What are the health benefits of spider flowers?

In many tropical regions, the spider flower, scientifically known as Cleome gynandra, is a valued traditional vegetable prized for its nutritional and medicinal properties. This edible plant is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, offering a range of health benefits that make it a powerful functional food.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the nutritional profile and pharmacological actions of the spider flower (Cleome gynandra). It details its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and its role in traditional medicine and nutrition.

Key Points

• Rich in nutrients: Spider flower (Cleome gynandra) leaves are exceptionally high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.

• Potent antioxidant activity: The plant contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other phytochemicals that neutralize free radicals and combat oxidative stress.

• Natural anti-inflammatory agent: Research supports the plant's traditional use for reducing inflammation associated with conditions like rheumatism and arthritis.

• Contains bioactive compounds: Extracts from spider flowers possess antimicrobial and potential anticancer properties, though more research is needed.

• Supports women's health: Traditionally used to support pregnant and lactating women and to ease childbirth.

• Requires proper preparation: Raw spider flower contains hydrocyanic acid, which is safely removed through boiling for at least 15 minutes, fermentation, or drying.

A Nutritional Powerhouse: The Rich Composition of Spider Flowers

The spider flower (Cleome gynandra) is far from a mere weed, as its rich composition of macro- and micronutrients makes it a significant contributor to human nutrition. The leaves, in particular, are exceptionally dense with health-promoting compounds, outperforming common commercial vegetables like cabbage in some areas. This vegetable has been traditionally used to combat malnutrition in various communities due to its accessibility and high nutrient content.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Cleome gynandra leaves are a notable source of vital nutrients that support overall health.

• Vitamins: The plant contains high levels of vitamin A (as beta-carotene) and vitamin C, both powerful antioxidants essential for immune function and vision. It also provides vitamin E, which protects cells from oxidative damage.
• Minerals: A 100g serving offers significant amounts of calcium, iron, and magnesium, all critical for bone health, red blood cell production, and metabolic processes. Other trace minerals like zinc, copper, and manganese are also present.
• Protein and Fiber: With a protein content of up to 23.4% on a dry matter basis, and good levels of dietary fiber, spider flower supports muscle health and digestive regularity.

Bioactive Compounds

Beyond basic nutrition, the health benefits of spider flowers are amplified by their unique phytochemical profile. These compounds act as potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

• Flavonoids: These plant pigments, including luteolin, possess powerful antioxidant activity that helps neutralize harmful free radicals.
• Phenolic Acids: Another class of antioxidants that contributes to the plant's protective effects against chronic diseases.
• Glucosinolates: These sulfur-containing compounds give the plant its characteristic pungent taste and have been studied for their potential anticancer properties.
• Fatty Acids: The seeds contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Pharmacological Benefits and Traditional Use

For centuries, various parts of the spider flower have been used in traditional medicine across Africa and Asia to treat a wide array of ailments. While many traditional uses require further scientific validation through clinical trials, in-vitro and in-vivo studies have already supported some of these claims.

The Anti-inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Effects

Studies have shown that extracts from C. gynandra possess significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

• Rheumatism and Arthritis: In traditional practice, poultices made from the leaves are applied topically to treat rheumatism and joint pain. Modern research is exploring the mechanism behind this anti-inflammatory activity, focusing on compounds that inhibit inflammatory pathways.
• General Pain Relief: Historically, the plant was used for pain-related conditions such as headaches, stomach aches, and earaches. In Saudi Arabia, extracts have been used to relieve severe pain and swelling from scorpion stings.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity

With confirmed antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, spider flower offers natural defense mechanisms.

• Antimicrobial: The plant's compounds can act against certain bacterial and fungal infections, supporting its traditional use as a disinfectant and treatment for skin issues.
• Antioxidant: The high concentration of flavonoids and vitamins helps to combat oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases, including diabetes and cancer.

Benefits for Women's Health

• Pregnancy and Lactation: In some communities, consuming spider flower leaves is believed to aid in milk production for breastfeeding mothers and ease the process of childbirth.
• Nutrient Supplementation: Given its richness in vitamins and minerals, it is used to supplement the diets of pregnant and lactating women, addressing potential nutrient deficiencies.

