# Amaranth Leaves (Amaranthus cruentus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/amaranth-leaves
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Amaranthus cruentus, Red Amaranth, Mexican Grain Amaranth, Blood Amaranth, Purple Amaranth, Amaranto Rojo, Kiwicha Leaves

## Overview

Amaranth leaves (Amaranthus cruentus) are rich in dietary nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, supporting [vascular tone](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and blood flow. Emerging evidence also points to neuroactive compounds in the leaf that may modulate cholinergic activity, producing [memory](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)-enhancing effects in preclinical models.

## Health Benefits

• Vascular health support: A human pharmacokinetic study (PMID: 27131407) demonstrated increased nitric oxide metabolites lasting at least 8 hours after consumption (preliminary human evidence)
• [Cognitive enhancement](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) potential: Animal studies showed memory-enhancing effects comparable to donepezil at 200-400 mg/kg doses (preliminary animal evidence)
• Reproductive health protection: Rat studies found 300 mg/kg aqueous extract ameliorated testicular damage and improved sperm parameters over 6 weeks (preliminary animal evidence)
• Anticancer properties: Cell culture studies showed 43-45% growth inhibition of cancer cells at 100 μg/ml through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis (preliminary in-vitro evidence)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Contains abundant polyphenols that scavenge free radicals as measured by DPPH radical assays (preliminary in-vitro evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Dietary nitrates in Amaranthus cruentus are reduced to nitrite by oral commensal bacteria and subsequently converted to nitric oxide (NO) by xanthine oxidoreductase and other enzymatic pathways under physiological conditions, causing smooth [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep) and vasodilation via soluble guanylate cyclase activation and cyclic GMP elevation. In animal models, bioactive polyphenols and peptide fractions in amaranth leaves appear to inhibit [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase activity, increasing synaptic acetylcholine availability in hippocampal circuits linked to memory consolidation. Additionally, the leaves' high flavonoid content, including rutin and quercetin, may reduce oxidative stress by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and upregulating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant gene expression.

## Clinical Summary

A human pharmacokinetic study (PMID: 27131407) demonstrated that consumption of Amaranthus cruentus leaves produced a statistically significant elevation in plasma nitric oxide metabolites (nitrate and nitrite) that persisted for at least 8 hours post-ingestion, providing preliminary human evidence for sustained vascular NO support. The study was limited in sample size and duration, meaning effect magnitude on [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) endpoints has not been rigorously quantified in humans. Memory-enhancing effects comparable to the cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil have been observed in rodent models, but no controlled human trials have yet confirmed [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) outcomes. Overall, the evidence base is preliminary; larger randomized controlled trials are needed before clinical recommendations can be made.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g raw amaranth leaves (Amaranthus cruentus): Energy ~23 kcal; Protein ~2.5–3.5 g (notable for a leafy green, contains all essential amino acids including lysine at ~0.3 g); Fat ~0.3–0.5 g; Carbohydrates ~3.0–4.0 g; Dietary fiber ~2.0–2.2 g (mostly insoluble). MINERALS: Calcium ~215–270 mg (bioavailability moderate, ~20–30%, reduced by oxalate content of ~1.1–1.5 g/100 g); Iron ~2.3–3.0 mg (non-heme, bioavailability ~5–12%, enhanced by co-consumption with vitamin C); Magnesium ~55–75 mg; Potassium ~611–700 mg; Phosphorus ~50–65 mg; Zinc ~0.9–1.1 mg; Manganese ~0.85–1.0 mg; Copper ~0.16 mg. VITAMINS: Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) ~5,700–5,900 µg RAE equivalents from total carotenoids (~2,770 µg retinol activity); Vitamin C ~43–50 mg (significant source, but heat-labile—blanching reduces by ~40–60%); Folate (B9) ~85–90 µg; Riboflavin (B2) ~0.16–0.22 mg; Niacin (B3) ~0.7–0.9 mg; Vitamin B6 ~0.19–0.22 mg; Vitamin K ~1,140 µg (exceptionally high, one of the richest leafy green sources). BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS: Betalains (amaranthine, isoamaranthine) ~50–120 mg/100 g fresh weight (potent [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s with ORAC values comparable to beets); Polyphenols (total) ~1.5–3.5 mg GAE/g dry weight, including rutin (~15–45 mg/100 g DW), quercetin glycosides, kaempferol, and gallic acid; Nitrate content ~2,000–4,800 mg/kg fresh weight (relevant to nitric oxide pathway and vascular effects noted in PMID: 27131407); Saponins ~0.1–0.3% DW; Phytosterols including beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol (~20–35 mg/100 g DW); Chlorophyll ~80–120 mg/100 g fresh weight; Lutein + zeaxanthin ~1,500–2,500 µg/100 g. ANTI-NUTRITIONAL FACTORS: Oxalates ~1.1–1.5 g/100 g (blanching/boiling reduces by 30–50%, significantly impacts calcium and iron bioavailability); Phytates ~0.2–0.5% DW (chelates zinc and iron); Tannins ~0.05–0.12% DW. BIOAVAILABILITY NOTES: Cooking (especially boiling 5–7 min) substantially reduces oxalate and improves mineral bioavailability but decreases vitamin C by ~40–60% and folate by ~20–30%; fat-soluble carotenoids and vitamin K absorption improved when consumed with dietary fat (~5–10 g); betalain pigments are water-soluble and partially heat-stable (60–70% retained after moderate cooking); high vitamin C content in raw leaves enhances non-heme iron absorption when consumed fresh; protein digestibility is high (~78–85%) compared to many leafy greens.

