Underutilization Versus Nutritional-Nutraceutical Potential of the Amaranthus Food Plant: A Mini-Review
Source abstract
Abstract
Amaranthus is a C4 plant tolerant to drought, and plant diseases and a suitable option for climate change. This plant could form part of every region’s cultural heritage and can be transferred to the next generation. Moreover, Amaranthus is a multipurpose plant that has been identified as a traditional edible vegetable endowed with nutritional value, besides its fodder, medicinal, nutraceutical, industrial, and ornamental potentials. In recent decade Amaranthus has received increased research interest. Despite its endowment, there is a dearth of awareness of its numerous potential benefits hence, it is being underutilized. Suitable cultivation systems, innovative processing, and value-adding techniques to promote its utilization are scarce. However, a food-based approach has been suggested as a sustainable measure that tackles food-related problem, especially in harsh weather. Thus, in this review, a literature search for updated progress and potential uses of Amaranthus from online databases of peer-reviewed articles and books was conducted. In addition, the nomenclature, nutritional, and nutraceutical value, was reviewed. The species of focus highlighted in the review include, A. blitum, A. caudatus, A. cruentus, A. dubius, A. hypochondriacus, A. spinosus, A. thunbergii, A. tricolor, and A. viridis.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Seed and Plant Biochemistry · Microbial Metabolites in Food Biotechnology · Rabbits: Nutrition, Reproduction, Health
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Disipline of Food Security, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Science University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
Department of Consumer Science, University of Zululand, 24 Main Road, KwaDlangezwa, Uthungulu 3886, South Africa
Department of Botany and Plant Biotectechnology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa
DST-NRF-Center, Indiginous Knowledge System, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville 3629, South Africa
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