Present Biological Status of Potential Medicinal Plant of Amaranthus viridis: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Amaranthus viridis L. belongs to family (Amaranthaceae) commonly known as "Chowlai" is a common wild vegetable and weed of cultivation. A. viridis contains several compounds like amino acids lysine, arginine, histidine, cystine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, tyrosine etc. In search of new activities chemical entities, pytochemical screening of the extract from leaves of A. vilidis L. indicates the presence of biologically active constituent: saponins, tannins and phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, steroid and triterpenoids. A. vilidis L have some chemical constituent that exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antihepatotoxic, antiulcer antiallergic, antiviral actions. A. viridis used in Indian and Nepalese traditional system to reduce labour pain and act an antipyretic. The Negritos of the Philippines apply the bruised leaves directly to eczema, psoriasis and rashes etc. Other traditional uses range from an anti-inflammatory agent of the urinary tract, venereal diseases vermifuge, diuretic, anti-rheumatic, antiulcer, analgesic, antiemetic, laxative, improvement of appetite, antilep-rotic, treatment of respiratory and eye problems , to treatment of asthma.