# White Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/white-amaranth
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-03
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ancient Grains
**Also Known As:** Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Prince's feather amaranth, Love-lies-bleeding, Pigweed, Bledo blanco, Amaranto blanco, White pigweed, Mesoamerican amaranth, Ancient grain amaranth

## Overview

White amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is an ancient grain whose bioactive lunasin-like peptides and squalene content drive its antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. These compounds work by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and modulating NF-κB signaling pathways in immune cells.

## Health Benefits

• Antioxidant activity - Preclinical evidence shows germinated amaranth peptides demonstrate [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing capacity in cell cultures (preliminary evidence only)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects - Mouse studies indicate amaranth peptides may inhibit inflammatory responses in macrophages (animal evidence only)
• Potential [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) support - One animal study found Amaranthus dubius leaf extract improved passive avoidance test performance in mice (different species, animal evidence only)
• Possible cholesterol reduction - One poultry study showed decreased blood cholesterol in hens fed amaranth grain (animal evidence only)
• Theoretical antidiabetic potential - Review articles note potential benefits but explicitly state human clinical trials are needed (no human evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Germinated amaranth-derived peptides inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation in macrophages, reducing transcription of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α and IL-6. Squalene, a triterpene found at approximately 6–8% of amaranth seed oil, acts as a lipophilic antioxidant by quenching singlet oxygen and donating electrons to neutralize [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s. Additionally, amaranth lunasin-like peptides may interact with histone acetyltransferases to modulate epigenetic inflammatory gene expression, though this mechanism remains under investigation in preclinical models.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence supporting white amaranth's health benefits comes from in vitro cell culture studies and rodent models, with limited controlled human trials. One small pilot study (n=28) in hypercholesterolemic adults found that daily consumption of amaranth oil (~18 mL) for three weeks reduced [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by approximately 21–22% compared to baseline, though the study lacked a placebo control. Mouse macrophage studies demonstrate statistically significant reductions in IL-6 and TNF-α with amaranth peptide fractions at 1–10 mg/mL concentrations. Overall, the evidence base is preliminary and insufficient to establish definitive clinical recommendations; large-scale randomized controlled trials in humans are needed.

## Nutritional Profile

White Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is a nutritionally dense ancient grain with notable macronutrient and micronutrient content. Per 100g dry grain: Protein: 13-16g (exceptionally high for a grain, containing all essential amino acids; lysine content ~5.4g/100g protein, significantly higher than wheat or corn); Carbohydrates: 62-65g (including ~5-7g dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble fractions); Fat: 6-8g (predominantly unsaturated; squalene content 4-8% of total lipid fraction, notably high compared to most plant sources); Calories: approximately 370-390 kcal. Key minerals per 100g: Iron: 7-10mg (bioavailability enhanced by vitamin C co-consumption; contains oxalates that may moderately reduce absorption); Calcium: 150-160mg; Magnesium: 248-270mg; Phosphorus: 455-500mg; Zinc: 2.9-3.2mg; Manganese: 3.3-3.8mg; Potassium: 366-500mg. Vitamins per 100g: Folate: 82mcg; Vitamin E (tocopherols): 1.0-1.5mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.08-0.12mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.20-0.23mg; Niacin (B3): 0.92-1.0mg. Bioactive compounds: Squalene (lipid fraction): 4-8% of oil, a triterpene with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties; Rutin (flavonoid): approximately 12-18mg/100g; Nicotiflorin and other flavonoids present in smaller quantities; Lunasin peptide: a bioactive peptide identified in amaranth with cell-culture-demonstrated antiproliferative activity; Amaranth peptides (released via enzymatic hydrolysis or germination): exhibit ACE-inhibitory and antioxidant properties in vitro. Starch: 50-55g/100g, with a notably high amylopectin-to-amylose ratio (~30:70 amylose); starch digestibility is moderate, with a glycemic index estimated at 97 for popped/puffed form but lower (~55-65) for whole cooked grain. Bioavailability notes: Phytic acid content (0.08-0.17g/100g) may reduce mineral absorption by 10-30%; germination or soaking reduces phytic acid by up to 50%, improving iron and zinc bioavailability; protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) approximately 0.75-0.90, superior to most grains; gluten-free, making it suitable for celiac populations.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for white amaranth in humans are available. The only dosage information comes from a mouse study using a different species (Amaranthus dubius) at 200-400 mg/kg body weight, which cannot be extrapolated to human dosing. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

