# Oxystorm (Amaranthus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/oxystorm
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Amaranthus dubius, Red spinach, Chinese spinach, African spinach, Callaloo, Bayam merah, Lal saag

## Overview

Oxystorm is a standardized extract of Amaranthus hypochondriacus leaves, concentrated to deliver high levels of dietary nitrate. It works by converting nitrate to nitrite and ultimately nitric oxide via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, promoting vasodilation and improved blood flow.

## Health Benefits

• Nitric oxide support: Comparable to beetroot juice for increasing plasma nitrate/nitrite levels (limited evidence from one crossover study, n=12) • [Blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support: May help reduce blood pressure through vasodilation mechanisms via nitric oxide pathways (preliminary evidence) • Enhanced nutrient absorption: Oxalate-free formula may improve mineral bioavailability compared to high-oxalate sources (theoretical benefit based on formulation) • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Contains polyphenols, carotenoids, and flavonoids that contribute to antioxidant capacity (compound analysis only) • Potassium supplementation: Provides minimum 13% potassium content for electrolyte balance (analytical data only)

## Mechanism of Action

Dietary nitrate from Oxystorm is absorbed in the small intestine and concentrated in saliva, where oral bacteria reduce it to nitrite via nitrate reductase enzymes. Nitrite enters the bloodstream and is further reduced to nitric oxide (NO) under low-oxygen conditions, activating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and increasing cyclic GMP (cGMP), which relaxes vascular smooth muscle. This vasodilation lowers peripheral vascular resistance, reduces systolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), and may enhance oxygen delivery to skeletal muscle during exercise.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized crossover study (n=12) found that a single dose of Oxystorm (equivalent nitrate load to beetroot juice) produced comparable increases in plasma nitrate and nitrite levels, suggesting bioavailability is on par with the well-researched beetroot standard. [Blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reductions were observed in line with nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, though the small sample size limits generalizability. No large-scale randomized controlled trials specific to Oxystorm have been published, meaning most mechanistic extrapolations rely on the broader dietary nitrate literature. Overall, the evidence is preliminary and promising but insufficient to draw definitive clinical conclusions without larger, longer-duration trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Oxystorm is a standardized extract of Amaranthus hybridus (red spinach) concentrated primarily for its nitrate content. Key bioactive profile: Dietary nitrates: standardized to approximately 9% nitrate content (~900mg nitrates per 10g serving, though typical supplement doses range 400-1000mg of the extract); Betalains: betacyanins and betaxanthins present as natural pigments with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties (comparable pigment family to beetroot); Polyphenols: flavonoids including rutin and quercetin derivatives present in moderate concentrations. Micronutrients in the whole plant include iron (~2-3mg/100g fresh weight), calcium, magnesium, and potassium, though concentrated extract doses deliver negligible macronutrient quantities. Critically, Oxystorm is specifically processed to be low/free of oxalic acid (oxalates), which distinguishes it from standard Amaranthus leaf preparations that typically contain 700-1000mg oxalates/100g; this oxalate reduction is purported to improve calcium and iron bioavailability. Vitamin C is present in the source plant (~40mg/100g fresh) but likely minimal in dried extract form. Chlorophyll derivatives and carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene) are present in parent plant but concentration in extract is not well-characterized. Nitrate bioavailability via salivary nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway is the primary functional mechanism.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosages specific to Oxystorm are not detailed in available research beyond the standardization to 9% nitrates. Commercial forms include water-soluble powder (min. 9% nitrate, min. 13% potassium) with 100% passage through 30 mesh and minimum 90% solubility in water. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Oxystorm is generally considered safe at studied doses, with side effects consistent with high dietary nitrate intake, including mild gastrointestinal discomfort and harmless pink or red discoloration of urine or stool. It may potentiate the [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health)-lowering effects of antihypertensive medications and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as sildenafil, risking excessive hypotension, so concurrent use warrants medical supervision. Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should exercise caution, as elevated nitrite levels can increase methemoglobin risk. Safety data in pregnant or breastfeeding women is insufficient, and use during pregnancy is not recommended without physician guidance.

