A pharmacognostic and pharmacological review

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A pharmacognostic and pharmacological review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the various pharmacological actions exhibited by Amaranthus spinosus, such as its antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimalarial, and analgesic properties. Each activity highlights a specific beneficial interaction the plant extract has on biological systems, studied through different experimental models.

2) Water:
Water is significant as a solvent used to prepare extracts from Amaranthus spinosus for various pharmacological studies. For example, water extracts are used in assessing immuno-modulatory properties, antioxidant activities, and other therapeutic potentials, illustrating the importance of water in its pharmacognostic preparation.

3) Medicine:
Medicine is pivotal here as Amaranthus spinosus is traditionally used in various forms to treat multiple ailments including diabetes, inflammation, malaria, and as a diuretic. Its ethnopharmacologic applications underline its importance in folk medicine across different cultures and regions.

4) Blood:
Blood is mentioned in studies evaluating the effects of Amaranthus spinosus on haematological parameters such as red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, showcasing its potential in affecting blood-related health conditions.

5) Post:
Post refers to various post-treatment evaluations in the experimental studies. For instance, post-inflammation and post-diabetes assessments help in measuring the efficacy of Amaranthus spinosus extracts in controlling these health conditions, thus confirming their therapeutic actions.

6) Drug:
Drug refers to Amaranthus spinosus being likened to, or compared with, conventional drugs in the studies. For example, chloroquine was used as a reference drug in antimalarial assays to benchmark the efficacy of Amaranthus spinosus bark extract, reinforcing its potential as an alternative or complementary medicine.

7) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the central theme of the paper, emphasizing the systematic study of Amaranthus spinosus' bioactive compounds and their effects on biological systems. The term encompasses the research on its pharmacognostic profile and various pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties.

8) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a significant concern examined in the studies, where Amaranthus spinosus extracts were tested for their anti-inflammatory properties. The research findings underscore the plant's potential in reducing inflammation, a common symptom in many chronic diseases, making it a valuable therapeutic candidate.

9) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid refers to a class of phytoconstituents present in Amaranthus spinosus. These compounds, such as quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, are noted for their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, playing a crucial role in the plant's pharmacological activities.

10) Edema (Oedema):
Edema is cited in both the toxicological effects (such as subcutaneous oedema in animals) and therapeutic applications of Amaranthus spinosus. This duality underscores its importance in studying both potential adverse effects and health benefits.

11) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the adverse effects observed in extensive toxicity studies of Amaranthus spinosus. These studies are crucial for establishing safe dosage levels and understanding potential side effects, such as renal failure in animals, ensuring its medicinal use is both effective and safe.

12) Swelling:
Swelling is a symptom targeted by the therapeutic use of Amaranthus spinosus. The plant's application in reducing swelling around the stomach and its diuretic properties demonstrate its role in managing fluid accumulation and inflammatory conditions.

13) Cancer:
Cancer is relevant here as some constituents of Amaranthus spinosus, like betalains, have been cited for their anticancer properties. The plant's potential in combating cancerous cells positions it as a candidate for further oncological research and potential therapeutic use.

14) Snake poison (Snake venom):
Snake poison refers to traditional uses of Amaranthus spinosus as an antidote for snake bites. This ethnomedicinal application highlights the plant's potential in neutralizing toxins and underscores its historical significance and therapeutic versatility.

15) Purification:
Purification is mentioned in the context of obtaining specific active compounds from Amaranthus spinosus, such as the immuno-stimulatory protein GF1. This process is crucial for isolating and identifying bioactive molecules, facilitating detailed pharmacological studies and therapeutic application development.

16) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to the rigorous, evidence-based approach employed in the studies of Amaranthus spinosus. The research integrates traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods to validate and understand the plant's medicinal properties and pharmacological effects.

17) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional Indian system of medicine that utilizes Amaranthus spinosus for treating liver diseases and other conditions. This highlights the plant's longstanding role in herbal medicine and its significance in cultural and medicinal practices in South Asia.

18) Lakshmi (Lakṣmī):
Lakshmi likely refers to one of the researchers or authors associated with the studies on Amaranthus spinosus. The reference underscores the collaborative efforts and contributions of various scientists in the pharmacological research of this plant.

19) Allergy:
Allergy is significant as the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) are an indicator of allergic responses. The research into Amaranthus spinosus includes studying its immunomodulatory effects, which could have implications for managing allergic conditions through modulation of immune responses.

20) Castor:
Castor oil is used in pharmacological studies as an inducer of diarrhea to test the anti-diarrheal efficacy of Amaranthus spinosus extracts. This establishes baselines for evaluating the plant's therapeutic effects on gastrointestinal conditions.

21) Paniya (Paṇiya, Pānīya, Pāṇiyā):
Paniya refers to one of the tribes in Kerala, India, that traditionally use Amaranthus spinosus. This highlights the ethnobotanical relevance and the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge regarding the medicinal uses of local flora.

22) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharma likely refers to a researcher or author cited in the document. Their contributions to studying Amaranthus spinosus and related pharmacological phenomena underscore the collaborative and cumulative nature of scientific research.

23) Hema (Hemā, Heman):
Hema likely refers to a researcher or author contributing to the studies of Amaranthus spinosus. This underscores the role of individual researchers in advancing the understanding of this medicinal plant's properties and applications.

24) Diet:
Diet is relevant in the context of the nutritional analysis of Amaranthus spinosus, which is consumed as a vegetable. The plant's high nutritive value, rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, demonstrates its dual role as both food and medicine.

25) Hand:
Hand is mentioned in various contexts, likely metaphorically indicating the human intervention involved in cultivating, harvesting, and preparing Amaranthus spinosus for medicinal and nutritional uses, highlighting the plant's role in agriculture and folk medicine.

26) Worm:
Worm is relevant in the context of anthelmintic activity studies. Amaranthus spinosus extracts were tested for their effectiveness in paralyzing and killing worms, showcasing its potential in treating parasitic worm infestations.

27) Salt (Salty):
Salt is mentioned in traditional uses of Amaranthus spinosus. For example, leaves boiled without salt were traditionally consumed to cure jaundice, illustrating seasonal and regional variations in its medicinal preparations and uses.

28) Wolf:
Wolf refers to the author, P.L. Wolf, who is cited in the context of biochemical diagnosis of liver diseases. The reference underscores the importance of biochemical studies in validating the hepatoprotective properties of Amaranthus spinosus.