Achyranthes aspera Linn.
Family _ Amaranthaceae.
Habitat _ Throughout the tropical
and subtropical regions, up to an
altitude of , m, in the southern
Andaman Islands.
English _ Prickly Chaff Flower.
Ayurvedic _ Apaamaarga, Chirchitaa,
Shikhari, Shaikharika, Adahshalya,
Mayura, Mayuraka, Kharamanjari,
Kharapushpaa, Pratyakpushpaa,
Aaghaat, Vashira, Kanihi.
Unani _ Chirchitaa.
Siddha/Tamil _ Naayuruvi.
Folk _ Chirchitta, Chichidaa,
Latjeeraa.
Action _ Astringent, pectoral (ashes
of the plant used in asthma and
cough), diuretic, hepatoprotective,
emmenagogue. Benzene extract of
the plant exhibited abortifacient
activity. The flowers, ground and
mixed with sugar, are given for
menorrhagia. Roots—astringent,
haemostatic. Seeds—emetic; used
for biliousness. Essential oil—
antifungal.
Key application _ As astringent,
emetic. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)
Along with other therapeutic applications,
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia
of India indicates the use of the whole
plant in lipid disorders and obesity, the
root for its blood-purifying property.
The plant juice and ash are used
for treating bleeding piles. An alkaline
powder of the plant is used in
preparing Kshaarasutra of Ayurvedic
medicine, which is recommended for
treating fistula-in-ano.
The whole plant contains the alkaloids
achyranthine and betaine. Achyranthine,
a water-soluble alkaloid, is reported to dilate blood vessels, lower
blood pressure, decrease heart rate
and increase the rate and amplitude of
respiration. It also shows spasmodic
effects on the rectus muscle of frog, diuretic
and purgative action in albino
rats.
The presence of ecdysterone and
oleanolic acid is also reported in the
root.
The ashes of the plant yield large
quantities of potash. The seeds yield
saponins and oleanolic acid and its ester.
The presence of tannins and glycosides
is also reported in the plant.
Dosage _ Whole plant—10–20 g for
decoction. Root—5–10 g.