Shrubby Orache

The Shrubby Orache, botanically Atriplex halimus, is a robust, silvery-green plant from the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). Native to the dry and saline regions of the Mediterranean area, North Africa and the Middle East, the plant is known above all for its exceptional salt tolerance and nutrient density. It is traditionally used as a fodder plant, wild vegetable and in naturopathy.

Alongside its ecological importance – for instance for soil remediation and as a fodder plant in dry areas – the Shrubby Orache also possesses a number of potential health-promoting properties, which are increasingly moving it into the focus of scientific and herbal medicine research.

What benefits does the Shrubby Orache offer for health?

The benefits attributed to the Shrubby Orache in naturopathy are diverse. Research is increasingly engaging with these benefits and likewise ascribes a certain medicinal potential to the plant. In general, however, more research is necessary and the findings to date are not readily transferable. Here are some of the previous results:

  • Rich in antioxidants: The leaves contain a multitude of secondary plant substances such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can help to reduce oxidative cell damage (1,2).
  • Blood sugar regulation: In studies it was observed that extracts of the plant can lower the blood sugar level, which makes it particularly interesting for people with type 2 diabetes (1).
  • Antibacterial effect: According to scientific investigations, various active substances in the plant have an inhibiting effect on bacteria (1,2,3)

How does the Shrubby Orache act in the body?

The health-promoting effect of the plant is presumably based for the most part on flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids and minerals (1)

Are there any risks or side effects?

  • Oxalate content: The plant contains oxalic acid, which with excessive consumption can inhibit the absorption of calcium – caution is advised in particular for people with kidney problems (4).
  • Do not consume raw in extreme amounts: Like many wild plants, the Shrubby Orache also contains bitter substances and secondary plant substances, which at very high dosages could have a burdening effect.

Conclusion

The Shrubby Orache is a remarkable plant with high adaptation potential, nutritional value and medicinal importance. Research too ascribes potential to the plant, but more research is necessary in order to be able to make conclusive statements about the plant and its effects.

Sources:

  1. Roubi, M., Dalli, M., Azizi, S. E., & Gseyra, N. (2025). Atriplex halimus: Phytochemical Insights, Traditional Applications, and Pharmacological Promises. Chemistry & biodiversity, 22(4), e202402171. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202402171
  2. Roubi, M., Elbouzidi, A., Dalli, M., Azizi, S.-E., Aherkou, M., Taibi, M., El Guerrouj, B., Addi, M., & Gseyra, N. (2023). Phytochemical, antioxidant, and anticancer assessments of Atriplex halimus extracts: In silico and in vitro studies. Scientific African, 22, e01959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2023.e01959
  3. Petropoulos, S. A., Karkanis, A., Martins, N., & Ferreira, I. C. F. R. (2018). Halophytic herbs of the Mediterranean basin: An alternative approach to health. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 114, 155–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2018.02.031
  4. Abu-Zanat, M., Hassanat, F., Alawi, M., & Ruyle, G. B. (2003). Oxalate and tannins assessment in Atriplex halimus L. and A. nummularia L. Journal of Range Management, 56(4), 370–374. https://doi.org/10.2307/4004041