AMARANTHUS SPP. IN UTTARAKHAND: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF ETHNOMEDICINAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS

Amaranthus is one of the millets with rich source of vitamins, micronutrients, fatty acids, proteins and squalene. It is used as forages, medicinal plants, cereals, vegetables, dye plants and as ornamentals. It has a higher protein content which making it a beneficial choice for people who do not consume or cannot afford animal protein sources. The genus displays a huge ecological plasticity, with species occurring from river banks, wet areas, shady places, roadsides and wastelands. The present study deals on ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and nutritional values of eight species of genus Amaranthus in Uttarakhand. Information on traditional practices, preparation, scientific names and available vernacular names has been provided.