Sweet potato, Patate

The leaf extracts show anti microbial activity against a wide range of bacteria in vitro. This would help justify its use in traditional medicine for preventing secondary infections.

Parts used:

Leaf, rhizome.

Description:

Herbaceous perennial plant with a tuberous root and with prostrate stem. Leaves entire or lobed, 5-15cm long. Flowers are grouped in small numbers or on short peduncles; corolla funnel-shaped, pinkish-mauve or whitish-pink in colour. The fruit is rarely formed.

Habitat:

This plant most probably originates from Mexico. Nowadays it is an important food crop and several varieties have been cultivated in several parts of the world, especially in tropical regions.

Preparations and utilisation:

1. The root is highly appreciated as a food crop.

2. A leaf poultice is applied on furuncles and burns and on wounds.

3. In the Comoros, the leaf poultice is applied on second degree burn and it appears with some degree of success.