Smooth amaranth
Amaranthus hybridus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (24 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Smooth amaranth, scientifically known as Amaranthus hybridus, is a versatile annual herb celebrated for its dual nutritional and medicinal value. Renowned for its nutrient-dense leaves and seeds, this plant offers significant therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a vital component in traditional herbal medicine globally.
Names
Common Names
- hybrid amaranth
- smooth amaranth
- smooth pigweed
- Green Amaranth
- Green Pigweed
- slim amaranth
- spleen amaranth
- wild cabbage
- Amaranth pigweed
- Red Amaranth
- pigweed
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- quintonil
German:
- Grünähriger Fuchsschwanz
- ausgebreiteter Fuchsschwanz
- Gewoehnlicher Bastard-Amarant
- Grünähriger Fuchsschwanz
French:
- Amarante hybride
- Amarante Hybride
- amarante verte
- amarante hybride
- amarante verte
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Amaranthus hybridusSynonyms
- Galliaria hybrida
- Amaranthus chlorostachys var. hybridus
- Amaranthus retroflexus var. hybridus
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales, it is specifically nested in the family Amaranthaceae. Finally, its scientific designation places it within the genus Amaranthus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Amaranthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Amaranthus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific presence across several regions within Northern Europe. Its geographical distribution includes the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. It can also be found growing in the landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, the species is documented throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its range extends northward to include the territories of Norway.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Amaranthus hybridus, offers therapeutic potential through various components, each serving distinct medicinal purposes. The nutrient-dense leaf is frequently consumed as a leafy green to combat anemia and provide essential vitamins, while the tiny seed is utilized both as a nutritional food source and in traditional remedies to support digestive health. Furthermore, the dried plant parts, including the stems and flowers, are often prepared as decoctions or infusions in herbal medicine to address inflammatory conditions and promote overall wellness.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Saudi journal of biological sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed | Saudi journal of biological sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Amaranthus hybridus has 18 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-PHENYLETHENAMINE, Amaranthussaponin I, CHLOROGENIC ACID, RUTIN, Trigonelline.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| 2-PHENYLETHENAMINE | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Amaranthussaponin I | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| CHLOROGENIC ACID | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| RUTIN | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Trigonelline | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alanine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betaine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| formate | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fumarate | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kynurenine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
2-PHENYLETHENAMINE
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
Amaranthussaponin I
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
CHLOROGENIC ACID
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
RUTIN
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
Trigonelline
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
alanine
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
betaine
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
formate
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
fumarate
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
kynurenine
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
Medicinal Uses
Amaranthus hybridus has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, diabetes mellitus, malaria.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi | Saudi journal of biological sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | Life (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| 80% methanol and n-hexane extracts | Tropical medicine and health (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |