Sambung Nyawa (Gynura procumbens)

This is Sambung. It’s a hardy perennial green that can be eaten in abundance either fresh from the garden (like you would lettuce) or cooked as you would bok choy or spinach. Simple wash and enjoy. This is also known as the life extender or diabetes plant. It is extremely good for you and a great back up plant to have growing in the garden for times when the shops are out of fresh veggies.

•Extremely hardy and low maintenance perennial plant to 70cm.

•Called the life extender or diabetes plant.

•Leaves are very nutritious eaten raw or cooked in stir-fries, soups and curries.

•Prune regularly to create a compact bush, alternatively the stems can be staked.

•Will tolerate a range of growing conditions from boggy soil to sands or clays.

•Will produce a reliable leaf crop year-round in full sun to part shade.

•Remove the small yellow flowers each year to avoid caterpillar infestation (by https://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_tigermoths/MagpieMoths.htm).

•Propagates easily from cuttings.

•Useful for poultry forage.

References:

Assessment of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects of different extracts of Gynura procumbens leaf – ScienceDirect

AN_UPDATED_PHYTOCHEMICAL_AND_PHARMACOLOGICAL_REVIE.pdf

Microsoft Word – Zahra et al pdf

All references cited state that Gynura procumbens shows no toxic effects at all.

Assessment of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects of different extracts of Gynura procumbens leaf – ScienceDirect

AN_UPDATED_PHYTOCHEMICAL_AND_PHARMACOLOGICAL_REVIE.pdf

Microsoft Word – Zahra et al pdf

Antihyperglycaemic and Toxicological Evaluations of Extract and Fractions of Gynura procumbens Leaves – PMC

Gynura procumbens: An overview of the biological activities – Monash University

Tan, H. L., Chan, K. G., Pusparajah, P., Lee, L. H., & Goh, B. H. (2016). Gynura procumbens: An overview of the biological activities. Frontiers in Pharmacology7, Article 52. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2016.00052

It is also widely listed by nurseries and recipe sites as edible fresh with no cautions of limitations put on this.

Sambung Nyawa | Gynura procumbens (Longevity Spinach) Plant – Mudbrick Herb Cottage

Sambung – Gynura procumbens – Kalamunda Plant Company

Longevity spinach – Sambung – Gynura procumbens – Perennial Spinach – Permaculture Haven Australia

Plant Profile: Sambung Spinach (Gynura procumbens) – Savour Soil Permaculture

How To Eat Gynura Procumbens – Recipes.net

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