Reviewing the Optimal Conditions for Efficiently Harnessing the Phytotherapeutic Potential of the Invasive Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E. Br Plant Threatening Plant Diversity

Abstract

Within the scope of this study, the study conducted by Pereira et al. on the examination of the plant species Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br, known as Hottentot-fig, is examined. This plant poses a great threat to biodiversity in coastal areas with its invasive feature. Pereira and his colleagues aimed to reveal the phytotherapeutic potential of the Hottentot-fig plant to turn this crisis situation into an opportunity. By evaluating the bioactive components and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant, which vary depending on harvest time and location, the usability of this plant in the food and nutraceutical industries has been demonstrated. In the methodology and results of this valuable study conducted by Pereira et al., methods such as extraction and total phenolic content HPLC-DAD were compared with other literature studies in order to determine the optimum parameters. By comparing the results of the study on Hottentot-fig, the shortcomings and strengths of the study were determined. Within the scope of our study, it is stated that alternative methods should be taken into consideration in addition to the known methods used in the literature, the results of these methods should be examined, and efficient results can be obtained with different method strategies.