Polygonum aviculare.  扁 蓄 Biǎn xù  Knotgrass   Family: Polygonaceae   
PART USED: Dry whole plant- harvested in Summer
Nature: Neutral, cool     FLAVOR: Bitter   CHANNELS: Bladder
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Diuretic
1. Clears Damp Heat from the Bladder.[4] Promotes urination.[1,4] Dries Damp.[1,2] Unblocks painful urinary dysfunction.[4]
2. Clear Heat.[1,2]
3. Expels parasites.[4] Destroy worms. Kills worms and insects.[1]
4. Stops skin itching.[4]
INDICATIONS
1. Damp Heat painful urinary dysfunction.[4] Urinary tract infections. Pyelitis, stone formation in the urinary tract.[1,3] Hot gonorhea, urethritis.[3] Dysuria.[3]
2. Jaundice.[1,2] Constipation.[3]
3. Damp skin lesions with itching.[4] Weeping eczema.[1] Tinea.[4] Eczema.
4. Mucus and bloody vaginal discharge.[1] Ulcer of vagina, vaginal trichomoniasis.
5. Intestinal parasites such as tapeworm, hookworm and pinworm.[4]
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Overdosage can sause drainage of the essential Qi.[4] Bian xu can cause dermatitis or gastrointestinal disturbance in horses and sheep.[4]
PATENT COMBINATIONS
COMBINATIONS
PREPARATIONS: Decoction. Whole plant 9-15 g.[1,4] Dry plant above ground 9-15 g.[2] Good quality is young and green with many leaves.
    
HABITAT: Grows wild along roadsides, fields and waste places.
DESCRIPTION Annual herb. Stem:creeping or growing upward, inclined, height about 40 cm. Basal branches numberous, with pronounced nodes and longitudinal grooves. Leaves: alternate, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, apexes obutse, bases cuneate, ochrea clasping stgem, margins intact. Flowers: in summer, green flowers grow in cluseter forms from leaf axils. Fruit: an achene, 3 angles ovoid, blackish-brown.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents.
Research.

Effects of polygonum aviculare herbal extract on proliferation and apoptotic gene expression of MCF-7
Roudkenar M. Habibi, Roushandeh A. Mohammadi, A. Delazar, R. Halabian, Rad J. Soleimani, A. Mehdipour, M. Bagheri, and A. Jahanian-Najafabadi
Abstract
Background and the purpose of the study
One of the most common malignancies in women is breast cancer. Although several treatments for breast cancer are available, application of herbal medicine as a supplementary treatment is a new option to help curing the disease. In this study anticancer effects of Polygonum avicular herbal extract was investigated.
Methods
Polygonum avicular extract was obtained by methanol. MCF-7 cell line was treated with different concentrations of Polygonum avicular (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300,350 400 ng/µl) for different time lengths ( 6, 12, 24, and 48 hrs). MTT assay and Flow Cytometry were used to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. RT-PCR was also carried out to evaluate the expression of apoptotic genes.
Results and Discussion
Results showed that Polygonum avicular induced cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cell line at concentrations higher than 300 ng/µl and this was confirmed by the highest rate of cell death as measured by Trypan Blue and MTT assays. RT-PCR results showed up-regulation of P53 and down-regulation of Bcl-2 proteins which implied the ability of Polygonum avicular to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and confirmed its anticancer property. Further studies are required to evaluate effects of the extract on other apoptotic genes.
Daru. 2011; 19(5): 326–331. PMCID: PMC3304393 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Polygonum aviculare herbal extract on sperm parameters after EMF exposure in mouse.
Milan PB, Nejad DM, Ghanbari AA, Rad JS, Nasrabadi HT, Roudkenar MH, Roushandeh AM, Goldust M.
Abstract
Electromagnetic fields with high energy same as ionizing radiation inserts their destructive effects via free radical production. Using antioxidants or herbal plants with antioxidants components could diminish hazardous effects of EMF. Polygonum aviculare has a high amount of phenolic and flavonoid and proved that has antioxidants effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Polygonum aviculare herbal extract on sperm parameters after EMF exposure in mouse. Twenty four male mice, 8 weeks divided to 4 groups (one control and three experimental groups). Control group didn't receive EMF exposure. EMF group mice received 3 mT EMF during 2 months, 4 h daily and 5 days weekly. Polygonum aviculare group received 50 mg kg(-1) herbal extract during 2 months and poly -EMF group received 3 mT EMF during 2 months, 4 h daily and 5 days weekly and 50 mg kg(-1) herbal extract during 2 months. After 2 months the mice sacrificed with cervical dislocation and sperm obtained from tail of epididymis and motility and morphology of them were analyzed. Sperm analysis results showed that in group with Polygonum aviculare, morphology and motility of sperm developed (p < 0.05). Present results showed that EMF can reduce motility of sperm and treatment of Polygonum aviculare after EMF exposure developed sperm quality after EMF exposure.
