Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Amaranth leaf (Amaranthus spp.) is a nutrient-dense dark leafy green containing bioactive compounds including rutin, quercetin, and betalains that exert antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. These polyphenols modulate oxidative stress pathways by scavenging free radicals and reducing lipid peroxidation markers such as malondialdehyde in neural tissue.
CategoryUSDA Nutrient-Dense Foods
GroupVegetable
Evidence LevelPreliminary
Primary Keywordamaranth leaf benefits
Amaranth Leaf (Amaranthus spp.) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Amaranth leaf derives from plants of the genus Amaranthus spp., including cultivated varieties like A. cruentus, A. hybridus, A. dubius, and A. retroflexus, native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The leaves are harvested fresh and processed into extracts using water or organic solvents, classified as a USDA nutrient-dense food due to high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
“Sources do not detail specific historical traditional medicine systems or durations for amaranth leaf use. It is noted as a nutrient-dense food with recent research interest in health benefits like antidiabetic potential, with modern processing into functional food powders.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on amaranth leaf were identified; evidence is limited to preclinical animal and in vitro studies. A single human pharmacokinetic study showed nitrate/nitrite elevation after oral dosing, while mouse studies demonstrated cognitive enhancement and antioxidant effects at 200-400 mg/kg body weight.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosages in humans are available. Mouse studies used aqueous leaf extract at 200-400 mg/kg body weight daily for cognitive effects, with 300 mg/kg showing peak benefits. In vitro antifungal studies used 10-15 mg/mL concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Amaranth leaves are nutritionally dense per 100g fresh weight: Protein: 2.5-3.5g (high biological value with essential amino acids including lysine ~0.7g, which is limiting in many plant proteins); Total carbohydrates: 4-6g; Dietary fiber: 2-3g; Fat: 0.2-0.5g. Key vitamins: Vitamin C: 40-80mg (44-89% DV, though heat-labile and reduced significantly by cooking); Vitamin A (as beta-carotene precursor): 1500-3000 µg RAE equivalent (substantial contributor to daily needs); Folate (B9): 85-120µg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.16mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.05mg. Key minerals: Calcium: 200-410mg per 100g (notably high for a leafy vegetable, though bioavailability is moderately reduced by oxalate content ~700-1200mg/100g which binds calcium); Iron: 3-4mg (non-heme, bioavailability enhanced by co-consumption with vitamin C sources); Magnesium: 55-70mg; Potassium: 400-600mg; Phosphorus: 50-75mg; Zinc: 0.9mg. Bioactive compounds: Betalains (betacyanins and betaxanthins) in pigmented varieties; polyphenols including rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol derivatives (~200-400mg total phenolics per 100g dry weight); amaranthine pigment in red varieties; squalene in minor amounts. Carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin present (~1200-2000µg/100g). Bioavailability notes: Oxalates and phytates (~400-800mg/100g) reduce mineral absorption; blanching or boiling reduces oxalate content by 30-60% and improves net mineral bioavailability; protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) estimated at 0.75-0.85, superior to many other leafy greens.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Quercetin and rutin in amaranth leaf inhibit pro-oxidant enzymes and upregulate endogenous antioxidant defenses, reducing malondialdehyde accumulation and protecting neuronal membranes from lipid peroxidation. Rutin has been shown to modulate acetylcholinesterase activity, potentially preserving cholinergic neurotransmission relevant to memory consolidation. Betalains and other phenolic compounds additionally exhibit direct free-radical scavenging via hydrogen atom transfer and single-electron transfer mechanisms.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for amaranth leaf is largely preclinical, with mouse model studies using aqueous leaf extracts at 200–400 mg/kg demonstrating significant memory improvement comparable to the cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil. Oxidative stress markers, particularly brain malondialdehyde levels, were significantly reduced in these animal studies, suggesting neuroprotective potential. Antifungal activity has been documented in in vitro assays against common pathogenic fungi, though no robust human randomized controlled trials have confirmed these effects at relevant oral doses. The overall evidence quality is preliminary, and extrapolation to human therapeutic use requires further clinical investigation.
