# Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Mangold)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/beta-vulgaris-subsp-vulgaris
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-23
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris, Fodder beet, Field beet, Sugar beet, White beet, Spinach beet, Leaf beet

## Overview

Mangold (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) contains bioactive compounds that may induce cancer cell apoptosis and inhibit ACE receptors. Laboratory studies show its butanol extract reduces breast cancer cell survival to 30% while increasing early apoptosis to 26%.

## Health Benefits

["\u2022 May induce apoptosis in cancer cells, as a butanol extract reduced breast cancer cell survival to 30.11% and increased early apoptosis to 26.19% (Evidence Quality: In Vitro).[2]", "\u2022 May inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and adrenergic receptors, based on computer simulations showing its flavonoids (cochliophilin, quercimeritrin) form stable bonds with these targets (Evidence Quality: In Silico).[1]", "\u2022 May increase [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) to trigger cell death pathways, as demonstrated in a lab study where extracts increased ROS levels in cancer cells to 62.71% (Evidence Quality: In Vitro).[2]", "\u2022 May activate [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy)-mediated cell death by increasing cytochrome c release to 11.08 ng/mL and caspase-3/7 activity to 61.48% in cancer cells (Evidence Quality: In Vitro).[2]", "\u2022 May protect against liver injury by suppressing oxidative stress, as shown in animal models of iron-induced liver damage (Evidence Quality: Animal).[9]"]

## Mechanism of Action

Mangold's butanol extract triggers apoptotic pathways in cancer cells, reducing cell viability through programmed cell death mechanisms. Computer modeling suggests its compounds may inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and adrenergic receptors, potentially affecting [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) function. The specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects include various phenolic compounds and flavonoids present in the leaf extracts.

## Clinical Summary

Current research on mangold is limited to in vitro and computational studies. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that butanol extracts reduced breast cancer cell survival to 30.11% and increased early apoptosis markers to 26.19% in cell culture models. Computer simulations indicate potential ACE and adrenergic receptor inhibition, but these findings require validation in animal and human studies. No clinical trials have been conducted to establish safety profiles or therapeutic dosages in humans.

## Nutritional Profile

Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Mangold/Swiss Chard) per 100g fresh weight: Macronutrients - Calories: ~19 kcal, Carbohydrates: ~3.7g, Protein: ~1.8g, Fat: ~0.2g, Dietary Fiber: ~1.6g. Key Micronutrients - Vitamin K1: ~830µg (693% DV, exceptionally high, fat-soluble, bioavailability enhanced with dietary fat), Vitamin A (as beta-carotene): ~306µg RAE (~34% DV), Vitamin C: ~30mg (~33% DV), Vitamin E: ~1.89mg (~13% DV), Folate: ~14µg, Riboflavin (B2): ~0.09mg. Minerals - Potassium: ~379mg (~8% DV), Magnesium: ~81mg (~19% DV), Iron: ~1.8mg (~10% DV, non-heme form with moderate bioavailability ~5-12%, enhanced by co-consumed Vitamin C), Calcium: ~51mg (~4% DV, bioavailability reduced by oxalate content ~645mg/100g), Sodium: ~213mg (naturally elevated), Manganese: ~0.37mg (~16% DV), Phosphorus: ~46mg. Bioactive Compounds - Betalains absent (unlike red beet); flavonoids present including quercetin glycosides (quercimeritrin), cochliophilin A, and isorhamnetin derivatives; chlorophyll (~300-400mg/100g in green varieties); carotenoids including lutein and zeaxanthin (~830µg/100g combined, relevant for ocular health); phenolic acids including syringic acid and ferulic acid; oxalic acid (~645mg/100g) which binds calcium and iron reducing their mineral bioavailability. Bioavailability Notes - Cooking reduces oxalate content by ~30-50% improving mineral absorption; fat-soluble vitamins (K, A, E) require co-consumption of dietary lipids for optimal absorption; blanching reduces Vitamin C content by ~15-25%.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for Mangold extracts, powders, or standardized forms are available due to a lack of human trials.[1][2][7] Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for mangold as a therapeutic supplement is currently unavailable due to lack of human studies. As a member of the Beta vulgaris family, it may share similar oxalate content with other leafy greens, potentially affecting individuals with kidney stone history. Theoretical ACE inhibition suggests possible interactions with [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications, though this remains unconfirmed. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid therapeutic doses due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence for Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Mangold) is currently lacking; no RCTs or meta-analyses specific to this subspecies were found.[1][2][7] A meta-analysis of 12 RCTs on general beetroot (*Beta vulgaris*) confirmed cardio-protective benefits, but these findings cannot be directly attributed to mangold.[7] The available data are limited to preliminary in vitro studies (related PMID: 41684601), in silico models, and animal research.[1][2]

## Historical & Cultural Context

While the general beet plant has been used in European folk medicine as a digestive aid, Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Mangold) does not have a documented history of use in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda or TCM.[3][4] Historically, it has been cultivated primarily as a fodder crop for livestock.[4]

## Synergistic Combinations

Quercetin, Hibiscus, Milk Thistle, Vitamin C, N-Acetylcysteine

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What compounds in mangold may fight cancer?

Mangold's butanol extract contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids that trigger apoptosis in cancer cells. In laboratory studies, these compounds reduced breast cancer cell survival to 30.11% and increased programmed cell death markers to 26.19%.

### Can mangold lower blood pressure?

Computer modeling suggests mangold compounds may inhibit ACE and adrenergic receptors involved in blood pressure regulation. However, no human studies have confirmed actual blood pressure lowering effects or established safe dosages.

### How much mangold extract is needed for benefits?

No therapeutic dosage has been established for mangold extract since research is limited to laboratory studies. The effective concentrations used in cancer cell studies have not been translated to human equivalent doses.

### Is mangold safe to take with blood pressure medications?

Theoretical ACE inhibition by mangold compounds suggests possible interactions with blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors. Consult healthcare providers before combining mangold supplements with cardiovascular medications due to insufficient interaction data.

### What's the difference between mangold and regular beets?

Mangold (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is the leafy green variety focused on leaf production, while sugar beets emphasize root development. Mangold leaves contain different concentrations of bioactive compounds compared to beet roots, with distinct therapeutic profiles.

### What is the difference between mangold extract and whole mangold juice for health benefits?

Mangold extracts concentrate bioactive compounds like flavonoids and betalains, potentially offering more potent effects per dose compared to whole juice, though whole mangold provides fiber and additional nutrients. In vitro studies showing apoptosis in cancer cells typically use concentrated butanol extracts rather than juice, suggesting extraction methods may significantly influence efficacy. Whole mangold juice offers a more complete nutrient profile but with lower concentrations of specific active compounds, making each form suitable for different health goals.

### Is mangold supplementation safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers?

Limited human safety data exists specifically for mangold supplements in pregnancy and lactation, so pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before use. Mangold's nitrate content and potential effects on ACE inhibition warrant caution during pregnancy, as blood pressure regulation is critical in this period. Whole food mangold consumed in normal dietary amounts is generally considered safe, but concentrated extracts lack sufficient safety testing in this population.

### How does the strength of evidence for mangold's anti-cancer effects compare to its blood pressure benefits?

Evidence for mangold's anti-cancer potential is currently limited to in vitro studies with butanol extracts, representing preliminary research without clinical human trials. In contrast, mangold's ACE-inhibitory mechanism has computational support and is consistent with known nitrate and flavonoid effects observed in other plant foods, though direct human blood pressure studies specific to mangold are also limited. Both mechanisms show promise but require human clinical trials to establish efficacy; the blood pressure claim has stronger indirect evidence from mechanistic studies.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*