Amarnanth( Rajgira )Pharmacologicall and Biological activity

 6. Biological and 

Pharmacological Activity

Amaranth (Rajgira)

This plant has many valuable health benefits. 

Amaranth has been used as an astringent. This effect probably originates from the content of saponins, protoalkaloids, and betacyans [14]. 

According to PDR for Herbal Medicines, amaranth has been used for the treatment of diarrhea, ulcers, and in cases of pharyngitis.

 There are also reports on the use of the plant in excessive menstruation, skin problems such as acne and eczema,

 and as a mouthwash for sore mouths [19].

 Saponins, protoalkaloids, and betacyans are responsible for the pharmacological activity of amaranth [14].

 There are reports in the scientific literature regarding the beneficial activity of amaranth on the cardiovascular

 and nervous systems, hypoglycemic effect, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity. 

Amaranth is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce medicinal products against atherosclerosis, stomach ulcers, tuberculosis, as well as antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory preparations [6]. 

According to Khare 2004, the seeds of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. in Unani medicine are considered as a spermatogenetic drug and tonic. 

A decoction is used in heavy menstrual bleeding, flowers are treated as remedium for diarrhea, dysentery, 

cough, and hemorrhages. Amaranthus polygamus Willd. is used as a spasmolytic, emmenagogue, galactagogue factor [20]. 

Amaranthus spinosus Linn. is taken to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and in cases of excessive vaginal discharge,

 also as a diuretic medium. The whole plants of Amaranthus blitum Linn., Amaranthus gangeticus Linn., 

Amaranthus mangostanus Linn., and Amaranthus tricolor Linn. are considered as astringent, diuretic, demulcent, and cooling [20]. 

Amaranthus tricolor Linn. is placed and described in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

 Amaranth seed oil exhibits hypolipemic, anti-atherosclerotic, hypotensive, and antioxidant activity [7].

 Therefore, its consumption may lead to inhibition 

or delay in the development of diet-related diseases of civilization.

Ref

Foods. 2022 Feb 21;11(4):618. doi: 10.3390/foods11040618

The Dual Nature of Amaranth—Functional Food and Potential Medicine

Justyna Baraniak 1,*, Małgorzata Kania-Dobrowolska 1

Editor: Antonello Santini