Amaranthus spinosus L.
Family- Amaranthaceaea
Common names: pigweed, spiny/thorny amaranth, soldier-weed, redroot amaranth, inine ogwu (Igbo), tèté èlèègùn (Yoruba).
An annual or perennial herb commonly pulled from farms, gardens, and tree beds, most often aggressively by gardeners and lawn owners. It grows as an erect, up to 100-130 cm tall, much branched, monoecious herb with purplish or greenish stem widely distributed throughout all tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. Leaves are dark green, pointed leaves oppositely arranged along a tall stem and inconspicuous green flower clusters. Twigs spiny, the spines about 1-2 cm long and produced near the point of attachment of the leaf petioles like spinose stipules. Though the plant itself is unremarkable looking, it is lovingly cultivated for its nutritional and medicinal properties for the treatment of several diseases all over the world.
Part used: leaves, flowers, and roots.
The phytochemical components of Amaranthus which attribute to its antipyretic, laxative, diuretic, anti-diabetic, anti-poison, analgesic, antiarthritic, antimalarial, immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and expectorant properties include alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, lipids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, betalains, catechuic tannins, fatty acids, rutin and beta carotene. Apart from these important phytoconstituents, it contains carbohydrates, proteins, fibres, and minerals such as iron, vitamin C, calcium, manganese, copper and zinc revealing its nutritional potential.
There are several ethanopharmacological studies for A. spinosus reported in the literature and traditionally it is used for a variety of ailments. Some of them are described below:
Anaema – Though a neglected species, the leaves of Amaranth are incredibly nutritious. They’re high in vitamin C and iron, necessary for producing red blood cells. Taking amaranth leaves will quickly boost low levels of healthy red blood cells. It can be stewed, sautéed, tossed into a stir-fry, and added to an omelette – there is no wrong way to cook amaranth. You can also use it as infusions or decoctions.
Craw-craw – The smooth paste of leaves and roots are applied as poultice to get relief from craw craw and other skin conditions. It has also shown to heal abscesses, bruises, burn, inflammation, and wounds. It can also be applied on boils to cure them. The leaves are rich in soda and antimicrobial properties and so can be used in making antiseptic soaps. The root paste can also be applied externally to cure skin conditions like contagious skin infection.
Pain -The boiled leaves are administered for a period of time to cure some kinds of pain, including rheumatic pain, waist pain, and stomach aches. Applying either the paste of the root or using the crushed root, as a poultice will cure the stiffness of the muscles. The paste made with water can be strained, and taken two times a day to cure inflamed joints.
Bone conditions – they are rich in calcium and thus beneficial for victims of osteoporosis and other bone health problems related to deficiency of calcium.
The seeds are used externally as poultice for broken bones.
High cholesterol – Amaranth is known to lower total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol (responsible for many cardiac conditions) while raising “good” HDL cholesterol. If you have struggled with cholesterol issues, this is one herb you should try.
Female issues – The whole plant is used internally for the treatment of internal bleeding, and excessive menstruation. Take ½ tumbler 2 X daily for 7 days. Boiling the plant and taking it will help prevent miscarriages. Juice squeezed from leaves can be mixed with honey to cure white vaginal discharge, gonorrhea, and sores.
Diabetes – The boiled leaves and roots will greatly benefit diabetics.
Respiratory issues- decoctions of the leaves are said to relieve breathing in acute bronchitis and asthma, thanks to its expectorant properties.
Arrow poison – the leaves when chewed together with alligator pepper are said to neutralize strange ailments and conditions. This may not have any scientific backing, but a lot of traditional healers swear by the mystical potentials of Amaranth. Taking the crushed and squeezed juice from the plant will neutralize the venom poison in snakebites. The paste of the root made with water will also neutralize the poison if applied to the site of a scorpion sting.
Hepatic problems – A decoction of the whole plant of A. spinosus is used for the treatment of jaundice and other liver disorders.
Oxidative stress – The leaves of amaranth are packed with vitamin A. They are also rich in flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which provide a protective layer against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Take a cup after a long day, and your system will be glad!
Malaria – The febrifugic actions are also used to induce sweat and to reduce fever. The boiled leaves are administered for 2-3 days to cure malarial fever. If symptoms persist after 3days, please consult your physician.