Can mango leaves cure diabetes, high blood pressure?

Prof. Moses Adeniji, a Consultant Plant Pathologist at the Herbal Treatment Home of Human Diseases, Orogun, Ibadan, has disclosed that mango leaves can successfully cure diabetes at the early stage.

Adeniji made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Ibadan on Wednesday.

He said that the tender leaves of the mango tree contain “tannis”, known as “anthocyanidins’’, could treat early diabetes and some other diseases at their early stage.

He said that the leaves could be dried and grinded into powder and could also be used as infusion to treat some diseases.

“The most useful parts of the leaves are the tender, reddish or purplish part, while the old mango leaves, which are dark, green in colour and with pale underside can also be dried and used.

“These leaves are rich in vitamin C, B and A. They are also rich in various nutrients. They have powerful antioxidant properties as they have a high content of flavonoids and phenols.

“Mango leaves are very useful for treating diabetes; the tender leaves which contain tannins which are also called anthocyanidins, help in the early treatment of diabetes.
“It also helps to treat diabetic `angiopathy’ and diabetic `retinopathy’; mango tea leaves are very good for this purpose.

“Soak the leaves in a cup of water overnight, strain and drink this tea to help relieve the symptoms of diabetes.

“The leaves contain a compound called 3beta-taraxenol, and ethyl acetate extract which synergise with insulin to activate GLUT4 and stimulate the synthesis of glycogen,” he said.

The plant pathologist said that mango leaves could also be used in treating high blood pressure.

He said that the leaves contain anti-hypertensive properties which help in strengthening the blood vessels and treating the problem of varicose veins.

Adeniji said that mango leaves could also be used in treating kidney stones and gallstones, adding that the leaves could be dried, grinded and added to water, left over night.

“Early morning consumption of the mixture and by the next morning could help in breaking the stones and flushing them out,’’ he said.

Adeniji also disclosed that mango leaves could cure all kinds of respiratory problems in both adults and children.

“The leaves are especially useful for people suffering from cold, bronchitis and asthma.

“Drinking a decoction made by boiling mango leaves in water with a little honey added to it helps in effectively curing cough and loss of voice,” he said.

He said that the mango leaves were available all year round in the country.

“Using them as anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties help treat various ailments efficiently at home,” he said.