Comparison of Spider Flower vs. Common Vegetables

Nutrient	Spider Flower (approx. per 100g leaves)	Cabbage (approx. per 100g)	Swiss Chard (approx. per 100g)
Protein	Up to 6.0 g	1.3 g	1.8 g
Calcium	189–434 mg	40 mg	51 mg
Iron	2.6–11 mg	0.5 mg	1.8 mg
Vitamin C	64–484 mg	36.6 mg	18 mg
Beta-Carotene (Vit. A)	High (up to 2603 mcg)	Low (42 mcg)	Moderate (611 mcg)

Important Considerations and Safety

While the spider flower is a nutritional and medicinal powerhouse, there are important safety measures to follow, especially regarding preparation. The plant contains a compound called hydrocyanic acid, which is toxic but can be effectively removed through proper cooking, fermentation, or drying. It is crucial to boil the leaves for at least 15 minutes before consumption. Additionally, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before using any plant for medicinal purposes, particularly for those with existing health conditions or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Conclusion: A Resilient and Nutritious Resource

The spider flower (Cleome gynandra) is an underutilized but valuable resource that offers numerous health benefits, from alleviating nutrient deficiencies to providing powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. As research continues to validate its traditional medicinal uses, this resilient, climate-smart plant holds significant promise for promoting food security and improving overall well-being, especially in regions facing malnutrition and environmental challenges. Its rich nutritional profile, coupled with a diverse array of bioactive compounds, cements its status as a potent functional food for a healthier future.

Sources

: PMC. (2022). Cleome gynandra: A wonder climate-smart plant for nutritional security and well-being during climate change. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9538671/ : Food Research. (2025). A perspective on anti-inflammatory properties of Cleome gynandra. https://www.myfoodresearch.com/uploads/8/4/8/5/84855864/_18__fr-2023-212_mohamad_rosdi.pdf : Wikipedia. Cleome gynandra. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleome_gynandra : CABI Digital Library. (2022). Spider Plant (Cleome gynandra). https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/9781789248067.0003 : ECHOcommunity.org. Spider Flower. https://www.echocommunity.org/resources/9c1b8d58-fee8-4a3a-aec3-ffccd19c4ddd : ECHOcommunity.org. (2011). Spider Flower (Cleome gynandra). https://www.echocommunity.org/resources/940e03f3-2415-4ab3-af3a-29b7f178f616 : CABI Digital Library. (2022). Spider Plant (Cleome gynandra). https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/9781789248067.0003 : PMC. (2022). Cleome gynandra: A wonder climate-smart plant for nutritional security and well-being during climate change. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9538671/ : B4FN. (2022). Cleome gynandra. https://www.b4fn.org/resources/species-database/detail/cleome-gynandra : Wikipedia. Cleome gynandra. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleome_gynandra : IJRPC. (2010). REVIEW ON CLEOME GYNANDRA. https://www.ijrpc.com/files/00062.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ornamental spider plant the same as the edible spider flower?

No, the common indoor ornamental 'spider plant' (Chlorophytum comosum) is a different species entirely and is not typically consumed. The edible plant with significant health benefits is the 'spider flower' or 'African cabbage' (Cleome gynandra).

How should I prepare spider flower for safe consumption?

To safely prepare spider flower, you must cook it thoroughly. Boiling the leaves for at least 15 minutes is recommended to remove the toxic compound, hydrocyanic acid. Fermentation or drying are also effective methods.

What does spider flower taste like?

Spider flower leaves have a pungent, slightly bitter, or mustard-like flavor. This bitterness is often reduced by cooking the leaves with other vegetables.

Can spider flower help with pain relief?

Yes, in traditional medicine, spider flower extracts have been used to treat various pain conditions, including headaches, earaches, and arthritis, due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Is spider flower beneficial for skin infections?

Yes, a paste made from the crushed leaves of Cleome gynandra has been traditionally used as a topical remedy for wounds and skin infections, thanks to its reported antimicrobial properties.

Can pregnant women consume spider flower?

While traditionally used to support pregnant and lactating women, especially for boosting nutrient intake and milk production, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before consumption. Proper cooking is essential for safety.

Does cooking reduce the nutrients in spider flower?

While cooking, fermentation, and drying are necessary for safety, some vitamin content, particularly vitamin C, may be reduced during processing. However, the plant remains a highly nutritious food source.