Locust Beans (Iru)

Local research has shown that locust bean helps to promote good sight and drives away hypertension and disease conditions like stroke and diabetes. It also contains tannins, astringent substances found in many plants. Foods rich in tannins are often recommended for the treatment of diarrhea.

The locust bean, also known as iru in Yoruba, in Hausa Dawadawa, and ogiri okpei in Igbo, is a local seasoning or condiment used in soups and stews. African locust bean, with the botanical name Parkia biglobosa, is indeed a very popular soup condiment around the world.

African locust beans are valued for their fruits, seeds, pods, nuts, leaves, and essential oils.

It also revealed that locust beans were high in ascorbic acid, saponins, and phenols. Locust beans have a high nutritional value, indicating that they are a good source of macro and micronutrients.

The locust bean seeds are also used as cattle and poultry feed.

Lipids, proteins, carbs, fats, and calcium are all abundant in locust beans.

It also has a high concentration of vital elements like ascorbic acid, potassium, tannin, phytate, and phosphorus. Tannins can also hinder iron absorption in the blood, which can lead to a variety of health issues.