# Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/purple-amaranth
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-03
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Amaranthus cruentus, Red amaranth, Blood amaranth, Mexican grain amaranth, Purple grain amaranth, Cruentus amaranth, Aztec amaranth, Prince's feather amaranth

## Overview

Purple amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) is a dark leafy green rich in betalains, flavonoids, and rutin, which exert antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects primarily by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and modulating NF-κB signaling. Its phytochemical profile has shown preliminary promise in supporting [vascular tone](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation in early laboratory studies.

## Health Benefits

• Supports vascular health by reducing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and restoring vasal tone (in vitro evidence only)
• May protect against cellular damage through [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and apoptosis reduction (preliminary in vitro data)
• Potentially inhibits cancer cell growth by 43-45% at tested extract doses (in vitro studies only)
• May support cardiovascular function through antithrombotic properties via rutin content (theoretical, no human studies)
• Could help maintain healthy [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) through encrypted amino acid sequences with antihypertensive effects (mechanism-based evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Purple amaranth's primary bioactives — rutin, quercetin, and betalain pigments — inhibit NF-κB pathway activation, reducing downstream expression of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as TNF-α and IL-6 to support [vascular tone](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) restoration. Rutin and quercetin also directly scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, reducing [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and protecting cellular membranes from oxidative damage. Additionally, amaranth leaf extracts appear to modulate [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) apoptotic pathways, potentially downregulating Bcl-2 expression and upregulating caspase-3 activity, which may explain the observed inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for purple amaranth is limited to in vitro cell culture studies, with no published randomized controlled trials in humans as of early 2025. Laboratory experiments using amaranth leaf extracts demonstrated approximately 43–45% inhibition of cancer cell growth at tested concentrations, though the specific cell lines and extract doses vary across experiments. In vitro vascular models showed restoration of vasal tone and reduced endothelial [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers, but these findings have not been replicated in animal models or human trials. The overall evidence base must be characterized as preliminary, and extrapolating these results to clinical outcomes in humans is not currently supported by the data.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g of raw leaves: Protein 3.5–4.5 g (notably high for a leafy green, rich in lysine); Carbohydrates 4–6 g; Dietary fiber 2.0–2.5 g; Fat 0.3–0.5 g; Energy ~23–30 kcal. Minerals: Iron 2.3–3.0 mg (non-heme; bioavailability enhanced by concurrent vitamin C intake), Calcium 215–270 mg (moderate bioavailability, partially reduced by oxalate content ~1.0–1.5 g/100 g), Magnesium 55–65 mg, Potassium 600–700 mg, Phosphorus 65–75 mg, Zinc 0.9–1.1 mg, Manganese 0.9–1.2 mg. Vitamins: Vitamin C 40–55 mg, Vitamin A (as β-carotene) 5,000–5,700 IU (~1,700–1,900 µg RAE; fat-soluble, bioavailability improved with dietary lipids), Folate (B9) 80–90 µg, Riboflavin (B2) 0.16–0.22 mg, Niacin (B3) 0.7–0.9 mg, Vitamin B6 0.19–0.24 mg, Vitamin K ~400–450 µg (phylloquinone). Bioactive compounds: Amaranthine and isoamaranthine (betalain pigments, 50–150 mg/100 g dry weight, responsible for red-purple coloration, potent water-soluble [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s), total phenolics 1.5–3.5 mg GAE/g fresh weight (including rutin 15–45 mg/100 g dry weight, quercetin glycosides, kaempferol derivatives), hydroxycinnamates (ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid), betacyanins contributing to ORAC values of 1,500–2,500 µmol TE/100 g fresh weight. Contains squalene in trace amounts in leaves (more concentrated in seeds, up to 5–8% of seed oil). Antinutritional factors include oxalates (1.0–1.5 g/100 g, reduced ~40–50% by blanching/boiling) and nitrates (variable, 1,000–4,000 mg/kg depending on soil nitrogen); phytate content is relatively low compared to seeds. Amino acid profile is well-balanced for a plant source, with lysine content (~5–6% of protein) notably higher than most cereals.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages exist. In vitro models used 50 mg amaranthus extract (unstandardized) combined with other ingredients every 12 hours. Traditional food use involves dietary consumption of seeds and leaves. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Purple amaranth consumed as a whole food is generally regarded as safe for most adults, but concentrated extracts and supplements lack long-term human safety data. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin should exercise caution, as the rutin content may have mild antiplatelet activity that could potentiate bleeding risk. Purple amaranth contains moderate levels of oxalates, which may contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals and should be limited by those with a history of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should restrict use to culinary food amounts rather than supplemental extracts, as safety data in these populations is absent.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically on Amaranthus cruentus were identified. Available data are limited to in vitro studies using 3D intestinal barrier and venous insufficiency models, which showed reduced [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and improved vascular parameters (p < 0.0001). References to AMARANTH trials (PMIDs: 31764959, 40675957) pertain to unrelated Alzheimer's drug studies, not the plant.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Amaranth species, including A. cruentus, have been used for millennia in Mesoamerican (Aztec/Maya) and African traditional systems as nutrient-rich grains and leafy greens for malnutrition, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and circulatory issues. Historical records note its role in staple foods and remedies for wounds, hypertension, and digestive ailments.

