Page 98 - journal-7-23-Full

Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine Vol. 7 No. 2-3 May-December 2009 ÚÒ

Abstract
Ceylon Spinach (Basella alba L.), a Nutritious Local Vegetable with Potential for Health Food Pro-
duction
Chuennapa Chatchawal, Natsajee Nualkaew
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Ceylon spinach (Basella alba L., Basellaceae) is used for food, and is a traditional medicine in Thailand
and other countries. Its aqueous extract possesses hepatic prevention activities, and the aerial parts contain
phenolic compounds, betalains, carotenoids, fatty acids, mucilage, amino acids and peptides, and triterpenoid
saponins. This review focuses on its nutritive and pharmacological values for health product development.

Key words: Basella alba, Basella rubra, Basellaceae, plant mucilage, betalains