Gongronema latifolium Benth., commonly known as utazi in Igbo, arokeke in Yoruba, and utasi in Efik and Ibibio, is a climbing shrub native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa . It is a member of the family Apocynaceae (formerly Asclepiadaceae) and is widely distributed across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Senegal. Unlike bitter kola, which is primarily a chewing stick and snack, G. latifolium is highly valued both as a culinary vegetable and a medicinal herb, occupying a unique position in Nigerian ethnomedicine due to its sharp-bitter and sweet taste.
Traditional Use and Ethnobotanical Significance
The leaves of G. latifolium are perhaps best known as a spice and vegetable used to garnish popular Nigerian delicacies such as Isiewu, nkwobi, abacha/ugba (African salad), ofe nsala (white soup), and unripe plantain porridge. In many local “joints,” the leaves are added to these dishes to help neutralise the intoxicating properties of alcohol and mitigate its harmful effects on the liver.
Beyond its culinary uses, G. latifolium is a cornerstone of traditional medicine across numerous Nigerian ethnic groups. An infusion of the aerial parts is commonly taken to treat cough, intestinal worms, dysentery, dyspepsia, and malaria. It is also taken as a tonic to treat loss of appetite. In southern Nigeria, the Igbo people use it extensively, while the Yoruba know it as arokeke. The Efik and Quas tribes of Cross River State use the leaf extract to treat malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and constipation.
Asthma patients are known to chew fresh leaves to relieve wheezing, and a cold maceration of the roots is also taken as a remedy for asthma. The leaves are also used to prepare food for nursing mothers, as it is believed to stimulate appetite, reduce postpartum contraction, and enhance the return of the menstrual cycle.
Scientific Evidence for Respiratory and Related Benefits
1. Antitussive (Cough-Suppressing) and Antibacterial Activity
Scientific studies have provided compelling evidence for the traditional use of G. latifolium in treating respiratory infections. An investigation into the antioxidant and antitussive properties of the leaves, prompted by its local use by Nigerian poultry farmers for the treatment of fowl cough, yielded remarkable results.
Key Findings:
| Parameter | Result |
| Phytochemicals detected | Saponins (0.69 mg/100g), tannins (0.0416 mg/100g), alkaloids (0.046 mg/100g), flavonoids (0.016 mg/100g), triterpenes, cardiac glycosides |
| Mortality reduction in broilers | 25% within 3 weeks; 40% within 6 weeks of treatment |
| Aerobic bacteria reduction | From 36 × 10² cfu/ml to 8 × 10² cfu/ml within 3 weeks |
| Pleuro-pneumonia-like organisms (PPLO) | Completely eliminated within 3 weeks of treatment |
The study concluded that the in vivo antibacterial potency of the plant extract may be ascribed to the presence of antioxidative compounds like saponins, alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, and cardiac glycosides in the plant leaves.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Respiratory conditions often involve significant inflammation. A 2024 study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol leaf extracts of G. latifolium on both heat- and hypotonicity-induced hemolysis. The extract exhibited dose-dependent percentage inhibition of inflammation, and at the dose of 1,000 µg/ml, it attained percentage inhibitions of 86.75% and 85.87% for heat- and hypotonicity-induced inflammations, respectively. These findings support the use of the plant for inflammatory conditions, including those affecting the respiratory tract.
3. Immunomodulatory Effects
A study on the haematological changes following oral administration of ethanolic root extract of G. latifolium in rats found that the total white blood cell (WBC) count was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the high-dose group compared with the control . Specifically, eosinophil and monocyte counts were significantly increased in the test groups compared to controls. This suggests a potential immunomodulatory effect, which may help the body fight off respiratory infections.
4. Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Properties
The plant has been reported to possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral activities. It has been used as a general antimicrobial agent, with a maceration of the leaves in alcohol taken to treat bilharzia, viral hepatitis, and other infections. A herbal preparation containing G. latifolium alongside garlic, ginger, onions, scent leaf, lemon grass, and other herbs has been effectively used to stop malaria and typhoid .
5. Nutritional Profile Supporting Respiratory Health
The leaves are rich in fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, including leucine, valine, phenylalanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and glycine . Its protein content (27.2% dry matter) is comparable with that of chickpeas, cowpeas, and lentils. High amounts of vitamins (A, C, E, and niacin) and minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium have also been reported. The high vitamin C content is particularly relevant for immune support during respiratory infections.
