Amaranthus retroflexus
Redroot pigweed
Amaranthus retroflexus, commonly known as redroot pigweed, is a resilient annual herb frequently found in disturbed soils. While often viewed as a common agricultural weed, it holds significant ethnobotanical value. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it has been utilized historically in various traditional medicinal practices for its nutritional properties.
- Scientific name: Amaranthus retroflexus
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Amaranthus retroflexus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Caryophyllales and the family Amaranthaceae. Ultimately, it is classified under 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 |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Amaranthus retroflexus, is referred to by several common names depending on the region and language used. In Simplified Chinese, it is called 反枝苋 (zh-hans) and 反枝苋 (zh-cn), while in Traditional Chinese contexts, it is identified as 反枝莧 (zh-hant) and 反枝莧 (zh-hk). Additionally, in Singapore, the common name used is 反枝苋 (zh-sg).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 反枝苋 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 反枝莧 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 反枝莧 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 反枝苋 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 反枝苋 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 反刺莧 | Wikidata |
| pl | szarłat szorstki | Wikidata |
| fr | Amarante réfléchie | Wikidata |
| hu | szőrös disznóparéj | Wikidata |
| de | Zurückgebogener Amarant | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific presence within the northern regions of Europe. Its documented distribution includes the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. It can also be found growing across the landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, the species is established within the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its geographical range extends into the northern reaches 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 |
Chemicals
Amaranthus retroflexus has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2',3',4',3,4-Pentahydroxychalcone, 2',3',4'-Trihydroxychalcone, ascorbic acid, baicalin, gallic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 2',3',4',3,4-Pentahydroxychalcone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2',3',4'-Trihydroxychalcone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ascorbic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| baicalin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| magnesium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleuropein | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| potassium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rosmarinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Amaranthus retroflexus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Nephrotoxic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nephrotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Amaranthus retroflexus has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |