1.1 Introduction
Bitter leaf is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family Asteraceae and grows throughout tropical Africa. It is probably the most used medicinal plant in the genus Vernonia. Traditional medicine practitioners use the plant as an anti-helminth, anti-malarial, laxative, digestive tonic, appetizer, febrifuge and for the topical treatment of wounds. Consumers usually wash the leaves with water (sometimes with water and salt) to reduce bitterness. The leaves may also be boiled before washing, (or boiled after washing) in a bid to make it more palatable. Washing of bitter leaf involves intermittent squeezing. The leaves may be exposed to sunlight for short periods to ensure that it does not get too small during size-reduction involved in the squeeze-washing process.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Bitter leaf is effective in preventive health care and for the management of several disease conditions in humans (Burkill, 1985). Several research studies suggest that its effective use is largely dose-dependent (Ibrahim et al., 2011). It may demonstrate toxic effects in some cases such as when it is being used to promote fertility (Saalu et al., 2013) or as an antimalarial (Omoregie et al., 2011). Hydrodistillation extracts of this plant product are rich in essential fatty acids (like oleic acid and linoleic acid) (Amaechi et al., 2018); essential oils with insecticidal properties such as eucalyptus; linalool; α-pinene; and some natural preservatives such as benzene are found in V. amydalina (Asawalam et al., 2006). Acetone and methanol extracts of V. amygdalina contain steroid glycosides, sesquiterpene lactones and edotides (Oluwaseun et al., 2017).
Bitter leaf belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. This plant family is made up of herbs, shrubs, or trees. It is the largest family of flowering plants. It has up to 1,620 genera and more than 23,600 species (Kokwaro, 1993). Vernonia is a genus of about 1,000 species of herbs and shrubs andV. amygdalina as the most important species (Kokwaro, 2009). In Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa, it is usually domesticated (Toyang and Verporte, 2013). The shrub is about 13m high. The full-blown mature leaf is elliptical, petiolate and has a diameter of about 6mm (Toyang and Verporte, 2013).
The leaves have been most extensively investigated and used, while the stem and roots have received limited research attention. The stem and roots have been identified to have anti-bacterial properties against periodontal bacteria, explaining its use as a chewing stick in some traditional settings. The distribution of bioactive compounds in plant parts (leaves, stem and roots) has not been fully established.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to determine the Medicinal Potentials of Bitter leaf.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that bitter leaf extract may be applied to wounds, especially when fresh for quick healing. It is not usually applied to open stale wounds. Water extract of the bitter leaves or the raw bitter leaves may be chewed to reduce worm infestation, constipation, hiccups and kidney problems. Liver diseases are serious medical problems, especially because of the central role of the liver in metabolic homeostasis and xenobiotic transformations (Babalola et al., 2001).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Medicinal Potentials of Bitter leaf. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To evaluate the proximate nutrient composition of Bitter leaf Nutrient
- To determine the uses of Bitter leaf and presents the current state of knowledge on the nutrient and phytochemical composition, and medicinal uses of Bitter leaf.
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on the Determination of Medicinal Potentials of Bitter leaf (Vernonia Amygdalina Del.).
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
