Current Affairs
Alrab’a: A Long Forgotten Effective Medical Plant
21 November, 2021
Portulaca oleracea plants (alraba'a in the centre)
By: Rogia al-Shafee
KHARTOUM (Sudanow) - Alraba’a (local name) is a herb of Portulaca oleracea species that grows wild in water valleys and all around Sudan, in particular during the rainy season.
People seem not to know the value of this herb, though it was considered one of the best medical herbs for a long time.
To Know more about this plant, Sudanow has consulted agronomist and expert in medical herbs, Ms. Entisat Ja’afar Suleiman, who said the alraba’a is a seasonal parasitic herb that grows naturally in all types of soil. It has a very brief life cycle, not exceeding a few weeks, though it grows in big quantities in the rainy season. It is unpalatable for animals, a matter that causes its seeds to remain in the soil and germinate at the first shower of rain.
The raba’a has a lot of medical benefits, despite its sour taste. It is because of this sour taste, herbalists tend to mix it with other herbs to make it more pleasant. Ms. Entisar says due to the availability of this plant and its low production cost, it is used widely in the composition of many medical herbs, medicines and ointments of topical use.
It is an effective cure for dental problems. In this case the herb is applied on the affected part of the mouth.
It also helps in the treatment of abdominal ulcer and bleeding in women and diarrhea after it is dried up. Other herbs or sugar can be added to reduce the sour taste.
The herb can also be used in fire burns when it is either used cooked or fresh. In this case of fire burns, it is used as a dressing on the affected part of the body.
The raba’a is rich in Omega 3, a fatty acid that benefits the body and reduces hypertension. It can protect the bones and joints, moderate temper and improve the eye health.
The raba’a contains 44 percent of the human body’s daily need of Vitamin A, whereby every 100 grams from this herb contain 1320 units of Vitamin A known to be very important for eye health and vision.
It also preserves skin radiance and delays signs of aging such as wrinkles. It also boosts the body’s immunity.
The raba’a also contains a high rate of Vitamin C where each 100 grams contain 21 milligrams of this vitamin that boosts immunity, thus reducing vulnerability to viral infections like influenza. It is also classified among the antioxidants that fight inflammations, a matter that reduces the threat of cancers.
It contains vast quantities of vitamins and a high rate of potassium that supply the body with the necessary ability to repair cells broken due to diseases and inflammations.
E N D
YH/AS
Post your comments
Photo of the Week
PortSudan(Sudanow)The editorial team of Sudanow magazine extends warm congratulations to everyone on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, praying that God will bring it back to everyone with goodness and peace, and that security and stability will prevail across our country. We ask God to bring relief to Sudan, protect its people, and write for us a bright future dominated by security and safety...
MoreNew media
The Poll
Archives
-
09 June, 2025
Hall 102, Faculty of Arts, University of Khartoum, Was Burned By Sinful Hands That Don't now its value.
PortSudan( Sudanow)- It was where Professor Abdalla El-Tayeb stood, presenting his book "A Condolence Among Poets". To whom do we offer condolences now that the memories and rich history of this place have been burned to ashes? Here in Hall 102, Mrs. Cook, an Englishwoman, stood, having lost her fiancé in World War II. She dedicated her life to teaching and grieving, finding solace in Coleridge's masterpiece "The Ancient ...
Sudanow is the longest serving English speaking magazine in the Sudan. It is chartarized by its high quality professional journalism, focusing on political, social, economic, cultural and sport developments in the Sudan. Sudanow provides in depth analysis of these developments by academia, highly ...
MoreRecent tweets
Tweets by Suda_nowFOLLOW Us On Facebook
Contact Us

Address: Sudan News Agency (SUNA) Building, Jamhoria Street, Khartoum - Sudan
Mobile:+249 909220011 / +249 912307547