Alligator Pepper Seeds Uses.

Alligator pepper is called Aframomum melegueta and is a tree that is native to West Africa. The seeds are from fleshy fruits and have a spicy strong flavour. The seeds are usedin cooking sparingly because they impart pungency, spiciness and heat.

Alligator pepper seeds are used for medicinal, culinary and traditional rites purposes amongst the people of West Africa. They are called atare in Yoruba, ose-oji in Igbo, chilla in Hausa, erhie inUrhobo and ehin-edo in Bini. They are also known as Mbongo spice, hepper pepper and grains of Paradise.

Alligator pepper seeds contain active components like phenols, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and sterols which are responsible for the following therapeutic properties;

• Antimicrobial
• Antioxidant.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Stimulatory.
• Anti-venom.
• Diuretic.
• Purgative.
• Anthelmintic.
• Purgative.
• Carminative.

Some medicinal uses of Alligator pepper.

1. To aid digestion.
2. As an antidote to snake bite.
3. As an aphrodisiac because it increases circulation.
4. To treat erectile dysfunction and delay ejaculation..
5. To prevent or treat infections.
6. To relieve respiratory issues.
7. To expel intestinal parasites.
8. To arrest bleeding after childbirth.
9. To treat arthritis and other inflammatory issues of the joints.
10. To improve reproductive health.
11. To relieve constipation.
12. To treat hemorrhoids.
13. To cleanse the colon.
14. To boost energy.

Alligator pepper seeds are used to spice and flavour foods because of their spiciness and pungency. They are a part of pepper soup which is popularly eaten in Nigeria and is prepared for women who have just delivered babies.

Although the seeds are more commonly used, the leaves are used to treat malaria. Alligator pepper seeds are highly valued in West Africa and are a common ingredient used during traditional ceremonies such as child naming, weddings, meetings, etc.

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