Talinum as we know it from the local dialect is the same name of the genera. It is widely available in the tropics and is also commonly known as Surinam purslane, Philippine spinach, Ceylon spinach, Florida spinach, and Lagos bologi.
Apparently, we have a number of so-called spinach as this name also applies to amaranth. What is remarkable about this plant is that it has a rich amount of protein in almost the same as amaranth. Therefore we view this plant mainly as a potentially good support to under nutrition.
The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) has included talinum as an ethnic food with high nutritional value and BAR is actually promoting its consumption. It is easy to propagate and very economical since we can plant it almost in any soil. In Nigeria, the University of Ilorin, has done experimental work on the value of this ethnic vegetable as protecting the liver, able to reduce fatty liver and “bad” cholesterol in experimental animals. We also caution everyone interested in propagating this vegetable because it adsorbs all types of metals where it is planted, apparently without exception, including arsenic. Although it true that most plants will absorb soil contaminants, talinum could absorb heavy metals more than other plants. So the lesson here is that we should be careful that we use good soil in propagating talinum.
Talinum can be prepared just like spinach; so we can have stir-fry, spinach calzone, and of course just boiled spinach.
April 12th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
The leaves can be cooked and eaten as a green vegetable.
June 12th, 2010 at 7:42 am
i have gall blader stone, what is the procedure of dissolving the stones? i’ve read the comments but i didn’t understand the procedure. can you pls. reply to this. cause it’s very painmful
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If you are experiencing intense pain, you have to see a doctor. Please do not attempt to flush.
-Doc Emil
June 12th, 2010 at 7:43 am
do you have LANDLINE SO I CAN CALL YOU? i really need this badly. thanks
June 12th, 2010 at 7:51 am
i’ve done ultrasound, the findings is that i’ve gall bladder stone 1.5cm.in size. can this be dissove by the banaba? coz i didn’t understand the comments i’ve read here, coz there’s a procedure that i don’t know how. can u pls. teach me how to do to cure my gall bladder. thanks very much.
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The gall stone is already large. Please see a doctor.
-Doc Emil
June 28th, 2010 at 8:22 am
thanks for the information. Is there interesting topic for a thesis.,regarding the pharmacological value of this plant? because I’m in the process of thinking for good topic, and i just hope you can help me..I’m taking up bachelor of science in pharmacy. I’m interested with this plant,
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From Doc Emil: You can examine the plant for protein content relative to other legumes. This may be a domain for nutraceuticals. This plant has very little information. Assuming that the protein content is high, comparable to legumes, what is the amino acid profile? Can this be a good material for skin preparations? Are there bioactive compounds in talinum?
July 21st, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Hi.. I have been trying to have this plant from a very long time. Is there any chance that you would be able to share this plant with me? I miss this green spinach. Please email me if possible… please….
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From Doc Emil: You can inquire at the Bureau of Plant Industry in San Andres or you can visit Sister Pilar of the Good Sheperd Convent in Katipunan where they have plenty of the plant in their garden.
August 6th, 2010 at 3:13 am
hi padma. if manila ka i can provide you with the plant if you like.