Amaranthus gangeticus

Taxobox
name = "Elephant Head Amaranth"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Caryophyllales
familia = Amaranthaceae
genus = "Amaranthus"
binomial = "Amaranthus gangeticus"
binomial_authority = L

"Amaranthus gangeticus" is also known as elephant-head amaranth. It is an annual flowering plant with deep purple flowers. It can grow from 2-3 feet in height.

In Bangladesh, it has been used as a leafy vegetable. Scientific study suggests that it inhibits calcium retention. Another study suggested that due to high levels of antioxidants found in the plant, it could have a radioprotective role in mice.

References

* [http://www.robsplants.com/plants/AmaraGange.php Growing Information and Picture]
* [http://www.nutritionsociety.org.uk/bjn/090/bjn0900521.htm Calcium Nutrition Study]
*Verma RK, Sisodia R, Bhatia AL. J Med Food. 2002 Winter;5(4):189-95