Can drinking vegetable juice freshly made with jute (Corchorus olitorius, Ewedu in Yoruba, Rama in Hausa and Fulani) in an empty stomach prevent and cure the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)? CHUKWUMA MUANYA examines the possibilities.
A PROFESSOR of medicine and consultant ophthalmologist at the College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL)/Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Adebukola Adefule Ositelu, last week, in Lagos, recommended that drinking vegetable juice freshly made with jute (Corchorus olitorius, Ewedu in Yoruba, Rama in Hausa) in an empty stomach can prevent and cure the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
A consultant botanist at the University of Lagos, Prof. Toyin Ogundipe, told The Guardian that Corchorus olitorius belongs to the family of Tiliaceae. It is commonly called jute in English language, Moroheiya by the Japanese and Ewedu by the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria.
According to The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa by H. M. Burkill, “in Nigerian cuisine, especially amongst the Yorubas, it is commonly used in a stew known as ewedu, a condiment to other starch-based foods such as amala. The Hausa people of Nigeria and their Fula neighbours call it rama. They use it to produce soup (taushe) or boil the leaves and mix it with kuli-kuli (groundnut cake) to form a dish known as kwado in Hausa. The Hausa peasant farmers cultivate it beside their corn-stalk constructed homesteads or among their main crops in their farms. The Hausa and Fulani peoples also use jute leaves to treat some diseases.”
Ogundipe said that previous studies had shown that jute is an excellent source of vitamin A and C, fiber, minerals including calcium and iron and other micronutrients. The professor of botany said the plant has been reported to be demulcent, deobtruent (having power to clear or open the natural ducts of the fluids and secretions of the body), diuretic, lactagogue (encourages lactation that is flow of breast milk), purgative and tonic, as well as a folk remedy for aches and pains, dysentery, enteritis, fever, dysentery and tumors.
The methanolic extract of its seeds has been reported to show a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. Its aqueous extract has been reported to possess opioid-mediated anti-nociceptive activity (reducing sensitivity to painful stimuli). The anticonvulsive property of its methanolic extract in mice has also been reported. Its leaf extract has been reported to reduce elevation of postprandial blood glucose levels in rats as well as humans.
Jute, other vegetables are very nutritious. The results of nutritional composition of Corchorus olitorius leaves, according to a study published recently in Animal Production Research Advances showed that the leaves contained 18.38±0.32 per cent ash, 12.54±0.10 per cent crude protein, 11.99±0.50 per cent crude lipid and 19.56±0.18 per cent available carbohydrate.
The researchers wrote: “The leaves also had high energy value of 200.78±3.54 kcal/100g respectively. Mineral analysis revealed that potassium (2814.15±8.08 mg/100g) and magnesium (76.69± 0.13 mg/100g) were the dominant elements. The leaves also contained appreciable concentrations of sodium/Na (54.56±0.42 mg/100g), calcium/Ca (30.55±0.05 mg/100g), phosphorus/P (6.68±0.02 mg/100g), copper/Cu (2.52±0.02 mg/100g), iron/Fe (19.53±0.09 mg/100g), manganese/Mn (5.95±0.04 mg/100g) and zinc/Zn (4.71+0.01 mg/100g).
“The present result confirmed that Corchorus olitorius leaves are rich sources of potassium, iron, copper, manganese and zinc as well as high energy values essential in human and animal nutrition.”
Also, researchers have found that jute (Corchorus olitorius) had highest ash, crude fibre, protein, lipid and carbohydrate content (0.83 per cent), (0.33 per cent), (6.21 per cent), (5.08 per cent) and (6.25 per cent) respectively than mint leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) and fluted pumpkin leaf (Telfaria occidentalis).
The study titled “Nutritional evaluation of some staple leafy vegetables in Southern Nigeria” was published in International Journal of Agricultural and Food Science Universal Research Publications.
The researchers from the College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, wrote: “Corchorus olitorius (jute) is a native plant of tropical Africa and Asia, and has since spread to Australia, South America and some parts of Europe. Its leafy vegetable is popularly used in soup preparation and folk medicine for the treatment of fever, chronic cystitis, cold and tumours. The young shoot tips can be eaten raw or cooked and it contains high levels of protein and vitamin C. Corchorus olitorius is usually recommended for pregnant women and nursing mother because it is believed to be rich in iron.
