Spinach

Scientific Name(s): Spinacia oleracea L.
Common Name(s): Spinach

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 21, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Many of the reported actions of spinach are related to its antioxidant properties. It may play a role in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, age-related macular degeneration, and the degeneration of immune and neurological systems. It has also been investigated in satiety trials for curbing hunger and reducing the desire for salty and sweet snacks. Although dosage forms of spinach other than its natural state as food are available, none can be reliably recommended due to a lack of quality clinical trials.

Dosing

Clinical evidence is lacking to provide a specific therapeutic dosage of spinach. As a food, spinach has received generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

GRAS when used as food. Avoid dosages above those found in food because safety and efficacy are unproven.

Interactions

Absorption of magnesium, calcium, and zinc, but not nonheme iron, may be decreased by concurrent consumption of oxalates in spinach.

Adverse Reactions

Allergic reactions to spinach are rare. Cross-sensitivity to beets and chard has been reported, and a common allergenic protein has been identified in spinach and tomatoes that can lead to angioedema and urticaria. Gout may be precipitated in predisposed individuals because of the purine content in spinach. Consumption of spinach in infants younger than 4 months is not recommended because calcium absorption may be decreased.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

• Chenopodiaceae

Botany

The Chenopodiaceae family consists of 100 species of evergreen or semi-evergreen annuals, perennials, and shrubs. Other members of this group include beet and chard. In temperate climates, spinach reaches edible maturity quickly (37 to 45 days) and thrives best during cool, moist seasons. There are many varieties of spinach, all of which have large, dark-green leaves on upright plants. The leaves are the most frequently used part of spinach.Sanders 2001, USDA 2007

Chemistry

Spinach contains a number of antioxidants, including carotenoids, polyphenols,Bakshi 2004, Pool-Zobel 1997 and flavonoids (quercetin).Torres-Sánchez 2000 The carotenoids are composed of 2 main classes, carotenes (beta-carotene) and xanthophylls (lutein).Richer 2000 Glycolipids (sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol) are found in the chloroplast membrane.Kuriyama 2005 Spinach is regarded as a valuable dietary source of vitamin A, nonheme iron, folate, and lutein. Studies show much intrinsic variation in the bioavailability of these substances, and variations in cooking methods also contribute to variations.Chung 2004, Hannon-Fletcher 2004, Kopsell 2006, McKillop 2002, Tang 2005 Spinach also contains oxalates and nitrates that may have negative effects.Betsche 2005, Brogren 2003, Chen 2003, Tamme 2006

Uses and Pharmacology

Activity of spinach has mostly been attributed to its antioxidant mechanisms.Ayes 2004, Hammond 1997, Hughes 2001, Richer 2000 While con...