Spinach

Related Terms

Acelga (Portuguese), aedspinat (Estonian), bo cai (Chinese), cheera (Malayalam), Chenopodiaceae (family), chlorophyll, digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG), espinaca (Portuguese, Spanish), espinafre (Portuguese - Brazil), ?pinard (French), folates, folic acid, glycolipids, gobre palungo (Nepalese), goli spinat (Croatian), hourensou (Japanese), iron, isfanahk (Arabic), ispanahk (Arabic), ispanak (Turkish), ispany (Persian), lutein, monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG), oxalate, paala koora (Telugu), paalak (Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu), palunga (Nepali), paraj (Hungarian), pinatti (Finnish), pinni (Hindi), potassium, rau b? x?i (Vietnamese), retinoids, sabanekh (Arabic - Egypt), shi geum chi (Korean), shi gum chi (Korean), shpinat ogorodnyi (Russian), sigmchi (Korean), silicon, spanaki (Greek), spenat (Swedish), spen?t (Hungarian), spermatophyte, spinaca (Slovenian), spinach, spinach extract (NAO), spinach ferredoxin/ferredoxin reductase, spinach powder, Spinacia oleracea, spinacio (Italian), spinat (Danish, Dutch, Norwegian), Spinat (German), spinazi (Dutch), Spinner spinach, Springer spinach, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG), szpinak warzywny (Polish), tered (Hebrew), tered hagina (Hebrew), vitamin A, vitamin B6, zeaxanthin.
Note: The following plants are of a different genus and species than Spinacia oleracea: Indian spinach (Basella alba), New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides; T. expansa), and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), and they are not included in this monograph.

Background

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a good source of iron, folic acid, vitamin B6, nitrates, oxalates, beta-carotene, and lutein. In addition to its food value, spinach has a number of therapeutic uses.
The German Commission E reports the use of spinach for gastrointestinal disorders, blood-generating therapy, growth stimulation in children, appetite stimulation, convalescent support, and fatigue. Studies have also suggested its use as an anticancer agent, antioxidant, and cancer preventative. Spinach may also reduce age-related eyesight deterioration from macular degeneration and cataracts. More high-quality research is needed.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Regular consumption of spinach may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (loss of vision). Low-quality studies investigating the correlation of the intake of carotenoids and vitamins found in spinach noted a significant trend for risk reduction. While this is promising, additional research is necessary before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Regular consumption of spinach may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (loss of vision). Low-quality studies investigating the correlation of the intake of carotenoids and vitamins found in spinach noted a significant trend for risk reduction. While this is promising, additional research is necessary before a conclusion can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for spinach in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Spinach may decrease the risk of bleeding and interfere with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Spinach may alter blood glucose control or decrease blood sugar levels after meals. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Spinach may also interact with anticancer agents and opioids.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Iijima H, Kasai N, Chiku H, et al. Structure-activity relationship of a glycolipid, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol, with the DNA binding activity of p53. Int J Mol Med 2007;19(1):41-48.
Kopsell DA, Lefsrud MG, Kopsell DE, et al. Spinach cultigen variation for tissue carotenoid concentrations influences human serum carotenoid levels and macular pigment optical density following a 12-week dietary intervention. J Agric Food Chem 2006;54(21):7998-8005.
No authors listed. E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in the United States associated with bagged fresh spinach. Can Commun Dis Rep 2006;32(22):272.
O'Neill ME, Carroll Y, Corridan B, et al. A European carotenoid database to assess carotenoid intakes and its use in a five-country comparative study. Br J Nutr 2001;85(4):499-507.
Savino F, Maccario S, Guidi C, et al. Methemoglobinemia caused by the ingestion of courgette soup given in order to resolve constipation in two formula-fed infants. Ann Nutr Metab 2006;50(4):368-371.
Seddon JM, Ajani UA, Sperduto RD, et al. Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group. JAMA 1994;272(18):1413-1420.
Wang R, Furumoto T, Motoyama K, et al. Possible antitumor promoters in (spinach) and comparison of their contents among cultivars. Biosci Biotechnol.Biochem 2002;66(2):248-254.
Wilson RD, Davies G, Desilets V, et al. The use of folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2003;25(11):959-973.