called Bryophyllum Pinnatum. It is a succulent perennial herb that belongs to the family of Crassulaceae which gowns up to 1m to 2m in height.
This plant that is known by several English and native names originated in Madagascar, an island country lying off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is sometimes called Wonder of the World, Miracle Leaf, Resurrection Plant, Cathedral Bells, Goethe Plant, Sacred Plant, Good Luck Leaves, Never Die, Air Plant, or Life Plant. In the western part of Nigeria, B. Pinnatum is called ‘ewe abamoda’, ‘Karan masarachi’ in Hausa, ‘odaa opue’ in Ibo. To the Edos, it is called ‘danweshin’ or ‘ekpokpo’, and ‘afiayo’ in Efik.
As the name implies, the Miracle plant serves as a cure for many and various illnesses, diseases, and ailments. From cough, asthma, dysentery, fever, constipation, and leucorrhoea, to roundworm infestation, B. Pinnatum can be used as treatment. Before we look at the diseases miracle plant can be used to treat, let’s look at some of the compounds and vitamins contained in the plant.
COMPOUNDS AND VITAMINS
Miracle plant have been reported to have flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, minerals, and glycosides. It contains compounds such as oleic acid, alpha-d-glucopyranoside, methyl, n-Hexadecanoic acid, Octadecanoic acid, 3,5-Dihydroxy-6- methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one and Benzaldehyde. They also contain vitamins like ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin; also minerals like calcium, zinc and phosphorus, potassium, sodium.
The leaves of this plant, which can be either eaten raw, boiled, or roasted have been pharmacologically reported to have immunomodulatory, CNS, depressant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-ulcer, insecticidal, anti-diabetic, anti-convulsant, antihistamine, anaphylactic, antioxidant and anti-hypertensive properties.
MIRACLE PLANT AS A CURE
As a popular folklore medicine, miracle plant can used for the treatment of a variety of conditions such as rheumatism, cough, asthma, tonsillitis, diarrhea, body pain, arthritis, heartburn, skin ulcers, peptic ulcers, diabetes mellitus, and microbial infections.
In Nigeria, the plant is known for its effective wound-healing properties and detachment of the umbilicus of infants. In Sierra Leone, the roots of the plant are used in the production of cough medicine.
In Jamaica, the heated leaves are used for swellings and abscesses (a buildup of pus that can affect any part of your body). While in South Africa in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, the leaves are commonly used in a mixture of Opuntia stricta and Euphorbia Hypericifolia to cure gonorrhea.
B. pinnatum leaves are frequently roasted, pressed, boiled in water, or left in cold water for an entire night in order to extract the leaves’ medicinal properties. It is also eaten raw, blended into juices, and drunk as tea.
The plant is well known for treating kidney stones and for its ability to purify the blood. The root is used to avoid heart issues of any kind as well as to treat hypertension. The leaf is applied topically to cure fever.
Treatment for roundworms involves the use of plant extract. Ear pain can be relieved by applying this plant’s juice as an ear drop. The root has been shown to be effective in treating hepatitis and is thought to shield the liver.
The plant is utilized in the mixture of herbal green tea because of its antioxidant properties. It is a home treatment for hemorrhoids or piles. Stomach aches are treated with the leaf juice. The plant’s extract is applied to gray hair to cure it and nourish it. The leaves are used to treat digestive issues. The paste can be applied to treat diarrhea. This plant’s fresh juice can be used to treat jaundice.
SIDE EFFECTS
There are extremely few reports of B. pinnatum-related discomforts, such as dry throat, irritability, weariness, and trouble digesting food. It might interfere with aspirin or lessen its effectiveness. Using the herb when pregnant is not advised.
The plant, native to Africa has proven that the continent is a habitat for a wealth of extremely important resources to humanity.
