Uso da espécie Talinum paniculatum como planta PANC – um estudo de caso

Abstract

The recurrent search for healthy foods, easily accessible and quickly grown, is of extreme importance, which have nutritional importance for the society in which we live, whether in different social classes, with different purchasing power in relation to food availability. An alternative in this search is present in the knowledge that there are food plants that are easy to cultivate, without great expenses for their production and that are normally not found in large markets or fairs, but can be identified in vacant lots, sidewalks and in other urban habitats and rural. These plants are classified as unconventional food plants (PANCs) and have immense potential for food security with basic and essential nutrients for human life and also potential in traditional medicine and pharmaceuticals, in addition to other possibilities of use. This research group addresses the species Talinum paniculatum as a possible food source of great importance because it has essential macro and micronutrients for the proper functioning of the human organism and possible use for pharmaceutical studies because it has antibacterial potential in its extracts, antifungals, among others. The species is classified as an invasive plant of traditional crops, that is, it has easy dispersion and great germination potential, in addition to a fast growth, and can be easily cultivated in a short time and in small urban areas. Talinum paniculatum can be popularly known with names such as Major-gomes, Maria gomes, Maria gorda, Beldroegão, Beldroega grande, Jóias-de-Opar, Língua de vaca. The T. paniculatum species has high amounts of nutrients, among which we can mention proteins that are between 15.3 to 21.8%, micronutrients such as manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron, which makes not only a plant edible as nutritionally important, its cultivation is fast and its potential medicinal use has positive scientific bases.