Professors at Two HBCUs Report Breakthrough in Heart Disease Prevention

Samuel A. Besong, associate professor of human ecology at Delaware State University, and Michael O. Ezekwe, associate professor of agriculture at Alcorn State University have made an important discovery that could be a major development in the prevention of heart disease. In a paper published in the International Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, the authors report that the ingestion of the leaves of the purslane plant can have a significant impact on lowering cholesterol levels in adults.

The two professors are now conducting research on the best way for humans to consume the leaves. They are investigating a freeze-dried process and also converting extract from the leaves into pill form.

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