Carpobrotus edulis is a perennial herb which possesses green leaves that are tapered at the tip with a red tint on them. It yields a sweet smelling fruit which contains numerous small sized seeds that are brown in color and edible pulp. The natural habitat for Carpobrotus edulis is along the dry river banks and coastal bed of Western and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa.
Medicinal Uses
Several South African tribes use the herb in the management of diabetes mellitus. A juice made from the leaves is administered orally for dysentery and other stomach problems. Throat and mouth infections are treated by gargling the concoction of leaves.
Phytochemistry
The pharmacological properties of Carpobrotus edulis are largely attributable to the rich supply of tannnins present in the herb. Tannins exhibit their hypoglycemic properties by forming complexes with the digestive enzymes (alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase) involved in carbohydrate metabolism and subsequent release of glucose into the bloodstream. They also have antiseptic properties, aiding in the healing of wounds associated with diabetes. Still on wound healing, tannins cause vasoconstriction, hence limiting loss of fluid from wounds and in essence boost tissue regeneration.