Scientific Classification

·       Kingdom: Plantae

·       Clade: Tracheophytes

·       Clade: Angiosperms

·       Order: Caryophyllales

·       Family: Talinaceae

·       Genus: Talinum

·       Species: Talinum triangulare

·       Binomial Name: Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd.

Synonyms

·       Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss.

Species ID: NMP-174

Common Names: Tamarin tree

Local Names: Ajagbon, pala,Tsamiya,Icheku ovibo

Description Talinum triangulare, commonly known as waterleaf, is an erect herbaceous plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has succulent, spathulate leaves that are round near the tip and taper to a wedge shape at the base. The flowers are pink, and the plant produces dry, dehiscent fruits called capsules.

Distribution and Habitat Native to tropical regions of Africa, Talinum triangulare is now widely cultivated in humid tropical countries worldwide. It thrives in various soil types and climates, often found in gardens, farmlands, and disturbed areas.

Medicinal Properties Talinum triangulare is valued for its medicinal benefits, including anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering properties. It is used traditionally to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and inflammation. The plant is rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to its health-promoting effects.

Known Toxicity There are no significant reports of toxicity associated with Talinum triangulare when consumed as food or used in traditional medicine. However, it is always advisable to use any medicinal plant under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Additional Information Talinum triangulare is also known for its culinary uses. The leaves and young shoots are commonly used as vegetables in various cuisines, particularly in soups and stews. It is a popular ingredient in Nigerian and Thai dishes.

References

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External links

·       https://plants.usda.gov/home/classification/60043

·       http://www.westafricanplants.senckenberg.de/root/index.php?page_id=14&id=1534

·       https://www.gbif.org/species/3084671

·       https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talinum_fruticosum

·       https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1022555-2

·       https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000454679;jsessionid=B42F306F322EC224AD1C79197B513919

·       https://punchng.com/health-benefits-of-talinum-triangulare-waterleaf/

·       https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-waterleaf

• Tannic acid
• Tangeratin
• Silymarin
• Scopoletin
• Sakuranin
• Rutin
• Rosmarinic acid
• Retusin
• resveratrol
• p-Coumarin
• O-Coumaric acid
• Naringin
• Naringenin
• Myricetin
• Methyl paraben
• Luteolin
• Hesperidin
• Genistein
• Gallocatechin
• Galgravin
• Ferulic acid
• Epigallocatechin
• Ellagic acid
• Dehydroabietic acid
• Daidzin
• Daidzein
• Chicoric acid
• Capsaicin
• Caffeic acid
• Butein
• Biochanin
• Apigenin-4',7-dimethyl ether
• 9,12,15-Octadecatrien-1-ol, (Z,Z,Z)-
• Nobiletin
• Hydroxycinnamates
• Epieudesmin
• Catechin-3-O-rhamnoside
• (-)-Catechin
• Artemetin
• 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde
• 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid
• 3-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid)
• 3,4,5-Trihydroxy benzoic acid (Gallic acid)
• 2-allyl-5-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenol
• (+)-Epicatechin
• (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate
• (-)-Epicatechin-3-Gallate
• kaempferol
• Apigeninidin

Ikewuchi, C. C., Ikewuchi, J. C., & Ifeanacho, M. O. (2017). Bioactive phytochemicals in an aqueous extract of the leaves of Talinum triangulare. Food science & nutrition, 5(3), 696-701.