Ecdysteroid Content and Therapeutic Activity in Elicited Spinach Accessions.

While spinach is an established nutritionally important crop, its medicinal value is not as well known. Spinach is rich in ecdysteroids, insect hormone analogs with a number of medicinal properties including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and even anabolic activity. However, the potential of spinach as a medicinal plant has not yet been developed.