Amaranthus spinosus

Amaranthus spinosus

Product Name: амарант колючий, Amaranthus spinosus, Stacheliger Fuchsschwanz, bledo espinoso, amarante épineux, قطيفة شوكية, ผักโขมหนาม, qamcho‘q amarant, тикен амарант, tikan amarant, амарант тиканадор, dygliuotas burnotis, dygliuotasis burnotis, амарант колючий, קנואה קוצנית

Synonyms: амарант шиповатый, spiny amaranth, prickly amaranth, spiny pigweed, thorny amaranth, Stacheliger Amarant, bledo espinoso, amaranto espinoso, amarante épineux, قطيفة شوكية, ผักโขมหนาม

Used Parts: leaves, stems, inflorescences, seeds, roots, aerial part.

Main Indications for Use of Amaranthus spinosus: iron deficiency anemia, vitamin C deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, constipation, acute gastroenteritis, colitis, inflammatory bacterial skin diseases, periodontitis, periodontal disease, stomatitis, herpetic gingivostomatitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, alimentary obesity, hyperuricemia, gout, cystitis, urethritis.

Use of Amaranthus spinosus in Mixtures and Complexes: chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, chronic pancreatitis, chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema.

Pharmacological Properties of Amaranthus spinosus: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, diuretic, wound healing, immunostimulant, astringent, antihypertensive, analgesic, hemostatic, antiparasitic, antispasmodic, antidiarrheal.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Amaranthus spinosus

Powder — Amaranthus spinosus

Indications (Powder): iron deficiency anemia, vitamin C deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, acute gastroenteritis, acute colitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, alimentary obesity, hyperuricemia, gout, inflammatory bacterial skin diseases, herpetic gingivostomatitis, stomatitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease, cystitis, urethritis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally, 2–3 grams of powder twice a day 20 minutes before meals, with 150 milliliters of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): orally, 4 grams of powder three times a day for severe iron deficiency anemia, pronounced hyperuricemia, chronic colitis in the acute stage, alimentary obesity with a body mass index above 35 kg/m².

Maximum Dosage (Powder): orally, 5 grams of powder three times a day for type 2 diabetes mellitus with decompensation, gouty arthritis, severe dyslipidemia.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): orally, 1.5–2 grams of powder once a day in the morning, in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break, recommended for chronic gastritis, latent iron deficiency, vitamin C deficiency in patients over 40 years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children from 6 years and older, weighing at least 20 kilograms, 0.5–1 gram of powder twice a day 15 minutes before meals.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute nephritis, urolithiasis with calcium stones, severe hyperkalemia. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Powder): overdose may cause nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, pain in the epigastric region.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dosage by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms, increase the dosage by 15%.

Preparation method (Powder): Wash fresh aerial parts of the plant with running water, dry, cut into fragments up to 2 centimeters long, dry at a temperature of 45–50 degrees Celsius in a ventilated drying cabinet until the residual moisture is no more than 12%, grind into powder in a mill to a particle size of 0.3–0.5 millimeters, sift through sieve No. 0.5, pack in an airtight container. For 100 grams of finished powder, 400 grams of fresh raw material is required.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass or a multi-layer paper bag with an inner polyethylene layer, in a dry place at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life up to 12 months; after opening the package, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Amaranthus spinosus

Indications (Dry Extract): iron deficiency anemia, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, chronic colitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, alimentary obesity, hyperuricemia, gout, chronic cystitis, chronic urethritis, inflammatory bacterial skin diseases, herpetic gingivostomatitis, periodontal disease.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 300–400 milligrams of dry extract twice a day 20 minutes before meals, with 150 milliliters of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 500 milligrams three times a day for pronounced hyperuricemia, severe dyslipidemia, gouty arthritis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 600 milligrams three times a day for type 2 diabetes mellitus with pronounced insulin resistance and alimentary obesity with a body mass index above 35 kg/m².

