Evidence supporting the use of: Ceylon Spinach
For the health condition: Eye Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Ceylon Spinach (Basella alba), also known as Malabar spinach, has a history of use in traditional medicine systems across Asia and Africa. In some ethnobotanical records, particularly in Indian and Southeast Asian traditions, the leaves or mucilaginous sap of Ceylon Spinach are applied topically or used as eyewashes to help relieve eye irritation, conjunctivitis, or minor infections. The justification for its use is largely based on anecdotal and folk practices rather than rigorous scientific validation. The plant is known to contain antioxidants, vitamins (notably vitamin A), and mucilage, which may provide soothing effects, but direct antimicrobial or therapeutic effects specifically against pathogens causing eye infections have not been substantiated in modern clinical studies. Current scientific literature provides little to no clinical evidence supporting its efficacy in treating or preventing eye infections. Thus, while the traditional use is documented and the plant does have bioactive compounds, the evidence is weak and limited to folk medicine with no robust scientific trials or mechanistic studies to confirm safety or effectiveness for eye conditions. Use should be approached with caution, especially considering the sensitivity of the eyes and the risk of contamination or irritation from untested herbal preparations.
Other ingredients used for Eye Infections
betelburdock
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
forsythia
goldenseal
green tea
marshmallow
nettle
parsley
plantain
purified silver
schizonepeta
vitamin A
zinc
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
rubia cordifolia
silk tree
siler root
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
white oak
Avens
Agrimony
Abrus
Alchornea
Aerva lanata
Abuta
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Blepharis
Barleria
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Colloidal Silver
Cinquefoil
Cornflower
Centipeda
Cynodon dactylon
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dianthus
DIVI-DIVI
Eyebright
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Embelia
Ficus religiosa
Fringed Pink
Genipap
Growth factors
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
Henna
Isatis
Indian Fagonia
Kachnar
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
Lichen
Laggera pterodonta
Ligustrum
Lodhtree
Lysozyme
Labrador Tea
Leptadenia
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Liverwort
Loranthus
Lysimachia
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mallow
Melia
Metal Salt
Malva sylvestris
Milkweed
Morning Glory
Marigold
Manzanita
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Propolis
Phellodendron
Plantago
Pluchea
Patrinia
Pyrola
Rubus
Rosa laevigata
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Sanguisorba
Semecarpus anacardium
Storax
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Violet
Other health conditions supported by Ceylon Spinach
Abdominal PainAnemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Eye Infections
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Kidney Stones
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)
Pneumonia
Rashes and Hives