A review on medicinal and pharmaceutical importance of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)

Quinoa is a pseudocereal, distributed and adapted in the different agroclimatic zone. Its grains have greater nutritive value than conventional cereals and it is promising worldwide for human intake and nourishment. It has unusual composition and excellent balance between oil, fat, and protein. The quinoa decrease the risk of various diseases therefore, it is a good example of functional food. The crop possesses genetic diversity and is rich in minerals, vitamins, and all essential amino acids. These nutritional and functional characteristics endow the crop with immunoregulator, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It provides a gluten-free diet, which is beneficial for celiac patients. The Quinoa is considered for its protein content as it contains all essential amino acids with excellent in vitro digestibility. The present review is an attempt to collect and arrange the facts that establish quinoa as a protein crop.