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 200 milligrams once a day in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break, recommended for latent iron deficiency, chronic gastritis, tendency to hypercholesterolemia in patients over 45 years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children from 8 years and older, weighing at least 25 kilograms, 100 milligrams of dry extract twice a day.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, acute nephritis, severe hyperkalemia, urolithiasis with calcium stones. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 8 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects: overdose may cause nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dosage by 15%; for body weight above 90 kilograms, increase the dosage by 10%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Pour dry crushed raw material of the aerial part of the plant with 70% ethanol in a ratio of 1:5, infuse at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius for 7 days with daily stirring, filter, evaporate under vacuum at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees Celsius until a thick extract is obtained, dry in a drying chamber with a lyophilization system at a temperature of minus 40 degrees Celsius until a powdery state is achieved. For 100 grams of finished dry extract, 500 grams of dry raw material and 2.5 liters of ethanol are required.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass, at a temperature of 15–20 degrees Celsius, in a dry place, protected from light and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life up to 24 months; after opening the package, use within 90 days.

Alcoholic Tincture — Amaranthus spinosus

Indications (Tincture): iron deficiency anemia, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic colitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, gout, chronic cystitis, chronic urethritis, periodontitis, periodontal disease, inflammatory bacterial skin diseases.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally, 20 drops of tincture diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water, twice a day 20 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): orally, 25 drops three times a day for pronounced hyperuricemia, severe dyslipidemia, gouty arthritis, chronic cystitis with frequent relapses.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): orally, 30 drops three times a day for type 2 diabetes mellitus with decompensation, severe arterial hypertension stage II–III, alimentary obesity with a body mass index above 35 kg/m².

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): orally, 15 drops once a day in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break, recommended for latent iron deficiency, chronic gastritis, tendency to hypercholesterolemia in patients over 45 years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): for children from 12 years and older, weighing at least 40 kilograms, 5–10 drops of tincture diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water, twice a day.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, alcohol dependence, acute hepatitis, decompensated liver cirrhosis, severe hyperkalemia. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects: overdose may cause dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, facial flushing.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): for body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dosage by 15%; for body weight above 90 kilograms, increase the dosage by 10%.

Preparation method (Tincture): Pour dry crushed raw material of the aerial part of the plant with 40% ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 1:5, infuse at a temperature of 20–25 degrees Celsius in an airtight container for 14 days with daily stirring, filter through multi-layer gauze, pour into dark glass bottles. To prepare 100 grams of finished tincture, 20 grams of dry raw material and 100 milliliters of 40% ethyl alcohol are required.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a tightly sealed container made of dark glass, at a temperature of 15–20 degrees Celsius, protected from direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life up to 36 months; after opening, use within 90 days.

Oil Infusion — Amaranthus spinosus

Indications (Oil Infusion): inflammatory bacterial skin diseases, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, herpetic gingivostomatitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease, trophic ulcers, burns, bedsores.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally, apply a thin layer to the affected area of skin or mucous membrane twice a day, cover with a sterile gauze bandage if necessary.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally, apply 3–4 times a day for extensive trophic ulcers, infected burns, chronic eczema in the acute stage.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally, up to 5 times a day for severe chronic dermatoses, deep infected bedsores and ulcers, with mandatory dressing change every 4–6 hours.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally, once a day for 10–14 days, recommended for patients with dry skin, skin cracks, predisposition to dermatitis, elderly people, and patients with diabetes mellitus for the prevention of trophic disorders.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): for children from 3 years and older, apply externally in a thin layer to the affected area 1–2 times a day.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, acute purulent skin processes requiring systemic antibiotic therapy. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): overdose may cause local skin irritation, itching, hyperemia.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external use.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): Mix dry crushed raw material of the aerial part of the plant with coconut oil in a ratio of 1:4, keep in a water bath at a temperature of 45–50 degrees Celsius for 4 hours, stirring periodically, then cool, filter through gauze, pour into sterile dark glass bottles. To prepare 100 grams of infusion, 20 grams of dry raw material and 80 grams of coconut oil are required.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass, at a temperature of 8–15 degrees Celsius, in a place protected from light. Shelf life up to 12 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Vaginal Suppository — Amaranthus spinosus

Indications (Vaginal Suppository): bacterial vaginitis, candidal vaginitis, atrophic vaginitis, cervicitis, cervical erosion, cervical leukoplakia, trichomonal vaginitis.

