Achyranthes aspera.  土 牛 膝 Tǔ niú xī, Bao kou cao  Prickly chaff flower   Family: Amaranthaceae  
PART USED: Whole plant-  harvested in Autumn or late Winter.
Nature- neutral, cool    FLAVOR:  Sweet, tasteless, bitter, sour   CHANNELS: Liver, Kidney
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Clear Heat- Neutralize toxins
1. Drains Fire and relieves toxicity.[3]
2. Activate Blood and dissipate blood stasis.[2,3]
3. Dispel dampness and promote diuresis, clear heat and remove toxicity.[1]
ACTIONS
INDICATIONS
1. Sore swollen and painful throat.[3] Especially useful in treating dipheria.[2,3]
2. Stranguria, abdominal mass, urine with blood, malaria, edema, dysentery, traumatic injury, barbiers (A paralysis, peculiar to India and the Malabar coast, thought to be a chronic form of beriberi).[2]
3. Heat toxin skin problems; abscesses and sores of the skin.[2,3] Used as an antidote for poisonous snakebite.[3]
4. Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea.[2,3]
5. Rheumatoid arthritis.[2]
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy.[2,3]
COMBINATIONS
- Fever assocated with externally contracted Heat disorders such as measles and the common cold, with Lonicera japonica- Jin yin hua and Forsythia suspensa- Lian qiao.[3]
PREPARATIONS: Dry whole plant 15-30 g.[1,3]

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.
Research

Gastroprotective effect of Achyranthes aspera Linn. leaf on rats.
Das AK, Bigoniya P, Verma NK, Rana AC.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The study was aimed at evaluating the antiulcer activity of ethanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera (EEAA) leaf.
METHODS:
The anti-ulcer assays were performed on pylorus ligation and chronic ethanol induced ulcer model. The effects of the EEAA on gastric content volume, pH, free acidity, total acidity and ulcer index were evaluated.
RESULTS:
The percentage of ulcer protection (59.55% and 35.58%) was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the groups treated with the high dose of EEAA (600 mg/kg), it also reduced the volume of gastric juice and total acidity whereas, gastric pH was increased significantly.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results of this study show significant gastroprotective activity of EEAA may be due to presence of phyto-constituents like flavanoids, saponins and tannins.
PMID: 22305784 DOI: 10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60024-8 Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2012 Mar;5(3):197-201. doi: 10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60024-8. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Achyranthes aspera extract against Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study.
Yadav R, Rai R, Yadav A, Pahuja M, Solanki S, Yadav H.
Abstract
Dental caries and periodontal diseases have historically been considered the most important global oral health burdens. Many chemicals and synthetic drugs have marked the side effects. Hence, there has been a paradigm shift from the use of modern drugs to the age-old herbs. Achyranthes aspera is one such important plant with various established pharmaceutical properties. The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of the A. aspera extract against Streptococcus mutans. Aqueous extract of A. aspera was prepared. Different concentrations of the root and stem extracts of A. aspera were transferred to the agar plates, which had been streaked with the bacterium S. mutans. The plates were incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24 h, and the zones of inhibition were measured using cup plate method. A. aspera extract showed statistically significant zones of inhibition. A. aspera showed marked antibacterial activity against S. mutans.
PMID: 27833895 PMCID: PMC5052942 DOI: 10.4103/2231-4040.191426 J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2016 Oct-Dec;7(4):149-152. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Achyranthes aspera elevates thyroid hormone levels and decreases hepatic lipid peroxidation in male rats.
Tahiliani P, Kar A.
Abstract
A study was made to evaluate the role of Achyranthes aspera on the changes in serum thyroid hormone concentrations and glucose levels in male rats. An attempt was also made to establish the relationship between hepatic lipid peroxidation and extract induced changes in thyroid hormone concentration, if any. Adult male Wistar rats were orally administered with the aqueous leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera at a dose of 200 mg/kg b. wt./day for 7 days. The effects of the extract on body weight, hepatic protein content, lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and on serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and glucose levels were evaluated. The extract exhibited significant prothyroidic activity as it enhanced the levels of both the thyroid hormones along with an increase in serum glucose concentration, body weight and hepatic protein content. On the other hand, it decreased hepatic LPO without altering the activities of the two antioxidant enzymes, SOD and CAT significantly, suggesting a direct free radical scavenging activity of the extract. It appears that the Achyranthes aspera leaf extract is both prothyroidic and antiperoxidative in nature.
PMID: 10940593 J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Aug;71(3):527-32. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Abortifacient principle of Achyranthes aspera Linn.
Pakrashi A, Bhattacharya N.
Abstract
Achyranthes apsera is an abundant indigenous herb in India. Extracts of the whole plant had shown an abortifacient effect in mice. Maximal activity was in the benzene extract which was tested. The drug, in olive oil, was given orally to rabbits in doses of 50 mg/kg of body weight on the 8th day postcoitum. Laparotomy was done on the 11th day. No implantation sites were found. However, ovaries contained prominent corpus luteum, indicating that the drug had prevented pregnancy. In rats, the drug was given orally as a single dose of 50 mg/kg of body weight on the 6th or 7th day after mating. No effect was observed. In mice the drug was given at a single dose of either 10, 15, 25, or 50 mg/kg of body weight. For toxicity tests in mice, a single dose of 1000 mg/kg of body weight was given. After 1 month animals were autopsied and the organs examined. The drug was nontoxic. For a chronic toxicity test 75 mg/kg of body weight was given every 21 days. After 6 months of drug treatment, blood and tissue samples were examined. No toxic effects were observed. For a teratogenic study, 15 mated female mice were fed 10 or 25 mg/kg of body weight on Day 6 of gestation. 3 generations of offspring showed no malformations. In mice, abortifacient effects were noted with a maximum activity at 50 mg/kg of body weight. The drug showed no estrogenic, antiestrogenic, or androgenic effects in mice. Progesterone or pituitary extract given along with the drug did not prevent abortions in mice. The drug was species-specific in that no abortifacient effect was found in rats.
