Nutritional Composition of Molokhia <i>(Corchorus olitorius)</i> and Stamnagathi <i>(Cichorium spinosum)</i>

Wild berries: a good source of omega-3

“…They contain ALA at similar levels as reported for purslane and other ALA-rich plants (Simopoulos and Salem, 1986;Guil et al, 1996;Malainey et al, 1999;Zeghichi et al, 2003;Simopoulos, 2004), which are much higher than for the commonly eaten fruits assessed in the present study. In addition, the wild berries contain an n-6/n-3 ratio of about 1, which has been suggested as an ideal ratio (Simopoulos, 2002), 4-6 times lower than today's Nordic diets (Nordic Council of Ministers, 2005).…”

“…Purslane has been reported to contain 0.85 g of total fat and 0.41 g of ALA per 100 g, considerably more than cultivated leafy vegetables (Simopoulos and Salem, 1986;Simopoulos, 2004). Zeghichi et al (2003) reported that two other wild leafy plants, molokia and stamnagathi, contain fat and ALA at levels similar to purslane. Guil et al (1996) reported that 20 wild Spanish vegetables contained between 0.14 and 0.75 g fat per 100 g, and that between 10 and 55% of the fatty acids was ALA. Malainey et al (1999) have reported fatty acid composition of several native foods (wild and cultivated) of Western Canada, and several species of greens and also some species of berries contained large proportions of ALA (35-40% of total fat content).…”

Skin Hydrating Effects of &lt;i&gt;Corchorus olitorius&lt;/i&gt; Extract in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis

“…Therefore, suppressing activation of ROS protects skin barrier function and maintains skin hydration levels. C. olitorius was found to contain high quantities of antioxidant molecules [2]. Our results indicated that TEWL in the control group increased markedly compared to the SPF group, whereas TEWL in the COEW group was significantly decreased compared to the control group.…”

“…In fact, one formulation containing 2% sunflower oleodistillate significantly increased the degree of skin hydration [16]. C. olitorius leaves also have a high fatty acid content, especially alpha-linorenic acid and linoleic acid [2]. Further, they have the ability to exert anti-inflammatory effects [17], which prevent the disruption of the skin barrier function [18].…”

“…C. olitorius leaves are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, glutathione, and phenols. The leaves also contain fatty acids, minerals, and other vitamins, and have been used as traditional folk medicine for chronic cystitis, dysuria, gonorrhea, and fever in Egypt and the Philippines [2]. In recent studies, C. olitorius has also been found to have antitumor and antinociceptive activities [3,4].…”