The Miraculous Plant halqa (Cyphostemma digitatum): From Grandmother’s Kitchen in Yemen’s South-western Highlands to Modern Medicinal and Culinary Applications

The present chapter focuses on a particular aspect of a plant called halqa (Cyphostemma digitatum Forsk. (Vitaceae))for a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes. This is even more surprising because the plant seems to be rather toxic if consumed in non-processed form. The traditional processing of halqa involves boiling clean leaves for about half an hour under pressure or overnight in a traditional oven to obtain a thick paste. The main aim of the biochemical analysis was to investigate how household processing influences the biochemical properties of the plant material, and in particular how it eliminates its toxicity. Extracts from both kinds of samples were obtained using ethanol and water, respectively. Comprehensive study of a particular plant, including its botany, ecology, history, and its culinary, medicinal, and commercial use can open up valuable information for today's world. Keywords:biochemical analysis; Cyphostemma digitatum; extracts; halqa; medicinal purpose; plants; toxicity