Standard Dosage (Vaginal Suppository): 1 suppository weighing 2 grams intravaginally once a day at night, course of 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Vaginal Suppository): 1 suppository twice a day (morning and night) for pronounced bacterial vaginitis, candidal vaginitis in the acute stage, trichomonal vaginitis.

Maximum Dosage (Vaginal Suppository): 1 suppository three times a day for severe mixed vaginal infections accompanied by pronounced inflammation and profuse discharge.

Preventive Dosage (Vaginal Suppository): 1 suppository once a day at night, course of 5–7 days, recommended for women with chronic vaginitis, atrophic vaginitis in postmenopause, with a tendency to recurrent vaginal candidiasis.

Pediatric Dosage (Vaginal Suppository): use in girls under 18 years is not recommended; data on safety and efficacy are not available.

Contraindications (Vaginal Suppository): individual intolerance to components, acute purulent inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs, profuse uterine bleeding. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Vaginal Suppository): overdose may cause burning sensation, itching, increased discharge.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required.

Preparation method (Vaginal Suppository): Thoroughly mix dry powder of the aerial part of the plant (5 grams) with coconut oil (95 grams) until homogeneous, melt in a water bath at a temperature of 40–42 degrees Celsius, pour into suppository molds of 2 grams each, cool at a temperature of 4–6 degrees Celsius until completely solidified, package in PVC blisters. To prepare 100 grams of base, 5 grams of plant powder and 95 grams of coconut oil are used.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Vaginal Suppository): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4–8 degrees Celsius, protected from light. Shelf life up to 12 months; after opening the blister, use within 7 days.

Rectal Suppository — Amaranthus spinosus

Indications (Rectal Suppository): internal and external hemorrhoids, anal fissure, proctitis, cryptitis, ulcerative necrotic proctitis, chronic colitis, paraproctitis (in the healing stage).

Standard Dosage (Rectal Suppository): 1 suppository weighing 2 grams rectally once a day at night, course of 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Rectal Suppository): 1 suppository twice a day for exacerbation of hemorrhoids with pronounced pain, anal fissures with active inflammation.

Maximum Dosage (Rectal Suppository): 1 suppository three times a day for severe ulcerative necrotic lesions of the rectum, pronounced inflammation with constant pain syndrome.

Preventive Dosage (Rectal Suppository): 1 suppository once a day for 7 days every 2 months, recommended for patients with chronic hemorrhoids, chronic proctitis, tendency to anal canal fissures.

Pediatric Dosage (Rectal Suppository): for children from 12 years and older, 1 suppository weighing 1 gram once a day for 7 days.

Contraindications (Rectal Suppository): individual intolerance, acute purulent processes of the rectum, massive rectal bleeding. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Rectal Suppository): overdose may cause burning, itching, increased mucus secretion, urge to defecate.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms, use suppositories weighing 1 gram; for body weight above 90 kilograms, increase the frequency of application to 2–3 times a day if necessary.

Preparation method (Rectal Suppository): Mix dry powder of the aerial part of the plant (7 grams) with coconut oil (93 grams) until homogeneous, melt in a water bath at a temperature of 40–42 degrees Celsius, pour into suppository molds of 2 grams each, cool at a temperature of 4–6 degrees Celsius until solidified, package in PVC blisters.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Rectal Suppository): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4–8 degrees Celsius, protected from light. Shelf life up to 12 months; after opening the blister, use within 7 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Amaranthus spinosus

