Pharmacological, nutritional and allelopathic attributes of noxious weed, Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Horse purslane)

Trianthema portulacastrum L., generally known as horse purslane, is a noxious weed of Family Aizoaceae. The plant is native to South Africa and has been reported to be present in India, Pakistan, Tropical America, West Asia, Srilanka and Africa. It is a diffuse, prostrate, branched succulent annual herb which is considered to be a noxious weed due to high level of infestation in various crops. Trianthenol, ecdysterone and leptorumol are various phytochemicals which has been isolated from this plant. It is an important medicinal plant which is mostly used for fever, jaundice, dropsy, liver and kidney diseases and also well known for its hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, diuretic, antimicrobial, antinephrotoxic and antidiabetic activities. Plant is also used as vegetable in various parts of world due to its high nutritional value. This paper gives information on pharmacological attributes, nutritional benefits, allelopathic impact on other plants and effective management of Trianthema portulacastrum Linn so that it can be can be used in a positive way especially for the development of new drugs.