Malabar Spinach (Poi Sag): Nutrition and Health Benefits

What is Malabar Spinach?

Malabar spinach (Basella alba and Basella rubra) is a fast-growing, twining vine widely appreciated in tropical Asia and parts of Africa. Though often called “spinach,” it isn’t botanically related to true spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Instead, it belongs to the family Basellaceae, thriving in warm, humid climates and known for its thick, succulent leaves and vigorous climbing habit. Other commonly used names include Vine Spinach, Red Vine Spinach, Creeping Spinach, Ceylon Spinach, and Buffalo Spinach, with local names like Poi Saag (India), Bachalakura (Andhra Pradesh), and Mong Toi (Vietnam). This article explores its nutrition, traditional uses, and possible health benefits.

The name “Malabar spinach” originates from the Malabar Coast in the southwestern state of Kerala, India, where the plant grows abundantly and forms a staple part of traditional diets. Scientifically, there are two primary cultivated varieties:

• Basella alba: recognised by its bright green, glossy leaves and light green stems
• Basella rubra: distinguished by its deep green leaves with reddish veins and vibrant purple stems

Although not a “true spinach,” it makes an excellent substitute, particularly in tropical climates where traditional spinach has difficulty growing. The leaves are fleshy, mildly mucilaginous (slippery when cooked), and taste slightly peppery with a hint of citrus. This unique texture makes Malabar spinach a popular choice in stir-fries, soups, stews, and traditional curries.

Ethnobotanical research shows Malabar spinach is not just a food crop; it has long-standing use in folk medicine across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The traditional use of Basella includes cooling the body and relieving inflammation [1]. According to studies, the plant is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, mucilage, and essential vitamins, contributing to its role in local remedies [1], though modern scientific research into these traditional uses is still largely in the preclinical (laboratory and animal) stage.

Malabar spinach grows best in warm, wet conditions, often thriving in the monsoon season, and can be cultivated in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds with trellises.

Nutritional Value of Malabar Spinach

Malabar spinach (Poi saag) is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense leafy green often used to make soups and stir-fries. It’s notably a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Like true spinach and other leafy greens, Malabar spinach contains oxalates. Oxalates can bind to minerals like calcium and may contribute to kidney stone formation in sensitive individuals [2]. Cooking Basella spinach can help reduce its oxalate content.

Health Benefits of Malabar Spinach Extracts

It is crucial to note that the potential effects described below are based primarily on preclinical research—meaning studies conducted on plant extracts in a laboratory setting (in vitro) or on animals. These findings do not equate to guaranteed health benefits for humans and should not replace medical treatment.

1. Anti-Cancer Properties (In Vitro Studies)

Research has shown that extracts from Basella alba leaves may inhibit the growth of specific cancer cells, such as colorectal cancer cells, by triggering cell cycle arrest and natural cell death in laboratory (in vitro) studies [3]. One study noted that these effects were observed in cancer cell lines (HT-29 and HCT-116) and did not affect healthy cells, but this research has not been replicated in humans [3].

2. Antioxidant Activity (Animal and Lab Studies)

Studies suggest Basella alba contains natural compounds like phenolic and flavonoid compounds that exhibit significant antioxidant activity [3]. This means they can help fight free radicals, harmful molecules linked to cellular aging and disease. In animal models, plant extracts helped balance antioxidant levels and improved organ health, particularly in the liver, kidneys, and blood, when the animals were exposed to toxins [1].

3. Supports Liver Health (Animal Studies)

In studies on rats, Basella alba extracts appeared to protect liver cells on exposure to harmful toxins [4]. Blood tests showed lower levels of liver damage, and the plant’s effect was found to be comparable to the standard liver-supportive drug silymarin in some respects [4].

4. Anti-Inflammatory Potential (Animal and Lab Studies)

In rodent models, extracts of Basella alba helped reduce swelling and inflammation in various tests, suggesting the plant may possess anti-inflammatory properties [5]. The plant’s mechanism is thought to function similarly to common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) by potentially inhibiting inflammatory pathways [5].

