Cotyledon orbiculata L. var. oblonga (Haw.) DC.

Cotyledon orbiculata L. var. oblonga (Haw.) DC., which is a succulent shrub distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, gives rise to fleshy leaves and its flowers are typically red, orange and yellow. Cotyledon orbiculata gives rise to various varieties that may be distinguished based on leaf and flower shape and geographical distribution. The leaves have been used traditionally for several ailments such as earaches, boils, toothaches and inflammation. Due to the immense ethnobotanical uses, the phytochemical constituents were investigated, and characteristic bufadienolide-type cardiac glycosides were identified. Cotyledon orbiculata displayed several pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant activity. The botanical description, geographical distribution, ethnobotanical usage, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties have been summarized in this chapter.