MARANTA ARUNDINACEA ROOT POWDER
Also known as: Maranta arundinacea L., Arrowroot, West Indian arrowroot, Obedience plant, Bermuda arrowroot, Araru, Ararao, Hulankeeriya, Garut, Ararut, Maranta arundinacea
Overview
Maranta arundinacea, commonly known as arrowroot, is a tropical tuber native to the Americas. It is primarily recognized for its starch content and has been traditionally used as a food source. Emerging research explores its potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties. Arrowroot contains phytochemicals such as phenols, saponins, and flavanones, which may contribute to these effects. It is often used as a gluten-free alternative in cooking and baking. While in vitro and animal studies show promising results, human studies are limited and often lack rigorous methodology, necessitating further research to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Arrowroot exhibits potential antioxidant activity, with in vitro studies showing IC50 values comparable to standard antioxidants. It may aid in weight management by providing resistant starch, which can slow digestion and promote satiety. Additionally, it may help manage diarrhea by increasing stool consistency. Being gluten-free, it is a suitable dietary option for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. However, the effect sizes and clinical significance of these benefits in humans require further investigation through well-designed clinical trials to substantiate these claims.
How it works
The potential health benefits of arrowroot are attributed to its phytochemical content, including phenols, saponins, and flavanones, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic effects. As a source of resistant starch, arrowroot may interact with the digestive system by influencing gut microbiota composition and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. However, the specific molecular targets and detailed mechanisms of action are not yet well-defined, requiring further research to elucidate the precise biological pathways involved.
Side effects
Arrowroot is generally considered safe when consumed as a food ingredient. Common side effects are not well-documented, but consuming large amounts may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare side effects have not been reported. Drug interactions are not well-studied, and there are no known contraindications. It is suitable for individuals following gluten-free diets. However, due to limited research, caution is advised when using arrowroot in large quantities or as a therapeutic agent, especially in individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions.
Dosage
Due to limited research, there is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for arrowroot. Timing considerations are not specified. It is commonly used in powder form as a thickening agent or gluten-free flour substitute. Absorption factors are not well-studied, and no required cofactors have been identified. Until further research is available, it is advisable to use arrowroot in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
FAQs
What is arrowroot commonly used for?
Arrowroot is often used in gluten-free baking and as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and desserts due to its high starch content and ability to create a smooth texture.
Is arrowroot safe to consume?
Arrowroot is generally considered safe, but consuming large doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Moderation is advised until more research is available.
When should I take arrowroot?
There are no specific timing recommendations for arrowroot consumption. It can be incorporated into meals or recipes as needed without specific timing considerations.
What are the expected benefits of arrowroot?
Potential benefits include improved digestion due to its resistant starch content and antioxidant effects from its phytochemicals, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Is arrowroot a proven weight loss aid or treatment for diarrhea?
No, arrowroot is not a proven weight loss aid or treatment for diarrhea. While it may offer some benefits, further research is needed to substantiate these claims.
Research Sources
- https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20220563574 – A 2022 systematic review highlights Maranta arundinacea's potential as a functional food with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties. The review emphasizes that human studies are limited and lack rigorous methodology, indicating a need for more comprehensive research to validate these claims.
- http://www.ifrj.upm.edu.my/29%20(06)%202022/02%20-%20IFRJ19814.R1%20(Review).pdf – This review discusses the antioxidant properties of Maranta arundinacea extracts, noting that methanolic extracts showed higher antioxidant activity against certain free radicals compared to vitamin C and Trolox in in vitro studies. The findings suggest potential health benefits related to antioxidant activity, but further in vivo and clinical studies are necessary.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-arrowroot – This article provides an overview of arrowroot, describing its uses in cooking and baking, particularly as a gluten-free alternative. It also mentions potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion and providing resistant starch, but emphasizes the need for more research to confirm these effects.
- https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/4b3k6pLl/ – This source discusses the phytochemical composition of Maranta arundinacea, highlighting the presence of phenols, saponins, and flavanones. These compounds are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the potential health benefits of arrowroot.
- https://www.researchtrend.net/bfij/pdf/Improving-Nutritional-and-Physicochemical-Characteristics-of-Yoghurt-with-Arrowroot-(Maranta-arundinacea)-Powder-Incorporation-Archana-S-109.pdf – This study focuses on improving the nutritional and physicochemical characteristics of yogurt by incorporating arrowroot powder. While it does not directly address health benefits in humans, it demonstrates the potential of arrowroot as a functional food ingredient to enhance the properties of food products.
