Health Benefits of Alligator Pepper(Ose Nshi), and Other Important Uses.

Last updated on February 2nd, 2024 at 07:02 pm

10 minutes read.   

Alligator Pepper scientifically known as “Aframomum melegueta” is a tropical plant of the genus Aframomum and belongs to the family Zingiberaceae (ginger family).

It is native to West Africa, and also an important cash crop in the Basketo district of southern Ethiopia.

It is a spicy edible fruit used for medicine, culinary, and spiritual purposes in the part of the world where its value is well known.

For instance, in the eastern part of Nigeria, kola nuts are often served alongside Alligator Pepper and alcohol to entertain visitors. 

They also chew it straight to pursue evil spirits or bad luck and call in the good spirits.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Alligator pepper.

Feel free to skim through.

In this article:

• What’s Alligator pepper?
• History
• Health benefits
• Side Effect
• Culinary Uses
• Other Important Uses
• Conclusion

What’s Alligator pepper?

Alligator pepper is a spicy peppery West African fruit, ovoid in shape with a reddish-brown colored pod and numerous brown tiny seeds which originated from West Africa. When dried the pod looks brown.

Different people call it different names like Ose oji, Ose Nshi, Guinea pepper, Melegueta pepper, alligator pepper, Ginny Grains, Mbongo spice, Ossame, Helper pepper, Fom Wisa,  Ginny Papper, Graines, Greater Cardamom, Grenes, Guinea Grains, Guinea Seeds, Maniguetta, Maniguette, Melaguata, Meligetta Pepper, Paradise Grains and Paradise Nuts.

Some parts of Igbo people call it Ose Nshi meaning “alter pepper”. They respect it well for its spiritual and medicinal uses.

It is popularly used as an herbal remedy against a wide range of ailments in folk medicine in different parts of the world.

Several modern research is beginning to prove that alligator pepper may have antioxidant and antibacterial effects hence its effective use in traditional medicine.

Alligator is an herbaceous perennial plant growing about 4-5 ft. (1.2-1.5 m) tall.

It is a tropical reed-like plant of the ginger family, related to the cardamom. Growing from a rhizome, leaves are narrow, bamboo-like.

The average leaves are usually 35 cm in length and 15 cm wide, with a well-structured vascular system. Flowers are trumpet-shaped, orange-colored lips and a rich pinkish-orange upper part.

These beautiful flowers are followed by reddish-brown wrinkled, fig-shaped dried ovoid capsules, almost 5- to 7 cm long, enclosed in leafy bracts.

These capsules (pods) consist of several red to brown angular seeds, in a jelly-like pulp. They are pungent in taste.

This peppery taste is caused by the aromatic ketones it contains.

The flowers and rhizomes have a gingery smell. The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. These seeds have several medicinal as well as culinary benefits.

Because of their peppery taste, they are a popular option for seasonal food.

History of Alligator pepper

Alligator pepper /Grains of paradise are native to the coastal areas of Africa’s Gulf of Guinea which includes today’s countries of Liberia, Ivory Coast, Togo, Nigeria, and Cameroon where grains of paradise have a long-standing record of ethnobotanical use.

Before the spice trade routes from Western Europe to the East Indies were established, a lively trade of grains of paradise, cubeb, and long peppers existed.

Oceanic travels to the Spice Islands by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English in the 17th century diminished the value and importance of grains of paradise in the face of the competition of black pepper, clove, mace, and nutmeg.

The Pepper Coast (or Grain Coast) is a historical coastal region named after this special pepper.

Outside West Africa, alligator pepper is only a minor spice commodity, using it as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages such as beer, ale, and gin.

It is an ingredient in ‘Raz al hanout’ a Moroccan spice mixture.

Health benefits of Alligator pepper

As I said initially, Alligator pepper has a wide range of health benefits.

Some folks traditionally use the seeds as aphrodisiacs, to improve digestion, and for “good luck”. 

In some diets, the black pepper is often replaced with alligator pepper because it’s less harsh on the digestive system.

I personally use it to treat bloating and excess gas from certain foods. It gently removes the gas through your anus without hastening digestion.

I administered a single seed of it to a two years old child having constipation, within 10 minutes the child defecated and got herself entirely.  

In Africa, some people will chew on them to be warmer when they feel cold and use them in divination rituals.

Keep reading to learn more proven health benefits of this special pepper.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Alligator Pepper (Ose Nshi)?

1. Antimicrobial effect

The seed extract of alligator pepper has antimicrobial properties due to its constituents of phenolic compounds that are normally used as disinfectants.

Several scientific researchers have revealed that alligator pepper seed extract is broad spectrum and has an inhibitory effect on the growth of bacteria like Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, etc. Use it on a daily basis to get benefits.

2. Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders

The seeds extracts of the Grain of Paradise can be used for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach pain, diarrhea, ulcer, and intestinal worms.

Regular use of this grain is found quite beneficial for dealing with gastrointestinal problems.

Also, regular use of seeds of a grain of paradise helps easy digestion of food thus preventing constipation and bloating.

3. Wound Healing

The seed extract of alligator pepper has been shown to be effective in the treatment of wounds in animals.

Seeds are crushed and are used for preparing brews for treating and healing wounds. It can also be crushed alongside scent leave and applied topically to treat chronic wounds.

It consists of a high amount of tannin that is distinguished by its stringent property and as such it is very effective for healing wounds, treating burns, and calming inflamed mucous membranes.

4. Anti-oxidant

Alligator pepper is an excellent source of phytonutrients such as terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponin, and phenolic compounds.

They search for free radicals and offer protection against viruses, allergens, microbes, platelet aggregation, tumors, ulcers, and hepatotoxins in the body.

 This suggests why it is commonly used in folk medicine for preventing and undertaking intestinal problems.

In the food industry, alligator pepper forms an ingredient in non-alcoholic drinks, ice creams, and confectionery, and is used as flavoring in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and gin.

5. Dermatological Care

Alligator pepper can be used for preparing herbal remedies for treating infectious skin diseases such as measles, chickenpox, and smallpox.

6. Anti-inflammatory effect

Alligator pepper has anti-inflammatory properties due to its constituent of gingerol which prevents leukotriene and prostaglandins synthesis.

Apart from that it offers protection against inflammation of the body.

7. Antihypertensive effect

Alligator pepper has been shown in a scientific study to reduce high blood pressure to a safety limit.

The results of the study show that seeds of AM exert a potent effect on blood pressure in both normotensive and hypertensive subjects.

The results suggest a central effect but the peripheral vasodilatation effect cannot be ruled out probably via the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway.

The degree of reduction is within safety limits indicating its potential usefulness in managing hypertension in young and elderly hypertensive patients.

8. Analgesic effect

Studies have shown that the Aqueous extract of the plant is analgesic in nature and can be used for relieving and alleviating pains such as joint pain, toothache, stomach pain, arthritic pain, and rheumatoid pain.

Use it regularly to get rid of almost all kinds of pain.

9. Stimulating power

Due to its stimulating properties and peppery pungent taste, the grain of Paradise is normally chewed as a stimulant to keep the body alert.

10. Malaria Treatment

Leaves are used for preparing herbal medicines for preventing and treating malaria.

11. Aphrodisiac Properties

Several researches have revealed that the grain of paradise is aphrodisiac in nature and thus can be used for stimulating sexual desires.

Side Effect

Alligator pepper is generally safe when consumed in moderation.

However, pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid it as it may cause miscarriage and may reduce prolactin (a hormone that produces breast milk) respectively.

Alligator is meant to be eaten little quantity at a time.

For example, when chewing raw, four to six seed is enough for an adult in a day. From six years to fifteen years of age may eat two to three seeds per day, while children from one year to five years should be given one seed per day.

Culinary Uses alligator pepper

Can You Use Alligator Pepper To Cook?

Yes! Add them to curries as well as rich sauces to enhance their flavor.

They are used in gingerbreads and spice cakes.

Crush some seeds and use them in combination with vinegar and garlic to rub the mixture on chicken, lamb, or pork prior to roasting.

It is used as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages such as beer, ale, and gin.

Learn More: Red Cashew Apple Fruit: Nutrition, Health Benefits, Uses, How to Preserve? 

Related: Eating Walnuts May Improve Your Reproductive Hormone: Here’s How?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Alligator Pepper

Here Are Other Important Uses Of Alligator Pepper That You May Have Questions about And Their Brief Answers:

What Is the Local Name For Alligator Pepper In Nigeria?

Alligator Pepper is called Atare in the Yoruba language, OsE ọ́jị́, and Ose Nshi in the Igbo language, and Chitta in the Hausa language.

Why Is It Called Alligator Pepper?

It is called Alligator pepper because of bumps on the seeds look like that of an alligator’s back.

What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of Alligator Pepper?

The traditionalist says the spiritual meaning of Alligator pepper is “water of the spirits”. As it is difficult to cook without water.

Also, alligator pepper is commonly used for spiritual jobs like protection from evil attacks, guns, and poison. And also for the treatment of physical and spiritual diseases.

Does Alligator Pepper Cure Infection?

The extract of the seed of Alligator pepper has long been used traditionally to prevent and cure infectious diseases, and also the treatment of wounds.

Can Alligator Pepper Terminate Pregnancy?

Alligator pepper has been used to terminate pregnancy in traditional medicine. More modern research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness. 

Does Alligator Pepper Boost Sperm?

Research studies have shown that Alligator pepper can help men suffering from premature ejaculation by improving sperm and semen. Also, studies show that Alligator pepper has aphrodisiac properties.

How Do You Eat Alligator Peppers?

Alligator pepper is eaten straight raw alone or with kola nut in the eastern part of Nigeria. And it is a commonly used spice in making pepper soup.

You can eat four to six seeds three to four times a week to gain proper effect.

Do Alligator Peppers Reduce Prolactin?

A study revealed a significant drop in Prolactin in non-lactating rats treated with Alligator pepper seed.

Is Alligator Pepper Good For High Blood Pressure?

Yes, alligator pepper seeds extract has been shown to reduce high blood pressure to a safety limit.

Conclusion

Alligator pepper is a spicy peppery West African fruit, ovoid in shape with a reddish-brown colored pod and numerous brown tiny seeds which originated from West Africa. When dried the pod looks brown.

Several modern research is beginning to prove that alligator pepper may have antioxidant and antibacterial effects hence its effective use in traditional medicine.

Alligator pepper has a wide range of health benefits and culinary use.

Alligator pepper has been scientifically used to treat wounds in animals, treat typhoid fever, and digestive problems like bloating, constipation, and excess gas.

Also, they have been found to relieve pain, reduce oxidative stress, reduce high blood pressure, treat skin diseases and infections, and have stimulating effects and aphrodisiacs.

Alligator pepper is generally considered safe when eaten in moderation. However pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid it as it may terminate the pregnancy and reduce breast milk.

I hope you get the value worth your time, I appreciate the time you spend with me. Leave a comment below if you find this article helpful and don’t forget to drop your question, opinion, or criticism if any. Cheers!

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