Amaranthus retroflexus vs Launaea Taraxacifolia

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Amaranthus retroflexus

Nutritive

Launaea taraxacifolia

Nutritive

Description

Weedy annual plant from the Americas, one of the most nutritious wild plants high in protein and minerals.

Annual herb native to Africa used as a leafy vegetable and medicinal herb across West Africa for blood disorders, inflammation, and as a tonic.

Active Compounds

amaranthine, betacyanins, squalene, lysine, protein, iron, calcium, magnesium

flavonoids, phenolics, sesquiterpene lactones, tannins

Traditional Uses

Consumed as food and medicine by Native Americans, Used by Mesoamerican cultures for seeds and leaves

blood disorders, inflammation, digestive tonic, fever, edema

Modern Uses

Nutritive food supplement, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant protection, Protein supplementation

anti-inflammatory, nutritive, antioxidant, diuretic

Adult Dosage

Dietary consumption; Seed powder: 5-10g/day

Fresh leaves as vegetable freely or 5g as tea

Contraindications

Kidney disease from oxalates, Nitrate accumulation in polluted soils

allergy to Asteraceae, excessive use

Side Effects

Oxalate kidney stones at very high intake

very well tolerated

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E