Wild amarnath -nutrition, proven benefits, uses

wild-amarnath-benefits-uses

The scientific name of the Amarnath is Amaranthus viridis Linn. It is also known as Green amaranth, Slender amaranth and Wild amaranth. Other names include

BENGALI: Ban note, Bon note.
CHINESE: Lu xian, Ye xian, Niao xian, Kang xian, Ye xian cai, Shan xing cai, Zhou guo xian.
FRENCH: Amarante verte.
GERMAN: Grüner Amarant.
GREEK: Depto vlito.
GUJARATI: Dhinmado.
HINDI: Chauraiya, Jangali chaulai, Jungali chaulayi.
JAPANESE: Aobiyu, Honaga inu biyu.
KANNADA: Cheakeerae soppu, Chilikiraesoppu, Dagglisoppu, , Dagglarive soppu, Eere soppu.
KOREAN: Cheong bi reum.
MALAY: Bayan hedjo.
MALAYALAM: Cerhiraa, Kuppacheera, Kuppacheera, Mullanchira, Serucira.
MARATHI: Lhanamat, Ran bhaji.
ORIYA: Levitiakoda.
PORTUGUESE: Cararu, Carurú-comum, Carurú-de-mancha, Carurú-de-porco, Carurú-de-soldado (Brazil).
RUSSIAN: Shiritsa zelenaia.
SANSKRIT: Gandira, Thanduliya, Vishaghna.
SPANISH: Bledo, Quelite verd (Mexico).
TAMIL: Iruvati, Iruvatikkirai, Kollaikkirai, Kuppai keerai, Kuppaikkirai, Sinna keerai, Vakucakkirai.
TELUGU: Chailaka thot kura, Chilaka thotakoora.
THAI: Phak hom, Phak khom, Phak khom hat.
VIETNAMESE: Dền xanh.

Green amarnath is an erect, smooth, branched unarmed herb, 30 to 60 centimeters high. Leaves are alternate, ovate, long-petioled, 4 to 10 centimeters long, obtuse tip, usually notched, base truncate or decurrent. Flowers are very small, densely disposed, green, 1 millimeter long. Sepals are 5, or 1 to 3, ovate to linear, often aristate. Inflorescences are terminal, axillary, simple or panicled, interrupted spikes. Fruits are compressed, indehiscent or circumcised utricles. Seeds are black or brown, orbicular.

Note: This herb differs from Amaranthus spinosus (Uray) in the absence of spines on the stems.

 

Distribution

– A common roadside weed on lowlands at low and medium altitudes.

– Probably originated from America.

– Found in all warm countries.

Constituents

– The powdered leaves yield tannin, some reducing sugar and resin, but no alkaloid.

– Studies yielded amino acids lysine, arginine, histidine, cystine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan.

– Study yielded spinosterol (24-ethyl-22-dehydrolathosterol) as major component along with 24-methyllathosterol 24- ethyllathosterol, 24-methyl-22- dehydrolathosterol, 24-ethyl cholesterol and 24-ethyl-22-dehydrocholesterol as minor components in sterol fraction.

– Yields flavonoids, rutin, and quercetin.

– Roots yield a steroidal component, amasterol ( 24-methylene-20-hydroxycholesta- 5,7-dien-3β-ol).

– Analysis of leafy vegetable per 100gm:

moisture 81.8, protein 5.2, fiber 6.1, fat 0.3, vitamin C 178mg; minerals 2.8g (calcium 33.0 mg, phosphorus 52.0 mg, iron 18.7 mg.); amino acids (arginine, histidine, lysine, methionine, cystine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine; and seeds with 14-16% protein and 4.7 to 7% fat.

– A. viridis was found to be an excellent source of protein; also contained considerable amounts of two fatty acids essential to humans (linoleic and α-linolenic) and a number of minerals including iron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc. (see study)

– Nutrient analysis of A. viridis yielded

protein 2.11%, crude fiber 1.93%, crude fat 0.47%, ash content 1.85%, moisture content 87.90%, carbohydrate content 7.67%, and calorific value of 43.35 kcal.

Elemental analysis yielded calcium 330 mg/100 g, Fe 18.2, Ma 1842, P 52, K 3460, Na 108, Zn 10, Cu 300, Mn 8, Se 1.98, and Cr 0.92 mg.

