Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) Spiny Amaranth

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Amaranthus spinosus L.

Family: Amaranthaceae

Genus: Amaranthus

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga): A premier Ayurvedic herb used for respiratory conditions, wound healing, and as a detoxifying agent.

· Amaranthus viridis (Chaulai): A highly nutritious leafy green used as a blood tonic and for eye health.

· Celosia argentea (Sufed Murga): The seeds and flowers are used for eye disorders, diarrhea, and urinary complaints.

· Chenopodium album (Bathua): A common wild green used as a nutritive tonic and mild laxative.

The Amaranthaceae family includes many weedy plants that are powerhouses of nutrition and traditional medicine, often used for their detoxifying, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Amaranthus spinosus | English: Spiny Amaranth, Thorny Amaranth, Pigweed | Sanskrit: तण्डुलीयक (Tanduliya), कण्टकाली (Kantakali) | Hindi: काँटा चौलाई (Kanta Chaulai), चिरचिटा (Chirchita) | Tamil: முள்ளு கீரை (Mullu Keerai), கண்டங்காரி (Kandankari) | Telugu: ముల్లు తోటకూర (Mullu Totakura) | Kannada: ಮುಳ್ಳು ದಾಸವಾಳ (Mullu Dasavala) | Malayalam: കള്ളികീര (Kallikeera), മുള്ളുകീര (Mullukeera) | Marathi: काटेची माठ (Katechi Math), कंटेची चाकवत (Kantechi Chakvat) | Bengali: কাঁটানটে শাক (Kanta Notey Shak) | Philippines: Uray, Kalunay | Spanish: Bledo Espinoso |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Galactagogue, Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Mild Laxative, Astringent, Vulnerary (wound healing), Blood Purifier.

Medicinal Parts:

The leaves, roots, and whole plant are used medicinally.

· Leaves: The primary part, used as a vegetable and for poultices.

· Roots: Used in decoctions for specific conditions.

· Whole Plant: Used in traditional preparations.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin): Provide Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Diuretic effects, supporting its use in inflammatory conditions and as a blood purifier.

Betacyanins: Pigments with Antioxidant activity, contributing to overall cellular protection.

Tannins: Impart Astringent and Vulnerary properties, useful in wound healing and diarrhea.

Saponins: May contribute to its Expectorant and Anti-inflammatory actions.

Oxalates and Nitrates: Antinutritional factors. Their action can be Toxic in very high concentrations (from contaminated soils), potentially interfering with mineral absorption or causing methaemoglobinaemia. Proper preparation reduces risk.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Daha (Burning Sensations)

Formulation: Leaf decoction or juice.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves or the fresh leaf juice is consumed to reduce fever and internal heat, particularly in conditions like urinary tract infections with burning sensations.

Reasoning: Its diuretic and antipyretic properties help flush the system and lower body temperature, while its cooling nature pacifies Pitta.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue) & Balya (Nutritive Tonic)

Formulation: Cooked leaves as a vegetable (saag).

Preparation & Use: The leaves are cooked and eaten as a nourishing green, especially by postpartum mothers to enhance breast milk production and restore strength.

Reasoning: It is a rich source of iron, calcium, and vitamins, providing essential nutrients for recovery and lactation.

Vrana (Wounds) & Twak Vikara (Skin Inflammation)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or root paste.

Preparation & Use: The crushed leaves or a paste made from the roots is applied topically to wounds, boils, and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema to reduce swelling and promote healing.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial properties help cleanse wounds and soothe irritated skin.

Ashmari (Urinary Stones) & Mutrakrichra (Dysuria)

Formulation: Root decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the root is used traditionally as a diuretic to help flush small urinary stones and gravel, and to ease painful urination.

Reasoning: Its strong diuretic action increases urine output, helping to expel small calculi and reduce irritation in the urinary tract.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The young leaves and shoots are a popular potherb (despite the spines) in many cuisines across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. They are sautéed, added to soups, or cooked with lentils.

Nutritive Kanta Chaulai Saag

Purpose: A strength-building and galactagogue dish.

Preparation & Use:

1. Carefully clean and chop the tender leaves and shoots, discarding the hard spines.

2. Sauté with onions, garlic, and cumin.

3. Cook until tender, season, and serve with flatbread and a squeeze of lemon.

Diuretic Root Decoction

Purpose: Traditional use for urinary support.

Preparation & Use:

1. Clean and chop 10-15 grams of fresh roots.

2. Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

3. Strain and drink 30-50 ml of this decoction once daily. Use short-term only and with caution.

7. Disclaimer:

Amaranthus spinosus is safe and nutritious when consumed as a cooked vegetable. However, like many amaranths, it can accumulate nitrates and contain oxalates. It should be sourced from clean, uncontaminated soils and cooked thoroughly. The spines can cause physical injury if not handled carefully. Its diuretic effect may be strong; those with kidney disorders should use it cautiously. Pregnant women should avoid therapeutic doses of the root decoction. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

· Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

· Ethnobotany of India Series

· Philippine Medicinal Plants (for regional uses)

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Amaranthus viridis (Slender Amaranth, Chaulai)

· Species: Amaranthus viridis | Family: Amaranthaceae | Genus: Amaranthus

· Similarities: Both are highly nutritious leafy greens used as blood tonics and galactagogues. A. viridis lacks spines and is more commonly cultivated, but they share nearly identical nutritional and medicinal profiles.

2. Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga, Prickly Chaff Flower)

· Species: Achyranthes aspera | Family: Amaranthaceae | Genus: Achyranthes

· Similarities: Both are spiny, weedy plants from the same family with diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Apamarga is a more potent medicinal herb in Ayurveda, specifically used for respiratory issues and deep wound cleaning, whereas spiny amaranth is more of a food-medicine.

3. Portulaca oleracea (Purslane, Kulfa)

· Species: Portulaca oleracea | Family: Portulacaceae | Genus: Portulaca

· Similarities: Both are common, succulent weeds consumed as nutritious leafy vegetables with diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. They represent the global tradition of utilizing hardy, wild plants as both food and medicine.

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