Recent progress in research on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of some wild plants of family Amaranthaceae: an updated review

Abstract

Background

The Amaranthaceae family, belonging to the order Caryophyllales, represents one of the most morphologically and ecologically diversified plant families. It comprises approximately 175 genera and over 2000 species. Members of this family exhibit a broad range of adaptations and hold significant economic, ecological, and medicinal importance. Several wild species within this family have been traditionally employed in ethnomedicine across diverse cultures for the treatment of various ailments.

Aim

This review aims to comprehensively summarize the botanical characteristics, ethnobotanical relevance, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of eight medicinally important wild herbs from the Amaranthaceae family. The selected species include Amaranthus viridis, Chenopodium album, Achyranthes aspera, Alternanthera sessilis, Digera muricata, Celosia argentea, Gomphrena celosioides, and Cyathula prostrata. The review further elucidates their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties along with their proposed mechanisms of action, thereby validating traditional claims with scientific evidence.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using reputable scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Information was gathered from peer-reviewed articles, ethnobotanical surveys, pharmacological reports, and toxicological studies. Each plant was evaluated based on its traditional uses, major bioactive compounds, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological assessments, and safety profile.

Conclusion

The compiled data underscore the immense therapeutic potential of wild herbs within the Amaranthaceae family. These plants are rich sources of diverse phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which are primarily responsible for their observed bioactivities. The documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects support their ethnopharmacological usage and warrant further exploration. The findings of this review advocate for intensified pharmacological and molecular research on these underutilized species to facilitate the development of novel natural therapeutic agents. Promoting scientific validation and sustainable utilization of these plants could significantly contribute to drug discovery and the development of plant-based pharmaceuticals.

Graphical abstract

This review comprehensively summarizes botanical description, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of some wild plants of the Amaranthaceae family.