Underutilization Versus Nutritional-Nutraceutical Potential of the Amaranthus Food Plant: A Mini-Review

Abstract

Amaranthus is a C4 plant tolerant to drought, and plant diseases and a suitable option for climate change. This plant could form part of every region’s cultural heritage and can be transferred to the next generation. Moreover, Amaranthus is a multipurpose plant that has been identified as a traditional edible vegetable endowed with nutritional value, besides its fodder, medicinal, nutraceutical, industrial, and ornamental potentials. In recent decade Amaranthus has received increased research interest. Despite its endowment, there is a dearth of awareness of its numerous potential benefits hence, it is being underutilized. Suitable cultivation systems, innovative processing, and value-adding techniques to promote its utilization are scarce. However, a food-based approach has been suggested as a sustainable measure that tackles food-related problem, especially in harsh weather. Thus, in this review, a literature search for updated progress and potential uses of Amaranthus from online databases of peer-reviewed articles and books was conducted. In addition, the nomenclature, nutritional, and nutraceutical value, was reviewed. The species of focus highlighted in the review include, A. blitum, A. caudatus, A. cruentus, A. dubius, A. hypochondriacus, A. spinosus, A. thunbergii, A. tricolor, and A. viridis.

Buckwheat and Amaranth as Raw Materials for Brewing, a Review

“…Like buckwheat, it is a pseudocereal, and an annual dicotyledonous plant, with most species originating from Central and South America ( Figure 3 ) [ 59 , 63 ]. Amaranth is currently widely grown all over the world, but mainly in Canada, Mexico, Russia, India, Nepal, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Kenya, Argentina, Peru, and Australia [ 35 , 64 ]. The world’s largest producer is China [ 64 , 65 ].…”

“…The name amaranth comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “immortal”, “everlasting”, or “not withering” [ 35 , 60 ].…”

“…In addition to its nutritional value, amaranth has many health benefits. Studies have shown that regular consumption of amaranth has hypocholesterolaemic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, analgesic, antimalarial, antiemetic, laxative, improves appetite, is antileprotic, induces the decrease of free fatty acids, benefits people hypertension and cardiovascular disease, improves liver function and prevents cancer [ 32 , 35 , 61 , 69 , 70 , 71 ]. The amaranth’s ability to provide health benefits is due to its bioactive compounds; for example, there is evidence that rutin slows down the aging process, quercetin prevents oxidation, and nictoflorin helps protect memory functions.…”

“…In Sudan and Gabon, the ash from the stems is used as a wound dressing. In Gabon, heated amaranth leaves are used on tumours [ 35 , 64 ].…”

“…Today, it is an underused, rediscovered crop that includes species that are grown as leafy vegetables, grains, or ornamental plants, while others are weeds. Amaranth is one of those rare plants whose leaves are eaten as a vegetable, while the seeds are used as cereals, with a multipurpose potential that is worth exploring [33][34][35].…”