Uses of black sesame and male papaya flowers

Uses of male papaya flowers

Male papaya flowers are a medicinal herb with many health benefits. According to Dan Tri newspaper, citing Traditional Medicine Practitioner Phung Tuan Giang – Chairman of the Vietnam Institute for Research and Development of Traditional Medicine – papaya flowers are also used in many traditional therapies to treat malaria, jaundice, joint pain, coughs, colds, fever, and viral infections. Therefore, analyzing the phytochemical components of papaya flowers traditionally used to treat various diseases is essential.

In the present study, secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and tannins were found in various papaya flower extracts. Alkaloids are a type of nitrogenous compound, and over 10,000 alkaloids are known to be produced by plants.

Approximately 8,000 flavonoids have been reported from various plant species. They play important roles in stimulating, protecting, flavoring, and pigmentation. Flavonoids possess anti-allergic, anti-cancer, liver-protective, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.

Saponins are a large group of glycosides with foaming properties. Saponins are known to possess antibacterial, antimalarial, antiallergic, antidiabetic, insecticidal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tannins are complexes of polyphenolic compounds synthesized by plants. Tannins have also been reported to possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities.

The presence of all these compounds in papaya flowers highlights their importance in treating a wide variety of ailments. Ethnic communities have been aware of the health benefits of papaya flowers as they are using them in many traditional medicine preparations.

Papaya flowers also contain vitamins such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), ascorbic acid (C) and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, cadmium, cobalt, lead, iron, potassium and sodium.

Uses of black sesame

According to the Health & Life newspaper, citing Traditional Medicine Practitioner Bui Dac Sang – Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association, the black xạ plant is also known by other names such as bách giải, bạch vạn hoa, đồng triều, đơn lá chè, or “cancer” plant (by the Muong ethnic group in Vietnam). The scientific name of black xạ plant is Ehretia asperula Zoll. & Mor.

Blackthorn is a medicinal herb used to prevent and support the treatment of several diseases, such as helping the body to cool down and detoxify, supporting the treatment of inflammatory diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol, and for pain relief and boosting the body's resistance.

Male papaya flowers and blackthorn leaves are very good for health.

The common health benefits of black sesame have been proven as follows:

– Supporting tumor treatment: Blackthorn contains two compounds, flavonoids and quinones, which have the effect of liquefying abnormal cells. These two medicinal substances help slow the growth of tumors when they first form. There are some scientific studies proving its effectiveness in preventing and supporting the treatment of tumors. However, everything is still in the research stage.

– Supporting the treatment of hypertension: Blackthorn helps regulate unstable blood pressure. Using blackthorn to support the treatment of hypertension is also very simple; just boil the leaves with water and drink it daily, or brew it as tea and drink it every day.

– Supports treatment of hyperlipidemia and fatty liver: The use of black sesame is beneficial for people with hyperlipidemia, as evidenced by research from the Military Medical Academy. Drinking a decoction made from this medicinal herb daily significantly improves the condition of hyperlipidemia and fatty liver.

– Improves sleep and treats nervous exhaustion: Blackthorn has a slightly astringent and bitter taste, and a cooling nature. It is very effective for people who suffer from frequent insomnia due to nervous exhaustion or anemia (according to traditional Chinese medicine, a type of yin deficiency with excessive heat). In addition, it helps improve blood circulation to the brain, helping to treat dizziness and vertigo.

A herbal remedy combining black sesame and male papaya flowers.

The Health & Life newspaper quoted Traditional Medicine Practitioner Tran Dang Tai – Vice Chairman of the Traditional Medicine Association of Thai Hoa town, Nghe An province – as guiding the use of a herbal remedy combining black sesame and male papaya flowers as follows:

• 35 grams of dried blackthorn leaves. If using fresh leaves, prepare 80 grams.
• 25 grams of dried male papaya flowers. If using fresh flowers, you will need 50 grams.
• 20 grams of dried burdock root.

Boil the herbs in water and drink the decoction daily. Continue this for 6 months, then stop to assess the effectiveness. During treatment, you must drink it regularly and consistently. Note that the use of this medicine requires assessment of the patient's condition and monitoring by an experienced and certified traditional medicine practitioner.

Ha An (Compiled)