Amaranthus spinosus L.
Botanical Details:
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Genus: Amaranthus
• Species: spinosus
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Synonyms:
• Amaranthus spinosa (L.)
• Amaranthus cruentus (var. spinosus)
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Common Names:
• English: Spiny Amaranth, Thorny Amaranth
• Malayalam: മുള്ളൻചീര Mullan cheera
• Tamil: முள்ளுக்கீரை MULLU KEERAI
Botanical Description:
• Plant Type: Annual herbaceous plant
• Height: 30–120 cm tall
• Stem: Erect, with long and stiff spines.
• Leaves: Ovate to lanceolate, alternately arranged.
• Flowers: Small, greenish, in dense spikes or panicles.
• Fruit: Small, black seeds.
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Uses of Amaranthus spinosus:
1. Medicinal Uses:
• Traditional medicine: Amaranthus spinosus is used in various traditional systems of medicine. In Ayurveda and Siddha, it is considered beneficial for treating inflammatory conditions, fever, and gastrointestinal disorders.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The leaves are used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
• Anti-diabetic: Extracts from the plant have shown to have potential in lowering blood sugar levels.
• Wound Healing: The leaves are used in poultices to treat wounds, cuts, and skin infections.
2. Culinary Uses:
• Leafy vegetable: The young leaves and shoots of Amaranthus spinosus are consumed as leafy vegetables in many parts of India. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Common dishes: Often used in soups, salads, and stir-fries in both South Indian and Ayurvedic cuisines.
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