A Comprehensive Review on Ethnobotany and Photochemistry of an Herbal Weed Trianthema portulacastrum L.

Abstract

Trianthema portulacastrum Linn. (Aizoaceae) is a diffuse, prostrate, branched herb, upto 30-65 cm long weed. It is native of South Africa but widely found in tropical and subtropical countries like India, Sri Lanka, Baluchistan, West Asia, Africa and Tropical America. The plant is considered as a medicinal herb and mostly used in Indian traditional medicine system. The principal drug of the weed is ecdysterone and the other constituents are trianthenol, 3acetylaleuritolic acid, 5,2’dihydroxy7 methoxy6,8 dimethyl flavone and leptorumol. The plant attributed with analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and stomachic properties and used in asthma, bronchitis, jaundice and oedema. The plant used against throat troubles and as an anti-fungal agent. A decoction of the herb is used as a vermifuge and is useful in rheumatism. It is considered as an antidote to alcoholic poisoning. The fleshy nature of leaves makes them suitable for use as a wound-dressing.