Variation in the polyphenol composition, antioxidant, and anticancer activity among different Amaranthus species

Abstract Amaranthus is an edible plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae, which is consumed in their fresh or cooked form. Several species of the plant are available and are rich in various nutrients and bioactive molecules. The study evaluated the phenolic contents, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of the methanolic extract of aerial parts from Amaranthus dubius (AD), A. spinosus (AS), A. tricolor (AT), and A. viridis (AV). The results of the study indicated a higher level of polyphenols in AS and AT. Flavonoid content was higher in AS. In vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity was also higher in AD; whereas in hydroxyl scavenging and FRAP was higher in AS. Anticancer activity against MCF7 cells was higher in AD (IC50= 48.22± 3.65 µg/mL); whereas in MDAMB231 cells, AS was more toxic (IC50= 82.11± 7.02 µg/mL). The present study highlights the nutraceuticals potential of Amaranthus species in oxidative damages and cancer proliferation.