Malabar Spinach (Poi Sag): Overview And Its Health Benefits

Spinach from Malabar!

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).

The name “Malabar spinach” traces back to 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

Despite not being a “true spinach,” it serves as an excellent spinach substitute, especially in tropical climates where traditional spinach struggles to grow. 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. According to studies, the plant is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, mucilage, and essential vitamins, contributing to its role in local remedies. Its traditional use spans cooling the body, relieving inflammation, and more, though these uses are still being investigated through modern pharmacological studies.

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. With both ornamental beauty and culinary value, this vine is a sustainable, nutritious addition to any home garden or kitchen.

Nutritional composition of Malabar spinach

A lot of people use Malabar spinach (Poi sag) to make very thick soups and to make stir-fries. People who eat these are going to get a lot of protein and not very many calories from them. Malabar spinach is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Malabar spinach health benefits

1. Anti-Cancer Properties

Research has shown that extracts from Basella alba leaves may help slow down the growth of certain cancer cells, especially colon and blood cancers. These extracts stopped cancer cells from multiplying and triggered natural cell death. Also, the extract did not affect healthy cells.

2. Acts as an Antioxidant

Studies suggest Basella alba contains natural compounds that can help fight free radicals; harmful molecules linked to ageing and disease. When given to animals under stress or exposed to toxins, the plant extracts helped balance antioxidant levels and improved organ health, particularly in the liver, kidneys, and blood.

3. Supports Liver Health

Research has shown that Basella alba extracts appeared to protect liver cells on exposure to harmful toxins. Blood tests showed lower levels of liver damage, and the plant’s effect was found to be comparable to some standard liver-supportive medicines.

4. May Help Reduce Inflammation

Research has shown that extracts of Basella alba helped reduce swelling and inflammation in various tests. The plant worked in a way similar to common anti-inflammatory medicines and may help with managing temporary inflammation.

5. Treats and Prevents Cancer

The plant’s leaf extract helped protect the stomach lining, reduced acid levels, and promoted healing.

6. May Help with Cholesterol Management

Research has shown that Basella alba extract helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides) and raises good cholesterol (HDL). It also reduced plaque buildup in blood vessels, showing promise for heart health support.

7.  Shows Antimicrobial Action

Some parts of the plant, like its leaves and stem, were found to stop the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in lab tests. The extract also reduced the ability of H. pylori, a stomach-infecting bacteria, to stick to the stomach lining.

8. May Support Kidney Health

Research has shown that, Basella alba helped lower harmful waste levels in the blood and protected kidney cells from damage.

9. Shows Calming Effects

Extracts from Basella alba helped calm mind by reducing stress and increasing sleep time. This suggests it may have natural sedative or relaxing effects.

10. Helps with Wound Healing

A gel made from the plant’s leaf extract helped burns heal faster in animal studies. Treated wounds closed more quickly and developed new skin quickly than untreated wounds.

Do you want to grow Malabar Spinach?

This isn’t true spinach. Malabar spinach likes the heat of summer better than true spinach. During the night, let the seeds soak in water.Make sure the soil is well-drained and rich. Make sure the plants get a lot of sunlight. Make sure to water it a lot and keep it wet. In dry places, you may need to mist it from time to time because it likes humidity. The soil should have a pH level of about 7-8.People who grow Malabar spinach don’t seem to have a lot of pests or diseases, so neem oil isn’t likely to be needed.

Conclusion 

Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a nutrient-dense superfood that offers numerous health benefits. Rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this leafy green can help soothe inflammation, support liver and kidney health, and even aid in detoxification. Incorporating Malabar spinach into your diet can be a simple yet effective way to upgrade your nutrition and overall well-being.

References:

• 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
• 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