aframomum melegueta

Aframomum melegueta is a perennial herb in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) native to West Africa, widely known as Grains of Paradise. Traditionally used as a spice and in folk and herbal medicine, it is recognized for its pungent seeds containing active compounds such as 6-paradol, 6-gingerol, shogaol, tetrahydroparadol, α-humulene, and β-caryophyllene[1][2][3][7]. Its **mechanisms of action** include anti-inflammatory (COX-2 inhibition, downregulation of inflammatory gene expression), thermogenic (increasing body heat and metabolism), antioxidant, membrane-stabilizing, and neuroactive effects (modulation of endocannabinoid, serotoninergic, and GABAergic systems, inhibition of FAAH)[1][4][6][7]. Traditionally, it has been used for gastrointestinal disorders, stimulating digestion, wound healing, fertility enhancement, pain relief, circulatory improvement, and as an anthelmintic, antiviral, and possibly anticancer and antidiabetic agent[1][2][7]. Human evidence supports its reduction in anxiety and improved sleep quality at moderate doses[4].

Brand names

Grains of Paradise

Other names

Guinea grainsMelegueta pepperAlligator pepper (sometimes used interchangeably but botanically distinct)Aframomum melegueta var. violaceumAframomum meleguetellaAlpinia grana-paradisiAmomum meleguetaCardamomum grana-paradisiCardamomum grandiflorumTorymenes officinalis