Amaranthus spinosus L. (TANDULIYAKA)

Brhat trayi quoted tanduliyaka several times.  Bhandi and bhandira were the synonyms used for this plant.  Earlier, some authors confused betweenbhandira and gandira.  But, now it is clear that both are different. A. spinosus is identified as tanduliyaka.  It is presented with different morphological variations like with or without spiones, with or without colour on leaves etc.  Bhavamisra quoted two varieties viz., tanduliyaka and paniya / jala tanduliyaka.  The second variety is considered to be bitter and subsides rakta, pitta and vata vitiation.

Botanical description :

A diffuse spinous herb or undershrub; stem 30.5-61 cm long; leaves small, ovate or oblong; flowers unisexual, greyish-green, in dense spikes; male produced more than the female; fruits dehiscent; seeds blackm shining.

Part used –  whole plant.

Uses – Leaves are applied as poultice over the abscess, wounds and burns.

Chemical constituents – Higher alkanes and their methyl derivatives, higher aliphatic alcohols, amino acids, sitosterols, oleanolic acid etc.