They added: “Four different green leafy vegetables commonly consumed in southern parts of Nigeria were analyzed with a view to determine the nutrient composition of these vegetables… The results revealed that Talinum triangulare had the highest amount of moisture (89.47 per cent) while Corchorus olitorius had highest ash, crude fibre, protein, lipid and carbohydrate content (0.83 per cent), (0.33 per cent), (6.21 per cent), (5.08 per cent) and (6.25 per cent) respectively. The vitamin analysis also revealed that Telfaria occidentalis contained the highest ascorbic acid, niacin and thiamin content (356.11 mg/100 g), (0.74 mg/100 g) and (0.08 mg/100 g) respectively. Talinum triangulare had the highest amount of riboflavin (0.18 mg/100 g). The results obtained in this work clearly indicate that the four leafy vegetables are cheap and readily available source of the nutrients analyzed.
“…Scent leaf Ocimum gratissimum is commonly used in folk medicine to treat different diseases such as upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhoea, skin diseases, pneumonia and also cough and conjunctivitis. Ocimum gratissimum is grown for the essential oils in its leaves and stems. Eugenol, thymol, citral, geraniol and linlool have been extracted from the oil. Essential oils from the plant have been reported to possess an interesting spectrum of antifungal properties. The antinociceptive property of the essential oil of the plant has been reported.
“The whole plant and the essential oil are used in traditional medicine especially in Africa and India. The essential oil is also an important insect repellent. O. gratissimum is germicidal and has found wide use in toothpastes and mouth washes as well as topical ointments. It is used as an excellent gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis. It is also used as an expectorant and a cough suppressant. The plant extract is used against gastrointestinal helminths of animals and man. In addition, O. gratissimum carminative properties make it a good choice for upset stomach. It is used as an emetic and for hemorrhoids. The plant is also used for the treatment of rheumatism, paralysis, epilepsy, high fever, diarrhoea, sunstroke, influenza, gonorrhea and mental illness. In addition, the plant is used as a spice and condiment in the southern part of Nigeria.
“Water leaf (Talinum triangulare), a leafy vegetable is among the various classes of vegetables that are grown in many parts of Nigeria. Oyolu reported that the leaves of Telfaria occidentalis, together with the edible shoots contain moisture; crude protein, carbohydrates, oils, ash and iron, while Longe et al. reported that the minerals namely: calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, sodium and phosphorus are concentrated in the testa, pulp and husk. Oboh has reported that dietary intake of the leaf could prevent garlic- induced haemolytic anaemia in rats. The aqueous extracts of Telfaria occidentalis had been reported to reduce blood glucose level and also have anti-diabetic effects in glucose induced hyperglycaemic streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice, while it did not alter the glucose levels in normoglyceamic mice. Recently, Dina et al. reported that the aqueous extract of Telfaria occidentalis leaf could assist in the purging of the gastrointestinal tract as revealed by the purgative effect of the aqueous extracts of Telfaria occidentalis leaf on isolated guinea pig ileum and he concluded that there are some pharmacological effects underlying their mode of action.”
The researchers further stated: “The substantial amount of fibre in all the vegetables shows that they can help in keeping the digestive system healthy and functioning properly. Fibre aids and speeds up the excretion of waste and toxins from the body, preventing them from sitting in the intestine or bowel for too long, which could cause a build-up and lead to several diseases. All the vegetables studied contain appreciable amount of protein, which indicates that the vegetables can be used for building and repairing of body tissues, regulation of body processes and formation of enzymes and hormones. Proteins also aid in the formation of antibodies that enable the body to fight infection. Proteins serve as a major energy supplier.
“These vegetables are good sources of lipids. Lipids are essential fats that play a very important role in the human body. Lipids help with brain function, joint mobilization and even energy production. They also help the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A and E. The percentage of carbohydrate in all the vegetable studied is an indication that the leafy vegetables can be used to regulate various metabolic processes in the body as key molecules in the central metabolic pathways of the body. Carbohydrate also serves as stored forms of energy as glycogen in liver and muscles. It also provides major source of energy and responsible for breaking-down of fatty acids and preventing ketosis.
These vegetables are also good sources of ascorbic acids, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Natural ascorbic acid is vital for the body performance. Lack of ascorbic acid impairs the normal formation of intercellular substances throughout the body, including collagen, bone matrix and tooth dentine. A striking pathological resulting from this defect is the weakening of the endothelial wall of the capillaries due to a reduction in the amount of intercellular substances. Therefore, the clinical manifestations of scurvy hemorrhage from mucous membrane of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, anemia, pains in the joints can be related to the association of ascorbic acid and normal connective tissue metabolism. This function of ascorbic acid also accounts for the requirement for normal wound healing.
“As a result of the availability of ascorbic acid in all the vegetables, they can be used in herbal medicine for the treatment of common cold and other diseases like prostrate cancer.
“In conclusion the study has showed that the leafy vegetables contain appreciable level of nutrients, which are readily available. Hence they could be consumed to supplement the scarce or non-available sources of nutrients.”
Jute boosts blood parameters
Nigerian researchers have found that that aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius could have both harmful and beneficial potentialities on the blood chemistry of male albino rats.
The study was published last year in IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences.
The study titled “Effect of Corchorus olitorius Extract On Haematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters in Male Albino Rats” was published by K. O. Oyedeji And A. F. Bolarinwa from the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State; and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The researchers investigated the effect of oral administration of aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius (AECO) at doses of 250 mg/kg BW, 500 mg/kg BW and 750 mg/kg BW on haematological and plasma biochemical parameters in male albino rats. The extract was administered on daily basis for 30 days and blood samples were collected for haematological and plasma biochemical assays.
Treatment of rats for 30 days with all the treatment doses (250 mg/kg body weight/BW, 500 mg/kg BW, 750 mg/kg BW) of AECO caused insignificant (p>0.05) changes in Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil and monocyte values relative to their respective controls, but caused significant decrease in Total White Blood Cell (TWBC) count relative to the control.
Treatment of rats with 750 mg/kg BW of AECO cause significant increase in total protein level relative to the control, but 250 mg/kg BW and 500 mg/kg BW of AECO caused significant reductions in globulin levels.
The study reads: “Traditionally, its leaves are used in the treatment of pain, fever, chronic cystitis and tumors.
“Its seeds have been reported to posses estrogenic activity as well as contain high content of hydrogen cyanide and several cardiac glycosides. Its extract has been reported to suppress transformation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor induced by dioxins. Its polyphenolic isolate has been reported to have anti-obesity effect. Its aqueous extract has also been reported to have protective effect in arsenic-induced myocardial injury.”
The researchers further explained: “The LD50 gives a measure of the immediate or acute toxicity of a test substance. This study revealed that AECO at high doses of 2500 mg/kg BW, 500 mg/kg BW and 7500 mg/kg BW had no apparent toxic and lethal effects on the animals which probably indicates that the extract has high safety index. This could be due to hepatic metabolism of the toxic potentialities of the extract, since the extract is administered orally.
“The values obtained for RBC showed the non-significant effects of 30-day treatment of rats with AECO on red blood cells (RBC) counts and indices relating to it (PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC) when compared with the control. This is an indication that there was no destruction of red blood cells and no change in the rate of production of RBC (erythropoiesis). This also shows that AECO does not have the potential to stimulate erythropoietin release from the kidneys, which is the humoral regulator of RBC production.
“The non-significant effects of the treatment of rats with AECO at all doses also indicate that there were no change in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues since RBC is very important in transferring respiratory gases. It has been reported that values of RBC and associated parameters lower than normal ranges are indicative of anemic conditions while higher values are suggestive of polycythemia, thus, the treatment of rats with AECO may not have the potential to induce anemia or polycythemia.
“Also, the treatment of rats with AECO at all treatment doses may not have adverse effects on the bone marrow, kidney and haemoglobin metabolism, since it has been reported that only substances which significantly affect the values of red blood cells and associated parameters would have effects on the bone marrow, kidney and haemoglobin metabolism.
“The significant reduction in TWBC count caused by AECO suggests that the immune system has been compromised. Contrary report was given by Adewusi and Afolayan in Pelargonium reniforme extract treated rats. The extract caused non – significant changes in the MCV and MCH values which could be an indication of absence of macrocytic anaemia since increased MCV an MCH values are known to be indicative of macrocytic anaemia. Also, AECO caused non- significant change in the MCHC value which suggest and absence of hereditary spherocytosis since MCHC values are known to be elevated in hereditary spherocytosis.
