amaranthus caudatus

Amaranthus caudatus is a flowering plant commonly known as "love-lies-bleeding." It is used in traditional medicine and as a food source. The plant contains high levels of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, squalene, betacarotene, unsaturated fatty acids, proteins (notably rich in lysine), vitamins (including E and B complex), and minerals like calcium and iron. Extracts from various parts of the plant have been reported to possess antioxidant activity and may modulate immune responses. Traditionally, Amaranthus caudatus has been used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, cancer, malaria, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, helminthic and bacterial infections, inflammation-related conditions (such as hepatic diseases), cardiovascular complications, ulcers, diarrhea, swelling of the mouth or throat ("stranguary"), fever-related illnesses and skin problems. Mechanisms proposed include antioxidant effects (scavenging free radicals), anti-inflammatory actions (possibly via leukotriene inhibition), hepatoprotective effects on liver tissue in animal models with induced damage by drugs like paracetamol; some lectins from A. caudatus are also noted for their ability to bind specific glycoprotein antigens relevant to cancer biology[1][2][3][4][5][6]. However scientific evidence supporting these uses in humans remains limited.

Other names

love-lies-bleedinglove lies bleedingpendant amaranth