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Trianthema portulacastrum L. (giant pigweed): phytochemistry and pharmacological properties

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Abstract

Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae) commonly called as black pigweed or giant pigweed, which is a yearly herb, utilized as purgative, pain relieving, stomachic and provide as alternative heal for lung disease, cardiovascular disease, anemia and edema. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the plant is used in the treatment of inflammation in the peripheral organs, uteralgia and cough. Taking into account exploratory study, the present review aims to provide up-to date data about the routine uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological actions of T. portulacastrum to explore their therapeutic value for future clinical settings. All data of T. portulacastrum were collected from library database and electronic search (ScienceDirect, Pubmed, and GoogleScholar). The different pharmacological information was gathered and orchestrated in a suitable spot on the paper. The genus Trianthema comprises of 64 species. Among them, the species of T. portulacastrum has been easily known for their customary uses. Phytochemical studies showed that T. portulacastrum included trianthamine, ecdysterone, flavonoid (5,2 dihydroxy-7methoxy-6,8 dimethyl flavone), leptorumol (5,7 dihydroxy-6,8 dimethyl chromone), and other intermediary bioactive compounds such as β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and their β-glucopyranosides, β-cyanin, 3,4-dimethoxy cinnamic acid, 5-hydroxy-2-methoxy benzaldehyde, 3-acetyl aleuritolic acid, pmethoxy benzoic acid, and p-propoxy benzoic acid. The plant extracts showed significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The toxicity study conducted in animals and no noteworthy mortality found till 4 g/kg b.w. Taking into account on animal studies, T. portulacastrum have different bioactivities including antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial and modulate different cellular signals related to control of oxidative stress and inflammation. The phytoconstituents of T. portulacastrum have a various potential to exact pharmacological benefits and possible chemotherapeutic mediator. Nevertheless, more support for such properties/dynamic constituents have been obtained from cellular and molecular studies, while clinical studies are as yet deficient. Since animal research do not constantly interpret to human conditions, additional clinical studies are also warranted to infer the full interpretation impact of T. portulacastrum for prevention of human diseases. Hence, future comprehensive clinical studies are required to warrant the therapeutic usefulness of the T. portulacastrum.

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Abbreviations

T. portulacastrum :

Trianthema portulacastrum

NMR:

Nuclear magnetic resonance

H2O2 :

Hydrogen peroxide

DPPH:

Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

GSH:

Glutathione

GST:

Glutathione s-transferase

SOD:

Superoxide dismutase

CAT:

Catalase

GPx:

Gluathione peroxidase

ALP:

Alkaline phosphatase

DMBA:

7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

NF-κB:

Nuclear factor

HDL:

High density lipoprotein

WHO:

World Health Organization

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Acknowledgements

Funding was provided by Beijing Normal Unveristy-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (Grant No. R201624).

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    1. Food Science and Technology Program, Beijing Normal University–Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, 28, Jinfeng Road, Tangjiawan, Zhuhai, 519085, Guangdong, China

      Kumeshini Sukalingam, Kumar Ganesan & Baojun Xu

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    1. Kumeshini Sukalingam
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    Correspondence to Baojun Xu.

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    Kumeshini Sukalingam and Kumar Ganesan they have contributed equally to the article as the first authors.

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    Sukalingam, K., Ganesan, K. & Xu, B. Trianthema portulacastrum L. (giant pigweed): phytochemistry and pharmacological properties. Phytochem Rev 16, 461–478 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-017-9493-5

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