Studies of the toxicity of Amaranthus spinosus extracts show a low level of acute toxicity. In experimental models on laboratory animals (rats), oral administration of aqueous and ethanolic extracts in doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight did not cause lethal outcomes or significant pathological changes in behavior, body weight, and organ morphology, which allows the drug to be classified as practically non-toxic. LD₅₀ values for dry extract of Amaranthus spinosus per os in rats exceed 5000 mg/kg body weight. With long-term use in high doses, accumulation of oxalates is possible, which may pose a risk for patients predisposed to urolithiasis. Topical application (oil infusion, ointment) in therapeutic doses does not cause skin or mucous membrane irritation in test animals. No data on mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive toxicity have been identified.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19149368/

Pharmacodynamics of Amaranthus spinosus

The pharmacodynamic properties of Amaranthus spinosus are determined by a complex of biologically active compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, betalains, saponins, steroids, pectins, polysaccharides, amino acids, and mineral components. Water-soluble betalain pigments exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity by participating in the neutralization of reactive oxygen species and reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level. Flavonoids and phenolic acids can modulate the activity of enzyme systems associated with the inflammatory response, including cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, which determines their anti-inflammatory action. Saponins and steroid compounds exhibit membrane-stabilizing properties, increasing the resistance of cell membranes to damaging factors and supporting the integrity of epithelial barriers.

At the level of target systems, Amaranthus spinosus extracts affect the immune system, exerting a modulating effect through stimulation of phagocytic activity and regulation of cytokine production. On the nervous system, a moderate sedative and adaptogenic influence is noted, probably associated with antioxidant protection of neurons and normalization of metabolic processes in nervous tissue. Regarding the cardiovascular system, hypotensive and vasodilatory effects have been identified, mediated by improved endothelial function and reduced peripheral vascular resistance.

At the level of the gastrointestinal tract, an antispasmodic and astringent effect is noted, associated with the content of tannins and mucus. Pectins and polysaccharides exert a prebiotic effect, stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora, and regulate motor activity. Topical application of preparations based on Amaranthus spinosus is accompanied by antimicrobial action due to phenolic compounds and saponins, which disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane of microorganisms and prevent their attachment to epithelial surfaces.

The skin and mucous membranes are important targets of pharmacodynamic action. Preparations from Amaranthus spinosus stimulate tissue regeneration, accelerate epithelialization and granulation, as confirmed by experimental studies. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components additionally provide protection from free radical damage and reduce the severity of inflammatory infiltration.

Overall, the pharmacodynamics of Amaranthus spinosus is characterized by multi-level action — systemic and local, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, membrane-stabilizing, immunomodulatory, vasodilatory, antispasmodic, and wound-healing effects, mediated by interaction with the enzymatic and receptor systems of the body.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Pharmacokinetics of Amaranthus spinosus

Upon oral administration of powder, dry or liquid extract of Amaranthus spinosus, absorption of the main components occurs primarily in the upper small intestine. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and betalains enter the systemic circulation after enzymatic modification and partial conjugation in the intestinal mucosa. High-molecular-weight polysaccharides and pectins are not absorbed unchanged but undergo fermentation by intestinal microflora with the formation of short-chain fatty acids, which exert a systemic metabolic influence.

With transdermal and topical application (oil infusions, ointments), the penetration of active substances is limited to the stratum corneum of the skin; however, lipophilic components such as steroids and saponins can reach the deep layers of the epidermis and dermis, providing local anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. When applied to mucous membranes, higher absorption of hydrophilic components is ensured.

The distribution of active compounds in the body is characterized by their binding to plasma proteins and accumulation in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Betalains and phenolic acids demonstrate high tropism for tissues with active metabolism and antioxidant demand. Some flavonoids undergo hepatic metabolism with the formation of glucuronides and sulfates, which are excreted in bile and partially undergo enterohepatic circulation.

Excretion of polar metabolites occurs primarily with urine, lipophilic compounds — with bile. A small portion of volatile components may be excreted through the lungs, and water-soluble salts — through the sweat glands of the skin. With long-term use, gradual accumulation of mineral substances, such as calcium and magnesium, in bone tissue is possible.