Antioxidant activity, IC50 µg ml-1 (DPPH method) was 28.92. (see study)

– Nutrient analysis of amino acid content (mg/g dry weight) yielded aspartate 23.4, glutamate 31.1, serine 11.1, glycine12.3, histidine4.8, arginine 19.7, threonine 11.0, alanine 15.0, proline 12.4, tyrosine 9.9, valine 15.6, methionine 3.5, cysteine 4.6, isoleucine 13.1, leucine 21.4, phenylalanine 14.1, lysine 13.3, and tryptophan 3.8 for a total of 240 mg/g dry weight. (see study)

– Study for nutrient content in A. viridis spinach chips yielded vitamin C 4.8 mg/100 g, Ca 814.9 mg/kg, Fe 27.4 mg/kg, and K 709.8 mg/kg, and retained nutrient value even though it was cooked as chips. (see study)

Medicinal Properties of amarnath

· Febrifuge.

· Emollient (leaves).

· Considered emollient and vermifuge.

– Traditionally used as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, analgesic, antiulcer, antiemetic, laxative.

– Considered antiproliferative, antifungal, antiviral.

– Studies have suggest antimicrobial, antioxidant, antipyretic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anthelmintic, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, and wound healing properties.

Parts utilized

· Roots.

· Harvest the root at any time of the year.

· Wash thoroughly, cut into pieces and sun-dry.

· The plant can be eaten as a vegetable.

Uses
Edibility / Nutritional

– Leaves and seeds are edible.

– Eaten as vegetable.

– The tops are rich in calcium and iron. The plant is a good source of vitamins B and C.

– Study found it to be an excellent source of protein.

Folkloric traditional remedies and uses of amarnath

– The therapeutic properties and dosage are very nearly identical to Amaranthus spinosus.
(Uray)

– Philippine Negritos apply bruised leaves directly to eczema, psoriasis and rashes.

– Poultice of leaves for inflammations, boils and abscesses.

– Use for acne and for skin cleansing.

– Infusion of plant has been used as a diuretic and galactagogue.

– Used for snake bites and scorpion stings.

– Decoction of plant used for dysentery and inflammation.

– In Ayurveda, used for treatment of diabetes.

– In India, stem used as antidote for snake bites. Leaves used for scorpion stings. Traditionally used for constipation, inflammation, eczema, bronchitis, anemia and leprosy.

– In Nepal, infusion of powdered seeds of flower used for stomach problems. Seeds also used in pregnant women to lessen labor pains.

Scientific proven health benefits and uses of amarnath 

Flavonoids / Rutin / Quercetin:

Study yielded flavonoids quercetin and rutin. Flavonoids possess biochemical effects – inhibition of enzymes, hormone regulation, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities, among other. Av presents itself as a good medicinal food.

Antiviral:

Edible Nigerian vegetables were evaluated for virucidal potential. Extract from four leaves, including A viridis, used as edible vegetables, were test for antiviral activity. All the extracts showed dose-dependent antiviral activity.

Antiviral Protein / Amaranthin:

A ribosome-inactivating antiviral protein, amaranthin, was isolated from the leaves of Amaranthus viridis. Cytotoxicity of the amaranthin using in vitro translation inhibition assay was similar to that of pokeweed antiviral protein.

Antinociceptive / Antipyretic/ useful in fever/ Reduced sensitivity to pain: Study of methanolic extract of the whole plant of Amaranthus viridis in mice reveals dose-dependent antinociceptive and antipyretic activities.

Pollen Grains / Allergenicity:

Study concludes that airborne A. viridis pollen is the most prevalent pollen during August to November in the outdoor environment of Saudi Arabia, with a clear pattern of midday to early evening maxima.

Anthelmintic/ destroy parasitic worms:

Three plants belonging to the Amaranthacea family – A spinosus, A caudatus and A viridis, traditionally used as vermicides, were studied for anthelmintic activity using earthworms (Pheretima posthuma). Study concludes all three plants possess potent anthelmintic activity compared to Piperazine.

Study of a methanolic extract of whole plant of A. viridis showed significant dose dependent anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma.

Antihyperglycemic / Hypolipidemic / Leaves:

Study evaluated the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of a methanolic extract of leaves in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Results showed reduction of elevated blood glucose level and lipid profile, similar to the standard drug glibenclamide.

Anti-Inflammatory:

Study of various extracts of leaves were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma in rats. Results showed potent anti-inflammatory activity with significant dose-dependent reduction of edema induced by carrageenan.

Antihyperglycemic / Hypolipidemic / Stems:

Study investigated a stem aqueous extract for antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Results showed decrease in blood glucose and dose-dependent modulated lipid profile changes in rats.

Hepatoprotective /protects liver/ Antioxidant:

Study evaluated a methanolic extract of whole plant in paracetamol -induced hepatotoxicity. Results showed liver protection activity against paracetamol-induced liver damage. The hepatoprotection was attributed to its antioxidant property.

