water spinach
Ipomoea aquatica
Ipomoea aquatica, commonly known as water spinach or Chinese convolvulus, is a traditional plant used in various culinary and medicinal practices across Asia. While its specific traditional uses are not well-documented, it has been utilized for food and sometimes as a folk remedy. Scientific evidence suggests that the interaction between polyethylene microplastics and arsenic on Ipomoea aquatica shows particle size-dependent synergistic-antagonistic effects, indicating potential environmental impacts. The plant's nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies vary among different wetland species, with Myriophyllum spicatum showing higher performance overall. Additionally, studies indicate that growing Ipomoea aquatica using liquid organic fertilizer F4 can yield results comparable to non-organic treatments. Sweet potato can also acquire potassium from vermiculite and enhance potassium availability for neighboring soybean plants, though this is not directly related to the plant itself. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Ipomoea aquatica.
- 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 the migration rates of 226Ra in water spinach soils varied, with uptake (Rp) ranging from 0.448 to 4.50 mBq kg⁻¹ dry soil⁻¹ d⁻¹ and leaching (Rℓ) from 3.253 to 16.52 mBq kg⁻¹ dry soil⁻¹ d⁻¹.
- The interaction between polyethylene microplastics and arsenic on Ipomoea aquatica showed particle size-dependent synergistic-antagonistic effects, with small particles enhancing toxicity and large particles mitigating it.
- The study found marked interspecific differences in nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies among six wetland plants, with Myriophyllum spicatum exhibiting the highest overall purification performance.
- Ipomoea aquatica grown using liquid organic fertilizer F4 showed yields comparable to those from non-organic treatments.
- Sweet potato can acquire potassium from vermiculite and enhance potassium availability for neighboring soybeans.
Frequently asked questions
What is water spinach?
water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) 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 water spinach?
5 sourced findings are recorded for water spinach; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that the migration rates of 226Ra in water spinach soils varied, with uptake (Rp) ranging from 0.448 to 4.50 mBq kg⁻¹ dry soil⁻¹ d⁻¹ and leaching (Rℓ) from 3.253 to 16.52 mBq kg⁻¹ dry soil⁻¹ d⁻¹.
How strong is the evidence for water spinach?
The strongest finding for water spinach carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is water spinach safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for water spinach in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does water spinach interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for water spinach in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of water spinach?
water spinach is also known as: Ипомея водяная, Ipomée aquatique.
Is water 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 Agrowaste-Derived Liquid Organic Fertilizer and Temperature Stabilization in Vertical Aeroponics for Crop Production. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comparative Study on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal Efficiency and Rhizosphere Microbial Mechanisms of Six Wetland Plants in Eutrophic Water. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Migration characteristics of 226Ra radionuclide in topsoil: a case study for water spinach soil. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Particle size of polyethylene microplastics dictates synergistic-antagonistic switching in arsenic toxicity to Ipomoea aquatica. literature abstract metadata
- T2 K acquisition from vermiculite by sweet potato also improves K nutrition in neighboring plants. literature abstract metadata