Grains of paradise
Aframomum melegueta
Aframomum melegueta, also known as alligator pepper or grains of paradise, is a traditional spice used in West African cuisine and medicine. Its use in traditional practices is not well-documented, but it has shown promise in various studies. Scientific evidence suggests that dietary supplementation with Aframomum melegueta seed powder may mitigate the effects of thermal stress on broiler chickens, improving their growth performance and hepatic function. Additionally, the seeds have demonstrated potential nephroprotective activity through microbial biotransformation, as indicated by AMPK binding affinity. In another study, both Aframomum melegueta and Aframomum danielli seeds improved cognitive function in scopolamine-treated rats, with A. melegueta showing greater efficacy. No major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions have been identified for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Aframomum melegueta and Aframomum danielli seeds improved cognitive function in scopolamine-treated rats, with A. melegueta showing greater efficacy.
- The microbial biotransformation of Aframomum melegueta's bioactive compounds resulted in metabolites with potential nephroprotective activity, as indicated by AMPK binding affinity.
- Aframomum melegueta seed powder supplementation partially or fully restored growth performance and hepatic function in broilers exposed to aflatoxin B₁.
- Dietary alligator pepper seed powder at 1,000 mg/kg mitigated thermal stress-induced performance suppression, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and inflammation in broiler chickens.
Frequently asked questions
What is Grains of paradise?
Grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Grains of paradise?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Grains of paradise; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Aframomum melegueta and Aframomum danielli seeds improved cognitive function in scopolamine-treated rats, with A. melegueta showing greater efficacy.
How strong is the evidence for Grains of paradise?
The strongest finding for Grains of paradise carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Grains of paradise safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Grains of paradise in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Grains of paradise interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Grains of paradise in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Grains of paradise?
Grains of paradise is also known as: Maniguette.
Is Grains of paradise a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Neuroprotective effects of dietary inclusions of alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta) and bastard melegueta (Aframomum danielli) seeds on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. literature abstract metadata
- T2 In silico nephroprotective evaluation of microbial biotransformed metabolites from Aframomum melegueta. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Dietary melegueta seed powder modulates growth, hepatic function, and biomarkers to counteract aflatoxin B₁ toxicity in broilers. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Dietary alligator pepper powder mitigates thermal stress-induced performance suppression, immune dysfunction, and cellular stress in broiler chickens reared under hot-humid tropical conditions. literature abstract metadata