Azanza garckeana (Family: Malvaceae) Exell and Hillc, a multipurpose edible fruit native to tropical Africa, is said to be grown only in Tula village, Gombe State, Nigeria. It is commonly known as Goron Tula (Tula kola) in Hausa, ọgwụ mgbochi (meaning “preventative medicine”) in Igbo, and àwọn ọ̀sàn ìgbé (which translates to “fruit of the bush”) in Yoruba. However, it is not widely recognised by a single, universally accepted name in Yoruba culture.
Common names for Goron Tula include African chewing gum, miracle fruit, and snot apple (English); tree hibiscus (Botswana); Thespesia garckeana (binomial name); nkole (Sri Lanka); and silky kola.
Constituents
Goron Tula seeds contain essential vitamins such as vitamins A, E, C, and B-complex, as well as protein, carbohydrates, lipids, and fibre. They also provide important minerals, including calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Extracts of the fruit have been found to contain alkaloids, carotenoids, flavonoids, glucosides, phenols, polyphenols, antioxidants, lipids, tannins, and saponins.
Preparations
The fruit is often eaten raw, either fresh or dried. The seed can be chewed, often alongside chewing gum. It is also available in powdered form and is used in various recipes, including jams, jellies, juices, sauces, soups, and porridges. Additionally, it can be found in the form of capsules and syrups.
Goron Tula can be soaked in water or honey before consumption. It can also be cooked with hot water and used to make porridge. Additionally, it can be mixed with other herbs. The leaves, bark, and roots of the tree are used in traditional medicine preparation.
Pharmacological actions and medicinal uses
Research has shown that Goron Tula possesses antibacterial, antifungal, hypoglycaemic, blood pressure-lowering, antimalarial, antioxidant, wound-healing, and iron absorption-enhancing properties. It is therefore used as a herbal remedy for ailments such as chest pain, cough, infertility, liver problems, menstrual disorders, and sexually transmitted infections.
Studies indicate that the fruit increases fertility rates in women and enhances libido in men. It is also known to cleanse the vagina of unpleasant odours and provide natural lubrication, making intercourse easier. Other health benefits of Goron Tula include aiding digestion, enhancing bowel movement, strengthening the immune system, and managing asthma.
Additionally, Goron Tula is believed to alleviate chest pain by dispersing excess mucus from the lungs and sinuses into the bloodstream. It has been traditionally used as a natural aphrodisiac for generations by both men and women. It is also used to relieve menstrual cramps and regulate menstruation. Furthermore, the plant serves as a herbal remedy for hepatic (liver-related) impairments.
Adverse effects
Although Goron Tula is generally considered safe, it may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, which can manifest as headaches, dizziness, nausea, breast tenderness, weight changes, mood swings, and acne (which may either improve or worsen, but typically improves). Overconsumption may trigger an early menstrual period and, if eaten excessively, has been suggested to have potential carcinogenic effects.
Economic uses and potentials
Goron Tula has been a source of business and income for many people in Tula, with the trade being passed down through generations. There is an increasing demand for the fruit both locally and globally, with potential applications in the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and beverage industries.
Locally, the fruit costs between ₦4,000 and ₦10,000 for 10 fruits or approximately ₦23,000 for 50 fruits.
By Pharm. Ngozika Okoye MSc, MPH, FPCPharm
(Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency)
Email: ngozikaokoye@yahoo.com
References
Yusuf, A.A., Lawal, B., Sani, S. et al. (2020). Pharmacological activities of Azanza garckeana (Goron Tula) grown in Nigeria. Clinical Phytoscience, 6(27). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40816-020-00173-0
