Characterization of Amaranthus spinosus collected from different regions: Phytochemical and biological properties

Abstract

Amaranth is extensively cultivated as a green leafy vegetable and grain crop in many countries. The nutritional, chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and hemolytic potential of Amaranthus spinosus leaves collected from different locations in Tunisia were evaluated and compared. Leaves showed high levels of protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber, and ash. The leaves presented high contents in macro (K, Mg, Ca, and Na) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, and Mn). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged between 6.6 to 19.6 mg GAE/g DW and 4.07 to 10.48 mg CAE/g DW, respectively. The major compound in the essential oil was found to be α -thujone. The plant exhibited high antioxidant activity with EC50 values ranging from 25.55 to 54.58 μg/mL for DPPH radical scavenging capacity and 37.54–116.72 μg/mL for H2O2 scavenging activity, respectively. Moreover, A. spinosus leaves have the potential to protect red blood cells from hemolysis. Practical applications The results showed that A. spinosus could be a new source of nutrients and antioxidants and its use in human diet, nutraceutical development, and therapy is encouraged. Especially, it could be used to mitigate the risk of various diseases including cardiovascular, neurological, cancer, and Alzheimer's which are caused by reactive oxygen species (like H2O2).