Amaranthus tricolor
Amaranthus tricolor · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Amaranthus tricolor is a versatile plant species that has gained significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Research focusing on its leaf extracts, including both aqueous and ethanolic preparations, has revealed potent antimicrobial and antiulcer activities. Notably, the presence of specialized chemicals like defensin within the aerial tissue contributes to its biological efficacy. Studies have demonstrated that these extracts can combat challenging conditions involving pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Coronavirus, and Enterobacter cloacae. Furthermore, the plant's chemical profile shows promise in addressing physiological markers like creatinine levels.
- Synonyms
- Amaranthus Gangeticus Var. Parvifolius · Amaranthus Japonicus · 53 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Amaranthus tricolor is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. In many regions, it is affectionately referred to as Amaranthe tricolore or simply as Chinese amaranth. It also carries the common name Bayam Hijau, which highlights its importance in various culinary traditions. Those speaking Spanish may identify the species as Bledo morisco, a name that remains consistent across different dialects. Whether called by these various titles or not, this plant remains a significant staple in global horticulture.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Amaranthus tricolor is a botanically complex species that is frequently identified by various scientific synonyms. Within taxonomic literature, it is sometimes referred to as Albersia polygama or Amaranthus amboinicus. Researchers may also encounter it listed under the names Amaranthus bicolor and Amaranthus cuspidatus. Furthermore, the plant is known in certain contexts as Amaranthus flexuosus. Understanding these diverse nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate identification and botanical study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Amaranthus tricolor is a unique member of the kingdom Plantae that showcases the diverse complexity of the natural world. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is categorized under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the specific order Caryophyllales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. As a representative of the genus Amaranthus, it shares close biological ties with many other related species. Finally, its classification within the family Amaranthaceae places it among a distinct group of flowering plants known for their resilient characteristics.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Amaranthus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Amaranthus tricolor exhibits a diverse geographical footprint across the African continent. Its presence is notably established throughout Northeast Tropical Africa, with specific populations found in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and the Sudan-South Sudan region. The plant also extends its reach into Northern Africa, where it is documented within the borders of Egypt. Furthermore, its distribution stretches southward into South Tropical Africa, specifically within Angola. This widespread range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various regional environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Amaranthus tricolor is a self-supporting herb that displays a versatile growth habit in various environments. This plant typically reaches a minimum height of approximately 0.61 meters, though it often matures to a more substantial 1.25 meters. In optimal conditions, its stature can expand significantly to reach a maximum height of 2.5 meters. This range of size allows the species to establish a prominent presence within its ecological niche. Overall, its structural integrity and varying dimensions make it a resilient member of the Amaranth family.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Amaranthus tricolor serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic potential. Recent proteomic and peptidomic studies have identified several novel antimicrobial peptides within its aerial tissues, including lipid transfer proteins and proline-rich sequences. These specific peptides have demonstrated strong inhibitory activity against high-risk pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Beyond its antimicrobial properties, the plant also contributes to significant gastroprotective benefits when used in medicinal formulations. Specifically, leaf extracts of Amaranthus tricolor have been shown to exhibit potent antiulcer activity in various experimental models of gastric injury.
Compounds
Amaranthus tricolor serves as a rich reservoir of diverse antimicrobial agents, as revealed through recent proteomic and peptidomic profiling. By utilizing advanced mass spectrometry and in silico prediction, researchers have successfully identified several novel antimicrobial peptides within the plant's aerial tissues. Among these identified bioactive molecules is a specific defensin, which belongs to one of three distinct peptide classes discovered in the species. This defensin, alongside snakins and lipid transfer proteins, highlights the complex biochemical defense mechanisms inherent to the plant. Such findings underscore the significant potential of Amaranthus tricolor in the ongoing search for new therapeutic peptides to combat bacterial pathogens.
Conditions
Amaranthus tricolor possesses antioxidant properties that are measurable through the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenziazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay. In studies concerning myocardial damage, the plant extract effectively treats elevated levels of ALT and AST enzymes. Furthermore, it has been shown to lower the activity of CK-MB in subjects experiencing cardiac stress. The plant also demonstrates antimicrobial potential, specifically through peptides that treat Acinetobacter baumannii.
Preparations
Amaranthus tricolor is prepared as leaf extracts to be used in polyherbal formulations that exhibit significant antiulcer properties in various gastric ulcer models. Aqueous extracts of Amaranthus tricolor are also prepared for use in developing antioxidant-fortified functional foods like pasta. The plant's aerial tissue is profiled through proteomics and peptidomics to identify novel antimicrobial peptides with potential efficacy against bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, ethanolic extracts of Amaranthus tricolor are utilized to demonstrate cardioprotective effects by preventing oxidative stress and fibrosis in myocardial damage models. Finally, methanolic extracts of the whole plant are prepared to evaluate and validate its antihyperglycaemic and antinociceptive activities.
Parts used
Amaranthus tricolor is a plant utilized in medicinal research for its potential therapeutic properties. Specifically, the leaf of this species serves as a critical component in the development of a polyherbal formulation. Studies have demonstrated that when these leaf extracts are combined with others, they contribute to significant antiulcer activity. This formulation has shown effectiveness in protecting against various types of gastric ulcers in experimental models. Ultimately, the gastroprotective benefits of the Amaranthus tricolor leaf may be driven by its underlying antioxidant activity.