Introduction
The Hypoxis rooperi or African Potato as it is usually called, has been found to be genetically over 300,000 years old. Because it has not been genetically modified or engineered in this millennia, its nutrient values are as high as 50,000 times greater than in modern vegetables.It is from this plant that the discovery of sterols and sterolins emanates and how their properties boost the human immune system. This is a vital breakthrough because no remedy has ever been found to safely activate the body's T-cells. Today, sterols and sterolins are still the most sought after and preferred immune system booster.
Recorded Medicinal uses
Both Europeans and Africans have a long history of using the Hypoxis for its medicinal properties. In southern Mozambique, the Hypoxis rooperi was widely used during the civil war by both soldiers and civilians who lost a lot blood through injuries. The tea from this plant is said to quickly replace lost blood. In southern Mozambique this tea is used in conjunction with other plants to combat "bad blood" in diabetes patients. The Hypoxis rooperi is used by the Shangaan in a mixture with other plants for women suffering from endometriosis and PMS. The Zulu use the rootstock of a Hypoxis sp. as one of the ingredients of an infusion taken as an "internal parasiticide" and purgative. It is also used in the treatment of delirium. The Manyika use the rootstock for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
The Karanga use the rootstock of a Hypoxis sp. as a remedy for vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pains and fevers.
Known facts
It enhances the human immune system at all levels regardless of the type of disease.
It is proven to slow the aging process by rejuvenating the immune system and stimulating new cellular growth.
Extracts from the Hypoxis rooperi (sterols and sterolins) have been used to treat: arthritis, cancer and tumors, chronic fatigue syndrome, coronary diseases, HIV-AIDS, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, TB, viral infections (including colds and flu).
Following reports of its efficacy as a remedy for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) African potato extracts have been used in Europe for this purpose., bioactivity being ascribed to the sterol component. Additional claims, based on hypoxoside activity, have been made for its medical benefits in the treatment of cancer, HIV-AIDS and inflammation. 1
1Albrecht, C. F. (1996). Hypoxoside as a putative non-toxic, multi-functional pro-drug for the treatment of cancer, HIV-AIDS and inflammatory conditions. Proceedings of the 2nd IOCD International Symposium, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 25-28 February 1996.