Aptenia cordifolia (L. f.) Schwantes (Mesembryanthemaceae) in Zulu traditional medicine - An overview

Although the Mesembryanthemaceae are the best represented family in souther n Africa's succulent flora, its representatives are seldom encountered in e thnomedicine. Relatively few documented accounts exist of vygie taxa either traded in marketplaces, or grown and utilised by traditional medical pract itioners. The reasons for this situation are discussed, and Aptenia cordifo lia, the "ibohlololo" of the Zulu, is presented as an interesting exception . Aptenia cordifolia is a widespread species predominantly from the summer- rainfall region of South Africa. It is an attractive and hardy plant that i s more familiar to Westerners as a horticultural subject than as a medicina l one. This report profiles the medico-magical value of this taxon to the Z ulu, an historical association that has likely impacted on its human-assist ed dispersal in the sub-region. This mesemb is variously employed in ethnom edicine, though chiefly in the relief of throat infections and inflammation s. Other medicinal uses for the plant have been documented, including the t reatment of nervous complaints, pleurisy, and dropsy. It has further been u tilised as a deodorant and/or anti-perspirant. Ethnopharmacological conside rations are explored, linking traditional usage patterns to the recent find ing of mesembrine alkaloids in Aptenia.