A Systematic Review on Amaranthus-Related Research

Abstract

Leafy vegetables promote reparation of energy loss due to oxidative stress, and they have the potential to alleviate hunger and malnutrition as well as other forms of metabolic imbalance ravaging the world. However, these vegetables are underutilized, despite the fact that they harbor essential minerals needed for critical cellular activities. As amaranth is one of the earliest vegetables reputed for its high nutraceutical and therapeutic value, in this study, we explored research on the Amaranthus species, and identified areas with knowledge gaps, to harness the various biological and economic potentials of the species. Relevant published documents on the plant were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded accessed through the Web of Science from 2011 to 2020; while RStudio and VOSviewer were used for data analysis and visualization, respectively. Publications over the past decade (dominated by researchers from the USA, India, and China, with a collaboration index of 3.22) showed that Amaranthus research experienced steady growth. Findings from the study revealed the importance of the research and knowledge gaps in the underutilization of the vegetable. This could be helpful in identifying prominent researchers who can be supported by government funds, to address the malnutrition problem in developing countries throughout the world.

A Comparison of the Effects of Raw and Processed Amaranth Grain on Laying Hens’ Performance, Egg Physicochemical Properties, Blood Biochemistry and Egg Fatty Acids

“…Jimoh et al [ 48 ] reviewed on Amaranthus-Related Research extensively. Rodríguez-Ríos et al [ 49 ] fed autoclaved amaranth at levels of 15, 30 and 45% and concluded that the use of a 15% level of amaranth can lead to maintained production performance, which is in agreement with the present study (the type and level amaranth section).…”

A Review of Amaranth Crop as a Potential Solution to Ethiopia’s Nutritional Crisis

“…65,66 Amaranth leaves should be grown in households around the world as a vegetable due to its resilience under many climatic conditions, and amaranth grain cultivation may be expanded worldwide since the gluten problem (from wheat, rye, and barley) has become better known. 67 According to a review done to suggest amaranth green as a suitable home garden vegetable for peoples worldwide to encourage more consumption of vegetables. 68 Amaranth has additionally been associated with a range of health advantages, including reduced cholesterol, less inflammation, and faster weight loss.…”

Poorly Investigated Ecuadorian Medicinal Plants

“…On the other hand, several species of the genus Amaranthus are traditionally cultivated in Central and South America, where local people use seeds or leaves as food and herbal remedies [80]. Therefore, the traditional uses of A. caudatus, A. cruentus, A. hybridus, and A. quitensis deserve to be validated with scientific evidence to enhance their sustainable use as a food supplement or in phytopharmaceutical products.…”