Medicinal folk remedies of vegetables

Abstract

Vegetables are the source of medication for preventive, curative, protective or primitive purposes. In this study, the use of medicinal vegetables and their role to treat different diseases has been observed.In this study twenty six vegetables belonging to 12 families; were investigated for various disorders. They were used for their preventive and curative properties. These vegetables, apart from their roles as food additives and supplements, they may also be utilized as an effective and cheap source of antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal. Anti-protozoa, ant-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antitumourgenic agents for the treatment of various infections.

These vegetables include cruciferous vegetables, Trigonellafoenum-graecum, Abelmoschusesculentus, Solanummelongena, Momordicacharantia, Lycopersiconesculentum, Allium cepa, Momordica tuberose, Zingiberofficinale, Spinasiaoleraceae.

Daucuscarota and Allium sativum are the most important vegetables; while Cucurbitapepo, Colocasiaesculenta, Ipomoea batatas, Beta vulgaris, Phaseolus vulgaris, Brassica rapaRaphanussativus, Brassica oleraceae, Cucumissativus, Cucumismelo, Cucumiscallosus, Ocimumgratissimum, Telfairiaoccidentalis and Solanumtuberosum also play an important role in the treatment of different types of diseases.The study recorded that Allium sativum, Spinasiaoleraceae and Daucuscarota, are the most relevant vegetables used in the treatment of various diseases while Cucumismelo, Ocimumgratissimum, and Telfairiaoccidentalis are less relevant vegetables.

It was revealed that an intake of about 280 grams of vegetables per day per person is considered essential for maintenance of good health. Of this, leafy vegetables should constitute 40 percent, roots and tubers 30 percent and the other vegetables like brinjals, lady finger the remaining 30 percent.