ABSTRACT
Viewed as an African panacea (UPW), the plant was introduced to the West Indies, probably during the slave trade days. Newly captured slaves were so dependent on the spice that slave ships had to carry an ample supply. Crushed seeds are rubbed on the skin as a counterirritant (WO2). Plant decoction taken as febrifuge. Root decoction given for constipation. Root used to expel tapeworms. Used with
Piper
in treating gonorrhea (UPW). Juice from fresh leaves staunches bleeding (WO2). Africans speculate that it has more synergistic power if given as an enema (UPW). Abreu and Noronha (1997) remind us that the pungent (spicy) principles of
A. melegueta
have antifeedant, antischistosomal, antiseptic, antitermite, and molluscicidal properties.
