author(s) : Abdel-Fattah M. Rizk, Ibrahim A. El-Garf and Husseiny A. H. Elgendy
description
The nutritive value of certain Mesemberyanthemum species, used as natural pastures, has been reported (Jaubert and Stindt, 1979; Stindt and Jaubert, 1979).
family name
AIZOACEAE
Species count in Egypt
represented in egypt with 3 Species
Fresh leaves of Mesemembryanthemum angulatum in the early flowering stage contain 1.72% oxalates (Walt and Steyn, 1941).
The roots of Mesembryanthemum mahoni contain a quantity of oxalates equivelant to 3 % oxalic acid (Anon, 1916).
Earlier investigation of channa (Mesembryanthemum expansum and Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L.) revealed that the entire plants contained citric and phosphoric acids, Mg, and a wax (Hartwich and Zwicky, 1914).
Citric acid is the dominant acid, followed by malic acid in Mesembryanthemum criniflorum (Nordal and Resser, 1966). Mesembryanthemum caprohetum was among succulent-type plants reported as source of plant virus inhibitors (Simons et al., 1963).Mesembrine, which appears to belong to the tropane ester alkaloids has been isolated from Mesembryanthemum anatomicum (Rimington and Roets, 1937), Mesembryanthemum expansum and Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L. (Hartwich and Zwicky, 1914; Zhao et al., 2010).
In addition to mesembrine, two other alkaloids viz. mesembrinine and channaine were also isolated from Mesembryanthemum tortuosum (Bodendorf and Krieger, 1957).Moyna and Tubio (1977) reported the isolation of a water-soluble polysaccharide from Mesembryanthemum chilense Mol.
The chains of the polysaccharide are basically formed by galactose linked 1,4- and 1,3- with xylose or arabinose forming the end-groups.
The leaves and bark of the hottentot fig, Mesembryanthemum acinaciforme contain a tannin which, when hydrolysed with tannase yields gallic acid and a catechin like substance (Nierenstein, 1945).
Also, the Hottentot fig, Mesembryanthemum edule L. contained, respectively 19.4 and 14.2%, tannin of the catechol or phlorotannin type (Hum and Pratt, 1944).
Procyanidins and propelargonidins were characterized as the phenolics responsible for the strong antioxidant activity of the edible halophyte Mesembryanthemum edule L. (Falleh et al., 2011).
“Loog-as” or the ash of the alkali bush Mesembryanthemum junceum was formerly used in soap-making (Stead, 1916).
Several Mesembryanthemum species are used in folk medicine while some have been suspected of producing field poisoning in cattle.
According to Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk (1962) several species of Mesembryanthemum which have not been fully determined are used in a variety of ways.
An infusion of the fruit of Mesembryanthemum sp. is applied to the pregnant woman near term to assure an easy delivery.
The leaf of a Mesembryanthemum sp. is applied locally for the treatment of skin sores.
The Zulu use an enema of a Mesembryanthemum sp. for stomach troubles.
A Mesembryanthemum sp. is employed by the Swati in the treatment of cystitis. Mesembryanthemum aitonis Jacq. has been suspected of producing field poisoning in cattle (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962).
Holmes (1918) ideintified ghassoul, a Morocco drug as a species of Mesembryanthemum. Mesembryanthemum edule (Carpobrotus edulis L.) is used as a food ingredient and in traditional medicine.
A preparation of the plant is gargled to treat infections of the mouth and throat.
The plant is used as traditional remedy against fungal and bacterial infections and as treatment of sinusitis, diarrhea, infantile eczema and tuberculosis (Falleh et al., 2011).
The juice of the plant is used as a remedy in dysentery, thrush in children and externally for burns (Holmes, 1928).
location
egypt