Abstract

A REVIEW ON UPODIKA (BASELLA RUBRA LINN.) – AN AYURVEDIC NUTRACEUTICAL WITH ENORMOUS MEDICINAL VALUE

Annu Sharma* and Banshidhar Behera

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Abstract

Basella rubra Linn. is a plant of the family Basellaceae, generally known by names such as malabar spinach, indian spinach, ceylon spinach and vine spinach. It is widely accepted as nutritional vegetable and grown generally in the tropical regions of the world. In India it is widely grown as pot herb. Different studies have proved that the plant is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, flavonoids, saponins, carotenoids, many amino acids, organic acids, calcium and iron,. It was used to treat large number of human ailments as mentioned in various Samhitas and Nighantus. Major biological activities exhibited by Basella rubra is androgenic, antiulcer, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory, central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, sleep inducing and wound healing properties. Besides these activities, the plant possess a valuable ethnomedicinal importance .It nourishes, makes the body stout, purifies blood, rejuvenates and acts as aphrodisiac. Adding it to regular diet would help in preventing weakness of bones, anemia, cardiovascular diseases ,cancers of colon and constipation, Traditionally, it is used in treating mouth ulcers, wound, inflammation, urticaria, anemia, malnutrition, insomnia, cracked feet, piles, bleeding disorders, cancers etc.

Keywords: Basella rubra, Basellaceae, Biological activity, Ethnomedicinal importance.