Amaranthus spinosus
Amaranthus spinosus, commonly known as spiny amaranth, is a resilient annual herb valued for its extensive therapeutic properties. Recognized by its sharp, thorn-like stipules, this plant is widely utilized in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and skin ailments, offering significant bioactive compounds for various health applications.
- Scientific name: Amaranthus spinosus
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Caryophyllales and the family Amaranthaceae. Finally, it is identified as a member of 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 geographical distribution across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is recorded in the countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Moving southward, the species can also be found within Middle Europe. Specifically, its range extends into the region of Czechia-Slovakia. These locations highlight the plant's ability to inhabit diverse climates from the north to the central parts of the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
Chemicals
Amaranthus spinosus has 21 reported phytochemicals identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn.
- Total chemicals
- 21
- Scientific sources
- 21
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Ca | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cu | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fe | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mg | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mn | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mo | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Na | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| P | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| S | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Amaranthus spinosus has 8 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Bronchodilator.
- Total activities
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bronchodilator | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Laxative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Spasmogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Spasmolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Amaranthus spinosus has 19 reported medicinal uses identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diabetes mellitus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Blastocystis hominis, Escherichia coli.
- Total uses
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 20
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| diabetes mellitus | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aeromonas hydrophila | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacillus cereus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Blastocystis hominis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Escherichia coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas fluorescens | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |