Eweta / Marugbo


Dried Eweta Leaves Leaves [Eweta, Marugbo (Nigeria (Ikale, Ilaje, Apoi)); Dagba (Nigeria (Urhobo); (Obenetete (Nigeria (Itsekiri)); Clerodendrum volubile of family Lamiaceae - formerly family Verbenaceae]

Best known from southern Nigeria, this climbing plant is also reported from other West African countries and as far south as Angola. The highly medicinal leaf is used in Nigera as an ingredient in Marugbo (Eweta) soup and also Gbanunu soup which incorporates other medicinal herbs. Using the dried leaves these soups have a very dark, almost black color.

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Buying:

  these leaves are only available dried in North America, but that's the way it is almost always used in Nigeria, so no problem. The batch from which the photo specimens were drawn was 2021 US $5.99 for "One Wrap". This measure was about 0.7 ounce, and by volume (very lightly packed) 2-1/2 cups. This volume is about what is called for in most recipes for the Nigerian soups, so "wrap" may be a legitimate measure there.

Health & Nutrition:

  These leaves are relatively high in Protein and minerals: Manganese (4.45 mg/g), Magnesium, Zinc (1.56 mg/g), Selenium (0.21 mg/kg), also Calcium, Phosphorus, and include Vitamins C and E, Flavonoids (124 mg/g), and various micronutrients. In Nigeria these leaves are used to treat many diseases and disorders, including diabetes. Usefulness for treating neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) has been medically confirmed.

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