Facts On African Oil Bean

African oil bean is scientifically called as “Pentaclethra macrophylla” .

ORIGIN OF AFRICAN OIL BEAN
African oil bean, tree with long bipinnate compound leaves that is endemic to West and Central Africa. African oil bean, is within the family Fabaceae.

OTHER NAMES OF AFRICAN OIL BEAN
Ukpaka, Ugba (Fermented beans, Nigeria); Atta bean, Owala oil tree, Congo acacia, Nganzi (English). Owala, Mubala, Arbre à Semelles, Acacia du Congo (French); Sucupira, Marroné (Portuguese); Pentaclethra macrophylla .

APPEARANCE OF AFRICAN OIL BEAN
African oil bean Fruit is a dark brown -blackish pod, up to 50 cm long, 10 cm wide and 2 cm in thickness, 6-10, seeded, the seeds that have a purplish brown taste, are 3.5–6 cm long and up to 1 cm thick.

TASTES OF AFRICAN OIL BEAN
African oil bean is bitter taste. The seeds are most eaten in Nigeria,said to provide a meaty taste. It has many uses but is mainly used for its culinary purposes. Ukpaka seeds are sliced and used to prepare nkwobi, abacha, soups and vegetable with yam.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF AFRICAN OIL BEAN
African oil bean seeds contain up to 44 percent protein, with all twenty essential amino acids.
African oil bean seed is an excellent source of energy, protein, amino acids, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, vitamins, calcium, manganese and copper.

FACTS OF AFRICAN OIL BEAN

Rich nutritional value: African oil bean seeds are rich in protein, amino acids, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins, calcium, manganese, and copper. Also rich in phytonutrients such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, glycosides, and saponins.

 Dermatologic and beauty purposes: African oil beans contain anti-inflammatory substances that reduce inflammation in the body. African oil beans seeds used to produce local oils for the treatment of insect bites, itching, cuts, and wounds.

Animal feed production: African bean seeds are rich in nutrients. They contain minerals, amino acids, proteins, and fatty acids. These nutrients have been proven to be important in the production of animal feed.

Culinary benefits: African oil bean seeds can be cooked, sliced, and allowed to undergo a fermentation process for three days before being prepared in delicacies. Oil beans are used as a major ingredient when making African dishes. This ingredient adds a fresh and earthy flavour to food.

Medicinal properties: African oil bean has medicinal properties such as antibacterial properties and antimicrobial properties. These seeds may reduce cancer growth, treat Bacillus cereus, gastrointestinal diseases, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiellosis pneumonia, and Bacillus subtilis.

Obesity control: African oil bean contains weight control properties and helps to control obesity.The oil bean plant is high in phytoestrogens and therefore can be considered as a nutritional supplement and vitamin to control obesity and overweight.

Commercial benefits: The oil extract of African oil bean seed is used in making candles, soaps, and cooking oil. Oil bean seeds are at times cased in brown shells and used for decorating, bead making, and other crafts.

Lowers cholesterol level: The oil bean seed efficiently lowers cholesterol. Level and contain property called saponin which reduces plasma cholesterol that benefits the heart.

Antimicrobial Properties: African oil bean contains sterols which have been proven effective for tackling microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Antibacterial Properties: African oil bean seeds contain saponins and alkaloids that possess antibacterial properties thus can be used for fighting Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis.

Infertility Treatment: African oil bean seeds can be used for preparing herbal medicines for treating infertility.

Treatment of Gonorrhea: The fruits, seeds, bark and leaves of the African oil bean tree have been proven effective for tackling gonorrhea.

Treatment of Fever: The leaves of the African oil bean tree can be decocted with bush pepper and taken for treating fever.