PMID: 22308654  Pak J Biol Sci. 2011 Jul 1;14(13):720-4. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anti-atherosclerotic effects of Polygonum aviculare L. ethanol extract in ApoE knock-out mice fed a Western diet mediated via the MAPK pathway.
Park SH, Sung YY, Nho KJ, Kim HK.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Polygonum aviculare L. has been used in traditional Korean medicine to treat obesity and symptoms associated with hypertension. The effectiveness or mechanism of Polygonum aviculare L. ethanol extract (PAE) on atherosclerosis disease has not been examined experimentally. This study investigated the protective effect of PAE in atherosclerotic mice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
ApoE KO mice were fed a Western diet (WD) alone or with PAE or a statin for 12 weeks, followed by analysis of bodyweight, serum lipid levels, and blood pressure. Staining of the aorta and adipose tissue, expression levels of adhesion molecules, and the MAPK pathway were also examined. Cell viability, NF-?B activity, and protein levels of adhesion molecules were assessed in vitro.
RESULTS:
ApoE KO mice fed PAE (50 and 100 mg/kg) or statin (10 mg/kg) gained less body weight, and has less adipose tissue and lower serum lipid levels and blood pressures than the WD group. Aorta ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and NF-?B levels were decreased by PAE in a dose-dependent manner, consistent with the in vitro observations. PAE and statin decreased atherosclerotic plaque and adipocyte size versus the WD group. Furthermore, PAE decreased phosphorylation of MAPK pathway components in the aorta of PAE-treated mice, suggesting that PAE's anti-atherosclerotic effects are mediated via a MAPK pathway-dependent mechanism.
CONCLUSIONS:
PAE may protect against the development of atherosclerotic disease. The beneficial effects are associated with lowering bodyweight, serum lipids, blood pressure, adhesion molecular protein levels, atherosclerotic plaque, and adipocyte size, involving the MAPK pathway.
PMID: 24370878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.12.021  J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Feb 12;151(3):1109-15. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.12.021. Epub 2013 Dec 24. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Antiobesity Effect of Polygonum aviculare L. Ethanol Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Yoon-Young Sung, Taesook Yoon, Won-Kyung Yang, Seung Ju Kim, Dong-Seon Kim, and Ho Kyoung Kim
Abstract
The antiobesity effects of a P. aviculare ethanol extract (PAE) in high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced obese mice were investigated. The mice were fed an HFD or an HFD supplemented with PAE (400?mg/kg/day) for 6.5 weeks. The increased body weights, adipose tissue weight, and adipocyte area as well as serum total triglyceride, leptin, and malondialdehyde concentrations were decreased in PAE-treated HFD-induced obese mice relative to the same measurements in untreated obese mice. Furthermore, PAE significantly suppressed the elevated mRNA expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ?, fatty acid synthase, and adipocyte protein 2 in the white adipose tissue of obese mice. In addition, PAE treatment of 3T3-L1 cells inhibited adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that PAE exerts antiobesity effects in HFD-induced obese mice through the suppression of lipogenesis in adipose tissue and increased antioxidant activity.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: 626397.
Published online 2013 Jan 29. doi: 10.1155/2013/626397  PMCID: PMC3570948 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antioxidant activity of extract from Polygonum aviculare L.
Hsu CY.
Abstract
Free radicals induce numerous diseases by lipid peroxidation, protein peroxidation, and DNA damage. It has been reported that numerous plant extracts have antioxidant activities to scavenge free radicals. Whether Polygonum aviculare L. (Polygonaceae) has antioxidant activity is unknown. In this study, dried Polygonum aviculare L. was extracted by ethanol, and the extract was lyophilized. The antioxidant activities of extract powder were examined by free radical scavenging assays, superoxide radical scavenging assays, lipid peroxidation assays and hydroxyl radical-induced DNA strand scission assays. The results show that the IC50 value of Polygonum aviculare L. extract is 50 microg/ml in free radical scavenging assays, 0.8 microg/ml in superoxide radical scavenging assays, and 15 microg/ml in lipid peroxidation assays, respectively. Furthermore, Polygonum aviculare L. extract has DNA protective effect in hydroxyl radical-induced DNA strand scission assays. The total phenolics and flavonoid content of extract is 677.4 +/- 62.7 microg/g and 112.7 +/- 13 microg/g. The results indicate that Polygonum aviculare L. extract clearly has antioxidant effects.
