Green leafy vegetables are providing a better support to human health being. Green leafy vegetables are ironic spring of nutrients, high dietary fibers and rich in vitamins and minerals and with bioactive like phenolic compounds too. The daily eating of green leafy vegetables helps to prevent major diseases like diabetes, cancer, hepato-toxicity etc. due to its medicinal properties like ant-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial. In Sri Lanka, there are lots of eatable green leafy vegetable grown and these green leafy vegetables are contributing primary role in Sri Lanka cuisine. The main persistence of this article is to discuss about some selected green leafy vegetables and its medicinal properties and its indications in diseases which are used in Sri Lanka cuisine.

Keywords: green leafy vegetables, consumption, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial

Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) play a dynamic part in food and nutritional security. GLVs are ironic source of many nutrients and form as a key group of vegetables group which has designed as “nature’s anti-aging of wonders”. Numerous vegetables have been exploited as cause of antioxidants. GLVs are the cheapest and being richest nutritional worth. The absence of acquaintance especially on the nutritive value of these GLVs among the community in general is the main disadvantage in their lesser consumption.¹

GLVs contain antioxidants and phenolic compounds which are health-promoting plant secondary metabolites. The WHO recommended that daily allowance of nutrition requirement is at least 400g of fruit and non-starchy vegetables. The American dietary guidelines for Americans recommended five serving of vegetables per day should be green leafy vegetables.²

Further, GLVs are identical significant protecting foods and useful for the conservation of health and for prevention of various diseases. Not only are those GLVs recommended for weight management due to its low energy densities.³

Most developing countries depend on starch-based food. But most Asian countries consumes GLVs and GLVs products like mint leaves. Sri Lanka being consecrated with a variety of natural surrounding and variable growing an array of green leafy vegetables. Sri Lankan food culture is rich with nutrition and taste. And also, Sri Lankan food culture bind with a lot of spices. Green Leaves vegetables have high consumption value and food market in Sri Lanka. That’s why Sri Lankans consumes GLVs in many ways like salad, porridge or flavor enhancement. Dark GLVs are rich sources of minerals like potassium, iron, magnesium and vitamins. But it provides β-carotene, lestein, zeaxanthin and omega m-3 fatty acid prevent cell damage and age related problems by its which protect cells. According to FAO nutrition standards, spinach like GLVs provides all the essential amino acids.² Spinach and fenugreek contain rich source of fiber and which diminish the risk of cardiovascular diseases and colon cancer.

Commercially and commonly available used Sri Lankan culinary green leafy vegetables

Sri Lankan cuisine bound with GLVs. Most GLVS are naturally growing and cultivated in rural areas. These rural growing GLVs are mostly used by urban and rural peoples. As a condiment; curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) and rampe (Pandanus amaryllifolius) are used in daily cooking. As a preparation of “kola kenda” (Green Leaves Porridge); hatawariya (Asparagus racemosus), walpinalla (Cardiospermum halicacabum ), curry pincha ( Murraya koenigii ), etc are used. Most of the Sri Lankan people drink this porridge before breakfast early in the morning, which are prepared in home or selling in street at small boutique. Because they people knew the value of the GLVS and its medicinal properties. Nowadays, Sri Lankan people give more priority to boost their immunity to eat GLVs with the provoke of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Nutritional importance of green leafy vegetables

GLVs are virtuous sources of minerals like iron, potassium and magnesium and vitamins of B, C, E and K. and also GLVS are good sources of soluble dietary fiber content. Consumption of higher in reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and possibly, colon cancer. There are any bioactive compounds presented in most of the GLVS. Viz; vitamins phenolic compounds, phytoestrogens, minerals etc.

Phenolic compounds of GLVs are considered secondary plant metabolites with different chemical and activities. Phenolic compositions improve the antioxidants activity. These are improved redox status of hepatic glutathione in rat models suffering from colon cancer.

GLVs contain high content of vitamins in male and female non-smoking diseases daily intake of 90-100mg vitamin C reduces the risk many diseases especially cardiovascular problems. Vitamin E plays a major part in prevention of LDL oxidation, inhibition of monocyte-endothelia adhesion, inhibition of monocyte reactive oxygen species and inhibit the platelet adhesion.⁴

The high level of vitamin K of GLVs produces osteocalcin which reduces the hip-fracture in middle-aged people. GLVs which are rich in vitamin A content. Consumption of GLVs is prevent the xerophthalmia which is due to severe vitamin A deficiency causes pathological of conjunctiva and cornea. Vitamin A rich GLVs shows to significant decrease of breast and skin cancer. GLVs are rich in iron and calcium. Zinc contain GLVs are involved in normal functioning of immune system.

