Turkey berry (Abedru): Health Benefits and Side Effects

This article deals with turkey berry usage benefits and side effects. It also covers its preparation and how to grow it at home. Anything you have to know about turkey berries is here. Grab a glass of juice and read with love.

What is the origin of turkey berry? / What is turkey berry?

The spiny, flowering shrub known as the turkey berry produces large clusters of yellow-green, pea-sized berries that can be used for a wide range of culinary, horticultural, and medicinal applications.

It goes by a variety of names and is referred to scientifically as Solanum torvum. It is a member of the nightshade family of plants. (∆1)

The turkey berry is a robust plant that does well in a variety of climates, but it does best in warm, sunny places. Like weeds, the plants spread easily. As a result, they can be found everywhere, including in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. (∆2)

What are other names for turkey berries?

• wild eggplant
• pea eggplant
• susumber
• Abedru (Ghana)
• devil’s fig
• shoo shoo bush
• Prickly nightshade (∆3)

What are the impressive health benefits of turkey berries?

• Anaemia Treatment

Anaemia is a worldwide deficiency. It occurs due to a lack of iron in the human system. Dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath are signs of anaemia. Turkey berry provides iron to the body hence increasing the production of red blood cells. (∆4)

According to research (Agbemafle, 2019), turkey berries’ higher iron content cannot be absorbed through the digestive system unless they are consumed in conjunction with vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries, bell peppers, and other citrus fruits, which can enhance plant-based iron absorption.

• Cold and Cough Prevention

Turkey berries can aid in the treatment and prevention of cold and cough symptoms when added to the soup. Turkey berries are also used in Belgium to get rid of mucus. The mucus can also be dried out with the help of dried and powdered berries. Additionally, these berries’ powder can be used to treat asthma, cough, and lung inflammation.

• Treatment for Kidney Disease and Cancer

Berries are the subject of numerous studies. Some say it can treat skin conditions and is beneficial for diabetics and high blood pressure patients. Turkey berries are also said to be good for the kidneys and reduce inflammation. Berries can also clear up kidney congestion and tubular necrosis.

Additionally, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of turkey berries have the potential to limit excessive cell growth and prevent cancer. Turkey berries are additionally supposed to be beneficial for the cellular breakdown in the lungs.

• Cardiovascular Disease Management

Numerous antioxidants are found in turkey berries, including alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, and others. They have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke. Additionally, the dried and powdered berry helps lower blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

• Regulation of Menstruation

Consuming turkey berries can help women regulate their periods. It can also be very helpful for menstrual irregularities. Additionally, these berries’ high iron content may be beneficial during menstruation. Therefore, anyone experiencing menstrual issues can supplement with turkey berries to resolve all issues related to periods.

• Reduction of Pain and Symptoms of Gout

Berries can flush out uric acid, preventing gout symptoms like pain, redness, and swelling. Additionally, the leaves of the turkey berry contain natural steroids and gasoline-based anti-inflammatory agents.

This can be very helpful for pain in general, arthritis, the lower back, swelling, and other conditions. Because all diseases are linked to inflammation. Turkey berries may be very important for overall health because they have anti-inflammatory properties.

• Reduces Oxidative Stress

The liver and kidneys are shielded from heavy metals like cadmium by turkey berries, according to multiple studies (C. H. Ramamurthy, 2016). As a result, the induction of heavy metals in these berries may also assist in reducing oxidative stress. And serves a purpose as food. (∆5)

• Immunity Booster

Turkey berries have antimicrobial properties that can boost the immune system in a variety of ways. As per a review (Arthan, 2002), turkey berry is successful against the infection of herpes simplex, which is a viral sickness. (∆6)

Turkey berries’ antimicrobial properties are extremely beneficial for wound cleaning and ulcer healing. As a result, the leaves of the turkey berry plant were used to treat wounds in ancient times.

After being dried, the leaves were crushed into the powder. To keep the wound clean, this powder was applied to it after being mixed with water.

• Treatment of Diarrhoea and Indigestion

Turkey berries are beneficial to digestion and may alleviate indigestion, diarrhoea, and other digestive issues. These berries can neutralize stomach acids, thereby contributing to the healing of gastric ulcers.

Additionally, turkey berries’ antimicrobial properties have the potential to reduce gastric ulcers and heal intestinal wounds.

• Intestinal Worm Treatment

Customary admission of turkey berries can assist with decreasing the arrangement of digestive worms present in the digestive system. These worms can cause critical medical problems. Worms present in the digestive tract can happen due to numerous sicknesses like blockage of the digestive tract or in the channels of the digestive tract.