“The insignificant change in neutrophil count caused by extract probably indicates that the ability of the body to attack and destroy invading bacteria, viruses and other injurious agents (Phagocytosis) has not been compromised. The non-significant change in lymphocyte count suggests that the acquired immune responses of the body has not been compromised by the extract; while the significant increase in monocyte count probably indicates that the phagocytic function of the body has been enhanced by the extract. The non–significant change in eosinophil count probably indicates that the anti-allergic and anti-parasitic infectious response of the body have not been compromised by extract.
“Also, the insignificant change in the platelet count caused by extract could be an indication that it does not has the potential to stimulate thrombopoietin production with the hemostatic capability of the blood maintaining the status quo since platelets mediate in the blood –clotting mechanism.
“AECO at high doses caused significant increase in total protein levels, which probably indicates that the buffering capacity of the blood and body fluid balance have been enhanced. Similar report was given by Adewusi and Afolayan in Pelargonium reniforme extract treated rats. At lower doses the extract caused significant reductions in globulin levels, which could indicate a compromise in both the natural and acquired immunity of the body against invading organisms. The extract caused insignificant change in albumin level, which suggests the maintenance of status quo in plasma level of metals, ions, fatty acids, amino acids, bilirubin and enzymes.
“Contrary report was given by Adedapo et. al. in rats treated with P. amarus and C. anontifolius extracts. The extract caused insignificant change in the activity of alanine transaminase (ALT), which probably indicates that the hepato-protective potential of the extract has not been compromised. The extract also caused non- significant change in the activity of aspartate transaminase (AST), which could indicate absence of tissue necrosis induction by the extract.
“In conclusion, this study has shown that aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius could have some toxic and beneficial potentialities on the blood chemistry of albino rats. However, its effect on human blood chemistry is unknown, nevertheless considering these findings in animal model, it is recommended that caution should be exercised in the consumption of Corchorus olitorius especially by people with blood disorder.”
Jute and diabetes
A study published in International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) concluded: “In Conclusion, the results of this study showed that the ethanolic seed extract of C.O has great potentials as an anti diabetic remedy due to the ability of the extract to lower blood glucose levels in normal rats, suppress postprandial rise in blood glucose levels in glucose loaded rats and lower blood glucose level in diabetic rats. This validates it use locally for diabetes. There is the prospect that further research (ongoing) on the exact fraction/ agent responsible for the ethanolic seed extract anti diabetic potential would be discovered, with the possibility of a novel anti diabetic agent.”
The study titled, “Anti diabetic Activity Of Ethanolic Seed Extract Of Corchorus olitorius” was published by Maxwell Osaronowen Egua, Emmanuel Udo Etuk, Shaibu Oricha Belloc, and Sanusi Wara Hassand from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto State.
The researchers wrote: “The ethanolic seed extract of Corchorus olitorius was studied to ascertain its possible antidiabetic effect. Corchorus olitorius seeds were pulverized to powder and Soxhlet extractor was used for extraction of the seed compound with ethanol. The study was carried out using normoglycaemic, glucose challenged and alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. The dose range tested for the extract was between 100- 1000mg/kg body weight of the rats. The effects were compared with a glibenclamide (0.2mg/kg) treatment and a normal saline treatment control groups. A repeat dose study was carried out for 14 days at a fixed dose of 500mg/kg and the glycosylated haemoglobin and insulin level determined.
“The ethanolic seed extract of Corchorus olitorius was found to contain alkaloids, tannins, flavanoids, glycocides, saponin, cardiac glycocides, anthraquinons, steroids and volatile oil. The extract significantly (p≤0.01) reduced blood sugar levels in normoglycaemic, OGTT and diabetic rats. This was further supported by reduction in the glycosylated haemoglobin and increase in the insulin level determined. In
“Conclusion, the results of this study showed that the ethanolic seed extract of C.O has great potentials as an anti diabetic remedy due to the ability of the extract to lower blood glucose levels in normal rats, diabetic rats and also suppress postprandial rise in blood glucose levels.”
