Garden Egg (Solanum aethiopicum) as a Mystical plant in Akabo, South Eastern Nigeria: Health and Economic Implications

Abstract

Garden egg, popularly known as eggplant, is one of the strange and enigmatic vegetable plants that can energize and heal the body as well as the spirit. It is a manifestation of the wonders of God’s creation and magnanimity. As recorded in the holy books, God made man and woman and told them to eat vegetables to keep their bodies and spirits healthy and together. Garden egg is one fruit that is highly acceptable and valued when offered to visitors.  In Akabo, South eastern Nigeria, there is a practice called "Ofe", which translates to "garden eggplant mystics". It is a significant mystical practice that helps to maintain harmony among people and between bodies and spirits.  In this study, the mystical, medicinal and economic implications of garden egg as applied in Akabo community are presented. Interview data and library databases were used to analyze the sources of information by theme. The origin, classes, and chemical composition of garden eggs as it affects its medicinal efficacy have been highlighted. Insights to the cultural significance of garden egg in Africa are also documented. The overall benefits of the various parts of the eggplant, viz: fruits, leaves, stems and roots and their economic importance to the global society have been presented. This study will serve as a useful piece to the global community to unravel the untapped potentials of garden egg.