Sesamum alatum Thonn.

Growth Form

This species, Sesamum alatum Thonn., is an annual erect herb that grows 50 to 150 cm tall.

Leaf Characteristics

It produces heteromorphic leaves deeply divided into narrow linear-lanceolate lobes; upper leaves of this plant are simple with an entire margin, and also have some mucilage glands.

Flower Features

Its flowers grow to 3.5 cm in diameter, and are reddish pink with darker lines on the lower corolla lobe.

Fruit and Seeds

The fruit is an obconical beaked capsule, and the seeds are winged at both ends and edible.

Common Name

Among the Shona people, this plant is called guzozo.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

Across its native range, local people use it as an aphrodisiac, and as a treatment for diarrhoea and a variety of intestinal disorders.

Pharmacological Activity

The plant is reported to have antidiabetic and renoprotective activity that is said to help manage Type 2 Diabetes and other metabolic disorders marked by chronic hyperglycemia, though the specific compounds responsible for this activity have not yet been identified.