Cassava

The cassava plant is another staple crop in Africa and that is why Sarah’s Home (Second Chances) chose to farm it. Cassava has many different names such as cassava plant, tapioca, and manioc; it is use all around the world. The plant has many uses such as food, medical, for defense and herbal remedies.

In folk medicine, the cassava plant is promoted for treating snakebites, boils, diarrhea, flu, hernia, inflammation, conjunctivitis, sores, and several other problems including cancer.

Cassava plants can produce the poisonous substance cyanide as a way to fend off animals trying to eat them.

Chewing the plant causes it to release an enzyme called linamarase, and linamarase, in turn, converts a compound in the plant called linamarin into cyanide. Researchers have suggested that this ability might be useful as a form of gene therapy. First, the gene for linamarase could be selectively put into cancer cells. If linamarin were then introduced into the body, cancer cells would break it down and release cyanide only in the area around the cancer cells, killing them. Since normal cells would not have the linamarase gene and would not be able to convert linamarin into cyanide, they would not be affected.

In herbal remedies, the roots of the cassava are made into a poultice and applied directly to the skin as a treatment for sores. The leaf, root, and flour obtained from the plant can also be used in a wash that is applied to the skin. In developing countries, tapioca starch made from the cassava plant is used to help restore body fluids.

Cassava leaves are sold in health food stores and on the Internet in capsule or powder form. Cassava root starch may be used in Vitamin C supplements.

The parts of cassava used for food are the tubers, which are usually eaten raw, boiled, or fried. A form of flour is also made from the cassava plant. In Western countries, tapioca is found in baby foods and prepared as a dessert.