<i>Chenopodium album</i> as a Treasure of Therapeutic and Nutritional Potential

Chenopodium album, locally called as Bathua or white Goosefoot, is a fast growing herb belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. It is widely distributed plant growing in tropical and subtropical parts of India, which is largely consumed as a leafy vegetable in the diet of a common man and also utilized as traditional medicine. The plant is rich in various phytochemicals including flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, and saponins, immensely contributing to its medicinal properties. Additionally, it is a good source of energy, proteins, carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, beta carotene, and essential minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It is also known for its antihelmintic, antiphlogistic, antirheumatic, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antibacterial, contraceptive, laxative, odontalgic, and other medical qualities. The plant also provides some traditional remedies to treat digestive, peptic ulcer, and liver disorders. Different herbal preparations from the plant help to treat numerous illnesses, including kidney stones, edema, anaemia, heart disease, and jaundice. As per the reports, this herb provides 100 gm fresh weight 1.2 mg iron, 309 mg calcium. The bioactive ingredients extracted from C. album have exhibited potential against various pathogens, nematodes, and some agricultural pests. Due to its strong nutritive and therapeutic importance, C. album serves as both a functional food and a medicinal plant. Considering the significance of this herb, this article mainly highlights its importance for both nutritional and medicinal purpose to raise awareness and conservation of the species. Major Findings: Chenopodium album having nutritional and medicinal properties. The leaves of the plant provide a variety of advantageous therapeutic qualities. Plant having antioxidant, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, anticancer, anthelmintic, antiphlogistic properties, as the number of phytochemicals such asalkaloids, phenols, saponins, phytosterols, and flavonoids found in C. album.