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Other Names : Aframomum melegueta, Alligator Pepper, Ginny Grains, Ginny Papper, Graines, Greater Cardamom, Guinea Grains, Guinea Pepper, Guinea Seeds, Melegueta Pepper, Maniguette<br>Grains of paradise is an herblike perennially growing plant that is indigenous to the marshy habitations the length of the coast in West Africa. This species belongs to the ginger family - Zingiberaceae. Occasionally, the stems of grains of paradise may be small and they generally bear marks of fallen leaves and scars. On average, the leaves of this plant are 35 cm long and 15 cm broad, having an excellent arrangement of the vascular system. Grains of paradise flowers are attractive and fragrant. While the upper part of the flowers has a rich pinkish-orange hue, their lip is orange-colored. The fruits of this herbaceous plant enclose many, minuscule golden reddish-brown seeds.
==Special Precautions of Grains Of Paradise==
* Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding : In a clinical study published in Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences last 2009, researchers have reported that large doses of afromomum melegueta may pose a potential health risk on pregnant women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy. On the other hand, there was no report of any adverse side effect for men – the typical user – plus, the doses were far higher than what you’ll get here!
* People with known hypersensitivity to ginger or cardamom should take or use it with caution. 
* Cases of drug-herb interactions have not been reported yet up to this date.

==Health Benefits and uses of Grains Of Paradise are==
In West African traditional medicines, people also use the seeds as well as the rhizomes of Aframomum melegueta in the form of aphrodisiac, diuretic and even stimulants. The use of grains of paradise is quite familiar in Chinese herbal medicine, wherein they are sometimes used as a substitute for [[Cardamom]], which is available more readily.
* Weight loss : In a related clinical trial, researchers of the Japanese Society of Nutrition have found that aframomum melegueta has the ability to lower body fat percentage, and decreased waist-hip ratio without any harmful side effects. Recently, further studies on aframomum melegueta have reported its 6 paradol chemical constituent to be biologically significant beyond its medicinal value. For one, it has been found to foster weight loss by promoting faster body metabolism. In a related clinical trial, researchers of the Japanese Society of Nutrition have found that aframomum melegueta has the ability to lower body fat percentage, and decreased waist-hip ratio without any harmful side effects.
* Bodybuilding benefits : Aframomum melegueta extract has been established to be beneficial in bodybuilding purposes as it obtains intense anti-estrogenic properties and promotes an increase in body weight and testosterone levels in serum by more than 300%.
* Aphrodisiac : Although the essential oil obtained from grains of paradise is available, it is very difficult to find. The attributes of the essential oils are akin to those of the grains of paradise fruit. However, the oil is usually preferred for its aroma. In many African countries, people use the grains of paradise fruit in the form of an aphrodisiac, in addition to a remedy for leprosy and measles. It is interesting to note that in laboratory studies the extract of this fruit has shown to augment sexual arousal as well as sexual behaviour in male rats. 
* The extract of A. melegueta is also employed to reduce bleedings or hemorrhages, especially those related to childbirth.
* The fruit of grains of paradise is also known to be effectual in treating intestinal infestations and infections. Some people also use this plant’s fruit to cure indigestion and calm heartburn. It is interesting to note that the fruit of grains of paradise is among the plants that scientists are studying currently to determine if it can be used as a substitute for allopathic medications in the tropical regions, where people are constantly endeavouring to discover inexpensive as well as more easily and locally available phytomedical alternatives to treat the common health conditions prevailing in these regions. In fact, people in these areas are most commonly affected by various tropical diseases.
* Arthritis : effective to alleviate pain as well as inflammation in rodents. Further studies are necessary; especially they need to be examined on humans, before using them to treat arthritis.

[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:herbal medicine]]
[[Category:Aromatherapy]]
[[Category:Essential oil]]