Therapeutic potentials and pharmacological properties of Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd. in the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus and other conditions

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the use of medicinal plants. Previously, the assumption was that the use of medicinal plants is peculiar to developing and poor nations. However, due to advances in technology, innovative and scientific research on medicinal plants, the trend has changed. The number of people using medicinal plants for various reasons has increased significantly in developed countries. Research studies have shown that several plants display antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer and antiulcer activities and that these plants and their bioactive molecules play important role in retarding the progression of acute and chronic disease conditions such as bacterial infections, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. These and other factors have stimulated interest in documenting and investigating medicinal plants for their nutritional and therapeutic benefits. In addition, vegetables such as Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd. are cheap and affordable sources of protein, vital amino acids, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Used as supplements, vegetables provide tangible and correct proportions of nutrients and therapeutic ingredients. As part of the documentation of medicinal plants in Africa and contributing to the pool of knowledge in the field, this review examines the various potentials of T. triangulare. It is envisaged that it would stimulate further interest and research in the plant and medicinal plants in general.

A Review on Bioactive Compounds, Ethnomedicinal Importance and Pharmacological Activities of Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd

“…The study demonstrated the efficacy of the extract in managing diabetes by inhibiting α ‐amylase and hydroxymethyl glutaryl CoA reductase, stimulating cellular uptake of glucose and regulating hepatic lipid synthesis [232] Another study found a reduction in fasting blood glucose of male albino rats (100–120g) when treated with the leaf extract (3 ml/100 g bw), which further indicates its hypoglycemic potential [96] . Various leaf extracts exhibiting considerable reductions in the level of blood glucose suggest their potential role in facilitating the release of insulin [228] …”

“…[96] Various leaf extracts exhibiting considerable reductions in the level of blood glucose suggest their potential role in facilitating the release of insulin. [228] 8.6. Anti-tumor Activity…”

“…Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites which are responsible for their pharmacological benefits [227] . T. triangulare has been traditionally used for various ethnomedicinal purposes [228] such as the treatment of schistosomiasis and scabies in Nigeria, [141] diabetes in India, [54] gastric ulcer in Benin, [142] cancer and hepatic disorder in China [60] . Several ethnomedicinal properties of this plant such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiulcer, and antitumor properties have been pharmacologically proven.…”

Talinum fruticosum: A Potential Multi-value Plant: A Review

“…Waterleaf acts as green forage for cattle (Oguntibeju and Okaiyeto, 2021) in order to meet the unavailability of green fodder (Meena et al, 2018) in many regions especially during summer. Characteristics of Talinum fruticosum such as palatability, nutrient composition, fibre proportion, digestibility, etc.…”

Essential oil compositions and antioxidant activity of the fresh leaves of <i>Talinum triangulare</i> (Jacq.) Willd from Nigeria

“…According to traditional medicine the leaves of T. triangulare are used to treat polyuria, inflammations, diuretic, stomach troubles, sore throat (Burkill, 1994;Khare, 2007), gastrointestinal disorders (Mensah et al, 2008), bacterial infections, diabetes mellitus (Aja et al, 2010;Eleazu and Eleazu, 2013), antidiabetic, hypoglycaemic, antiulcer, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities (Fasuyi, 2006), anti-inflammatory properties, high cholesterol, high kaempferol content, hypertension (Teugwa et al, 2013;Ijomone and Ekpe, 2016;Olorunnisola et al, 2016;Oguntibeju and Okaiyeto, 2021), hepatic ailments and cancer (Liang et al, 2011). It is also used to treat Shistosomiasis, scabies, fresh cuts, high blood pressure, anemia, stroke, obesity and can function as immune-stimulant (Mbang et al, 2008;Ogunlesi et al, 2010;Agbonon et al, 2010).…”