Ceylon Spinach
Basella alba
Basella alba, commonly known as malabar spinach, is a traditional plant used in various cuisines and folk medicine practices. While its specific uses are not well-documented in traditional medicine, studies have shown promising results with extracts from the plant. Scientific evidence indicates that pretreatment with Basella alba extract can reduce cardiac injury markers and oxidative stress parameters in rats undergoing intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, suggesting potential cardioprotective effects. Additionally, research has identified nutritive compounds such as hydrocortisone and lupeol, along with significant levels of tryptophan and melatonin, which may contribute to its biological activities. The plant's wild variant also contains bioactive enzymes involved in betacyanin biosynthesis, enhancing our understanding of its chemical composition. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Basella alba, but further research is needed to fully explore its potential benefits and applications.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that pretreatment with Basella alba extract showed significant reductions in cardiac injury markers and oxidative stress parameters in rats subjected to intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.
- The study identified nutritive and novel bioactive compounds in a Basella alba crop-wild variant, including hydrocortisone and lupeol.
- The study found that wild guava (Careya arborea) leaf extract showed high antioxidant and α-glucosidase-inhibitory activities, while malabar spinach (Basella alba) contained significant levels of tryptophan and melatonin.
- The study identified enzymes involved in the production of gomphrenin I from Basella alba and Gomphrena globosa, contributing to our understanding of betacyanin biosynthesis.
- This study found that genetic diversity in Basella alba from different Sri Lankan locations correlated partially with biochemical traits but environmental factors also played a role.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ceylon Spinach?
Ceylon Spinach (Basella alba) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Ceylon Spinach?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Ceylon Spinach; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that pretreatment with Basella alba extract showed significant reductions in cardiac injury markers and oxidative stress parameters in rats subjected to intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.
How strong is the evidence for Ceylon Spinach?
The strongest finding for Ceylon Spinach carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Ceylon Spinach safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Ceylon Spinach in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Ceylon Spinach interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Ceylon Spinach in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Ceylon Spinach?
Ceylon Spinach is also known as: Базелла белая, Baselle.
Is Ceylon Spinach a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Underutilized crop-wild variant of popular leafy vegetable Basella alba L. - a source of nutrients and novel bioactive components. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Correlation between molecular diversity and biochemical traits of edible aerial parts of Basella alba L. from different geographical locations of Sri Lanka. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Protective activity of Basella alba l. Leaf extract on cardiac injury markers following intestinal ischemia-reperfusion: potential for cardiovascular therapy. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A cyclo-DOPA 6-O-glucosyltransferase-mediated route for gomphrenin I biosynthesis in Basella alba and Gomphrena globosa. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Sources of Polyphenols with Potential α-Glucosidase-Inhibitory Activities from Thai Local Edible Plants: In Vitro and Network Pharmacology Approaches. literature abstract metadata