Nutrient Status and Antioxidant Activity of the Invasive Amaranthus retroflexus L

Mihaela Lacatus, Patricia Tarkanyi, Luminita Pirvulescu (), Tiberiu Iancu, Ioan Ladislau Caba (), Nicolae-Valentin Vlăduț, Aurica Breica Borozan, Simion Alda and Despina-Maria Bordean
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Mihaela Lacatus: Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Patricia Tarkanyi: Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Luminita Pirvulescu: Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Tiberiu Iancu: Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Ioan Ladislau Caba: National Institute of Research-Development for Machines and Installations Designed to Agriculture and Food Industry-INMA, 013813 Bucharest, Romania
Nicolae-Valentin Vlăduț: National Institute of Research-Development for Machines and Installations Designed to Agriculture and Food Industry-INMA, 013813 Bucharest, Romania
Aurica Breica Borozan: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Simion Alda: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Despina-Maria Bordean: Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-15

Abstract: Amaranthus retroflexus L. is widely regarded as one of the world’s most invasive weeds, often linked to significant agricultural losses due to its resilience and herbicide resistance. However, unlike other amaranth species already recognized for their health benefits, A. retroflexus remains largely overlooked as a potential nutritional and pharmacological resource. This study investigates whether this abundantly growing plant could be repurposed as sustainable food. We focused on three main questions: Can weed be transformed into a food source? Does A. retroflexus offer comparable nutritional value as its relatives? And how can it be harvested safely for human use? Mineral content, total antioxidant capacity, and polyphenol content were analyzed across different plant parts. Results revealed high levels of essential minerals, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds, suggesting strong potential as a nutrient-dense food. However, traces of heavy metals—such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic—were detected in some samples, emphasizing the need for controlled cultivation. Overall, the findings support the safe and sustainable valorization of A. retroflexus in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Keywords: common weed; food crisis; minerals; total antioxidant capacity; fingerprint (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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