Wise Mind Herbs

The information on this page has been prepared with reference to published scientific literature, not by a medically qualified expert. It is not medical advice. Any decision to use a supplement or herb-based product is your responsibility. Consult a suitably qualified medical professional, especially if you have underlying conditions. Remember, nothing is for everyone, and not everything sold is what it claims to be. Some things work for some people, some of the time.

Orache - Atriplex sp.

Orache (Atriplex species) is a plant genus belonging to the Chenopodiaceae or Amaranthaceae family, depending on classification system. Common names include mountain spinach, garden orache, red orache, French spinach, and sea purslane. The most commonly used species is Atriplex hortensis, though other species like Atriplex patula (spreading orache) and Atriplex halimus (Mediterranean saltbush) have also been studied for their potential health benefits.

Image source and license: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Atriplexhortensis1.jpg.
Modified by Peter Jorgensen.

Botanical Classification and Common Confusion

It's important to note that orache is sometimes confused with other plants due to similar common names or appearance. Orache should not be confused with Chenopodium bonus-henricus (Good King Henry, also called "wild spinach"), Spinacia oleracea (common spinach), or Tetragonia tetragonioides (New Zealand spinach). Additionally, some saltbush species (Atriplex species) are sometimes called "orache" but may have different properties and phytochemical profiles than Atriplex hortensis.

Bioactive Compounds

Research has identified several bioactive compounds in orache, including flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), phenolic acids, betalains (in red varieties), saponins, essential oils, and minerals including magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. The exact composition varies by species, growing conditions, and plant part used.

Health Benefits Supported by Research

The scientific literature on orache's health benefits is limited compared to more extensively studied herbs. Most research is preclinical, with few well-designed human clinical trials. The following benefits have preliminary scientific support:

• Antioxidant activity: In vitro studies show moderate free radical scavenging capacity, primarily attributed to flavonoids and phenolic compounds.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Limited in vitro and animal models suggest potential anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in digestive inflammation.
• Mild diuretic effects: Traditional use as a diuretic has some support in animal studies, though human evidence is lacking.
• Hypoglycemic potential: Preliminary research suggests possible mild blood glucose-lowering effects in animal models of diabetes.
• Antimicrobial activity: In vitro studies show moderate antimicrobial effects against select pathogens, attributed to essential oils and phenolic compounds.

Conditions with Insufficient Scientific Evidence

Despite traditional uses, insufficient scientific evidence exists for orache's effectiveness in treating or curing the following conditions, though some are being investigated:

• Digestive disorders (beyond mild relief)
• Skin conditions
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Respiratory conditions
• Cancer (though preliminary in vitro anticancer activity has been noted)
• Neurological disorders

Recommended Dosages

No standardized clinical dosage has been established through rigorous scientific research. Traditional uses and preliminary studies suggest:

• Dried leaf: 2-4g daily, taken as tea (1-2g per cup, 1-2 cups daily)
• Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol): 2-4ml, three times daily
• Fresh leaves (culinary use): 30-60g daily

Important note: These dosages are based on traditional use rather than clinical evidence. No standardization exists for active compound content in commercial preparations.

Research on Higher Dosages

No systematic studies have examined doses above the traditionally used ranges mentioned above. This represents a significant knowledge gap in the scientific literature. Animal toxicity studies using concentrated extracts have been conducted at higher equivalent doses, but these findings cannot be directly translated to humans. Research investigating dose-response relationships and maximum effective/safe doses is needed.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Orache is generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts, but potential adverse effects include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort at higher doses
• Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
• Mild diuretic effects may affect those with kidney disorders or taking diuretic medications
• High oxalate content may be problematic for those prone to kidney stones
• Saponin content may cause digestive irritation in sensitive individuals
• Potential drug interactions, though specific interactions are poorly documented

Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Those with kidney disorders, taking diuretic medications, or with known allergies to plants in the Amaranthaceae family should exercise caution.

Pharmaceutical Products

Currently, there are no approved pharmaceutical drugs with orache extracts or synthesized homologues of orache compounds as primary active ingredients. Some botanical supplements contain orache extracts, but these are not regulated as pharmaceuticals and lack standardization of active compounds. Research into potential pharmaceutical applications is ongoing but remains in early stages.

Knowledge Gaps and Research Limitations

Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding orache's medicinal properties:

• Lack of well-designed human clinical trials
• Insufficient standardization of extracts used in research
• Limited research on bioavailability of active compounds
• Inadequate investigation of potential drug interactions
• Poor characterization of differences between species and cultivars
• Limited research on optimal extraction methods for medicinal compounds

Conclusion

While orache has a long history of traditional use and contains bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, scientific evidence for its therapeutic efficacy remains preliminary. Most benefits are supported by in vitro or animal studies, with few well-designed human clinical trials. Standardized preparations and dosing guidelines are lacking. Further research, particularly randomized controlled trials in humans, is needed to establish orache's efficacy for specific health conditions, optimal dosing, safety profile, and potential drug interactions.

References

Ali, B., Musaddiq, S., Iqbal, S., Rehman, T., Shafiq, N., & Hussain, A. (2021). The therapeutic properties, ethno pharmacology and phytochemistry of Atriplex species: a review. Pakistan Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2(1), 49-64.

Cherrada, N., Elkhalifa Chemsa, A., Gheraissa, N., Zaater, A., Benamor, B., Ghania, A., ... & Teferi Asres, D. (2024). Antidiabetic medicinal plants from the Chenopodiaceae family: a comprehensive overview. International Journal of Food Properties, 27(1), 194-213.

Kumorkiewicz-Jamro, A., Pachulicz, R. J., Fitter, S., Górska, R., Duggan, J., Vandyke, K., ... & Zannettino, A. C. (2025). Atriplex hortensis var.'rubra'extracts and purified amaranthin-type pigments reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated RAW264. 7 cells. Food Chemistry, 462, 140920.

Mardi, P., Fallah Huseini, H., Ahvazi, M., & Tavakoli-Far, B. (2022). Effects of Atriplex hortensis hydroalcoholic extract on phenyl-hydrazine induced hemolytic anemia in rat. Journal of Medicinal plants and By-Products, 11(Special), 37-41.

Roubi, M., Dalli, M., Azizi, S. E., & Gseyra, N. Atriplex halimus: Phytochemical Insights, Traditional Applications, and Pharmacological Promises. Chemistry & Biodiversity, e202402171.