Callaloo
Amaranthus viridis
Amaranthus viridis, commonly known as green amaranth, is a traditional food plant found in various parts of the world. It has been traditionally consumed by the Setswana-speaking people and other communities for its nutritional value. Scientific evidence suggests that Amaranthus viridis can exhibit stress responses such as antioxidant enzyme activation and nonenzymatic antioxidant accumulation to mitigate chromium toxicity. However, there is limited scientific research on its traditional uses beyond its role as a food source. The plant shows promise in reducing metal uptake in soil treated with rock-phosphate-modified hydrochars while enhancing biomass production. There are no major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions associated with Amaranthus viridis, though further studies are needed to fully explore its potential benefits and applications.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Amaranthus viridis exhibits stress responses including antioxidant enzyme activation and nonenzymatic antioxidant accumulation to combat chromium toxicity.
- Amaranthus viridis L. was one of the most consumed wild edible plants among the Setswana-speaking people in the study area.
- Five dominant summer weeds varied in their tolerance to salinity and drought, with differing physiological and biochemical responses.
- Amaranthus viridis grown in soil treated with rock-phosphate-modified hydrochars showed reduced metal uptake and enhanced biomass compared to untreated soil.
Frequently asked questions
What is Callaloo?
Callaloo (Amaranthus viridis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Callaloo?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Callaloo; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Amaranthus viridis exhibits stress responses including antioxidant enzyme activation and nonenzymatic antioxidant accumulation to combat chromium toxicity.
How strong is the evidence for Callaloo?
The strongest finding for Callaloo carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Callaloo safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Callaloo in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Callaloo interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Callaloo in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Callaloo?
Callaloo is also known as: Амарант зелёный, Amarante verte.
Is Callaloo a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Wild edible plants and associated indigenous knowledge among the Setswana-speaking people of North West Province in South Africa. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Function of Secondary Metabolites and Associated Genes in Combatting Abiotic Stress Caused by Chromium Nitrate in Amaranthus viridis L. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Divergent physiological and biochemical strategies confer differential salinity and drought tolerance in five prevalent summer weeds. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Rock-phosphate-enriched hydrochars derived from organic wastes: a sustainable amendment for multi-metal contaminated soil. literature abstract metadata