Oxystorm (Amaranthus)
Oxystorm is a standardized extract of Amaranthus hypochondriacus leaves, concentrated to deliver high levels of dietary nitrate. It works by converting nitrate to nitrite and ultimately nitric oxide via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, promoting vasodilation and improved blood flow.
Origin & History
Oxystorm is a branded extract derived from red spinach leaves (Amaranthus hypochondriacus or Amaranthus dubius) grown in tropical regions including India, Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean. It is produced through a proprietary water-based extraction process that standardizes the extract to 9% nitrates while removing oxalates and sugars, retaining high potassium levels (min. 13%), resulting in a fully water-soluble powder with neutral pH.
Historical & Cultural Context
Amaranth leaves and grains have been consumed as edible leafy vegetables in tropical regions including Africa, India, and the Caribbean for their nutrient content. While amaranth has traditional dietary use, no specific historical medicinal applications or traditional systems targeting nitric oxide support are documented for Oxystorm specifically.
Health Benefits
• Nitric oxide support: Comparable to beetroot juice for increasing plasma nitrate/nitrite levels (limited evidence from one crossover study, n=12) • Blood pressure support: May help reduce blood pressure through vasodilation mechanisms via nitric oxide pathways (preliminary evidence) • Enhanced nutrient absorption: Oxalate-free formula may improve mineral bioavailability compared to high-oxalate sources (theoretical benefit based on formulation) • Antioxidant activity: Contains polyphenols, carotenoids, and flavonoids that contribute to antioxidant capacity (compound analysis only) • Potassium supplementation: Provides minimum 13% potassium content for electrolyte balance (analytical data only)
How It Works
Dietary nitrate from Oxystorm is absorbed in the small intestine and concentrated in saliva, where oral bacteria reduce it to nitrite via nitrate reductase enzymes. Nitrite enters the bloodstream and is further reduced to nitric oxide (NO) under low-oxygen conditions, activating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and increasing cyclic GMP (cGMP), which relaxes vascular smooth muscle. This vasodilation lowers peripheral vascular resistance, reduces systolic blood pressure, and may enhance oxygen delivery to skeletal muscle during exercise.
Scientific Research
Limited human clinical trials specifically on Oxystorm exist in current literature. One randomized crossover study with 12 healthy adults compared Oxystorm (Amaranthus dubius extract standardized to 9% NO3−) to beetroot juice, demonstrating comparable effects on plasma nitrate/nitrite levels and blood pressure. No RCTs, meta-analyses, or specific PMIDs for Oxystorm trials were identified in the available research.
Clinical Summary
A randomized crossover study (n=12) found that a single dose of Oxystorm (equivalent nitrate load to beetroot juice) produced comparable increases in plasma nitrate and nitrite levels, suggesting bioavailability is on par with the well-researched beetroot standard. Blood pressure reductions were observed in line with nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, though the small sample size limits generalizability. No large-scale randomized controlled trials specific to Oxystorm have been published, meaning most mechanistic extrapolations rely on the broader dietary nitrate literature. Overall, the evidence is preliminary and promising but insufficient to draw definitive clinical conclusions without larger, longer-duration trials.
Nutritional Profile
Oxystorm is a standardized extract of Amaranthus hybridus (red spinach) concentrated primarily for its nitrate content. Key bioactive profile: Dietary nitrates: standardized to approximately 9% nitrate content (~900mg nitrates per 10g serving, though typical supplement doses range 400-1000mg of the extract); Betalains: betacyanins and betaxanthins present as natural pigments with antioxidant properties (comparable pigment family to beetroot); Polyphenols: flavonoids including rutin and quercetin derivatives present in moderate concentrations. Micronutrients in the whole plant include iron (~2-3mg/100g fresh weight), calcium, magnesium, and potassium, though concentrated extract doses deliver negligible macronutrient quantities. Critically, Oxystorm is specifically processed to be low/free of oxalic acid (oxalates), which distinguishes it from standard Amaranthus leaf preparations that typically contain 700-1000mg oxalates/100g; this oxalate reduction is purported to improve calcium and iron bioavailability. Vitamin C is present in the source plant (~40mg/100g fresh) but likely minimal in dried extract form. Chlorophyll derivatives and carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene) are present in parent plant but concentration in extract is not well-characterized. Nitrate bioavailability via salivary nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway is the primary functional mechanism.
Preparation & Dosage
Clinically studied dosages specific to Oxystorm are not detailed in available research beyond the standardization to 9% nitrates. Commercial forms include water-soluble powder (min. 9% nitrate, min. 13% potassium) with 100% passage through 30 mesh and minimum 90% solubility in water. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Synergy & Pairings
L-citrulline, vitamin C, L-arginine, beetroot extract, CoQ10
Safety & Interactions
Oxystorm is generally considered safe at studied doses, with side effects consistent with high dietary nitrate intake, including mild gastrointestinal discomfort and harmless pink or red discoloration of urine or stool. It may potentiate the blood pressure-lowering effects of antihypertensive medications and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as sildenafil, risking excessive hypotension, so concurrent use warrants medical supervision. Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should exercise caution, as elevated nitrite levels can increase methemoglobin risk. Safety data in pregnant or breastfeeding women is insufficient, and use during pregnancy is not recommended without physician guidance.