Commonly used green leave vegetables in Sri Lanka culinary

Alternanthera sessilis (Figure 1)

Sinhala name: Mukunuwenna

Tamil name: Ponnankanni

English name: Sessile joy weed

Figure 1 Alternanthera sessilis.

It is an aquatic plant known by several names. It is consumed as a green leaf vegetable specially in each and every Sri Lankan and some Asian countries cuisines. It is a perennial herb often found in and near ponds, canals and water reservoirs. Shoots and tender leaves are often eaten as vegetable.

In Sri Lanka cuisine it is cooked as in the form of “Mellum” (type of curry). And also used to prepare the “Kola Kenda”Alternanthera sessile leaves containing bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, phenolic compounds, Vitamin A, E and K and oleanoic acid. The plant is said to abortifacient, cholagogue, febrifuge and galactagogue. It is eaten by nursing mothers who wish to increase their milk flow. The plant is to treat hepatitis with other medicinal plants. The plant paste is applied as a poultice on wounds.^5,6 Alternanthera sessile has many medicinal actions, viz; hepatoprotetive, antioxidant, blood purifier, anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, haematinic, wound healing properties and relaxing smooth muscles.⁷

Trianthema portulacastrus (Figure 2 & 3)

Sinhala name: Maha saarana

Tamil name: Saaranai

English name: Horse purslane

Figure 2 Trianthema portulacastrus.

Figure 3 Trianthema portulacastrus curry with coconut milk.

T. portulacastrum is a perpetual depending on structural area and the plant is proliferated by seeds and stem can be spread by cuttings very easily. The plant is often luscious, annual terrestrial and prostrate herb.⁸ Trianthema portulacastrum L. contains an extensive variety of carbohydrates, fats, tannins, terpenoides, flavonoides, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, cinnnamic acid derivatives and benzoic acid results of secondary metabolities.^9,10 In Sri Lankan cuisine it is consumed with lentils, dhal or cooked alone with coconut milk. This plant has anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, diuretic, antipyretic, antioxidant and anti-hyperglycaemic effects.^11,12

Recently it is recommended strongly for consumption of neutraceuticals to improve health, prevent and treat diseases. Leaves used in edema and dropsy as a diuretic. Leaves decoction is used as an antodote for alcoholic poison. Due to diuretic action of the leaves it has been useful in the treatment of edema and ascites.¹³

Ipomoea aquatic (Figure 4 & 5)

Sinhala name: Kankoon

Tamil name: Vallal

English name: Water spinach

Figure 4 Ipomoea aquatic.

Figure 5 Water spinach stir fry.

It is most commonly grown-up in Southeast, East and South Asia. It is used extensively in Sri Lankan, Indonesian, Burmese, Thai and Chinese cuisine. In Sri Lanka mainly cooked as in the name of “Kankung Thel Dala” (Water Spinach stir fry) Ipomoea aquatica is a perpetual glabrous herb having elongated, flat, hollow stem. Leaves are long and broad, acute, heart-shaped or hastate with rounded or acute lobes, and having 3.8‑12.5cm long petiole.¹⁴ I. aquatica leaves contain more moisture content, carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, mineral, nicotinic acid, riboflavin, vitamin C, and vitamin E.^14,15

In Unani system of medicine I. aquatica leaves extract are used as carminative agent and lessens inflammation, and is useful in fever, jaundice, biliousness, bronchitis, and liver complaints and used in nervous and general debility of female. The whole plant is used in leukoderma also.¹⁶

Sesbania grandiflora (Figure 6 & 7)

Sinhala name: Kathurumunga

Tamil name: Agatti keerai

English name: Swamp pea

Figure 6 Sesbania grandiflora.

Figure 7 Malluma.