Safety & Interactions
Amaranth leaf consumed as a food is generally recognized as safe; however, concentrated extracts have not been evaluated in large-scale human safety trials. Individuals taking anticoagulants such as warfarin should exercise caution, as quercetin and rutin may have mild antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties that could potentiate bleeding risk. Amaranth contains moderate oxalate levels, posing a theoretical risk for kidney stone formation in predisposed individuals with high chronic intake. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit use to culinary quantities, as the safety of concentrated extracts in these populations has not been established.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Amaranthus cruentus leafAmaranthus hybridus leafAmaranthus dubius leafAmaranthus retroflexus leafpigweed leavesred amaranth leavesAfrican spinachcallaloo leavesChinese spinachlove-lies-bleeding leavesprince's feather leavesquelitebledo
Frequently Asked Questions
How much amaranth leaf extract was used in memory studies?
Preclinical mouse model studies used aqueous amaranth leaf extracts at doses of 200–400 mg/kg body weight, administered orally. At these doses, memory performance improvements were comparable to donepezil (5 mg/kg), a prescription cholinesterase inhibitor. No equivalent human clinical dosage has been established from these animal data.
What antioxidant compounds are found in amaranth leaves?
Amaranth leaves contain quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, and betalains (betacyanins and betaxanthins) as primary antioxidant compounds. Rutin and quercetin are flavonoids that scavenge reactive oxygen species and inhibit lipid peroxidation, while betalains provide additional free-radical neutralizing capacity. These compounds work synergistically to reduce oxidative stress markers in tissue.
Can amaranth leaf interact with blood thinners?
Yes, caution is warranted when combining concentrated amaranth leaf extracts with anticoagulants such as warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin. Quercetin and rutin, present in significant quantities, have demonstrated mild antiplatelet activity and may inhibit CYP2C9 enzymes involved in warfarin metabolism, potentially elevating bleeding risk. Individuals on these medications should consult a healthcare provider before using high-dose amaranth extracts.
Does amaranth leaf have antifungal properties?
In vitro studies have confirmed antifungal activity in amaranth leaf extracts against pathogenic fungal strains, attributed in part to phenolic compounds and saponins disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity. However, these findings come exclusively from laboratory assays, and no human clinical trials have validated antifungal efficacy at oral supplemental doses. Translation to practical antifungal treatment in humans cannot be confirmed without further research.
Is amaranth leaf safe for people with kidney stones?
Amaranth leaves contain moderate levels of oxalic acid, which can bind calcium in the digestive tract and contribute to calcium oxalate kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals. People with a history of oxalate kidney stones or hyperoxaluria should limit intake of raw amaranth or concentrated extracts. Cooking amaranth leaves reduces oxalate content by approximately 30–40%, making moderate cooked consumption lower risk for most people.
What is the difference between amaranth leaf extract and whole amaranth leaf powder?
Amaranth leaf extract concentrates bioactive compounds through a solvent-based process, while whole leaf powder retains the complete plant matrix including fiber and less-studied phytochemicals. Memory studies demonstrating cognitive support used aqueous extracts (200-400 mg/kg equivalent), suggesting extracts may offer more predictable dosing for specific effects. Whole powder provides broader nutritional benefits as a food source but contains lower concentrations of isolated active compounds.
How strong is the current scientific evidence for amaranth leaf's cognitive benefits?
The evidence for cognitive support is preliminary and limited to animal studies using mouse models, where aqueous leaf extract showed memory improvements comparable to donepezil. No human clinical trials have been published to date, making it impossible to confirm these effects translate to people. While results are promising, amaranth leaf should not be considered a proven cognitive supplement until rigorous human studies are completed.
Is amaranth leaf safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers?
There is insufficient safety data on amaranth leaf supplementation during pregnancy and lactation, so it is not recommended without medical supervision. While amaranth leaves are consumed as food in some cultures, concentrated extracts used in supplement form have not been adequately studied in pregnant or nursing populations. Consult a healthcare provider before using amaranth leaf supplements if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
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