# Goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/goosefoot
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Chenopodium berlandieri, huauzontle, pitseed goosefoot, Berlandier's goosefoot, Mexican goosefoot, lamb's quarters, quelite, pigweed, goosefoot amaranth

## Overview

Goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri) is a wild edible plant rich in flavonoids, saponins, and polyphenolic compounds that modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting COX-2 enzyme activity and suppressing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s. Its liposomal extracts have demonstrated enhanced intracellular antioxidant delivery, suggesting potential utility in [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)-related conditions.

## Health Benefits

["\u2022 May reduce inflammation by inhibiting [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s (IL-6, TNF-\u03b1, IL-1\u03b2) and the COX-2 enzyme, based on preliminary in vitro evidence using human dermal fibroblasts.[1]", "\u2022 Exhibits [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), with liposomal extracts showing enhanced cellular antioxidant effects in lab settings, potentially helping to mitigate oxidative stress.[1]", "\u2022 May support skin structure by inhibiting enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, such as elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase, according to in vitro studies.[1]", "\u2022 May modulate immune response by increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, as observed in cell culture experiments.[1]", "\u2022 Demonstrates nitric oxide inhibition in lab models, a mechanism relevant to managing inflammation, with effects enhanced by liposomal delivery.[1]"]

## Mechanism of Action

Chenopodium berlandieri bioactives, including flavonoids and polyphenols, suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in human dermal fibroblasts. Simultaneously, plant-derived compounds inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, blocking arachidonic acid conversion to [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s that drive inflammatory cascades. Liposomal encapsulation of its extracts has been shown to improve intracellular bioavailability of antioxidants, likely through enhanced membrane fusion and cytosolic delivery of [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) scavengers.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Chenopodium berlandieri is limited to preliminary in vitro studies, including cell-based assays using human dermal fibroblasts that demonstrated statistically significant reductions in IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and [COX-2](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity. Liposomal extract formulations showed superior cellular [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) uptake compared to unencapsulated extracts in controlled laboratory conditions. No human clinical trials, animal studies with quantified outcomes, or randomized controlled trials have been published as of the available data, meaning efficacy in living organisms remains unestablished. The evidence base is early-stage and insufficient to support therapeutic dosing recommendations.

## Nutritional Profile

Goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri) is a nutrient-dense leafy green and pseudocereal closely related to quinoa and lamb's quarters. **Macronutrients (per 100 g raw leaves, approximate):** Energy: 35–43 kcal; Protein: 4.2–5.2 g (notably high for a leafy green, containing essential amino acids including lysine and methionine); Carbohydrates: 5.5–7.3 g (including ~2.1–3.5 g dietary fiber); Fat: 0.7–1.0 g. **Seeds/grain (per 100 g dried):** Energy: ~350–370 kcal; Protein: 13–17 g; Carbohydrates: 58–65 g; Fat: 4–6 g; Fiber: 6–9 g. **Micronutrients (leaves, per 100 g):** Vitamin A (as β-carotene): 5,800–6,100 µg RAE (very high; bioavailability enhanced with dietary fat); Vitamin C: 65–80 mg; Vitamin K: ~250–300 µg; Folate (B9): ~30–50 µg; Riboflavin (B2): ~0.3 mg; Calcium: 300–410 mg (bioavailability reduced by co-occurring oxalates — estimated ~15–25% absorption); Iron: 3.2–4.2 mg (non-heme form; absorption improved with concurrent vitamin C intake); Magnesium: 70–95 mg; Potassium: 450–550 mg; Phosphorus: 60–80 mg; Zinc: 0.7–1.1 mg; Manganese: ~0.6–0.9 mg. **Bioactive compounds:** Phenolic acids including gallic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid (total phenolics ~15–45 mg GAE/g dry weight depending on plant part and extraction); Flavonoids including kaempferol and quercetin glycosides (~2–8 mg/g dry weight); Betalain-related pigments in some varieties; Saponins present especially in seeds (2–4% dry weight — can be reduced by washing/soaking; may have cholesterol-lowering properties but also act as anti-nutrients); Oxalates: 4–8% dry weight in leaves (significant anti-nutrient — blanching/boiling reduces content by 30–50%, improving calcium and iron bioavailability); Phytates present in seeds (~1–2% dry weight), reducing mineral absorption. **Bioavailability notes:** The high oxalate content in leaves substantially impairs calcium and iron absorption; cooking (especially boiling with water discarded) is recommended to reduce oxalates and improve mineral bioavailability. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, K) are better absorbed when consumed with dietary fat. Seed saponins, while partially anti-nutritional, may confer hypolipidemic benefits. The protein quality of seeds is relatively high for a plant source, with a PDCAAS estimated at 0.7–0.85, comparable to quinoa.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for Goosefoot are available, as no human trials have been conducted.[1][2] In vitro studies have used oleanolic acid-rich liposomal extracts with over 80% encapsulation efficiency, but this does not translate to a human dose.[1] Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Chenopodium berlandieri contains oxalates, which in high dietary quantities may contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals, particularly those with a history of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Like related species such as Chenopodium album, it may accumulate nitrates in certain growing conditions, posing a theoretical risk if consumed in large amounts. No formal drug interaction studies exist, but its [COX-2](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) inhibitory activity suggests a theoretical additive effect with NSAIDs or anticoagulants such as warfarin. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid concentrated extracts due to the absence of safety data.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses for Chenopodium berlandieri were identified in the available research.[1][2][3][4][5] The current scientific evidence is limited to in vitro (cell-based) studies investigating its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties.[1]

