Many cultures widely recognize turkey berry as a food and herbal remedy used in numerous traditional medicinal practices.
Despite its global prevalence, many individuals seek to understand its optimal uses and safety considerations.
This article delves into comprehensive information regarding turkey berry, encompassing the scientific basis for some of its most well-known applications.
What is turkey berry?
Turkey berry is a spiny, flowering shrub characterized by its production of large clusters of yellow-green, pea-sized berries, which serve various culinary, horticultural, and medicinal purposes.
Scientists know this plant as Solanum torvum, and it belongs to the nightshade family, recognized by several common names, including:
- prickly nightshade
- devil’s fig
- shoo shoo bush
- wild eggplant
- pea eggplant
- susumber
This resilient plant flourishes in diverse climates, although it prefers sunny, temperate areas.
Its ability to spread rapidly resembles that of weeds, which allows it to spread globally, including regions in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Due to its extensive distribution, the exact origin of turkey berry remains uncertain. Nevertheless, many specialists suggest that it is likely native to Central and South America.
Potential health benefits
Experts recognize turkey berry for its dual role as a food item and a herbal remedy, addressing a wide range of physical ailments such as high blood pressure, digestive complications, and bacterial infections.
Despite this, scientists have conducted limited inquiry into the medicinal qualities of turkey berry.
Early research from test-tube and animal studies implies that certain nutrients and botanical compounds in turkey berry may play a crucial role in its numerous claimed health benefits.
Prevent and treat anemia
Iron deficiency is among the most prevalent nutrient deficiencies globally.
Iron deficiency anemia is a widespread condition that can arise from insufficient iron consumption. It is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Researchers know that turkey berry is a particularly abundant source of plant-derived iron and frequently utilize it to address or prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Despite the high iron content in turkey berry, recent studies conducted on animals suggest that the digestive system may limit its absorption.
Therefore, incorporating turkey berry into one’s diet does not necessarily ensure a significant enhancement in iron levels.
Combining foods rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, bell peppers, or citrus fruits, may facilitate the absorption of iron from plant sources.
Currently, researchers have not confirmed whether this approach enhances the efficacy of turkey berry in treating anemia.
Help lower blood pressure
In the United States, high blood pressure affects approximately 50% of the adult population, significantly contributing to heart disease and stroke.
Preliminary studies indicate that compounds found in turkey berry may provide a natural method for reducing blood pressure.
Turkey berry is rich in various unique compounds, including gallic acid and ferulic acid, which have shown considerable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies.
Additionally, one animal study revealed that turkey berry extract led to a notable decrease in blood pressure among rats suffering from hypertension.
However, researchers have not conducted any studies to ascertain whether turkey berry effectively lowers blood pressure in humans, and therefore, they cannot assure specific outcomes.
Promote healthy immune function
Researchers in laboratory settings have indicated that turkey berry possesses strong antimicrobial characteristics that could support immune health through various mechanisms.
One investigation revealed that turkey berry might be effective in combating the herpes simplex virus.
Additionally, researchers have recognized the antimicrobial attributes of turkey berry for their role in maintaining wound cleanliness and facilitating the healing of cuts and ulcers.
While these initial findings are encouraging, further rigorously designed studies involving human subjects are necessary to ascertain the reliability of turkey berry in enhancing immune function in humans.
Safety and possible side effects
People utilize the turkey berry plant globally for both medicinal and culinary applications, employing all its components—roots, stems, leaves, and fruit.
Chefs commonly prepare the fruit by frying it in oil or ghee and eating it whole, while people can dry the leaves, stems, and roots and consume them in the form of powder, tea, or tincture.
Despite its frequent use and general perception of safety, there is insufficient data to accurately determine its dosage and the potential side effects associated with its consumption.
Turkey berry is part of the same botanical family as nightshade vegetables, which encompasses potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant.
Similar to other nightshades, turkey berry contains glycoalkaloids, a class of compounds that, when ingested in excessive amounts, may lead to negative digestive and neurological effects, including nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, and confusion.
As the plant matures, turkey berry decreases its levels of glycoalkaloids, suggesting that consuming fully ripe fruit may be safer.
However, individual sensitivity to glycoalkaloids can vary, and those with a history of difficulty digesting nightshades may want to avoid turkey berry.
There is a lack of substantial scientific evidence regarding the safety of turkey berries for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In certain countries like Ghana, pregnant and breastfeeding women commonly consume raw turkey berries to enhance their iron levels and support lactation.
Given the limited research and the potential for toxic varieties to resemble non-toxic ones, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating turkey berry into your diet, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any pre-existing health conditions.
The bottom line
People widely recognize the turkey berry as a plant that people use globally for its distinctive nutritional and medicinal attributes.
It belongs to the same botanical family as several common vegetables, including eggplant, tomato, and peppers.
Healthcare practitioners employ this plant to treat various health issues, such as hypertension, wounds, anemia, and both bacterial and viral infections. However, contemporary research validating its effectiveness for these conditions primarily relies on in vitro and animal studies.
Generally, most individuals can safely consume turkey berries; however, they must ensure that the berries are fully ripe before eating, as unripe turkey berries may lead to adverse neurological and digestive effects.
Due to the limited research available, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating turkey berry into your health regimen, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
