What are the traditional uses of Ipomoea aquatica?

Ipomoea aquatica has 13 documented traditional uses in the Verdica ethnobotanical reference database. This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA.

What phytochemicals are found in Ipomoea aquatica?

Ipomoea aquatica contains 44 documented phytochemical compounds in the Verdica database.

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Ipomoea aquatica

Swamp Cabbage

Family: Convolvulaceae • Genus: Ipomoea • Region: TEMPERATE ASIA: China. TROPICAL ASIA: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, AUSTRALASIA: Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory, AFRICA: Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Chad, Kenya, Tanzania (incl. Pemba, Zanzibar), Uganda, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia., United States

Summary: Ipomoea aquatica (Swamp Cabbage) is a plant in the Convolvulaceae family. Verdica documents 13 traditional uses, 44 phytochemical compounds, and 0 herb-drug interactions for this species.

Traditional Uses

Phytochemicals

Herb-Drug Interactions

Edibility Records

Pet Toxicity Records

About Ipomoea aquatica

Ipomoea aquatica or commonly known in various names such as but not limited to Swamp Morning Glory, Chinese Water Spinach, Swamp Cabbage, and Kangkong is a fast-growing, annual or perennial plant with sprawling stems of up to 2-3 m long over the ground, float in water, or twine into other plants for support. It is a very popular leaf vegetable in Asia. The leaves and young shoots are cooked or eaten raw. The roots are occasionally cooked and eaten as well. The young shoots have medicinal uses. It is mildly laxative and is used for diabetes and fever. The leaves, on the other hand, are crushed and applied as a poultice on sores and boils. Ringworm is treated using a paste made from the buds. The roots are used for arsenic poisoning and hemorrhoids.

Care Information

Sunlight	Full sun
Watering	Moderate — drought tolerant once established
Soil	Average, well-drained; tolerates poor soil
Hardiness Zone	USDA 3-11

Explore the full profile of Ipomoea aquatica in the Verdica app — including detailed traditional uses, phytochemical data, care guides, and more.

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Disclaimer: The statements on this page regarding traditional uses of plants have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Traditional use information is presented for educational and historical reference purposes only, reflecting documented ethnobotanical practices. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal preparation, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number immediately.

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