B.G. Unni

This paper reviews the traditional, clinical potential, ethnopharmacology, phytoconstituent studies and safety profile of Prickly Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus Linn.) with a view to explore the potentiality of the plant and proclaim it to the nature product researchers throughout the world. Phytochemical investigations prove its importance as valuable medicinal plant. It is known as a rich source of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic acids, steroids, amino acids, terpenoids, lipids, saponin, betalain, b-sitosterol, stigmasterol, linoleic acid, rutin, catechuic tannins and carotenoids. Various researchers have carried out wide spectrum studies on its pharmacological actions and preliminary work has been reported on antidiabetic, antitumour, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, antifertility, antimalarial, antioxidant properties etc. Hence Prickly Amaranth holds a great potential for in depth biological evaluation.