## Synergistic Combinations

Pumpkin seed extract, Hypersmin, Rutin, Vitamin C, Bilberry extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the main health benefits of purple amaranth?

Purple amaranth provides antioxidant protection via betalains, rutin, and quercetin, which neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level. Preliminary in vitro studies also suggest it may support vascular health by reducing endothelial inflammation and inhibiting cancer cell growth by approximately 43–45%, though these benefits have not yet been confirmed in human clinical trials.

### What makes purple amaranth different from green amaranth?

Purple amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) derives its distinctive color from betalain pigments — specifically betacyanins — which are largely absent in green amaranth varieties. These betalains provide additional antioxidant capacity beyond the shared flavonoid and rutin content, potentially giving purple amaranth a broader free-radical-scavenging profile than its green counterparts.

### Does purple amaranth interact with any medications?

The rutin content in purple amaranth may have mild antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties, raising a potential interaction with blood-thinning drugs like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel that could increase bleeding risk if consumed in large supplemental doses. Individuals on these medications should consult a healthcare provider before using amaranth extracts, though moderate dietary intake is unlikely to pose significant risk.

### Can purple amaranth help with cancer prevention?

In vitro studies have shown that purple amaranth leaf extracts can inhibit cancer cell proliferation by approximately 43–45% at the tested doses, likely through modulation of caspase-3 activity and Bcl-2 expression in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. However, these are cell culture findings only — no human clinical trials have investigated purple amaranth as a cancer preventive or therapeutic agent, so no evidence-based claims of cancer prevention can be made.

### Is purple amaranth safe to eat every day?

Purple amaranth leaves are safe to consume daily as a food for most healthy adults and are a nutrient-dense source of iron, calcium, vitamin C, and protein. However, its moderate oxalate content means individuals prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones should limit intake to a few servings per week and ensure adequate hydration. Concentrated supplement extracts lack long-term safety data and should not be equated with ordinary dietary consumption.

### What is the most bioavailable form of purple amaranth, and how does preparation method affect nutrient absorption?

Purple amaranth's anthocyanins and antioxidants are best preserved when consumed as whole grain, flour, or minimally processed extracts, as heat and extended cooking can degrade some phytonutrients. Sprouting or fermenting purple amaranth may enhance bioavailability of minerals like iron and zinc by reducing antinutrient compounds. Studies on extract forms show concentrated preparations may deliver higher concentrations of active compounds, though whole-food consumption provides fiber and synergistic nutrients that support overall absorption.

### How much purple amaranth or purple amaranth extract should I consume daily to support cardiovascular health?

Standard dietary intake of purple amaranth as a grain ranges from ¼ to ½ cup cooked daily as part of a balanced diet, which provides natural amounts of anthocyanins and antioxidants. For concentrated extract supplements, clinical doses in research studies typically range from 50–200 mg of standardized anthocyanin extract daily, though optimal dosing for cardiovascular support has not been established in humans. It is advisable to start with lower amounts and consult a healthcare provider to determine appropriate dosing based on individual health status and dietary intake of other antioxidant-rich foods.

### What does current research show about the strength of evidence for purple amaranth's cardiovascular and anti-cancer effects?

Most evidence for purple amaranth's cardiovascular and anti-cancer benefits comes from in vitro (test tube) studies, which show promise but cannot be directly translated to human outcomes without clinical trials. The 43–45% inhibition of cancer cell growth and antithrombotic properties have only been demonstrated in laboratory settings, not in living organisms or humans. While these preliminary findings are encouraging, consumers should understand that purple amaranth should not be considered a treatment or prevention for cancer or cardiovascular disease until higher-quality human clinical research is completed.

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