Exploring the Phytochemical Profile and Pharmacological Activities of Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L)

Exploring the Phytochemical Profile and Pharmacological Activities of Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L) Amudha P Department of Biochemistry, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai - 600117, Tamil Nadu, India Anadhabhairavi N School of Agriculture, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai - 600117, Tamil Nadu, India Prakash Vairakannu School of Agriculture, Bharath Institute of Higher education and research, Selaiyur, Chennai - 600 073, Tamil Nadu, India Satheesh Kumar Department of Biochemistry, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai - 600117, Tamil Nadu, India Durga Devi G Department of Anatomy, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai - 600 044, Nadu, India. Thavamani M Department of Biochemistry, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai - 600117, Tamil Nadu, India Kumaresan Marappan School of Agriculture, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai - 600117, Tamil Nadu, India Meera Thangaraj School of Agriculture, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai - 600117, Tamil Nadu, India

Amaranthus tricolor L. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as edible amaranth or Chinese spinach, is a nutrient-dense leafy vegetable with significant ethnomedicinal importance. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. tricolor stem and roots. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of key bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, proteins, amino acids, polyphenols, and terpenoids. Quantitative analysis indicated a considerable total phenolic content (1.5146 µg/g), suggesting strong antioxidant potential. The in vitro anti-diabetic activity demonstrated effective α-amylase inhibition with an IC₅₀ value of 115.98 µg/mL, comparable to the standard drug acarbose (125.81 µg/mL). Anti-inflammatory activity assessed by the human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method showed dose-dependent inhibition, with an IC₅₀ value of 177.42 µg/mL, compared to diclofenac (114.03 µg/mL). Antioxidant activity evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay exhibited significant free radical inhibition with an IC₅₀ value of 47.77 µg/mL. The extract demonstrated appreciable iron content, indicating its potential role in managing iron deficiency anemia. The observed pharmacological activities may be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds and other phytoconstituents. The findings suggest that A. tricolor stem and root extracts possess promising anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, along with nutritional benefits. Further in vivo and clinical studies are required to validate these results and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.