Summary of Respiratory Health Applications
| Application | Scientific Evidence | Mechanism |
| Cough and catarrh | Strong | Antioxidant, antitussive, antibacterial |
| Asthma and wheezing | Traditional use documented | Anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory effect |
| Chest congestion | Traditional use documented | Mild expectorant properties |
| Antimicrobial support | Moderate | Broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, parasites |
| Immune modulation | Moderate | Increased WBC, eosinophil, and monocyte counts |
Methods of Preparation
Traditional methods of preparation vary depending on the ailment:
| Method | Description | Common Usage |
| Chewing fresh leaves | Directly chewing leaves or stems | Asthma relief, cough, catarrh |
| Infusion | Steeping in boiling water (as tea) | Cough, digestive issues, general tonic |
| Decoction | Boiling leaves or stems in water | Malaria, diabetes, hypertension |
| Tincture | Extraction in alcoholic beverages | Antimicrobial, liver conditions |
| Sap extraction | Squeezing sap with water or palm wine | Various applications |
Safety Considerations
The median lethal dose (LD50) of the ethanol leaf extract was found to be >5,000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a wide margin of safety. For the aqueous stem extract, the intraperitoneal LD50 value was established as 1678.63 ± 78 mg/kg.
Key safety considerations:
| Concern | Implication |
| Wide safety margin | LD50 >5,000 mg/kg indicates relatively non-toxic profile |
| Gastrointestinal relaxation | The stem extract has been shown to relax the gastrointestinal tract via alpha2-adrenoceptors |
| Traditional safety record | Long history of use as a vegetable and medicine suggests good safety profile |
| Limited human clinical data | Most evidence from animal studies; further human studies needed |
Recommended Dosing Guidelines
Based on traditional use and available scientific literature, the following dosing guidance is recommended:
| Indication | Preparation | Recommended Usage |
| Cough and catarrh | Fresh leaves chewed or infused in hot water | As needed for fast relief |
| Asthma | Chew fresh leaves or cold maceration of roots | As needed for symptom relief |
| General respiratory tonic | Leaf infusion (tea) | 1-2 cups daily |
| Chest congestion | Leaf decoction | ½ cup twice daily |
| Hepatitis support | Combination with Momordica charantia and Ocimum gratissimum | As directed by traditional practitioner |
Important Note: While G. latifolium has a long history of safe use, patients should:
- Disclose use to healthcare providers, particularly if taking prescription medications
- Not rely solely on herbs for serious respiratory conditions without medical supervision
- Use products from reputable sources where possible
- Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve
Comparison with Other Respiratory Herbs
| Feature | Gongronema latifolium | Garcinia kola |
| Primary form | Leaf (vegetable and medicine) | Seed (chewing stick, snack) |
| Culinary use | Yes—widely used in soups, salads | Limited |
| Respiratory evidence | Strong (antitussive, antibacterial) | Moderate (antioxidant, immunomodulatory) |
| Antimicrobial mechanism | Broad-spectrum, multiple compounds | Antimicrobial, immunomodulatory |
| Safety profile | Wide margin (LD50 >5,000 mg/kg) | Favourable |
Conclusion
Gongronema latifolium (utazi) is a remarkable Nigerian herb with a unique dual identity as both a beloved culinary vegetable and a potent medicinal plant. Its traditional use for respiratory conditions—particularly cough, catarrh, asthma, and chest congestion—is increasingly supported by scientific evidence demonstrating antitussive, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.
The leaf extract has been shown to significantly reduce mortality and eliminate respiratory pathogens in animal models, while its rich nutritional profile and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities further support its therapeutic value. Its wide safety margin and long history of use as a food make it an accessible and promising option for respiratory health support.
However, the authors of the studies reviewed emphasised that further studies are required to establish standardised dosages and safety profiles, particularly for human use. Healthcare providers should be aware of patients’ use of this herb and provide appropriate guidance on its integration with conventional care.
References
- Essien JP, Ebong GA, Akpan EJ. Antioxidant and Antitussive Properties of Gongronema latifolium Leaves Used Locally for the Treatment of Fowl Cough in Nigeria. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management. 2007;11(4):47-50.
- Mosango DM. Gongronema latifolium Benth. In: Schmelzer GH, Gurib-Fakim A, editors. PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa / Ressources végétales de l’Afrique tropicale). Wageningen, Netherlands. 2011.
- Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and gastric histopathology activities of ethanol leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium in diclofenac induced albino rat models. Zenodo. 2024.
- Nigeria’s medicinal plant: Gongronema latifolium (Arokeke). Punch Newspapers. 2021.
- Phytochemistry and some haematological changes following oral administration of ethanolic root extract of Gongronema latifolium in rats. Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences. 2009.
- Health Benefits Of Gongronema latifolium (Utazi). The Guardian Nigeria. 2015.