Water Amaranth in Traditional Indian Medicine, From ages, we know the system of traditional Indian medicine is the oldest of all medical sciences in the world. Ayurveda is the most famous system in traditional Indian medicine and gives a holistic way of medicine approach which coordinates the body, mind, and spirit as a whole.

Fundamental theory of traditional Indian medicine involves the five elements theory includes Prithvi (earth), Jala (water), Agni (fire), Vayu (air), and Akasha (ether). 

This theory of five elements is a natural philosophy in vedic culture which is used in medicine that emphasises human physiology.

Amaranth is a plant containing valuable qualities as food and many potent health benefits. Additional crucial advantages of this plant are better yield performance, increased  rate of photosynthesis, and drought resistance.

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Characteristics of the plant 

At the point when we investigate the qualities of the water amaranth plant, it belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is being grown as cereals, vegetables and ornamentals.

While in India, it is cultivated as a vegetable as the amaranth leaves has properties of medicine. In Poland, it is grown for the seeds as it is a source of lipids and proteins. 

Flour from these seeds are used in confectionery products such as flakes, bread, pasta and noodles

Nutritional value

Leaves of amaranth are a rich source of proteins, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin C and  vitamin A. These grains are made as popcorn and served as a combination with honey or milk, dry fruits and nuts in Mexico.  

Traditional uses

In the traditional way roots, stems and leaves of amaranth are best a liver tonic. In females it is widely used for treating white discharge from vagina. 

It has a property of galactagogue that promotes the production of breast milk. The roots of amaranth are better in relieving pain and inflammation as it act as a demulcent.

Traditional remedies

As per charaka samhita, root decoction of this plant is used to control bleeding after abortion. In children, it controls diarrhoea and it relieves piles in adults. 

Supplementary value 

As amaranth seed flour has less fraction of gluten and is best recommended to the people who are allergic to gluten. New formulations are developed by replacing some portions of rice and starch with amaranth.

Nutritional value of fortified cookies with amaranth flour was found higher than traditional wheat flour cookies. 

Oil from the amaranth seed is famous for the important property of being highly resistant to oxidation.

Pharmacological activity 

Coming to the Pharmacological activity, Amaranth has been utilised as an astringent as it contains saponins, protoalkaloids, and betacyans. 

Amaranth  is used for the treatment of diarrhoea, ulcers, and pharyngitis.

A decoction of amaranth is used in heavy menstrual bleeding and its flowers are used as  a remedy for diarrhoea, dysentery, cough, and haemorrhages. This plant is utilised for skin issues like acne and  eczema, and as a mouthwash for sore mouths

A report in the scientific literature explains the beneficial activity of amaranth on the cardiovascular, nervous systems, hypoglycemic effect, antimicrobial activity,  and antioxidant activity.

So, amaranth is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce various  medicinal products that act against atherosclerosis, stomach ulcers, tuberculosis, antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory preparations

Finally the Amaranth seed oil  also exhibits hypolipemic, anti-atherosclerotic, hypotensive, and antioxidant activity

Role in cosmetic industry 

The preparations of  Amaranth are used in the cosmetics industry as they have a rich nutritional properties. Seed oil of amaranth contains a considerate amount of unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and squalene.

Amaranth seed oil might be utilised for all skin types.. It is used as a perfect moisturiser and soothes irritations, improves wound healing with has antimicrobial properties

Furthermore , it provides skin-nourishing and anti-aging effects and also contributes to the regeneration, nourishment, and strengthening of the epidermis with the property of antioxidant

Future goal

Being a multi advantaged plant amaranth, it would be valuable to design an approach of far-sighted cultivation strategy for preparation of a global campaign that promotes the advantages of amaranth.

It is intended for food producers, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, and dietary supplement manufacturers

It is also crucial  to promote dynamic work for the development of new technologies and design research and development works which are reflected in the production of food and cosmetics from this plant.

Conclusion 

As an Amaranth plant with two faces of food for many centuries and used as a [lant medicine with various applications. It is currently used as an anti cancer drug with therapeutic function.

Amaranth plays a crucial role in reducing hunger in most underdeveloped countries and is recognised as a promising alternative healthy crop with great nutritional value. So it can be great potential to feed the global population

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