Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B (2025)

Amaranthus species, known for their nutritional and medicinal properties, have attracted significant attention for their phytochemical richness and therapeutic potential. In particular, flavonoids and polyphenols derived from these plants exhibit strong biological activities that may be harnessed for cancer prevention and treatment. The present study focuses on the biochemical characterization of flavonoids and polyphenols isolated from Amaranthus tricolor and Amaranthus cruentus, with a specific emphasis on their role in modulating cancer-related molecular pathways. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we identified major flavonoid and polyphenolic compounds, including quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, and gallic acid. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a high abundance of these metabolites, correlating with significant antioxidant capacity as assessed by DPPH and FRAP assays. Functional assays conducted on carcinoma cell lines revealed dose-dependent induction of apoptosis and downregulation of oncogenic signaling cascades, including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways. Extract treatment resulted in elevated levels of pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax and caspase-3, alongside suppression of anti-apoptotic markers, indicating a clear mechanistic link between Amaranthus-derived metabolites and cancer cell regulation. These findings suggest that the synergistic action of flavonoids and polyphenols contributes to oxidative balance, apoptosis induction, and inhibition of proliferative signaling, positioning Amaranthus extracts as promising candidates for nutraceutical development and phytotherapy in oncology. This research underscores the importance of exploring underutilized plant species as sources of bioactive compounds with clinical relevance. By bridging phytochemical profiling with functional cancer assays, the study lays a foundation for future translational research aimed at validating the therapeutic potential of Amaranthus-derived flavonoids and polyphenols in vivo and in clinical settings.