Researchers tested whether eating amaranth leaves could help control blood sugar in rats with diabetes. They found that rats fed a diet containing 10% amaranth leaves had blood sugar levels that improved almost as much as rats treated with metformin, a common diabetes medication. This suggests that amaranth leaves, which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, might be a natural food-based option to help manage type 2 diabetes. The study lasted four weeks and compared different amounts of amaranth in the diet to see which worked best.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating amaranth leaves could help lower blood sugar and improve insulin function in diabetic rats, similar to how the drug metformin works.
  • Who participated: The study used 36 laboratory rats divided into six groups. Some rats were healthy (control group), while others were made diabetic using a high-fat diet and a chemical injection. This mimics how type 2 diabetes develops in humans.
  • Key finding: Rats eating a diet with 10% amaranth leaves showed blood sugar improvements that were just as good as rats treated with metformin medication. Their insulin levels and liver function also improved significantly (p < 0.05, meaning the results were statistically reliable).
  • What it means for you: Amaranth leaves may work as a natural food option to help manage blood sugar, but this is early-stage research in animals. More studies in humans are needed before we can recommend it as a diabetes treatment. Talk to your doctor before making dietary changes for diabetes management.

The Research Details

This was an animal study conducted over four weeks using laboratory rats. Researchers created two groups: healthy rats and diabetic rats (made diabetic through a high-fat diet combined with a chemical injection). They then divided the diabetic rats into four treatment groups: one receiving plain water (untreated control), one receiving metformin (a standard diabetes drug at 100 mg per kilogram of body weight), and two groups receiving amaranth leaf-based diets at different concentrations (5%, 10%, and 20% of their total food). The researchers measured various blood markers and liver function before and after the four-week treatment period to see which approach worked best.

The study measured several important diabetes markers: blood glucose levels (how much sugar is in the blood), liver glycogen (stored sugar in the liver), HOMA-IR (a measure of insulin resistance), HbA1c (a three-month average of blood sugar), insulin levels, and HOMA-β (a measure of how well the pancreas is working). These measurements help determine how well each treatment controlled diabetes.

This type of animal research is important because it allows scientists to test new treatments safely before considering human trials. However, results in rats don’t always translate directly to humans, so this study serves as a promising first step rather than proof that amaranth will work the same way in people.

This research approach matters because it tests a traditional folk remedy using modern scientific methods. Many people with diabetes experience side effects from medications or struggle to take them consistently. If natural foods like amaranth could help manage blood sugar, it might improve treatment compliance and reduce medication side effects. The study’s four-week duration allows researchers to see relatively quick results, though longer studies would be needed to understand long-term effects.

Strengths of this study include: it used a proper control group (untreated diabetic rats), it compared results to an established medication (metformin), it measured multiple relevant markers of diabetes control, and it tested three different doses to find the optimal amount. Limitations include: it was conducted only in rats, not humans; the sample size wasn’t specified in the abstract; it lasted only four weeks, which is relatively short; and we don’t know if the results would apply to different populations or different types of diabetes. The journal (Plant Foods for Human Nutrition) is reputable for nutrition research but is more specialized than top-tier medical journals.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that rats fed a diet containing 10% amaranth leaves showed significant improvements in blood sugar control. Specifically, their fasting blood glucose levels decreased, their HbA1c (a measure of average blood sugar over time) improved, and their HOMA-IR score (which measures insulin resistance) got better. These improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and were comparable to the improvements seen in rats treated with metformin, the standard diabetes medication.

The 10% amaranth diet also improved how well the rats’ pancreases were functioning, as measured by HOMA-β scores. This suggests the amaranth leaves may have helped the pancreas produce insulin more effectively. Additionally, liver glycogen levels (stored sugar in the liver) improved in the amaranth-treated groups, which is important because the liver plays a key role in blood sugar regulation.