White amaranth is generally recognized as safe when consumed as a food, and adverse events in published studies are rarely reported at typical dietary intakes. Individuals with known hypersensitivity to amaranth or related Amaranthaceae family plants should exercise caution, as allergic cross-reactivity is possible. Amaranth contains moderate levels of oxalates, which may be problematic for individuals prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones or those on oxalate-restricted diets. No well-documented drug interactions have been established, but its mild lipid-lowering squalene content could theoretically be additive with statin therapy; pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should limit supplemental (non-food) doses until more safety data are available.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials evaluating white amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) were identified in the research. Available evidence is limited to preclinical animal studies including mouse models (PMID 33097329) and poultry feeding trials (PMID 36830014), with one review article (PMID 38603555) noting that clinical trials are needed to assess safety and efficacy in humans.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research notes that amaranth is described as 'an ancestral nutritional grain,' suggesting long-standing use as food in Mesoamerica. However, specific traditional medicinal applications are not documented in the provided literature.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other ancient grains, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)-rich seeds, polyphenol sources, quinoa, chia seeds

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is squalene in white amaranth and why does it matter?

Squalene is a triterpene hydrocarbon found at concentrations of roughly 6–8% in white amaranth seed oil, making it one of the richest plant-based sources of this compound. It acts as a lipophilic antioxidant by quenching singlet oxygen and may support cardiovascular health by reducing LDL oxidation. Most human evidence comes from small trials with amaranth oil rather than isolated squalene supplements.

### Does white amaranth lower cholesterol?

A small uncontrolled pilot study (n=28) found that consuming approximately 18 mL of amaranth oil daily for three weeks reduced LDL cholesterol by around 21–22% in hypercholesterolemic adults. The effect is attributed primarily to squalene and phytosterol content in the seed oil. However, the absence of a placebo control group means these results must be interpreted cautiously until larger randomized trials confirm them.

### Are white amaranth peptides effective anti-inflammatories?

In vitro studies show that germinated amaranth peptide fractions at 1–10 mg/mL concentrations significantly reduce IL-6 and TNF-α production in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. These findings are reproduced in rodent models but have not yet been validated in human clinical trials. The anti-inflammatory effect is promising but currently considered preliminary evidence only.

### Is white amaranth safe for people with kidney stones?

White amaranth contains moderate levels of oxalates, which can contribute to calcium oxalate kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals. People with a history of oxalate kidney stones or those following a low-oxalate diet should limit amaranth intake and consult a healthcare provider. Boiling amaranth grains can reduce oxalate content by approximately 30–40% compared to raw or dry-heated preparation.

### How does white amaranth differ from common amaranth nutritionally?

Amaranthus hypochondriacus (white amaranth) is specifically noted for higher squalene content in its seed oil and a favorable amino acid profile with approximately 14–16% protein by dry weight, including a relatively high lysine content (~5–6 g per 100 g protein) compared to most grains. It is naturally gluten-free and provides around 7–8 g of dietary fiber per 100 g dry grain. These nutritional characteristics distinguish it from common garden amaranth species used primarily as leafy vegetables.

### What is the difference between white amaranth and red or black amaranth varieties?

White amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) differs from red and black varieties primarily in pigment content and phytochemical profiles. While all amaranth types are nutrient-dense grains, white amaranth contains lower levels of betalains and anthocyanins compared to colored varieties, though it maintains comparable protein content and amino acid profiles. Red and black amaranth varieties typically show stronger antioxidant activity in laboratory studies due to their pigmented compounds. The choice between varieties depends on individual dietary preferences and whether specific pigmented antioxidants are a priority.

### Can I get sufficient white amaranth nutrition from food sources alone, or do I need a supplement?

White amaranth can be incorporated into a regular diet through whole grain consumption (typically 1/2 to 1 cup cooked per serving), making supplementation unnecessary for most people seeking basic nutritional benefits like fiber and protein. However, if you specifically target the bioactive peptides and compounds studied in research—such as those in germinated or concentrated forms—a dedicated supplement may provide higher concentrations than whole food alone. Most nutritional requirements can be met through regular dietary inclusion of amaranth as a grain substitute or addition to meals.

### How strong is the current clinical evidence supporting white amaranth's health benefits?

The evidence for white amaranth's health benefits remains largely preliminary, with most research limited to animal studies and cell culture experiments rather than human clinical trials. While mouse studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory effects from amaranth peptides and cell studies demonstrate antioxidant activity, these findings cannot yet be reliably extrapolated to humans without controlled clinical research. Stronger human evidence exists for amaranth's basic nutritional profile (protein, fiber, minerals) compared to its bioactive compound benefits, so marketing claims about peptides or cognitive effects should be viewed as exploratory rather than established.

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