The hatchling of these worms can move out from the digestive system and relocate toward different pieces of the body. This hatchling can make harm a few significant organs like the liver and heart. Thus, attempt sound and appropriately prepared feasts and, Utilize dried or powdered berries in sauces and eat for improved results.

• Diabetes Management

Catechins, gallic acid, rutin, caffeic acid, and other bioactive phenolic compounds are found in turkey berries. This aid in lowering blood sugar levels. These compounds have been shown in studies (Gopalsamy Rajiv, 2011(∆7) to increase insulin secretion.

Additionally, it was discovered that they reduced oxidative stress and enzymes involved in sugar metabolism. A cytoprotective effect, which these bioactive phenolic compounds have, can also shield cells from harmful substances.

The best way to control sugar with turkey berries is to dry the leaves and use the powder in cooking. Turkey berries can also be used to lower blood sugar when cooked.

• Blood Pressure Lowering Abilities

In the United States, nearly half of adults have high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for many diseases like stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Turkey berries contain compounds that have been shown to lower blood pressure (Mohan, 2009(∆8)). Because of their abundance of unique compounds like gallic acid and ferulic acid, both of which have been shown in studies to be antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. This plant has numerous health benefits.

Additionally, these berries contain fructose, which can raise blood pressure. However, studies (Mohan, 2009) demonstrate that the ethanolic extract found in turkey berries can assist in reducing the effects of fructose. As these berries can switch the metabolic adjustment impacted by fructose.

• Battles Against Infection

The growth of bacteria, which can result in several body infections, can be inhibited by turkey berries. A study (Rodrguez-Garca, 2019(∆9)) found that turkey berries can be very effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli bacteria.

Turkey berries are also well-known for their ability to treat skin infections. These berries are high in bioactive compounds like torvoside A, torvoside H, and torvanol A, which protect the skin from infections like herpes simplex virus type 1. (∆10)

How do you make turkey berry juice?

Making turkey berry juice is simple as eating your favourite Ice Cream. The most important thing is to know about turkey berry usage benefits and side effects.

Follow these few steps to make a nice turkey berry juice for yourself.

• Pluck turkey berry leaves or fruits from the plant. If you want to use the leaves then get fresh ones. This applies to fruits as well. Avoid the ones affected by pests and insects.
• After getting them, wash them thoroughly with clean water. Wash about three times. Make sure all sorts ate cleared from leaves or fruits.
• Get a sizable clay pot. Put the leaves in it and fill it with water halfway. If you are using fruits do the same.
• Apply a moderate amount of heat to cook the leaves or fruits. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes depending on heat temperature. When it’s ready, the colour of the water will change.
• Take off from the fire and let it cool down. Do not drink it too hot and it should not be too cold. Consider a temperature of a normal cocoa tea or coffee tea.

Which time is suitable to drink turkey berry juice?

There is no best time for taking a supplement. But the majority of people take herbal supplements or teas early morning after or before meals and the same in the evening.

What is the correct dose of turkey berry juice?

There has not been a comprehensive note on how much volume you can consume. But adults usually take 250ml to 300ml per serving. Also, children take 50ml t oto0ml per serving.

 Which food can you prepare with turkey berries?

There are many types of food you can cook with turkey berries. It can be soup, stew or even sauce. In Ghana, it is mixed with other spices and ingredients to make a very good soup. It is used for stew which is served with cooked plantain or yam.

How do you prepare palm nut soup with turkey berries?

After knowing turkey berry usage benefits and side effects, you may want to try cooking with it. It is very easy to do palm but soup with turkey berries.

All you need to do is to cook the palm fruits together with the turkey berry in the same pot. In the process of making the soup, grind it all together. Learn how to do palm but soup here.

Can you mix turkey berry juice with milk?

Yes! Even though turkey berry has not been researched deeply, it is normal practice in many places. This strategy was to enable iron-deficient children to take the turkey berry juice. It is done mostly in Ghana. Even some adults who can not take bitter-tasting medicine use turkey berry juice for tea by adding milk.

What are turkey berry uses?

There are many uses for turkey berries. It can be used to prepare soup, stew and sauce. It can also be used for tea and ground into powder when dry.

How do you use turkey berries to treat anaemia?

Just like other anaemia treatment remedies, turkey berry is also known for that. Anaemia can be a very serious health condition in men. This can lead to death. You can prevent this by using turkey berries.

