Amaranth extract 20% | Amaranthus caudatus

Properties: Amaranth (known as love-lies-bleeding) is one of the most popular members of the plant genus Amaranthus. Widely used as an ornamental plant due to the beautiful, red-purple flowers, that are its most distinctive part. After all, is their nice color that has come to be known in painting as amaranth. This plant is also praised by enthusiasts of herbal medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, amaranth is used primarily to support the immune system and vitality of the body. It is worth emphasizing that in ancient Greece it was perceived as a special herb, because its colorful flowers symbolized immortality. And although it still enjoys considerable interest in folk medicine, we should also consider what scientists have found about the health-promoting properties of amaranth.

Thanks to research, it has been established that amaranthus contains many active compounds with antimicrobial properties. They help to reduce the growth of microbes that cause infections. At the same time, they prevent excessive development of inflammation, which is a natural and desirable reaction of the organism. However, long-lasting inflammation can be destructive and spread to various body tissues. The active substances of amaranth influence the activity of pro-inflammatory factors, and because of that they regulate the intensity of immune responses. This can be especially important in the case of an allergic reaction, as research results prove that amaranth is able to relieve some of the allergy symptoms. Currently, there is also more discussion about the potential use of this herb in cancer prevention, as the active compounds contained in it inhibit the multiplication of cancer cells.

Nevertheless, it would be difficult to stay healthy without a smooth process of cleansing the body. Undoubtedly, one of the most important components of the detoxification system is the liver. This organ performs many important functions and one of them is to metabolize various types of chemical compounds, including harmful ones, so that they can be removed from the body. The substances contained in A. caudatus have been proven to protect the liver from the effects of certain toxins, thus supporting its proper functioning. At the same time, they contribute to mitigating oxidative stress. They show antioxidant activity, which means that they reduce the concentration of reactive oxygen species in the body. That way, various body cells can be protected from damage. In addition to that, it is worth noting that amaranth extract can bring benefits for the circulatory system. It facilitates control of the cholesterol level in blood, supporting the prevention of atherosclerosis. Moreover, it helps to lower blood pressure, which is of great importance in terms of heart health and vitality of the whole body. And since the active compounds found in amaranth stabilize blood sugar levels, they can reduce attacks of strong, uncontrolled hunger and make it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle, also in regards to nutrition.

Occurrence:Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) is an annual plant in the amaranth family. It is a close relative of red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), dubbed the “grain of the 21st century”. Its moderately branched stem grows up to 1.5 meters in height, but can sometimes reach up to 2.5 meters. The leaves are egg-shaped or broadly lanceolate. They are 5-15 cm long and 2-10 cm wide. Small flowers are gathered in bulky, pendulous spikes, forming complex panicles. The inflorescences take on a red, purple or white color, less often green or yellow. They look spectacular, which is why amaranth gained popularity as an ornamental plant. The fruits look like round or broadly ovoid pouches. The seeds, roughly a little over 1 mm in diameter, are dark brown or yellowish-white in color. The temperate climate that occurs in Central Europe does not let amaranth bring fruits since the temperature changes are not as high as in the Andes.

Biochemistry: Amaranth seeds contain significant amounts of protein (about 13,5 g/100 g) with a profile similar to legumes, yet of greater quality. It has a lot of lysine (67 mg per 1 g of protein) and seems to be highly bioavailable. These seeds are a source of vitamins and minerals. They contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), riboflavin (B2), folic acid (B9) and tocopherol (vitamin E) as well as iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. In addition to that, there are numerous polyphenols (including ferulic, caffeic, vanillic, or p-coumaric acids),   flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin), betalains with strong antioxidant properties, saponins, triterpene glycosides, bioactive peptides, phytosterols, carotenoids and anthocyanins.

Fun fact: Amaranth seeds were one of the main sources of nutrition for tribes of Central and Southern America. During certain ceremonies they were used to prepare cookies with human blood. Spanish conquistadors perceived this act as a blasphemy to sacramental bread and thus prohibited growing amaranth under the punishment of mutilation or even death. The plant became popular again in the second half of the 20th century when the rich content of their seeds was closely examined.