AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
Leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate in shape. Can grow up to 40 cm long and 12-15 cm wide when mature. Flowers produce purple-coloured flowers. Fruit develops into fleshy, indehiscent pods up to 8 cm long and 3 cm wide. Each pod contains numerous reddish-brown seeds, up to 300 per pod. Aframomum melegueta, a member of the Zingiberaceae family of ginger plants, is indigenous to the marshy environments found along the coast of West Africa.
TAXONOMY
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Aframomum
Species: melegueta
Botanical Name: Aframomum melegueta
COMMON NAMES
Grains of paradise, Melegueta pepper, Guinea pepper, Alligator pepper and Ossame
LOCAL NAMES
Brofre (Akan), Efom wisa, Wisa or fam wisa or ground wisa, Wisapa (real wisa), Adowa wisa, Wisa-pa or apokuo (Akim and Ashanti).
SYNONYMS
Aframomum melegueta var. violaceum (Ridl.) K. Schum., Aframomum meleguetella K. Schum., Alpinia grana-paradisi (L.) Moon, Amomum melegueta Roscoe, Cardamomum grana-paradisi (L.) Kuntze, Cardamomum grandiflorum (Sm.) Kuntze and Torymenes officinalis Salisb.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND PHYTOCHEMICALS
Chemical composition includes: α-Humulene, β-Caryophyllene, 6-Paradol, and Eugenol.
Phytochemical screening revealed Alkaloids, Flavonoids,specifically, rutin, epicatechin, kaempferol, naringenin, and catechin have been found, Saponins., Tannins and Phenols.
CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY
Aframomum melegueta seed ethanolic extract exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties, primarily through the downregulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression and inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme. Bioactivity-guided fractionation identified the key anti-inflammatory compounds as paradol, gingerol, and shogaol. In a rat paw edema model, the extract reduced inflammation by 49% at 1000 mg/kg, while individual gingerol compounds reduced inflammation by 20–38% at 150 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effect of shogaol was comparable to aspirin.
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY
Studies have shown that extracts from Aframomum melegueta seeds possess antimicrobial properties against a range of bacteria and fungi. The methanol and ethanol extracts were more effective than the aqueous extract, demonstrating strong inhibitory effects against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus species. Additionally, the extracts exhibited antifungal activity against pathogens such as Candida albicans.
ANTI-ALLERGIC ACTIVITY
The ethanolic extract of Aframomum melegueta revealed anti-allergic properties by modulating the immune system and reducing the production of IgE antibodies, which are crucial in allergic reactions. Additionally, the extrac inhibit inflammatory mediators such as histamine, thereby lessening allergic symptoms.
ANTIOXIDANTS ACTIVITY
Aframomum melegueta seeds are rich in flavonoids, ranging from 4.02 to 24.56 mg per 100g, including compounds such as rutin, epicatechin, kaempferol, naringenin, and catechin. These flavonoids exhibit strong antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative damage.
WORM EXPELLANT ACTIVITY
Aframomum melegueta has traditionally been used for its anthelmintic properties. Its phytochemical components are believed to contribute to its effectiveness in expelling worms from the body.
WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY
The phytochemical components of Aframomum melegueta support wound healing through several mechanisms. They reduce inflammation, protect tissues from oxidative damage, prevent infections, and promote tissue regeneration and skin cell growth, thereby enhancing the overall healing process.
SPERM BOOSTER ACTIVITY
Aframomum melegueta is believed to support fertility and reproductive health. It has aphrodisiac effects linked to increased testosterone levels, improved blood flow to the genital area, and enhanced sexual response. The plant has demonstrated pro-ejaculatory properties and potential in reversing infertility caused by hypothyroidism.
IMPROVE DIGESTIVE HEALTH ACTIVITY
Aframomum melegueta has been traditionally used in West Africa to treat various digestive issues, including diarrhea, stomachaches, and inflammatory conditions. Its historical use highlights its significance in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal health.
ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY
The study assessed the antiviral activity of ethanolic extracts from six commercial samples of Aframomum melegueta seeds using XTT cytotoxicity assays and cell-based models for SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. The chromatographic analysis identified fifteen gingerols, with 6-gingerol being the most prevalent. The extracts showed selective antiviral activity with therapeutic index (TI) values up to 13.1. Combining 6-gingerol with techtochrysin, which was previously identified as a potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor, produced additive antiviral effects. The study confirmed the antiviral potential of Aframomum melegueta and highlighted 6-gingerol as a key active ingredient.
ANTICANCER ACTIVITY
This study conducted a computational analysis of natural compounds from Aframomum melegueta to assess their effects on survival and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. It identified several small molecules—{1,3}benzodaoxolo{5,6-c} dihydrogingerenone, 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone, apigenin, 3,4-dimethoxyphenylacetone, and arctigenin—that effectively inhibit these targets. The compounds also showed favorable Adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicological (ADMET) properties, indicating good pharmacological potential with minimal toxicity. The findings suggest these compounds could be effective therapeutic inhibitors for renal cancer and recommends further investigation to confirm these findings.
ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY
This study identified bioactive compounds from Aframomum melegueta fruit with potential antidiabetic effects. The fruit was extracted with ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water, and the most active ethyl acetate extract was further analysed. Four compounds were isolated: 6-paradol, 6-shogaol, 6-gingerol, and oleanolic acid. All compounds inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, with 6-gingerol and oleanolic acid showing the strongest activity. The inhibition was noncompetitive. The findings suggest that 6-gingerol and oleanolic acid may be key contributors to the antidiabetic properties of Aframomum melegueta.
ANTICOAGULANT ACTIVITY
Curcumin, a polyphenol responsible for the yellow color of the curry spice turmeric and its derivative bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) were studied for their anticoagulant effects. Both compounds significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT), and inhibited thrombin and factor Xa activities. Curcumin was found to be more effective than BDMC, suggesting that the methoxy group in curcumin enhances its anticoagulant properties. The study indicates that both compounds have antithrombotic potential and that consuming turmeric may help maintain anticoagulant status.
DRUG-DRUG INTERACTION
Aframomum melegueta may interact with various medications due to its effects on the immune system, inflammation, and antioxidants. It can reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs by lowering white blood cell counts and may change how drugs are metabolized in the liver. Its antimicrobial properties could also impact gastrointestinal medications, potentially altering their effects. Therefore, caution is advised when using Aframomum melegueta with other medications to prevent unintended interactions.
TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
There is lack of evidence proving the toxicity of Afromomum melegueta according to research but it was rather said at higher doses, it may cause toxicity. Even though A. melegueta has been used for a long time and has produced encouraging results in clinical trials, its safety profile at higher doses is still unknown. There may still be some toxicity associated with higher oral doses, which requires further in-depth research.
CLINICALLY VALIDATED USES
Not reported
REFERENCES
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Adefegha, S. A., Oboh, G., Okeke, B. M., & Oyeleye, S. I. (2017). Comparative Effects of Alkaloid Extracts from Aframomum melegueta (Alligator Pepper) and Aframomum danielli (Bastered Melegueta) on Enzymes Relevant to Erectile Dysfunction. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(5), 542–552. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2016.1272661
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