Amaranthus spinosusLinn, is one such plant that
has been frequently used in traditional system of
medicine. A. spinosus Linn. (Family: Amaranthaceae)
is commonly known as ‘‘Kate Wali Chaulai
(Kanatabhajii)” in Hindi, Mulla-dantu, mulladantu,
mulluharivesoppu in kannada, used as vegetable
and cultivated throughout India, Sri Lanka and
many tropical countries
The juice of A. spinosus is used by tribes in Kerala,
India to prevent swelling around stomach while the
leaves are boiled without salt and consumed for 2-3
days to cure jaundice. The plant is consumed as a
vegetable for its high concentration of antioxidant
components and high nutritive values due to presence
of fiber, proteins and high concentration of essential
amino acids, especially lysine. The root is used as an
expectorant; lessens the menstrual flow, useful in
leucorrhoea and leprosy. The seed is used as a poultice
for broken bones. In the last decade, many active
secondary metabolites have been isolated
ands creened for various in-vivo and in-vitro
pharmacological activities, which suggested its uses
in promoting and maintaining health.
Traditional Uses :
The juice of A. spinosus is used by tribal of
Kerala, India to prevent swelling around stomach
while the leaves are boiled without salt and
consumed for 2–3 days to cure jaundice. It is used
as anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antibacterial,
antimicrobial, antidiuretic, antiviral and hepatic
disorders. The plant possess hepatoprotective,
antioxidant activity, water extract of plant showed
significant immune-stimulating activity and stem
extract showed antimalarial activities. It used internally in the treatment of internal bleeding,
diarrhoea and in excessive menstruation. In Indian
traditional system of medicine (Ayurveda) the plant
is used as febrifuge, antipyretic, laxative and
diuretic. Besides its culinary value, it is a popular
medicinal plant used to reputed for treat digestible,
bronchitis, appetizer, biliousness, galactagogue,
haematinic, stomachic effects, nausea, flatulence,
anorexia, blood diseases, burning sensation,
leucorrhoea, leprosy, piles and as a treatment for
hallucination, healing of wounds and rheumatism,
and to arrest the coughing up of blood. All parts
of the plant are known to contain medicinally
active constituents. Medicinal uses of Amaranthus
spinosus Linn. as mentioned in Ayurvedic text is:
Leaf infusion is diuretic and used in anemia. Root
paste is used in gonorrhoea, eczema, menorrhoea
etc. Ethnic use of this plant is mainly with village
people of Sikkim who use leaf infusion of in stomach
disorder especially in case of indigestion and peptic
ulcer. The leaves and roots are applied as poultice
to relief bruises, abscesses, burns, wound,
inflammation, menorrhagia, gonorrhoea, eczema,
gastroenteritis, gall bladder inflammation, arthritis
and for the treatment of snakebites.
The plant is
used in the treatment of abdominal pain, chicken
pox, dysentery, dysurea, fever, hysteria, malaria,
mania, tonsillitis & vomiting. The root is also used
for toothaches. In many countries, including those
in Africa, the bruised leaves are considered a good
emollient and applied externally in cases of
ulcerated mouths, eczema, burns, wounds, boils,
earache and hemorrhoids. The plant ash in a
solution is used to wash sores. The plant sap is
used as an eye wash to treat ophthalmia and
convulsions in children
Please note : It is to be used under a Doctor's guidance
Anti Diabetic Activity :
The alpha amylase and the antioxidant potential
of methanol extract ofA.spinosus(MEAS) was
established byin vitroalpha amylase enzyme inhibition by CNPG3 (2-chloro-4-nitrophenol a-Dmaltotrioside) and in vivo antioxidant potential of
malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH),
catalase (CAT) and total thiols (TT) in alloxaninduced diabetic rats. This study provided evidence
that the methanolic extract of A.spinosus has potent
alpha amylase, anti-diabetic and antioxidant
activities