The pharmacokinetic features of Amaranthus spinosus allow its use for both systemic and local effects, taking into account the characteristics of the specific dosage form and route of administration.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Amaranthus spinosus

The pharmacological activity of Amaranthus spinosus is due to numerous biologically active substances, among which flavonoids, phenolic acids, betalains, saponins, phytosterols, pectins, and polysaccharides dominate. Flavonoids and phenolic acids possess pronounced antioxidant activity due to direct binding of free radicals and inhibition of enzyme systems responsible for their formation, including xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase. Additionally, they can suppress the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), leading to a reduction in the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Saponins and phytosterols exhibit membrane-stabilizing properties, protecting cell membranes from damage and reducing capillary permeability. Betalains exert a modulating influence on NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and stimulating the synthesis of anti-inflammatory mediators. Pectins and polysaccharides act as prebiotics, affecting the composition of the intestinal microbiota, and also interact with macrophages and dendritic cells, stimulating phagocytosis and modulating interleukin production. Lipophilic components of the plant can influence vascular endothelial cells, improving their functional activity through enhanced synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and reduced activity of endothelin-1, which contributes to vasoregulation.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Synergy of Amaranthus spinosus

Extracts of Amaranthus spinosus demonstrate pharmacological synergy with a number of herbal and natural compounds, confirmed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Combination with plants rich in flavonoids (e.g., sources of quercetin and rutin) leads to potentiation of antioxidant activity due to summation of radical-scavenging action and enhanced influence on antioxidant defense enzyme systems, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Concurrent use with sources of plant-derived saponins exerts an additive or potentiating anti-inflammatory effect, mediated by enhanced suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and synergistic inhibition of NF-κB and JAK/STAT cascades. Lipophilic components of Amaranthus spinosus, when combined with oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, exhibit a modulating influence on lipid metabolism and endothelial function, associated with increased synthesis of prostacyclin and reduced expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells. In combination with sources of phenolic acids, a pronounced protective effect on cell membranes is observed, due to both antioxidant and chelating activity, preventing lipid peroxidation. These effects are systemic and manifest at both the cellular and tissue levels, confirming the high potency of Amaranthus spinosus as part of phytocomplexes for various functional purposes.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Amaranthus spinosus

Amaranthus spinosus has a wide geography of use and is found in the ethnomedical traditions of tropical Asia, Africa, Latin America, and some regions of Southern Europe. The plant has long been known in the folk medicine of India, Nepal, Thailand, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, Peru, and Mexico, as well as in rural areas of the Mediterranean, where leaves and young shoots are primarily used. In the Ayurvedic tradition of India, leaves and aerial parts were used in the form of freshly squeezed juice, decoctions, and pastes for external and internal application. In the traditional medicine of Thailand and Laos, there are mentions of using infusions and decoctions for general strengthening of the body, as well as a component of baths and wraps. In West African countries, such as Nigeria and Ghana, a decoction and juice of the plant were used in everyday life as a universal tonic, as well as in the form of poultices and compresses.

In the Philippines and Malaysia, Amaranthus spinosus is known in folk medicine under local names and is consumed both as food (as a leafy vegetable) and as part of medicinal infusions. In Latin America, including Peru and Mexico, the plant was used in the form of infusions and steam inhalations, sometimes in combination with other local herbs. In African village traditions, the plant was sometimes used in house cleansing rituals, fumigating premises with smoke from dry stems and leaves. In some ethnocultural practices of Southeast Asia, the plant was considered a "herb of power" and used in fertility and protection rituals against evil spirits, for which fresh branches with thorns were hung at house entrances or altars.

Historical information on the use of Amaranthus spinosus can be traced in South Asian written sources no later than the 17th century, where it is mentioned in regional herbals and agricultural descriptions as a useful plant combining food and medicinal value. In some regions of Africa and the Caribbean, the plant was included in ritual ceremonies accompanying transitional stages of the life cycle and used as a symbolic decoration or as an element of ritual offerings.