## Scientific Research

Limited human clinical trials specifically on Oxystorm exist in current literature. One randomized crossover study with 12 healthy adults compared Oxystorm (Amaranthus dubius extract standardized to 9% NO3−) to beetroot juice, demonstrating comparable effects on plasma nitrate/nitrite levels and [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health). No RCTs, meta-analyses, or specific PMIDs for Oxystorm trials were identified in the available research.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Amaranth leaves and grains have been consumed as edible leafy vegetables in tropical regions including Africa, India, and the Caribbean for their nutrient content. While amaranth has traditional dietary use, no specific historical medicinal applications or traditional systems targeting nitric oxide support are documented for Oxystorm specifically.

## Synergistic Combinations

L-citrulline, vitamin C, L-arginine, beetroot extract, CoQ10

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How does Oxystorm compare to beetroot juice for nitric oxide?

A crossover study (n=12) found that Oxystorm produced plasma nitrate and nitrite increases statistically comparable to an equivalent nitrate dose from beetroot juice. Oxystorm offers a practical advantage as a concentrated, standardized powder extract with a neutral flavor profile, avoiding the sugar and calorie load of beetroot juice. However, both rely on the same nitrate-nitrite-NO conversion pathway, so their core mechanisms are identical.

### What is the recommended dosage of Oxystorm?

Preliminary research has used doses delivering approximately 400–800 mg nitrate-equivalent, often corresponding to around 1–2 grams of Oxystorm extract per serving. Most commercial pre-workout products standardize to 1,000 mg per dose. No formally established clinical dosing guideline exists, so following product labeling and consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.

### Can Oxystorm lower blood pressure?

Oxystorm may contribute to blood pressure reduction through nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, where NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase to increase cGMP and relax arterial smooth muscle. Preliminary evidence from small studies supports a modest acute reduction in systolic blood pressure consistent with other dietary nitrate sources. People already taking antihypertensive drugs should consult a physician before use due to the risk of additive hypotensive effects.

### Is Oxystorm safe to take with pre-workout supplements?

Oxystorm is commonly formulated into pre-workout blends and is generally well tolerated in this context, with no known severe adverse interactions with typical pre-workout ingredients like caffeine or citrulline. Stacking it with other nitric oxide boosters such as L-arginine or L-citrulline may produce additive vasodilation, which is generally desirable for performance but could cause excessive blood pressure drops in sensitive individuals. Those with cardiovascular conditions or taking PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil should avoid combination use without medical clearance.

### How long does it take for Oxystorm to work?

Dietary nitrate from Oxystorm begins converting to nitrite within 60–90 minutes of ingestion, with peak plasma nitrite levels typically observed 2–3 hours post-dose based on pharmacokinetic data from dietary nitrate studies. Acute hemodynamic effects such as vasodilation and modest blood pressure reduction may be noticeable within this same window. For exercise performance benefits, consuming Oxystorm approximately 90–120 minutes before activity is a common timing strategy supported by the broader beetroot/nitrate literature.

### Does Oxystorm contain oxalates, and how does this affect mineral absorption?

Oxystorm is formulated to be oxalate-free, which is a key distinction from high-oxalate nitrate sources like beetroot juice. By eliminating oxalates, Oxystorm may improve the bioavailability of minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium that would otherwise bind to oxalates in the digestive tract. This makes it a potentially better choice for individuals concerned about mineral absorption or those with a history of kidney stones.

### Is Oxystorm safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical data on Oxystorm's safety during pregnancy and lactation. Given that it is a branded botanical ingredient derived from amaranthus, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before supplementation. Most dietary nitrate supplements lack robust safety studies in these populations, making professional guidance essential.

### Does Oxystorm interact with blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers?

Oxystorm works through nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, which has the potential to have additive blood pressure-lowering effects when combined with antihypertensive medications. Individuals taking ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or other blood pressure medications should discuss Oxystorm supplementation with their healthcare provider to avoid hypotension or other interactions. Medical supervision is recommended to monitor blood pressure during concurrent use.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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