It is inherent to humid Asia and is extensive in Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia. This tree is commonly found in the backyard of many Sri Lankan houses. Sesbania grandiflora L. is a small straight, strong-growing, and thinly branched tree that reaches 10m in height. Sesbania species have pinnately compound leaves where each leaf is divided into multiple leaflets.¹⁷ In Sri Lanka it is consumed in raw form as “Sambol” and cooked as “Malluma”. It contains alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and anthroquinone.¹⁸ Studies showed that, Sesbania grandiflora leaves possess antioxidant, antiuroithiatic, anticonvulsive, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anxiolytic activity.¹⁹ Leaves of Sesbania grandiflora used as a medication for thrombosis, diarrhoea and inflammatory diseses and against few important bacterial pathogens.²⁰ In case of nasal catarrh, the leaf juice was used. Leaves are crushed and used to purify mouth and throat and are useful in stomatalgia. The leaf extract may prevent the formation of advanced glycation end products.^21,22

Moringa oleifera (Figure 8 & 9)

Figure 8 Moringa oleifera.

Figure 9 Malluma.

Sinhala name: Murunga

Tamil name: Murungai

English name: Drumstick tree

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a tree that grows extensively in many humid and subtropical countries. It is grown commercially in Sri Lanka, India South and Central America and Africa, and throughout Asia and Southeast Asia. Due to high content of nutrition content, leaves are widely used as a basic food. Leaves are consumed as “Malluma” by Sri Lankans.²³ Moringa oleifera leaves are a great muscle builder because it contains 30% of vegetable protein and 21 amino acids. It has a very high percentage of protein for a plant. The leaves of the Moringa oleifera are good source in minerals like ca, K, Zn, Mg, iron and Cu. Leaves are highly content of vitamins like β-carotene of vitamin A, vitamin B, C, D and E. Further, in its leaves are contains phytochemicals such as tannins, sterols, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids.²⁴ It is this protein that helps to build muscles in the body and maintain body mass. M.oleifera leaves contain a wide of antioxidants and other properties that help in fighting bacteria such as Salmonella, E.coli and others. Many research described that M. oleifera as extremely potent anti-inflammatory,²⁵ hepatoprotective,²⁶ antihypertensive²⁷ and anti-tumor.²⁸ Also, its seed has strong coagulative and antimicrobial properties.²⁹

M. oleifera have potent neuroprotectant. Its leaves have antioxidant property can diminish the reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting the brain in cerebral ischemia is caused due to obstruction of blood flow to the brain.³⁰

Leaves can be consumed fresh, cooked, or stored as desiccated powder for many months without refrigeration, and reportedly without loss of nutritional value. Moringa is especially gifted as a food source in the tropics because the tree is in full leaf at the end of the dry season when other foods are typically scarce.³¹ For treating malnutrition any Moringa leaf powder is effective. Eating of Moringa leaves powder result had indicated that children maintained or increased their weight and improved overall health, pregnant women recovered from anemia and had babies with higher birth weights and breast-feeding women increased their production of milk.³²

Dregea volubilis (Figure 10)

Sinhala name: Anguna kola

Tamil name: Kurinja ilai

English name: Green milk weed

Figure 10 Dregea volubilis.

This pant is extensively grown in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, and China. It is a large twining shrub with a woody vine and is its leaves are round or ovate, sharp at the base and tip, and rather leathery.³³ D. volubilis, different parts contain triterpenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds with several active substances in many classes.^34,35 Recent reports show anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti- inflammatory etc., activities in humans. In Sri Lanka, leaves are consumed as in the form of “Melluma” and Sambol.

Leaves have the action of increase milk production in nursing women, purify and detoxify blood.

Costus speciosus (Figure 11)

Sinhala name: Thebu

Tamil name: Kostam

English name: Creep ginger

Figure 11 Costus speciosus.

Costus speciosus grows in the humid and wet evergreen areas of the Indo-Malayan region and Sri Lanka. It is a luscious, straight, perpetual, decorative, herbaceous plant, root stock tuberous stem, sub-woody at the base, thick creeping rhizomes growing up to 2-2.7m height with long lanceolate leaves. This plant has been consumed as food in the form of “Sambo”l and “Mallum” by Sri Lankans. Due to its diverse nature, it has been reported that it comprises plenty of phytochemicals of such as phenols, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins.^36–38 Recent research shows that, the plant has pharmacological properties like; anthelmintic, anti‑inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial.³⁹ This plant has hypoglycemic effect due to existence of phenolic compounds shows. The root extract also has the hypoglycemic effect.^40,41

Cardiospermum halicacabum (Figure 12)

Sinhala Name: Walpinala

Tamil Name: Mudakkottan

English Name: Lesser balloon vire

Figure 12 Cardiospermum halicacabum.

