Historical background

Amaranthus species have been cultivated from time inmemorial in both Central and South America, particularly by the Aztecs and Mayas, Brucher (1989) reminds that cruel rituals were undertaken with amaran grains wich were mixed with the blood of sacrified humans to form replicas of Aztec goddesses. As a consequence the Christian “Conquistadores” prohibited not only the ceremonies but also the cultivation of amarant, so that only small plots survived wich now represent an invaluable genopool (see also VELEZ & VELEZ 1990)

Origin:

The species is probably indigenous to Central and South America (Peru, México, Ecueador, etc)

 Occurence:

According to Pittier (1970), the species is found in central and east Venzuela where it is called “pira blanca”, while in Tachira it is known under the name “bledo blanco”. It is a pantropical weed.

Medical use

According to ALBORNOZ (1993), the plant is used for inflammations, fever, pectoral diseases, intestinal parasites, and to cure wounds. It is also applied for contusions, rheumatism, cough, and ulcer. Related species such as Amaranthus bilitum L., A. Caudatus L. and A. dub ius MARTIUS have similar medicinal properties (CORREA & BERNAL 1989).

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Origin

Jamaica

Folk medicinal uses

A. viridis and A. spinosus and perhaps the third species are among the most common green vegetables in Jamaica. Calalu is said to be 'good for the bowels'. A. viridis contains vitamin C, tannin, resin and reducing sugars. It is similarly used in parts of Africa where the leaves provide poultices for abscesses and boils. A. spinosus is also used as a potherb. All three species are used as spinach in Trinidad, A. viridis being cultivated for the purpose. (15, 17).

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Origin:

Nigeria

Part used

leaves, roots

Medicinal uses

antihelminthics,dysentry,antipasmodic,diuretic

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Origen
“Cariri Paraibano”, Brazil
Medicinal indication
- Anti-inflammatory of the tract urinary and blenorrheas: Fresh leaves
- As vermifuge: Fresh leaves
- Against hydropsies: Entire plant

1) South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.

2) Asprey, G.F.; Phyllis Thornton/ Medicinal plants of Jamaica. Parts I & II. – p. 3.

3) Abd El-Ghani1, Monier M./ Traditional medicinal plants of Nigeria: an overview: Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(5): 220-247. - p. 222.

4) M.F. Agra; et al/ Medicinal and poisonous diversity of the flora of “Cariri Paraibano”, Brazil/ Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111 (2007), p. 386.