PMID: 16874403 DOI: /S0716-97602006000200010  Biol Res. 2006;39(2):281-8. Epub 2006 Jul 25. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analyses of Polygonum aviculare L. (Polygonaceae), naturally growing in Egypt.
Salama HM, Marraiki N.
Erratum in
Saudi J Biol Sci. 2010 Apr;17(2):185.
Abstract
Polygonum aviculare (Polygonaceae) is an herb commonly distributed in Mediterranean coastal regions in Egypt and used in folkloric medicine. Organic and aqueous solvent extracts and fractions of P. aviculare were investigated for antimicrobial activities on several microorganisms including bacteria and fungi. Phytochemical constituents of air-dried powered plant parts were extracted using aqueous and organic solvents (acetone, ethanol, chloroform and water). Antimicrobial activity of the concentrated extracts was evaluated by determination of the diameter of inhibition zone against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and fungi using paper disc diffusion method. Results of the phytochemical studies revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and sesquiterpenes and the extracts were active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Chloroform extract gave very good and excellent antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria and good activity against all tested fungi except Candida albicans. Structural spectroscopic analysis that was carried out on the active substances in the chloroform extract led to the identification of panicudine (6-hydroxy-11-deoxy-13 dehydrohetisane). Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of panicudine indicated significant activity against all tested Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. Panicudine displayed considerable activity against the tested fungi with the exception of C. albicans. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was unaffected after exposure to different heat treatments, but was reduced at alkaline pH. Studies of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of panicudine on the tested organisms showed that the lowest MIC and the MBC were demonstrated against Salmonella paratyphi, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi and the highest MIC and MBC were against Staphylococcus aureus.
PMID: 23961059 PMCID: PMC3730555 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2009.12.009  Saudi J Biol Sci. 2010 Jan;17(1):57-63. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2009.12.009. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Polygonum aviculare L. extract reduces fatigue by inhibiting neuroinflammation in restraint-stressed mice.
Park SH, Jang S, Son E, Lee SW, Park SD, Sung YY, Kim HK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Chronic fatigue patients experience various neuropsychological symptoms, including fatigue behaviors, chronic pain, and depression. They also display immune system dysregulation. Polygonum aviculare L. extract (PAE) is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat inflammatory diseases by reportedly decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE:
We hypothesized that the anti-inflammatory properties of PAE would attenuate fatigue symptoms in a mouse model of restraint stress.
STUDY DESIGN:
We evaluated the effects of PAE on fatigue using three experimental groups: unstressed, vehicle-treated stressed, and PAE-treated stressed mice. This restraint stress paradigm, comprised of restraint for 3 h daily for 15 days, was used to model chronic fatigue.
METHODS:
We compared lethargy-like behavior between our experimental groups using forced-swim, sucrose preference, and open-field tests once per week on days 7 and 14 of restraint stress. We also used histology and western blotting to evaluate pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the brain and serum, and microglial activation in the brain. Finally, we used liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) to identify individual components of PAE, and applied cell culture techniques to test the effects of these components on neuronal cells in vitro.
RESULTS:
In restraint-stressed mice, PAE treatment decreased lethargy-like behavior relative to vehicle-treated animals. PAE treatment also reduced expression of fatigue-related factors such as corticosterone, serotonin, and catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) in the brain and serum, and decreased expression of CD68, Ibal-1, and the inflammatory cytokines TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-1ß in the brain. Together, these data indicate that PAE reduced fatigue and is anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, histopathological analyses indicated that PAE treatment recovered atrophic volumes and hepatic injuries. Finally, LC/MS analysis of PAE identified four individual chemicals: myricitrin, isoquercitrin, avicularin, and quercitrin. In neuronal cell cultures, treatment with these PAE components inhibited TNF-a production, confirming that PAE treatment reduces neuroinflammation.
CONCLUSIONS:
PAE treatment may reduce fatigue by suppressing neuroinflammation and the expression of fatigue-related hormones.
PMID: 29655685 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.03.042 Phytomedicine. 2018 Mar 15;42:180-189. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.03.042. Epub 2018 Mar 19. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov