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.