Globe Candytuft

The Globe Candytuft, botanically Iberis umbellata, is an annual herbaceous plant from the family of the crucifers (Brassicaceae). Originally native to the Mediterranean region, it grows preferentially on sunny slopes, dry meadows and calcareous soils. Characteristic are its umbel-like inflorescences, which appear in shades of white, pink or violet and have given the plant its name. Used are above all the above-ground parts of the plant, which are processed fresh or dried into extracts or teas.

What health benefits does the Globe Candytuft offer?

Regarding health, not much is known so far about the Globe Candytuft. Scientific investigations provide initial indications of possible effects, which nevertheless require further studies and have to be distinguished from a number of investigations that have been carried out on other plants with a very similar name, such as Iberis Amara. Some properties known to date comprise:

  • Antimicrobial properties: The berries and leaves of E. umbellata contain a high proportion of active compounds that give them a strong antibacterial effect (1).

How does the Globe Candytuft work in the body?

One investigation to date names, among other things, the chitin-binding protein, Iu-CBP as the active compound (1). In order to make factual statements about the effect of the plant, more studies are, however, necessary, as is also the case for the health benefits.

Are there risks or side effects?

About the side effects, too, not much can be said so far. As already with the effect and the health benefits, more research is necessary here as well.

Conclusion

The Globe Candytuft is a plant about which, regarding health, hardly any statement can be made so far. Before definitive statements can be made, considerably more research is necessary.

Sources:

  1. Saeed, A., Rafiq, Z., Saeed, Q., Khaliq, B., Ullah, A., Mehmood, S., Ali, Z., Ashraf, M., & Akrem, A. (2021). Functional characterization of a potent antimicrobial and insecticidal chitin binding protein from seeds of Iberis umbellata L. Pakistan Journal of Botany, 53, Article 4(16). https://doi.org/10.30848/PJB2021-4(16)