Cardiospermum halicacabum is an yearly or perennial herbaceous climber about 200-400cm height and is found throughout tropical as well as subtropical regions of Asia and Africa, which is eat as a green vegetable in Sri Lanka.^42,43 The leaves mainly used in preparing “Kola kanda” and Sambol in Sri Lankan cuisine mainly consumed in the purpose of to cure rheumatism. The plants have shown activities such as vaso depressant, antipyretic, antimalarial, antioxidant, antiulcer, and suppress the production of TNF α in mononuclear cells of human blood, anti-inflammatory and LPS induced TNF α , COX 2 nitric oxide production.^44,45 Recent research studies showed in the different extracts of the plant that have phytochemical presence of flavones, aglycones, triterpenoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, fatty acids and volatile esters.^46,47

Currently Cardiospermum halicacabum preparations are used for the treatment of inflammatory dermatitis, eczema and insect bites. For the ailments like diarrhoea, dysentery and headache; leaves and stalks are very good remedy.⁴⁸

 Solanum trilobatum (Figure 13 & 14)

Sinhala name: Wal Thibbattu

Tamil name: Thuthuvalai

English name: Climbing Brinjal

Figure 13 Solanum trilobatum.

Figure 14 Thovayal / Bryophyllum pinnatum.

Solanum trilobatum Linn is a thorny climber plant with blueish flower and grows as a ascending under shrub. It is important medicinal plants and mostly accessible in Sri Lanka and Southern India and has been used in herbal medicine to treat various diseases.⁴⁹ In Sri Lanka mainly it is consumed as Sambol and “Thovayal” Research studies on S. trilobatum leaves and stem reported that to possess antimitotic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic properties. The leaf extracts are could be used to increase male fertility and to cure snake poison.⁵⁰

S. trilobatum have main alkaloids recognized in the alcoholic extract from leaves and stem parts and possess antimicrobial activity.⁵¹ This plant mainly good for cough and asthma and leaves have expectorant activity.

Kalanchoe pinnat /Bryophyllum pinnatum (Figure 15)

Sinhala name: Akkapana

Tamil name: Rana kalli/Sathai karaichaan

English name: Life plant/Miracle leaf

Figure 15 Kalanchoe pinnata / Bryophyllum pinnatum.

Kalanchoe pinnata is a luscious plant distinctive for the abundance of small plantlets that form on the margins of its leaves even when the leaves have been removed from the plant. It owns various pharmacological abilities like antioxidant, anticancerous, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antileishmanial, anthelmintic, analgesic, nephroprotective, thrombolytic, haemoprotective and antihistamine properties.^52–54 Bbryophyllol, bryophollone and bryophollenone are the three new constituents of fresh leaves of the plant. Three new compounds, bryophynol, two phenanthrene are also present.^55,56

Basella alba L Figure (Figure 16 &17)

Sinhala name: Nivithi

Tamil name: Pasali

English name: Spinach

Figure 16 Basella alba.

Figure 17 Basella alba leaves cooked with red lentils.

It is an edible flowering plant. It is inherent to South and Western Asia. In Sri Lankan cuisine it is cooked as in the form of curry with coconut milk or red lentils. It is frequently known as Malabar spinach, Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, vine spinach.⁵⁷ For cooking the leaves and stem of the plant are used. The plant is originate to be multipurpose in properties. It has been found to be a good basis of calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C.⁵⁸ The plant has enormous probable in androgenic activity, antiulcer activity, antioxidant, cytotoxic and antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity, nephroprotective and wound healing properties etc.⁵⁹  For habitual headaches; the leaves glutinous liquid and tender stalks is a popular remedy for this illness. For pregnant women and children, the leaves decoction is a good source of laxative.⁶⁰ In indigenous system of medicine it is suggested that leaves application to head about half an hour before bathing brings sound refreshing sleep.⁶¹

Sauropus andro-gynus (Figure 18)

Sinhala name: Mella dumkola

Tamil name: Thavasi keerai

English name: Sweet leaf

Figure 18 Sauropus andro-gynus.