## Dosage & Preparation

Animal studies used aqueous leaf extract at 200-400 mg/kg body weight for [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) effects and 300 mg/kg for reproductive health, but human dosing has not been established. One human study used a single oral dose of amaranth extract (specific dose not detailed). No standardized extract or established human dosage ranges have been identified. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Amaranth leaves are generally recognized as safe when consumed as a food in culinary amounts, but concentrated supplemental doses have not been formally evaluated in long-term human safety studies. Because of their high nitrate content, individuals taking phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) or organic nitrate medications should exercise caution, as additive vasodilatory effects could cause hypotension. Amaranth leaves contain moderate levels of oxalates, which may increase kidney stone risk in individuals with a history of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis or impaired renal function. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established beyond normal dietary consumption, and high-dose supplemental use should be avoided until more data are available.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence for amaranth leaves is limited to one pharmacokinetic study (PMID: 27131407) showing increased nitric oxide metabolites after a single oral dose. Most evidence comes from animal studies including testicular protection in rats (PMCID: PMC9355442) and [cognitive enhancement](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) in mice, with no published meta-analyses or large-scale human RCTs identified.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The search results provided do not contain information on historical use in traditional medicine systems or the duration of traditional use. The plant is native to Central and South America but specific cultural applications were not documented in the available research.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other dark leafy greens, nitric oxide precursors, polyphenol-rich foods, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) vitamins

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does amaranth leaf nitric oxide boost last?

According to the human pharmacokinetic study (PMID: 27131407), elevated plasma nitric oxide metabolites were detectable for at least 8 hours following consumption of Amaranthus cruentus leaves. This sustained elevation suggests that a single daily serving could theoretically maintain nitric oxide availability throughout much of the day, though optimal dosing protocols have not yet been established in clinical trials.

### Can amaranth leaves improve memory and cognitive function?

Preclinical rodent studies have shown that extracts of Amaranthus cruentus produced memory-enhancing effects comparable to donepezil, a pharmaceutical acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting the leaves may inhibit the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. However, these findings have not been replicated in human clinical trials, so cognitive benefits in humans remain unproven and should be regarded as preliminary.

### What is the active compound in amaranth leaves responsible for vascular benefits?

The primary bioactive compounds responsible for vascular benefits are dietary inorganic nitrates, which are abundant in Amaranthus cruentus leaves. These nitrates are converted stepwise to nitrite and then to nitric oxide, which activates soluble guanylate cyclase in vascular smooth muscle cells, raising cyclic GMP levels and inducing vasodilation. The leaves also contain rutin and quercetin, flavonoids that may provide complementary antioxidant vascular protection.

### Are amaranth leaves safe to take with blood pressure medication?

Caution is advisable when combining high-dose amaranth leaf supplements with antihypertensive medications, as the nitrate-derived nitric oxide from the leaves can produce additive blood pressure-lowering effects. The risk is particularly notable with nitrate-based drugs (e.g., nitroglycerin) and PDE-5 inhibitors, where combined use could precipitate symptomatic hypotension. Anyone on blood pressure medications should consult a healthcare provider before using concentrated amaranth leaf extracts.

### Do amaranth leaves have high oxalate content that affects kidney health?

Yes, Amaranthus cruentus leaves contain moderate-to-high levels of oxalic acid, a compound that can bind calcium in the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to calcium oxalate crystal formation. Individuals with a personal or family history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, or those with chronic kidney disease, should limit supplemental intake and may benefit from boiling the leaves, which can leach out a significant portion of their oxalate content. Adequate hydration is also recommended to reduce urinary oxalate concentration.

### What is the recommended daily dosage of amaranth leaves for vascular health benefits?

Clinical evidence for amaranth leaves remains preliminary, with the human pharmacokinetic study using single doses to assess nitric oxide production rather than establishing optimal daily intake. Animal studies demonstrating cognitive benefits used 200-400 mg/kg equivalent doses, but direct human dosage recommendations have not yet been established in published literature. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine appropriate dosing based on individual health status and goals.

### Is amaranth leaf supplementation safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Safety data specifically addressing pregnancy and lactation is not currently available in published clinical literature for amaranth leaf supplements. While amaranth leaves are consumed as a food in many cultures, the concentrated supplement form has not been adequately studied in pregnant or nursing populations. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using amaranth leaf supplements.

### How does the bioavailability of fresh amaranth leaves compare to dried or powdered forms?

Direct bioavailability comparisons between fresh, dried, and powdered amaranth leaf forms have not been established in peer-reviewed research. The human nitric oxide study (PMID: 27131407) did not specify the exact form used, making it unclear which preparation method best preserves active compounds. Processing methods may affect nutrient content and absorption, but standardized data on form efficacy is lacking.

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