To treat anaemia using this plant, there are just a few tips to know.

All you need to do is to increase moderately the use of turkey berries in your diet. Cooking all kinds of dishes with it may help you produce more red blood cells.

Also, take turkey berry juice as a tea instead of normal cocoa tea. You can add a bit of sweetener and milk.

Are there any side effects of turkey berries?

As the saying goes, too much of everything is bad. Although turkey berry is nutritious as described, it has minor side effects when overused. It contains a chemical composition which may affect the digestive system if overused.

The nightshade family of plants that includes potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant includes the turkey berry.

The glycoalkaloids found in turkey berries are similar to those found in other nightshades. Glycoalkaloids can cause digestive and neurologic effects, such as nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, and confusion, when consumed in large quantities. (∆11)

As the plant matures, the concentration of glycoalkaloids in turkey berries naturally decreases. As a result, it is thought to be safer to only eat turkey berry fruits when they are fully ripe.

However, there is a possibility that some people are more susceptible to the effects of glycoalkaloids than others. Turkey berry is probably not the best option for you if you have a history of having trouble digesting nightshades. (∆12)

Can turkey berry help with common nutrient deficiencies?

Yes! After knowing turkey berry usage benefits and side effects you can determine what it can do.

Turkey berry is very nutritious and it is usually added to meals during preparation. This is to help enrich the human body with the necessary nutrients it needs. Turkey berry in diet serves many purposes. It serves as a protective food and helps build a strong immune system.

Is turkey berry a popular food, and if yes, why?

Yes! Turkey berry is a very popular food among Ghanaians and people who live in the tropics. It is popular because of its numerous health benefits. Most especially it can deal with anaemia.

Is there research to support the use of turkey berries as a supplement?

There isn’t a lot of solid scientific evidence that turkey berry is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

However, it is common practice in some nations, like Ghana, for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consume raw turkey berries to boost their iron levels and encourage lactation. (∆13)

However, due to the lack of research and the possibility that poisonous and non-toxic varieties of the berry are indistinguishable, it is best to consult your doctor before consuming turkey berries, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other underlying medical conditions. (∆14)

How do you grow turkey berries at home?

Turkey berry usage benefits and side effects should be known before you decide to plant it. You can not grow any plant if you have no idea about it. Now that you have read how this plant can benefit. You can start planning on how to grow one. Turkey berries are planted using seeds unlike or med, medicinal plants which use stems.

It is used easily to grow turkey berries just like Berries Leaf and Moringa. It is usually dispersed by birds and wind. This does not prevent us from growing it ourselves. It is possible. It is not true that it can only be planted by birds as some people believe.

Matured turkey berry fruits are ideal if you are considering planting.

√ Pluck very mature or overgrown fruits which may not be suitable for food or juice.

√ Dry them under the sun in an airy place. This process should take about 4 days to dry. Avoid the seed from coming into contact with water in the drying stage.

√ When it’s dry, remove the seeds from its outer layer unto a flat surface. You may dry the removed seed for an additional day if you wish to.

√ Just like the way tomatoes and pepper are grown. Make a seed bed with fertile moist soil. Sprinkle seeds on the bed and cover them with a thin layer of sand. Remember to make a small hut for your seedbed. That is if it may come into contact with the sun easily.

√ After 5 days your seedlings should be ready for transplanting. Make sure to uproot seedlings with care and the sand under it. Prevent touching the newly sprouting leaves in this stage.

√ What is left for you is to water the small seedlings under it is firm on their ground. The plant can withstand harsh weather conditions. Due to this, it may not die if you miss a watering session.

What are the cautions about the use of turkey berries?

When you study turkey berry usage benefits and side effects, you can identify warnings associated with it.

Turkey berries have no red flags but they may certainly not be good for all blood types. A qualified plant doctor needs to do a proper diagnosis before recommending it as a supplement. Here are a few things you should consider before using turkey berries.

• Kindly read about the side effects of this plant before attempting to use it.
• Stop it useful when you encounter adverse effects.
• Confirm from a doctor that you can use it as a supplement for a healthy condition before using it.
• Make sure it is properly washed under clean running water before using it.

Conclusion

This article has looked at a wide range of topics related to turkey berry usage, benefits, side effects and how it can be cultivated at home.

Kindly leave a comment in the comment box in case you have any questions or you need turkey berries to buy or seeds to plant.

Disclaimer

This is not medical advice. Seek the assistance of a professional medical doctor if you encounter any health-related issues.