Abstract
Tylosema esculentum (morama) is a highly valued traditional food and source of medicine for the San and other indigenous populations that inhabit the arid to semi-arid parts of Southern Africa. Morama beans are a rich source of phenolic acids, flavonoids, certain fatty acids, non-essential amino acids, certain phytosterols, tannins and minerals. The plant's tuber contains griffonilide, behenic acid and starch. Concoctions of extracts from morama bean, tuber and other local plants are frequently used to treat diarrhoea and digestive disorders by the San and other indigenous populations. Information on composition and bioactivity of phytochemical components of T.-esculentum suggests that the polyphenol-rich extracts of the bean testae and cotyledons have great potential as sources of chemicals that inhibit infectious microorganisms (viral, bacterial and fungal, including drug-resistant strains), offer protection against certain non-communicable diseases and promote wound healing and gut health. The potential antinutritional properties of a few morama components are also highlighted. More research is necessary to reveal the full prophylactic and therapeutic potential of the plant against diseases of the current century. Research on domestication and conservation of the plant offers new hope for sustainable utilisation of the plant.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1423-1438 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Phytotherapy Research |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 1 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Pharmacology
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Therapeutic and prophylactic potential of morama (Tylosema esculentum) : A review. / Chingwaru, Walter; Vidmar, Jerneja; Kapewangolo, Petrina T.; Mazimba, Ofentse; Jackson, Jose.
In: Phytotherapy Research, Vol. 29, No. 10, 01.10.2015, p. 1423-1438.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Therapeutic and prophylactic potential of morama (Tylosema esculentum)
T2 - A review
AU - Chingwaru, Walter
AU - Vidmar, Jerneja
AU - Kapewangolo, Petrina T.
AU - Mazimba, Ofentse
AU - Jackson, Jose
PY - 2015/10/1
Y1 - 2015/10/1
N2 - Tylosema esculentum (morama) is a highly valued traditional food and source of medicine for the San and other indigenous populations that inhabit the arid to semi-arid parts of Southern Africa. Morama beans are a rich source of phenolic acids, flavonoids, certain fatty acids, non-essential amino acids, certain phytosterols, tannins and minerals. The plant's tuber contains griffonilide, behenic acid and starch. Concoctions of extracts from morama bean, tuber and other local plants are frequently used to treat diarrhoea and digestive disorders by the San and other indigenous populations. Information on composition and bioactivity of phytochemical components of T.-esculentum suggests that the polyphenol-rich extracts of the bean testae and cotyledons have great potential as sources of chemicals that inhibit infectious microorganisms (viral, bacterial and fungal, including drug-resistant strains), offer protection against certain non-communicable diseases and promote wound healing and gut health. The potential antinutritional properties of a few morama components are also highlighted. More research is necessary to reveal the full prophylactic and therapeutic potential of the plant against diseases of the current century. Research on domestication and conservation of the plant offers new hope for sustainable utilisation of the plant.
AB - Tylosema esculentum (morama) is a highly valued traditional food and source of medicine for the San and other indigenous populations that inhabit the arid to semi-arid parts of Southern Africa. Morama beans are a rich source of phenolic acids, flavonoids, certain fatty acids, non-essential amino acids, certain phytosterols, tannins and minerals. The plant's tuber contains griffonilide, behenic acid and starch. Concoctions of extracts from morama bean, tuber and other local plants are frequently used to treat diarrhoea and digestive disorders by the San and other indigenous populations. Information on composition and bioactivity of phytochemical components of T.-esculentum suggests that the polyphenol-rich extracts of the bean testae and cotyledons have great potential as sources of chemicals that inhibit infectious microorganisms (viral, bacterial and fungal, including drug-resistant strains), offer protection against certain non-communicable diseases and promote wound healing and gut health. The potential antinutritional properties of a few morama components are also highlighted. More research is necessary to reveal the full prophylactic and therapeutic potential of the plant against diseases of the current century. Research on domestication and conservation of the plant offers new hope for sustainable utilisation of the plant.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84943582781&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1002/ptr.5419
DO - 10.1002/ptr.5419
M3 - Review article
VL - 29
SP - 1423
EP - 1438
JO - Phytotherapy Research
JF - Phytotherapy Research
SN - 0951-418X
IS - 10
ER -