The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2019;8(3):111-116 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2019.8305

Review Article

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of Carpobrotus edulis: A global perspective

Toonse Nguwesu Mudimba¹ , Joseph Mwanzia Nguta²

Toonse Nguwesu Mudimba,Joseph Mwanzia Nguta

1. Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya
2. Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 26th March, 2019 / Accepted: 9th May, 2019

Abstract

Carpobrotus edulis has widely been used in South Africa as a traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments and its pharmacological activities has been widely studied. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive literature overview regarding phytochemistry, traditional use, pharmacology and toxicology of different Carpobrotus edulis extracts. The review was compiled through a thorough literature search from authentic resources using data bases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct, peer reviewed articles, books and thesis. Carpobrotus edulis is an important medicinal plant used in ethno medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis and other respiratory infections, toothache and earache, facial eczema, wounds, burns, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Pharmacological studies performed on the fresh plant materials, crude extracts and various solvent extracts of Carpobrotus edulis validates the traditional medical use of the plant. Studies performed validate the use of Carpobrotus edulis extracts in antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and antioxidant therapy. Carpobrotus edulis also has proved to have anticholinesterase activity against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Information on therapeutic validation in wound healing, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, analgesia and gastrointestinal motility is scanty. To substantiate the traditional use of C. edulis in the aforementioned area, there is need for further experimental studies to validate its pharmacological use. The information on toxicology was also scanty however the available literature suggests that C. edulis extracts are non-toxic. The review article supports the folkloric use of the medicinal plant. However, in-depth studies evaluating the safety profile of C. edulis extracts are highly recommended.