5. Cholesterol Management (Animal Studies)

Preclinical research in hypercholesterolemic rabbits showed that Basella alba extract helped significantly lower total cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, while also increasing High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels [6]. This animal study also noted a reduction in plaque buildup in blood vessels, showing promise for heart health support [6].

6. Antimicrobial Action (In Vitro Studies)

Certain parts of the plant, such as its leaves and fruit, have been shown to inhibit the growth of various harmful bacteria and fungi in laboratory tests [1]. Specific research also investigated the extract’s potential to reduce the ability of H. pylori, a common stomach-infecting bacterium, to adhere to the stomach lining, suggesting a gastroprotective effect [7].

7. Supports Kidney Health (Animal Studies)

In studies on rats with induced kidney toxicity, Basella alba extracts helped lower harmful waste levels in the blood, such as creatinine and urea, and appeared to protect kidney cells from damage, possibly by enhancing the renal antioxidant system [8].

8. Calming Effects (Animal Studies)

Extracts from Basella alba have been found to exhibit central nervous system (CNS) depressant-like effects in animal tests, which may suggest natural relaxing or anti-anxiety effects [9]. One study showed a dose-dependent decrease in immobility time (a measure of antidepressant effect) and significant skeletal muscle relaxant activity in mice.

How to Grow Malabar Spinach?

Malabar spinach is not true spinach and prefers the heat of summer.

• Pre-soak Seeds: Let the seeds soak in water overnight before planting to encourage germination.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight and Water: Make sure the plants get a lot of sunlight. Water it frequently and keep the soil consistently moist. In dry places, you may need to mist it from time to time because it likes humidity.
• pH Level: The soil should have a pH level of about 6.5 to 7.5.
• Pest Resistance: Malabar spinach generally shows good resistance to pests and diseases, so chemical pesticides are often not needed.

Conclusion

Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a nutritious leafy green that offers numerous potential health benefits. Rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this vegetable can be a simple, effective addition to your diet to upgrade your nutrition and overall well-being. While traditional uses and preliminary laboratory and animal studies suggest potential roles in supporting immune function, liver health, and reducing inflammation, more robust clinical studies in humans are required to confirm these effects.

References

[1] Reddy, G. J., Madhavi, T. R., Rao, C. A., Nithya, S., & Rao, P. N. (2023). An updated phytochemical and pharmacological review on Malabar Spinach (Basella alba or Basella rubra). GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 24(2), 161–169. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2023.24.2.0312

[2] Chaurasiya, A., Pal, R. K., Verma, P. K., Katiyar, A., Razauddin, & Kumar, N. (2021). An updated review on Malabar spinach (Basella alba and Basella rubra) and their importance. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 10(2), 1201–1207. https://doi.org/10.22271/phyto.2021.v10.i2p.13974

[3] Hassan, F., et al. (2023). Antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of Basella alba against colorectal cancer. Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, 129(4), 785–794. https://doi.org/10.1080/13813455.2023.2177435

[4] Bhattacharjee, M., et al. (2014). Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extracts of leaves of Basella alba in albino rats. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(4), 230–235. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.146556

[5] Kumar, G. P., et al. (2017). Anti-Inflammatory activity of Ethanolic extract of Basella alba in acute and Sub-acute Model. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 7(2), 99–102. https://doi.org/10.5958/2231-5691.2017.00019.8

[6] Samarakoon, S. R., et al. (2016). Hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic potential of Basella alba leaf extract in hypercholesterolemia-induced rabbits. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 177, 170–177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.025

[7] Reshmi, S. K., et al. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of Basella alba fruit. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 3(12), 4757–4761. http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.3(12).4757-61

[8] Priyadarsini, B. S., et al. (2015). Protective effect of Basella alba L. on nephrotoxicity induced by gentamycin in rats. Journal of Renal and Hepatic Disorders, 4(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.15586/jrenhep.2015.011