EXPLORATION OF THE BIOLOGICAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL AND NUTRACEUTIC PROPERTIES OF THE SPECIES AMARANTHUS RETROFLEXUS L.

Abstract

The globalization of agriculture and its industrialization seems to be unceasing, with negative consequences such as loss of biodiversity and health risks perceived worldwide. These implications range from monoculture practices, which reduce genetic variation in agriculture, to biased technological development, which uses only a few species of energy-intensive plants. The limited variety of agricultural products raises concerns about the ability of major crops to address food insecurity and alleviate poverty. To meet such problems, exploitation of underutilized crop species is important for expanding the field of research and development. Millions of people around the world depend on thousands of different plant species to support their livelihoods, health and cultural traditions, namely, they provide food, medicine, fiber, fuel and other important resources that people rely on for survival.