Health and Wellness
Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: Monkey sugarcane (Costus afer), also known as bush cane, is a medicinal, perennial plant native to tropical Africa, widely used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like cough, measles, and high blood pressure. It is consumed by both monkeys and humans, serving as a nutrient-rich, slightly salty, and fibrous food source.
Key facts about Monkey Sugarcane (Costus afer):
Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used to manage cough, measles, malaria, eye defects, and to boost energy.
Nutritional Value: It is a source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, as well as vitamins A, C, and E.
Traditional Medicine: It has been used for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Habitat: Common in the forest belts of Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Niger, and Nigeria.
Other Uses: The leaves are used for wrapping food and in traditional, non-edible cultural practices.