Basella alba
Basella alba · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Basella alba is a versatile plant known for containing essential elements such as magnesium, manganese, zinc, and citric acid. Various parts of the plant, including the leaf, fruit, root, and stem, can be processed into crude extracts or aqueous leaf extracts for therapeutic use. These preparations have demonstrated significant biological activities, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antiatherosclerotic, and hypocholesterolemic properties. Consequently, the plant shows great potential in managing medical conditions like hypercholesterolemia and aphthae. Research also suggests its influence on acetylcholinesterase, highlighting its broad medicinal relevance.
- Synonyms
- Gandola Nigra · Basella Ramosa · 18 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Basellaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Basella alba is a versatile climbing plant that is recognized by many different names across various cultures. It is widely known by its common name Alugbati, a term frequently used in its native tropical regions. In other parts of the world, it is referred to as Acelga trepadora or simply Ceylon spinach. Some regions also use the name Bretana to identify this nutritious leafy green. Additionally, the plant is known as Baltoji bazelė, illustrating the diverse linguistic identity it holds globally.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Basella alba is a complex plant species that encompasses several distinct botanical synonyms. Within its taxonomic classification, it includes varieties such as Basella alba var. cordifolia and Basella alba var. scandens. The species also recognizes Basella alba var. subcordata and Basella alba var. subrotunda as valid variations. Furthermore, the name Basella cordifolia is frequently cited as a synonym for this climbing plant. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Basella alba belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Caryophyllales, a group known for its unique biological traits. The plant is a member of the genus Basella, which defines its specific evolutionary lineage. Finally, it is categorized within the family Basellaceae, completing its formal botanical identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Basellaceae |
| Genus | Basella |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Basella alba is widely distributed across various regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, this plant can be found thriving in the diverse landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its reach also extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it is established in countries such as Chad. Furthermore, it maintains a significant presence within the borders of Ethiopia. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's adaptability to different tropical environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Basella alba is a versatile herb characterized by its vigorous and obligatory climbing habit. This plant utilizes specialized structures to ascend, reaching impressive vertical scales as it matures. While it can be found at a minimum height of 1 m, it is capable of sprawling extensively. In optimal conditions, the vine can grow to reach a minimum height of 9.5 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Basella alba is a green leafy vegetable that demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its various bioactive properties. Research indicates that the plant possesses strong antioxidant activity, which helps combat oxidative stress in blood and various tissues. Its anticancer and antiproliferative effects are particularly notable, as methanolic extracts have been shown to inhibit the survival and expansion of colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, the plant offers promising cardiovascular benefits by exhibiting hypocholesterolemic properties that lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Ultimately, these findings suggest that Basella alba may serve as an effective antiatherosclerotic agent and a natural alternative for managing metabolic health.
Compounds
Conditions
Basella alba increases the activity of prostatic acid phosphatase in the prostate, testis, and serum of treated rats. This plant also possesses mosquitocidal properties that can be used to treat Aedes aegypti. Research indicates that methanolic extracts of the plant can treat colorectal cancer by inhibiting cell survival and expansion through antioxidant and antiproliferative actions. Furthermore, the aqueous leaf extract is effective in treating fasting blood sugar levels in diabetic rats by exerting antioxidant effects. Finally, extracts from the plant exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Preparations
Basella alba is prepared as an aqueous leave extract to investigate its antioxidant potential against diabetes-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats. This plant is also processed as a general extract to study its hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effects in hypercholesterolemia-induced rabbits. In other experimental contexts, Basella alba is utilized as one of several fruit pulp extracts (FPEs) to ameliorate testicular histopathology caused by carbon tetrachloride exposure. Research involving different species like Basella rubra also highlights the use of crude extracts for mosquito control, reflecting a broader pattern of extract preparation in this genus. Ultimately, the various forms of Basella alba preparation, including aqueous leave extracts and fruit pulp extracts, are central to its medicinal evaluation.
Parts used
Basella alba is a versatile plant that offers significant medicinal and nutritional value through its various anatomical parts. Research highlights that the leaves of this green vegetable are rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and manganese. Beyond the foliage, the plant's fruit extracts have demonstrated the ability to help ameliorate testicular histopathology in experimental models. Detailed pharmacognostic studies further identify the distinct tissue structures found within its stems and roots. Collectively, these different components of Basella alba contribute to its reputation as a potent antioxidant and nutraceutical agent.