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
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