Achyranthes bidentata Blume; Amaranthaceae

Botanical Name: Achyranthes bidentata Blume; Amaranthaceae

Local names: Nguu tat

Description:

Perennial herbaceous plant, 60-80 cm. high. Tuberous roots long, cylindrical. Stems angular, swollen at the nodes. Leaves opposite, elliptic to linear-lanceolate, short-petioled, with margins undulate. Inflorescence in terminal spike; flowers greenish-white, numerous, deflected against the rachis. Utricle oblong-cylindrical, one-seeded.

Achyranthes bidentata Blume; Amaranthaceae

Flowering period: May - July.

Distribution: An introduced species, it is cultivated in the plains.

Parts used:

The tuberous roots, collected in winter and spring, are exposed to the sun until half-dried, then wrapped up for 7 days until the skin is seamed with wrinkles. They are subjected to sulfur fumigation and further drying. The drug is normally used unprocessed but sometimes before being used it is soaked in alcohol and torrefied until it becomes yellow.

Chemical composition:

Bidentatoside,. Bidentatoside II, and chikusetsusaponin V methyl ester. n-butyl-beta-D-fructopyranoside, oleanoic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl], oleanoic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, allantoin, 20-hydroxy ecdysone, glutamic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl], oleanoic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester. Achyranthesterone A (2beta, 3beta, 14alpha, 20S, 21, 22R, 25-heptahydroxycholest-7-en-6-one, a phytosterone), 26-pentahydroxy-cholestan-7,12-dien-6-one Researchers from Nanjing University isolated five oleanolic acid glycosides and they all inhibited the formation of  osteoclast-like multinucleated cells.

Therapeutic uses:

The roots possess anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolaemic, hypotensive and uterotonic properties. The drug is indicated for rheumatism, lumbago, dysmenorrhoea, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, atherosclerosis, dysuria, haematuria, contusions, congestion and sore throat. It is also used as an oxytocic in dystocia, placenta retention and post-partum haematometra.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Blood stagnation manifested as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation and pains due to external injuries. Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Peach seed (Taoren), Safflower (Honghua), Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Corydalis tuber (Yanhusuo).

2. Deficiency of the liver and kidneys manifested as soreness and weakness in the lumbar region and legs. Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Mulberry mistletoe (Sangjisheng), Eucommia bark (Duzhong) and Cibot rhizome (Gouji).

3. Extravasation of blood by heat manifested as vomiting with blood and epistaxis.Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Small thistle (Xiaoji), Biota tops (Cebaiye) and Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen).

4. Deficient yin with hyperactive yang leading to internal liver wind going upward manifested as headache, dizziness and vertigo. Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Red ochre (Daizheshi), Oyster shell (Muli) and Dragon's bone (Longgu) in the formula Zhengan Xifeng Tang.

5. Deficient yin and excessive fire manifested as ulceration of the mouth and gum swelling. Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) and Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu).

6. Urinary tract disorders manifested as painful urination, hematuria and dysuria.Cyathula root (Niuxi) is used with Ricepaper pith (Tongcao), Talc (Huashi) and Pink (Qumai) in the formula Niuxi Tang.

Dosage: It is prescribed in a dose of 6 to 12g per day in the form of a decoction.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy, or with profuse menstrual flow.

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