Spinacia oleracea
Botanical Nomenclature | Spinacia oleracea |
Common Name | Spinach |
Taxonomy- Family | Chenopodiaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Spinacia oleracea is an one-year, dioecious plant growing up to 0,3m, with large, smooth, wavy, green leaves and small, green flowers. The flowering lasts from May to September and the harvesting takes place in autumn. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | The whole plant |
Active Substances | Saponins, iron (3.3%), calcium oxalate (0.19-0.317%), iodine, chlorophyll, flavonoid, phosphorus, vitamin C, B, E, K, provitamin A, carotenoids |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is used as anti-inflammatory, antianemic, diuretic and dietary supplement. It has digestive properties as it stimulates gastric and pancreatic juices and endocrine hormones' secretion. In folk medicine it is recommended for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, common cold, back pain, liver inflammation, constipation, diabetes, eye diseases, neurological disorders, pyorrhea, various skin diseases, indigestion, arthritis, peripheral edema and jaundice. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as diuretic and digestive in the form of herbal tea (5-10g of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times a day). Also it can be consumed as fresh or cooked salad. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | Overdose can cause constipation and gastrointestinal disorders. Plant's consumption must be avoided by patients suffering from kidney stones, gallstones, atherosclerosis or hypertension, as well by those who take iron preparations or coumarin anticoagulant drugs. |
References | 1)http://www.mdidea.com/products/proper/proper03106.html 2)http://www.herbal-information.com/spinach-spinacia-oleracea/ 3)http://www.theherbprof.com/clnsSpinach.htm 4)http://www.ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/262_pdf.pdf 5)http://plantfruitstreesmedicineherbal.blogspot.gr/2012/09/spinach-plant-spinacia-oleracea.html |