By Omotayo Edubi
Researchers at the Elizade University, Ilara, Ondo State has discovered Tithonia Diversifolia known as Mexican Sunflower to be effective in curing Diabetes and useful for animal feeds.
This is contained in a statement disclosed by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olukayode Amund during a press conference to herald the 10th anniversary of the institution on Thursday.
Prof. Amund said: “a new research conducted by our researchers found the Mexican Sunflower to be effective in the cure of diabetes while it is also good for animal feeds especially for goats and cows.”
He stated further that a great deal of work has been done and a preliminary report was being presented by the department where the research is domiciled.
“There has been a plant that blossomed during the rainy season which brought out yellow flowers. It is called Mexican Sunflower. The leaves are found to be medicinal and can be used to cure diabetes and malaria.
“It can also be used for animal feeds to boost the nutritional status of cattle. Further tests are going on in the research, “the VC added.
Tithonia Diversifolia known as ‘Mexican Sunflower’ is a shrub-like perennial or annual invasive plant, native to North and Central America.
The plant is widely used in several countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Mexico, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of Congo, the Philippines, Sao Time and Principe, Taiwan, Uganda and Venezuela to traditionally treat numerous diseases including diabetes, malaria, snake bite, measles, gastris ulcer, menstral pains and wounds.
According to a study, the Mexican Sunflower is prominent along the Ibadan-Abeokuta and Oyo-Iseyin through Saki roads and common along the Ibadan – Iwo through Osogbo and Offa; Ibadan – Ife and Akure through road network linking Ife to Ondo.
Prof.Amund disclosed that the serving overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, CGCC, formerly known as Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare was to deliver the paper titled “Nigeria Beyond 2023: Revising the Human Capital Paradox.”
He also boasted of the University’s Alumni who have triumph in their various areas of human endeavours.
He maintained that the developed Campus Radio Station would be instrumental to Mass Communication students and source of information for the Elizade University Community.
He mentioned other initiatives that have staged the University to global recognition.