Sauropus androgynus is an erect bush that can reach up to 5m in height. The leaves are egg-shaped or lance-shaped, measuring 2.0–7.5cm and obtuse or acute⁶². It is popular GLVs in Sri Lankan cuisine where leaves are eaten as “Mellum” and cooked with eggs. S. androgynus reveals that confined sterols, resins, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, phenols, catechol, cardiac glycosides, and acidic compounds. Pharmacological activities of Sauropus androgynus plant have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant too.^63–66 Although S. androgynus holds high remedial abilities and plentiful ethnopharmacological usages, and unnecessary eating of S. androgynus is reported to be able to cause a fatal permanent pulmonary disease viz; bronchiolitis obliterans. The leaves are used as a medicine for coughs and to sooth the lungs as a tonic.⁶⁷

To relieve fever and treat urinary and eye problems leaves can be used. And also, for ear-ache the juice from its leaves was dropped into the ear. Further, leaves were used to increase lactation, to relieve cough, and to treat hypertension, diabetes, nose ulcer and eye ailments.⁶⁸

Amaranthus spinosus (Figure 19)

Sinhala name: Arai keerai

Tamil name: Mullu keerai

English name: Needle burr

Figure 19 Amaranthus spinosus.

This plant is grown throughout in India, Sri Lanka and spread throughout the tropics and warm temperate regions of Asia. It is an erect, perpetual grows up to 1m. Stem are terete or densely angular, glabrous or slightly young, green, reddish-brown, glabrous, and branched. The leaves alternative and are simple without stipules; petiole is approximately as long as the leaf blade.⁶⁹

It encompasses rich source in alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic acids, steroids, amino acids, terpenoids, lipids, saponin, betalain, b-sitosterol, stigmasterol, linoleic acid, rutin, catechuic tannins and carotenoids.⁷⁰ The research studies on A. spinosus have been reported that, it has antidiabetic, antitumor, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, spermatogenic, antifertility, antimalarial, antioxidant properties.⁷¹

To prevent swelling around stomach while the leaves are boiled without salt and to cure jaundice it can be consumed for 2–3days. Leaf infusion is used in anaemia as a diuretic. In Ayurveda the plant is used as febrifuge, antipyretic, laxative and diuretic. Also, its cuisine worth, it is a popular medicinal plant used to apparent for treat digestible, bronchitis, appetizer, nausea, galactagogue, haematinic, stomachic effects, nausea, flatulence, anorexia, blood diseases, burning sensation, leucorrhoea, leprosy, piles and as an action for illusion, healing of injuries and rheumatism, and to apprehension the coughing up of blood.^72,73

Lasia spinosa (Figure 20 & 21)

Sinhala name: Kohila leaves

Tamil name: - Koila

English name: Lasia

Figure 20 Lasia spinose.

Figure 21 Kohila dalu curry.

L. spinosa is a watery or terrestrial plant, short stemmed spiny heirs with underground rhizome that usually occurs in wet forests, wetlands. L. spinosa is a great marshland plant with the stem stout 1 m high and the leaves broadly arrow shaped in outlines, enormously divided into 4-6 pairs of narrow side lobes.⁷⁴ In Sri Lankan cuisine L. spinosa cooked with coconut milk named as “Kohila dalu curry”. In Sri Lanka, as a supplementary dish with staple food the tender leaves are used. The leaves and rhizomes liquid are given as a medicine to treat piles and fistula.⁷⁵ L. spinosa is one of such widely used plant in many Asian countries specially Sri Lanka. Report shows that it had a wide range of subordinate metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and steroids.⁷⁶ leaves and stalks have demonstrated profound anthelminthic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticestode, and antinematode efficacy.^77–79

Allium cepa L (Figure 22 & 23)

Sinhala Name: Lunu kola

Tamil Name: - Vengaya ilai

English Name: Onion leaves

Figure 22 Allium cepa.

Figure 23 Salad.

Onion leaves are used as a leafy vegetable and consumed as a raw form like Sambol and also cooked with tomato.

It has antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, expectorant and hypoglycaemic activities.⁸⁰ Onion leaves is known to contain many vitamins and minerals and is rich in sulphur and aminoacids. Moreover, a variety of secondary metabolites, phytosterols and saponins has been identified.⁸¹

Centella asiatica L (Figure 24 & 25)

Sinhala name: Gotu kola

Tamil name: Vallarai

English name: Indian pennywort 

Figure 24 Centella asiatica.

Figure 25 Sambol.

