Turkey Berry Extract
What is turkey berry? (Susumba [Gully Beans] in Jamaica)
Turkey berry is a popular plant used all over the world for its unique nutritional and medicinal properties. It belongs to the same family of plants as some other common vegetables like eggplant, tomato, and peppers. Turkey berry is used to treat a wide range of illnesses, including high blood pressure, wounds, anemia, and bacterial and viral infections. However, modern research supporting its efficacy for these purposes is mostly limited to test-tube and animal studies.
Turkey berry is a type of spiny, flowering shrub that produces large clusters of yellow-green, pea-sized berries that can be used for a variety of culinary, horticultural, and medicinal purposes.
Scientifically known as Solanum torvum, it goes by many names and belongs to the nightshade family of plants.
1- Cancer – The berries inhibit excessive cell growth exhibited by cancer and may help protect against lung cancer.
2- Cardiovascular disease – Susumba has powerful antioxidants and other substances that may provide protection against stroke and cardiovascular disease.
3- Diabetes – When used in cooking, it helps lower glucose levels in the disease.
4- Kidney disease – Susumba can help kidneys work efficiently, thereby aiding in the treatment and prevention of kidney disease.
5- Anemia – Gully berries are a rich source of iron that’s essential in preventing anemia and producing red blood cells.
6- Cold and flu- A hot soup made with turkey berries will help people recover quicker from colds and flu.
7- Bronchitis and lung inflammation – The berries are effective in reducing phlegm and mucus production in respiratory conditions.
8- Parasites – All types of intestinal worms, including tapeworms, have the potential to affect anyone. Susumba helps prevent parasites that can affect the digestive and nervous systems.
9- Stomach upsets – From diarrhea to indigestion, Susumba neutralizes stomach acid that causes ulcers and stomach problems.
10- Gout – The berries help reduce the symptoms of gout by flushing uric acid from the body.
The natural anti-inflammatory properties of turkey berries act much like a steroid to relieve pain
Potential health benefits
Turkey berry is used as both a food and herbal remedy for countless physical ailments, including high blood pressure, digestive issues, bacterial infections, and more.
Still, scientific research focusing on the medicinal properties of turkey berry is very limited.
That said, early evidence from test-tube and animal studies suggests that specific nutrients and plant compounds in turkey berry may be the driving force behind its many purported health benefits.
May prevent and treat anemia
Low iron is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide.
Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition that may develop as a result of inadequate iron intake. It’s associated with symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Turkey berry is a particularly rich source of plant-based iron and is often consumed to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Although turkey berry possesses a high concentration of iron, recent animal research indicates that it may not be well absorbed in the digestive tract. Thus, there’s no guarantee that adding turkey berry to your diet will dramatically improve your iron status.
Pairing foods that are high in vitamin C, such as strawberries, bell pepper, or citrus fruit, may help increase the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
However, there’s no research available to indicate whether this method improves turkey berry’s ability to treat anemia.
May help lower blood pressure
In the United States, nearly 50% of adults have high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Early research suggests that compounds in turkey berry may serve as a natural way to lower blood pressure.
Turkey berry is loaded with a variety of unique compounds, such as gallic acid and ferulic acid, which have demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in test-tube studies.
Moreover, one animal study found that turkey berry extract significantly reduced blood pressure in rats with high blood pressure.
Still, there are currently no studies available to determine whether turkey berry can help lower blood pressure in humans. Thus, no specific results can be guaranteed.
May promote healthy immune function
Test-tube studies have shown that turkey berry has potent antimicrobial properties that may promote healthy immune function in multiple ways.
One study observed that turkey berry may be effective against the herpes simplex virus.
Turkey berry’s antimicrobial properties have also been found to be useful for keeping wounds clean and helping heal cuts and ulcers.
Although this preliminary data is promising, more well-designed human studies are needed to determine whether turkey berry can be reliably used to promote healthy immune function in humans.