Health benefits of Scent leaves (Ocimum gratissimum)

 

Ocimum gratissimum (Efinrin in Yoruba) is in the family of Lamiaceae.  Ocimum gratissimum is popularly known as scent leaf; it is known as efinrin in Yoruba, nchanwu in Igbo and daidoya in Hausa. it is used (particularly in West Africa) as a culinary herb. It is a herbaceous plant with woody main stems branching into a sub-shrub which can attain a height close to two metres and a large canopy depending on the soil quality in its habitat. The seeds are fertile and they are copious. Most of us grew up using Efinrin as a relief for stomach upset and haemorrhoids but do you know you have probably been plucking your Efinrin at the wrong time? Most of the medicinal properties of Ocimum gratissimum is a function of its essential oil. Hence, the best time to collect this plant is early in the morning when the sun has yet been out. Once the sun is out most of the essential oils, which are volatile, would have escaped into the atmosphere.

The whole plant and the essential oil have many applications in traditional medicine especially in Africa and India. It is commonly used in folk medicine to treat different diseases like upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, headache, ophthalmic, skin diseases, pneumonia, cough, fever and conjunctivitis. Preparations from the whole plant are used as stomach ache and in treating sunstroke, headache and influenza. The seeds have laxative properties and are prescribed for gonorrhoea. The essential oil which has anti-inflammatory properties is an insect repellent; it is applied against fever, inflammations of the throat, ears or eyes, stomach pain, diarrhoea and skin diseases. It is being tested as an antibiotic. The plant is also cultivated as a hedge plant.Scent leaf is an aromatic herb that has been introduced extensively across tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This plant is more than just a sweet smelling plant, Scent Leaves contain vital bioactive substances which confer it with the above-mentioned activities including; tannins, phenols, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, and more, all of which are essential for human health. Here below are 10 powerful health benefits of scent leaves.

1. Maintenance of the eyes

Scent leaf is rich in Vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight. Vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eyes in the form of retinal which combines with protein opsin to form rhodopsin, the light-absorbing molecule which is ultimately necessary for both scotopic vision (low-light) and color vision.The deficiency of vitamin A can be terrible for the eyes leading to xerophthalmia (a medical condition in which the eye fails to produce tears) and night blindness both of which are preventable when adequate amounts of scent leaves are consumed.

 2. Improves heart function

Scent leaves contain calcium and magnesium, both of which help to reduce bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and increase blood circulation. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterols increase the risk of Coronary Artery Disease in adults and so the intake of scent leaves can reduce this ever-present risk. Heart and artery problems resulting from the clogging of arteries are nearly preventable if adequate amounts of scent leaves are consumed.

3. Aids digestion

Scent leaves can help relieve bloating and also help digest meals on time. Brewed scent leaves can have a calming effect on the stomach and help with bowel evacuation. Drinking scent leaves tea also relieves heartburn.

4. Lowers blood sugar

Scent leaves have an unprecedented ability to lower blood sugar and protect the pancreatic islets that produce insulin from damage. A research study conducted on mice showed that scent leaves were efficacious in lowering blood sugar levels.

5. Insect and mosquito repellent

Scent leaves contain compounds like camphor, cineole, and limonene which are larvicidal and so are harmful to mosquitoes or insects. The leaves can be potted and left in residential quarters to serve as a repellent for houseflies, mosquitoes, and other insects. This role is actually two in one. As it reduces the population of mosquitoes and houseflies in residences, the incidences of malaria and enteric diseases (caused by houseflies) are both reduced.

6. Treatment of fungal infections

Studies have shown scent leaves to have antifungal activity against Penicillium chrysogenum (also known as Penicillium notatum), Candida albicans, and Microsporeum gyseum. Chloroform extracts from the leaves showed great antifungal activity against the fungal species mentioned. Thus, scent leaves when crushed and smeared on skin infections, help in its treatment.

7. Treatment of Diarrhea

Ethanol and hot water (100oC) extracts of scent leaves have been extensively demonstrated to be effective against some pathogenic bacteria known to cause diarrhea including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella sp. and Salmonella sp. It is thus conceivable that scent leaves can be brewed as tea to treat cases of diarrhea caused by the above organisms. Also, the use of scent leaves in the control of diarrhea can be attributed to the relaxant action of it's essential oil which is likely to be due to a direct effect on the smooth muscle of the ileum rather than an indirect action on neurotransmitter release.

8. Anti-Inflammatory properties

Scent leaves have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties akin to drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen but are kinder to the inner linings of the stomach. Decoction made from leaves of O. gratissimum is useful for healing menstrual pain, stomach ache, earache, and fever.

9. Treatment of respiratory disorders

The leavescan be rubbed between the palms and sniffed as a treatment for blocked nostrils.

10. Promotes oral hygiene

The stem of scent leaf when used as chewing stick kills bacteria in the mouth and help fight off bad breath. It is also able to prevent tooth decay. Tea made from the leaves of scent leaf can be taken as a tonic or used as a gargle to treat sore throat.