Cardioprotective / good for heart/ Amelioration of Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Toxicity:

Study evaluated the antioxidant role of A. viridis against isoproterenol-induced oxidative dame in plasma and erythrocytes of rats. Results showed increase in antioxidant enzymes, reduced concentration of lipid peroxidation products.

Airborne Allergenic Amaranthus viridis Pollen:

Amaranthus pollen grains are known to be highly allergenic and a potential cause of respiratory allergic diseases. Study reveals A. viridis as a major component of outdoor airspora in Saudi Arabia constituting a major percentage of total pollen counts in various regions.

Preventive Role on C-Reactive Protein and Experimental MI:

Study evaluated the preventive role of A. viridis on CRP, total protein, albumin, globulin, ceruloplasmin and glycoprotein in serum and heart of experimental induced myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats. Oral administration of A. viridis altered the metabolic derangements in ISO-induced MI in rats.

Antioxidant / Anti-Amylase / Anti-Arthritic / Cytotoxic Properties:

Study evaluated aqueous extracts of three green leafy vegetables (GLV) i.e. Amaranthus viridis, A. gangeticus and Anethum sowa for antioxidant, anti-amylase, anti-arthritic and cytotoxic properties. Phytochemical analysis yielded steroid, flavonoid, and saponins. Results showed antioxidant activity by DPPH and NO scavenging methods. They exhibited appreciable α-amylase inhibitory activity, good arthritic activity when compared to Diclofenac sodium, and by brine shrimp lethality assay showed moderate cytotoxic activity compared to standard vincristine sulfate.

Antihyperglycemic / Hypolipidemic / Leaves:

Study investigated the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of methanolic extract of leaves of A. viridis in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Results showed a statistically significant increase in body weight, decrease in blood glucose, total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides, with a significant increase in HDL. Histologically, there was less obvious focal pancreatic necrosis in the treated groups.

Chromium Accumulation:

Study investigated the accumulation of chromium and its effects on other mineral elements in Amaranthus viridis to understand why AV grows well in soils heavily contaminated with A. viridis. Results showed A. viridis could not be considered a chromium hyperaccumulator. It accumulates Cr mainly in the stems and leaves, but could not absorb and accumulate large amounts of Cr. A. viridis accumulated Cr primarily in shots, and concentrated it in roots. Effect on mineral elements are briefly discussed.

Antimicrobial:

Study investigated the antimicrobial potential of A. viridis ethanolic extracts against two Gram positive strains and four Gram negative bacterial strains. Results showed inhibitory activity against B. subtilis, E. coli, P. vulgaris and P. picketii. On testing against five different strains of fungal species, it showed moderate antifungal activity against Alternaria species and low activity against Aspergillus species.

Wound Healing / Leaves :

Study evaluated the wound healing potential of ethanolic extract of A. viridis leaves in diabetic rats in excision, incision, and dead space wound models. Rats treated with prepared ointments showed a significant (p <0.01) dose dependent increase in percentage wound closure, tensile strength, and hydroxyproline content of the granulation tissue.

Protective Effect of Alkaloids Against Radical induced Oxidative Damage in Human RBC:

Study confirmed the protective effect of partially purified alkaloids from A. viridis against hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes in vitro conditions.

Phytoremediation / Oil Spills:

Study showed Amaranthus viridis is an efficient hyperaccumulator and offers the best panacea to remediate vast oil spill lands especially in Niger Delta of Nigeria. Based on translocation values, A. viridis has the ability to absorb arsenic and cadmium.

Antibacterial Ulcer / Leaves and Stems:

Study evaluated different solvent extracts of A. viridis leaves and stems for antibacterial potential against gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli and K. pneumonia) bacteria. The solvent extracts showed significant variation in antimicrobial activities. The ethanol extract of stem and leaves showed greater antimicrobial activity.

Anti-HMG-CoA Reductase / Hypocholesterolemic / Antioxidant / Anti-Inflammatory / Leaves: Stems:

In a study of different parts of leaf, stem and seed of A. viridis, a leaf extract showed highest HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity (71%), good antioxidant activity (DPPH, NO, and ferric ion radicals) and effective inhibition of hyaluronidase, lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase enzymes. Results suggest A. viridis leaf extract is a source of potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents and may modulate cholesterol metabolism by inhibition of HMG-Co! reductase.

Abortifacient / Roots:

An aqueous root extract of A. viridis was administered to female albino rats for 5 days from 11-15 days of pregnancy. Results showed an antifertility effect; the abortifacient activity was dose dependent, increasing with higher dose.

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