Don says maize husks can be used to treat arthritis
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Prof Bamidele Owoyele, of the Department of Physiology of the University of Ilorin has postulated that his research has shown that maize husks can be used to treat arthritis.
Owoyele stated this in his paper presentation at the 211th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ilorin entitled: ” The Balm in your Backyard: Use it for your Health Benefit “.
The Don who teaches in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences of the University explained that in his research, water extract of maize husks were administered to rats which have been made arthritic in the laboratory.
“The findings from the study showed that the extract of maize husks has remarkable analgesic and antiinflammatory effects, he said.
The Physiologist observed that a high, but nontoxic dose of 200mg/kg body weight of extract was more effective than indomethacin (Indocid), which is a standard anti-i flammatory drug.
He asserted that the antiarthritic effect of the combination of maize husks and lime was carried out and the results showed that concurrent administration of maize husks and lime extract for 10 days led to significant reductions in induced arthritis in rats.
“The mixture was also more effective than indomethacin and this was achieved partly through the inhibition C-Reactor protein which is an inflammatory marker,” he said.
Similarly the expert noted that Bitter Kola can be used to alleviate inflammation and pain.
According to him, a biflavonoid constituent (Kolaviron) of the seed was found to protect the brain of rats from brain damage called Multiple Sclerosis.
“It also prevented weight loss, memory loss, memory decline and oxidative stress in the rats.
“Generally, it looks like most of the Kolas are useful medicinally. Cola nitida restored the function of a major brain transport protein and spatial memory in rats that have been made diabetic” he said.
Owoyele stated that our food apart from providing the basic energy needed for the day to day activities, are very vital for making us healthy because they protect against diseases.
He listed foods with medicinal properties to include Pawpaw, Guava, Maize, Coconut, Cashew, Bitter Cola, Plantain, Pear and Pineapple among others.
“It is clear that we cannot do away completely with healing herbs, plants and other forms of traditional medicine provided to us to complement our existence here on earth,” he said.(NAN)
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