Aranto, also known as the mother of a thousand, mother of a thousand and fortune, is a medicinal plant native to the African island of Madagascar and can be easily found in Brazil. In addition to being an ornamental plant and easy to replicate, it has popularly known medicinal properties, but should be used with caution for the risk of poisoning with its high doses and for having little scientific evidence.
This plant should not be confused with amaranth, which is a gluten-free cereal rich in protein, fiber and vitamins. See the benefits of amaranth here.
- The scientific name of aranto is Kalanchoe daigremontiana and the plants belonging to this family have the substance bufadienolida with properties that can be antioxidant and are sometimes used to fight cancer.
- But it is not yet fully clarified by scientific studies and requires more research.
Aranto is commonly used to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases, diarrhoeal episodes, fever, cough and wound healing. For sedative actions, it is also used in people with psychological problems, such as panic attacks and schizophrenia.
It can be effective in fighting cancer for its potential cytotoxic properties, attacking cancer cells. However, to date, scientific evidence of this advantage with direct consumption of plant leaves is still insufficient.
Although arant is used for its anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, healing, analgesic and potentially antitumor effect, these properties are still being investigated.
Popular use of aranto is made with the consumption of its leaves in the form of juice, infusions or raw salad. No more than 30 g of arant per day should be ingested due to the risk of toxic effects on the body with its high doses.
The application of dry arsean extract into wounds is also traditionally used to speed up the healing process.
Before starting to use aranto it is advisable to consult a doctor and it is essential to certify that it is the right plant so as not to run the risk of ingesting plant species toxic to humans.
There is a risk of poisoning with a consumption of more than 5 grams per kg per day. For example, a daily dose of up to 30 grams of leaf is recommended, as ingestion of a higher dose can cause paralysis and muscle contractions.
Consumption of Aranto is a contraption in pregnant women as it can cause an increase in uterine contractions. In addition, children, people with hypoglycemia and low blood pressure should also not consume this plant.
Despite this, when aranto is consumed within the recommended daily dose, there are no other contraindications, as this plant is no longer considered toxic, however it is essential to consult the doctor before beginning to use aranto.