## Historical & Cultural Context

Goosefoot, known as huauzontle, has a history of use as an edible pseudocereal in Mesoamerican diets and has been cultivated for a long time.[1][2] It is considered an important genetic resource for the improvement of its relative, quinoa, but specific applications in traditional medicine systems are not detailed in research.[3][4]

## Synergistic Combinations

Curcumin, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Vitamin C

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Chenopodium berlandieri and how is it different from quinoa?

Chenopodium berlandieri, commonly called pitseed goosefoot or goosefoot, is a wild North American annual herb in the Amaranthaceae family and a close relative of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and lambsquarters (Chenopodium album). Unlike quinoa, which has been selectively bred for large edible seeds and low saponin content, C. berlandieri grows wild and contains higher concentrations of bitter saponins in its seed coat. It was historically cultivated by Indigenous North American peoples as a grain crop, but it has not been domesticated for modern commercial use.

### Does Chenopodium berlandieri reduce inflammation?

In vitro studies using human dermal fibroblasts have shown that Chenopodium berlandieri extracts inhibit the COX-2 enzyme and reduce secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. These effects are attributed to polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids that interfere with the NF-κB transcriptional pathway. However, these findings are preliminary and have not yet been replicated in animal models or human clinical trials, so anti-inflammatory efficacy in humans cannot be confirmed.

### What antioxidant compounds are found in Chenopodium berlandieri?

Chenopodium berlandieri contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids that act as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers. Research on liposomal extracts of the plant has shown enhanced cellular antioxidant activity compared to non-encapsulated preparations, suggesting that lipid-soluble antioxidant fractions benefit significantly from improved membrane permeability via liposomal delivery. Specific quantified antioxidant capacity values (e.g., ORAC or FRAP scores) for C. berlandieri have not been widely published in peer-reviewed literature.

### Is it safe to eat Chenopodium berlandieri leaves?

The young leaves and shoots of Chenopodium berlandieri are edible and have been consumed as food by Indigenous communities for centuries, similar to how lambsquarters (C. album) is eaten as a cooked green. A primary safety concern is the plant's oxalate content, which can irritate the digestive tract if consumed raw in large quantities and may elevate urinary oxalate levels in people prone to kidney stones. Cooking reduces oxalate bioavailability, and moderate consumption of cooked greens is generally considered safe for healthy adults.

### Are there any Chenopodium berlandieri supplements available?

As of current available data, Chenopodium berlandieri is not widely available as a standardized dietary supplement in capsule, powder, or extract form on the commercial market. Most research has used laboratory-prepared extracts, including liposomal formulations, that are not yet translated into retail products. Individuals interested in this plant typically consume it as a foraged or cultivated edible green rather than as a concentrated supplement, and no established dosing guidelines exist due to the absence of clinical trials.

### What is the evidence quality for Chenopodium berlandieri's health benefits?

Current evidence for Chenopodium berlandieri is limited to preliminary in vitro and laboratory studies, primarily using cell cultures and animal models rather than human clinical trials. While research shows promise for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, these findings have not yet been confirmed in rigorous human studies, meaning efficacy claims remain preliminary. More robust clinical research is needed before strong health benefit claims can be established for this ingredient.

### How does the bioavailability of Chenopodium berlandieri change between fresh, dried, and extract forms?

Liposomal extracts of Chenopodium berlandieri demonstrate enhanced cellular antioxidant effects compared to standard preparations, suggesting that encapsulation or liposomal delivery may improve bioavailability of its active compounds. Fresh and dried whole-food forms contain intact antioxidants and nutrients, but extraction methods can concentrate specific bioactive molecules and potentially improve absorption. The optimal form depends on the intended use, though liposomal formats show laboratory evidence of superior cellular uptake.

### Who should consider Chenopodium berlandieri supplementation based on current research?

Individuals interested in nutrient-dense plant foods and those exploring traditional antioxidant sources may consider Chenopodium berlandieri, though clinical evidence in specific populations remains limited. People with chronic inflammatory conditions may find preliminary in vitro data promising, but should consult healthcare providers before using supplements, as human efficacy data is unavailable. Until more robust clinical research emerges, Chenopodium berlandieri is best positioned as a whole-food nutritional ingredient rather than a therapeutic supplement for specific conditions.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*