Introduction:

amaranth is considered a pseudocereal that has several uses. One of them for medicinal purposes, since an adequate diet can constitute an important part of the treatment.

Objective:

to describe the use of amaranth amaranth and its usefulness in the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

a bibliographic review was carried out; Google Scholar, SciELO and PubMed databases were used. Review papers, research and web pages were included, which in general were less than five years old, in Spanish, Portuguese or English and which made reference to the subject of study through the title. This allowed the consultation of 75 articles, of which 41 were referenced.

Results:

amaranth has been used for its great nutritional value in humans and animals, as well as for medicinal and ornamental purposes, as fuel and green manure. One of its characteristics depends on the nutritional composition of its leaves and grains, being especially suitable for people with celiac disease, and can be consumed in various ways. It is typically rich in bioactive compounds that can be used as adjuvants in the treatment of various ailments, including diabetes mellitus and some of its most important comorbidities. Despite its beneficial effects, some adverse reactions have been reported in people who consume it, although they are rare.

Conclusions:

amaranth is useful as an adjuvant in the prevention and treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus, which depends on its nutraceutical and functional characteristics.

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