Medicinal Plants

Alternanthera sissoo hort.

Bayam Brazil

Amaranthaceae

Location in the garden Vegetable
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Alternanthera sissoo (Bayam Brazil) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Alternanthera sissoo (Bayam Brazil) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Alternanthera sissoo (Bayam Brazil)

Summary

Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) is a creeping herb up to 50 cm tall from the Amaranthaceae family native to Brazil, known as a popular spinach vegetable in tropical regions. Its leaves are eaten fresh in salads, smoothies, or chips, though they need to be cooked first if consumed in large amounts due to their oxalic acid content. Brazilian spinach is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals believed to help maintain bone health and prevent anemia.

Agroecology

Brazilian spinach is a fast-growing plant. This species usually grows in subtropical and tropical regions. Its growth favors moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter content and should be fertilized with high-nitrogen feed. This species can thrive in 50% shade or more and needs a fairly large amount of irrigation for its growth.

Morphology

  • Stem green, jointed, with roots at the nodes or stem segments.
  • Leaves green, glossy, simple, heart-shaped (cordate) with a wrinkled leaf texture, margins entire-wavy, apex pointed (acute), base cordate.
  • Flowers small, white.

Cultivation

Propagation is done vegetatively (stem cuttings).

Chemical Content

B-carotene, carotenoids, folic acid, flavonoids.

Benefits

Fights cancer, maintains eye health and prevents cataracts, maintains bone health and strengthens bones, helps with weight loss, boosts the immune system, maintains the digestive system, prevents constipation, helps improve blood circulation, prevents anemia, addresses gum problems and dental health, maintains the health of pregnant women, prevents premature aging.

Local Names

Informasi tidak ditemukan. Butuh penelusuran lebih lanjut.

Traditional Recipes

The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Traditional recipe Fights cancer from Bayam Brazil

1. Fights cancer

  • Prepare an adequate amount of Brazilian spinach leaves and wash until clean.
  • Boil the spinach until cooked or tender.
  • Eat the leaves as a side dish. 
Traditional recipe Maintains eye health from Bayam Brazil

2. Maintains eye health

  • Pick an adequate amount of Brazilian spinach leaves and wash until clean.
  • Boil the spinach adding other ingredients and kitchen spices such as shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and salt until cooked or tender.
  • Consume the leaves regularly to maintain eye health. 

Reference Sources

  1. Flora Fauna Web. 2021. Alternanthera sissoo hort. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/6/3/6373. 06-12-2021.
  2. Useful Tropical Plants Database. 2021. Alternanthera sissoo. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Alternanthera+sissoo. 06-12-2021.
  3. DrHealthBenefits.com. 2021. 17 Health Benefits of Brazilian Spinach – Pregnancy – Beauty. https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/vegetables/health-benefits-of-brazilian-spinach. 06-12-2021.