okazi
Gnetum africanum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (11 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Okazi, scientifically known as Gnetum africanum, is a highly valued leafy vegetable native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. Renowned for its distinct flavor and nutritional density, it is a staple in traditional cuisine, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants vital for holistic wellness.
- Family
- Gnetaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Leaf
- Common names
- Eru
- Scientific synonyms
- Thoa Africana
Names
Common Names
- Eru
Regional and Traditional Names
French:
- okok
- koko
- mfumbua
- eru
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Gnetum africanumSynonyms
- Thoa africana
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Gnetidae and the order Gnetales, it is classified under the family Gnetaeceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Gnetum, specifically as the species Gnetum africanum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Gnetidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gnetales | WCVP |
| Family | Gnetaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gnetum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed throughout the West-Central Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its range includes the Central African Republic and Cameroon. It can also be found growing within the borders of Congo and Gabon. Furthermore, the species is widely present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These specific locations define its primary natural habitat within the African continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Gnetum africanum, is highly valued for its edible and medicinal properties, particularly through the use of its leaves. These leaves are frequently harvested and consumed as leafy vegetables, serving as a significant source of nutrients in various regional diets. Beyond their culinary application, the leaves are utilized in traditional medicine to address various health concerns, making this specific part of the plant essential to both food security and herbal healing practices.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Journal of medicinal food (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Gnetum africanum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ATROPINE, Gallic acid, Stilbenes, quercetin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| ATROPINE | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gallic acid | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stilbenes | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
ATROPINE
- Food science & nutrition
Gallic acid
- Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)
Stilbenes
- Journal of medicinal food
quercetin
- Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)
Activities
Gnetum africanum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | Food science & nutrition (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticholinesterase | Food science & nutrition (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Gnetum africanum has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, Women's health.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | Food science & nutrition (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Women's health | Economic botany (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| ingredient in soups and stews | Journal of medicinal food (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf extract | Journal of medicinal food (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vegetable | Journal of medicinal food (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |