ABSTRACT
Water spinach is considered a native to Africa, Asia and southwestern Pacific Islands. It has been a medicinal herb in southern Asia since A.D. 300 and 200 B.C. People still collect its plants from wild habitat and cultivate them for vegetable purpose. Water spinach, also known as river spinach, water morning glory, water convolvulus, Chinese convolvulus, Chinese spinach, Chinese water cress, swamp cabbage and kangkong in Southeast Asia, is an herbaceous aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial plant of tropical and subtropical regions, though it is not known where it originated. The pharmacological effects of water spinach include laxative, anti-inflammatory, antitoxin, diuretic, homeostatic and sedative. It has a soothing effect in the intestine, as it is purgative because of its high fibre content. Water spinach is an herbaceous aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial plant with an adventitious root system. It has long hollow stems, which allow the vines to float on water or creep across muddy ground.