It is a small shrub and the leaves are eatable and green in color, thin, alternative with long petioles, and quite characteristic reniform, orbicular with seven veins. In Sri Lankan cuisine Centella asiatica being the predominantly locally existing leafy green vegetable. In Sri Lanka, plentiful food preparations are made from the pennywort. It is commonly used as a green salads vegetables called “Sambol”. And also, fresh juice grinded from whole plants, including roots is boiled with a minor quantity of rice and coconut milk to cook “gotukola kenda”, a thin porridge commonly used as a breakfast.⁸²

The main active constituents of CA are saponins include asiaticosides in which a trisaccharide moiety is linked to the aglycone asiatic acid, madecassoside and madasiatic acid which are supposed to be mostly thought to be for the wound healing and vascular effects.⁸³

Recent studies shows that it has pharmacological activities like; adaptogen, central nervous system relaxant, peripheral vasodilator, sedative, antibiotic, detoxifier, blood-purifier, laxative, diuretic, emmenagogue. It is used for enlightening memory and for overpowering mental confusion, stress as a brain tonic. And also, used for determined skin diseases and leprosy. Raw leaves are eaten or plant decoction is drunk to treat hypertension.^84,85 For the treatment of various ailments like asthma, skin disorders, ulcers and body aches, to refining memory, as a nervine tonic and in action of dropsy, elephantiasis, gastric catarrh, kidney troubles, leprosy, leucorrhoea and urethritis, in gentle health care, in treatment of abdominal illnesses used in traditional system of medicine for thousands of years.^86–88

Murraya koenigii (Figure 26)

Sinhala name: Curry pincha

Tamil name: - Kariveppillai

English name: Curry leaves

Figure 26 Murraya koenigii.

Murraya koenigii has small plant which about 2.5 meters in height, the stem is dark green to brownish in color. The leaves are about 30cm long and have a reticulate venation.⁸⁹ The matured curry leaves consist much moisture, less protein, carbohydrate which is of total sugars and total ash 13.06%. The chemical constituents in curry leaves are oxalic acid, resin, carbazole alkaloids and the key bioactive products like; koenigin, bicyclomahanimbicine, cyclomahanimbine, murrayastine, coumarine, koenidine and pypayafolinecarbazole has vital pharmacological actions and the major serving of volatile oil consist of bicyclomahanimbicine, mahanimbicine.⁹⁰

The pharmacological studies shows that curry leaves own antibacterial, antifungal, larvicidal, anticarcinogenic antioxidant, hypoglycemic, peroxidative, hypolipidemic anti-lipid and antihypertensive activity.⁹¹ Leaves are used for both medicinal and culinary purpose. There are highly fragrant and have a unique flavor with notes of citrus. Murraya koenigii were also used as additive mediators in curries and chutneys and also use as a blood purifier, tonic and cure for stomachache. The grounded curry leaves fine paste and mixed with buttermilk and consumed orally In case of stomach ailments. By consuming the root of curry leaves as juice very good remedy for renal pain. To prevent the progression of cataract the fresh juice of curry leaves can be used. To provide black color of the hair and prevent the premature greying of the hair the curry leaves can be used as internally and externally.^92,93

Maniot esculenta (Figure 27 & 28)

Sinhala name: Myokka kola

Tamil name: Maravalli ilai

English name: Manioc leaves

Figure 27 Maniot esculenta.

Figure 28 Thovayal.

It is a tall semi-woody perpetual tree, which can grow up to 7m high, having single to few stems and branched. Leaves are dark green and sometimes variegated and pedicels are light green to red.⁹⁴ It contains many antioxidants. Moreover, plant also comprises vitamin C, vitamin A, anthocyanins, saponins, steroids and glycosides.⁹⁵ Leaves can be used as a remedy to counter to several illnesses, such as rheumatism, fever, headache, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Leaves of this plant also apparently have shown antihemorrhoid, anti-inflammatory therefore, can use in all types of rheumatism.⁹⁶ Various research and literature shows it have stated many uses of this plant like the leaves can be used as a styptic, while the yam starch mixed with rum has been used as good remedy for skin problems, especially for children.⁹⁷

Green leafy vegetables provide vivacious nutrients required for human health. Being rich in essential micronutrients the green leafy vegetables can be used for the purpose of augmentation of nutritional deficient products. These include fiber, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. In Sri Lanka green leafy vegetables play an important role as nutritional source, and it is available around the year. It is considered as the cheapest source and has significant socioeconomic benefits. Further, it is also used as medicinal plants in various indigenous settings to tret various diseases. This present review has shown that the green leafy vegetables have widely used in Sri Lankan cuisine and may contribute greatly towards to acquire the nutritional needs for human growth and protection against several ailments.

None.

Author declares there are no conflicts of interest towards this article.

None.

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