Interestingly, the 5% and 20% doses didn’t work quite as well as the 10% dose. This suggests there’s an optimal amount of amaranth needed—more isn’t necessarily better. The 20% dose was less effective than the 10% dose, which is important information for future studies and potential practical applications.

Beyond the main blood sugar measurements, the study found improvements in plasma insulin levels (the amount of insulin circulating in the blood) in the amaranth-treated groups. This is significant because it shows the amaranth may be helping the body use insulin more efficiently rather than just forcing the pancreas to produce more. The study also noted improvements in liver function markers, suggesting amaranth leaves may protect liver health—important because diabetes often damages the liver.

This research builds on earlier studies showing that amaranth leaf extracts have anti-diabetic properties. Previous research tested concentrated extracts (ethanol and ethyl acetate fractions), while this study tested whole amaranth leaves incorporated into food, which is more practical for real-world use. The finding that whole-food amaranth works similarly to these extracts is encouraging because it suggests you don’t need to process the leaves into special extracts to get benefits. This aligns with traditional medicine practices where people have eaten amaranth leaves for generations to manage blood sugar.

Important limitations to understand: First, this was animal research using rats, not humans. Rats’ bodies process food and medications differently than human bodies, so results may not translate directly. Second, the study lasted only four weeks, which is relatively short for understanding long-term effects or safety. Third, the abstract doesn’t specify the exact number of rats in each group, making it harder to evaluate statistical power. Fourth, the study doesn’t explain what other nutrients or compounds in amaranth might be responsible for the benefits, so we don’t know the active ingredients. Finally, the study doesn’t address whether amaranth would work for type 1 diabetes or other types of diabetes, only type 2 diabetes in this rat model.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, we cannot yet recommend amaranth leaves as a replacement for diabetes medication in humans. However, the findings suggest amaranth leaves may be a promising addition to a healthy diet for people with type 2 diabetes (confidence level: low to moderate, based on animal studies only). If you have diabetes, you might discuss adding amaranth leaves to your diet with your doctor or dietitian, but continue taking prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. The optimal amount appears to be around 10% of total food intake, though human studies are needed to confirm this.

This research is most relevant to: people with type 2 diabetes looking for natural dietary approaches, researchers studying plant-based diabetes treatments, and healthcare providers interested in functional foods. People with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women with gestational diabetes, or those taking blood-thinning medications should consult their doctor before significantly increasing amaranth consumption. Anyone currently taking diabetes medications should not change their treatment based on this animal study alone.

In the rat study, improvements appeared within four weeks. If amaranth works similarly in humans, you might expect to see changes in blood sugar markers within 4-8 weeks of consistent consumption. However, this timeline is speculative based on animal data. Real improvements in humans would likely take longer and would need to be monitored through blood tests with your healthcare provider.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily amaranth leaf consumption (in grams or servings) alongside fasting blood glucose readings (if you monitor at home) or HbA1c results (from doctor visits every 3 months). Note the form consumed: fresh leaves, cooked greens, or supplements.
  • Start by adding one serving of cooked amaranth leaves (about 1 cup cooked or 2 cups raw) to 2-3 meals per week. Gradually increase to daily consumption if tolerated. Track how you feel, any changes in energy levels, and any digestive effects. Log meals that include amaranth to identify patterns with blood sugar readings.
  • Establish a baseline by recording blood glucose readings and HbA1c results before starting. Then monitor every 2 weeks for the first month, then monthly. Keep a food diary noting amaranth consumption, portion sizes, and preparation methods. Share results with your healthcare provider at regular check-ups to assess whether amaranth is contributing to better diabetes control alongside your current treatment plan.

This research is preliminary animal-based evidence and should not be used to replace prescribed diabetes medications or medical advice. Type 2 diabetes is a serious medical condition requiring professional management. Before making any dietary changes, especially if you take diabetes medications, blood thinners, or have other health conditions, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian. Some people may experience digestive side effects from increased amaranth consumption. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always work with your healthcare team to manage diabetes safely.