PMID: 606650 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Achyranthes aspera (Apamarg) leaf extract inhibits human pancreatic tumor growth in athymic mice by apoptosis.
Subbarayan PR1, Sarkar M, Nagaraja Rao S, Philip S, Kumar P, Altman N, Reis I, Ahmed M, Ardalan B, Lokeshwar BL.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Achyranthes aspera (Family Amaranthacea) is used for cancer therapy by ayurvedic medical practitioners in India. However, due to the non formal nature of its use, there are no systematic studies validating its medicinal properties. Thus, it's utility as an anti cancer agent remains anecdotal. Earlier, we demonstrated A. aspera to exhibit time and dose-dependent preferential cytotoxicity to cultured human pancreatic cancer cells. In this report we validate in vivo anti tumor properties of A. aspera.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The in vivo anti tumor activity of leaf extract (LE) was tested by intraperitoneal (IP) injections into athymic mice harboring human pancreatic tumor subcutaneous xenograft. Toxicity was monitored by recording changes in behavioral, histological, hematological and body weight parameters.
RESULTS:
Dosing LE to athymic mice by I.P. injection for 32 days showed no adverse reactions in treated mice. Compared to the control set, IP administration of LE to tumor bearing mice significantly reduced both tumor weight and volume. Gene expression analysis using Real time PCR methods revealed that LE significantly induced caspase-3 mRNA (p<0.001) and suppressed expression of the pro survival kinase Akt-1 (p<0.05). TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry confirmed apoptosis induction by activation of caspase-3 and inhibiting Akt phosphorylation in treated sets. These results are in agreement with RT PCR data.
CONCLUSION:
Taken together, these data suggest A. aspera to have potent anti cancer property.
PMID: 22640722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.05.030 J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Jul 13;142(2):523-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.05.030. Epub 2012 May 26. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of aqueous extracts of Achyranthes aspera Linn. on experimental animal model for inflammation
Uma A. Bhosale, Radha Yegnanarayan, Prachi Pophale, and Rahul Somani
Abstract
Background:
Achyranthes aspera is known as Chirchita (Hindi), Apamarga (Sanskrit), Aghedi (Gujarati), Apang (Bengali), Nayurivi (Tamil), Kalalat (Malyalam) and Agadha (Marathi) in our country. It possesses valuable medicinal properties and used in treatment of cough, bronchitis and rheumatism, malarial fever, dysentery, asthma, hypertension and diabetes in Indian folklore. Present study was designed to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of an aqueous extracts of Achyranthes aspera (AEAA).
Materials and Methods:
AEAA leaves and whole plant (i.e. Aqueous extracts of Achyranthes aspera leaves (AEAAL)/Aqueous extracts of A. aspera whole plant (AEAAW) were studied in albino mice using carrageenan induced left hind paw edema. Both extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity of the extracts was also studied using Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development OECD guidelines 423.
Results:
Acute toxicity study confirmed toxic dose of AEAA to be more than 2,000 mg/kg. Flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and triterpenoids were the major constituents found in extracts. AEAA reduced the edema induced by carrageenan by 35.71-54.76% on intraperitoneally administration of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg as compared to the untreated control group. Diclofenac sodium at 10 mg/kg inhibited the edema volume by 42.85%. The results indicated that the AEAA 800 mg/kg body weight shows more significant (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) anti-inflammatory activity when compared with the standard and untreated control respectively.
Conclusion:
Both AEAA exhibit promising anti-inflammatory activity attributed to flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and triterpenoids phytoconstituents.
Anc Sci Life. 2012 Apr-Jun; 31(4): 202–206.
doi: [10.4103/0257-7941.107362]
PMCID: PMC3644760
PMID: 23661870 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Report: Antibacterial and antifungal activities of leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera (Amaranthaceae) from Pakistan.
Khuda F, Iqbal Z, Khan A, Zakiullah, Shah WA, Shah Y, Ahmad L, Hassan M, Khan A, Khan A.
Abstract
Alcoholic extract and various fractions of Achyranthes aspera leaves, traditionally used in Pakistan for treatment of infectious diseases was screened for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity. The chloroform and butanol fractions were found to be the most active among the fractions, showing considerable antibacterial activity against Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli. The highest activity was found in the ethylacetate fraction (17 mm zone of inhibition) against gram-negative (Salmonella typhi) bacteria, with MIC value as 0.29 mg/mL. In antifungal screening, moderate activity was shown by the chloroform fraction (50 % inhibition) against Microsporum canis, with MIC value as 0.25mg/mL. Considerable level of antifungal activity was depicted by crude extract, hexane and butanol fractions against Aspergillus flavus and Microsporum canis. The ability of various extracts of Achyranthes aspera to inhibit different strains of fungi and bacteria indicates its potential use for the treatment of microbial infections.
PMID: 26408900
Pak J Pharm Sci. 2015 Sep;28(5):1797-800. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of dietary supplementation with Achyranthes aspera seed on larval rohu Labeo rohita challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila.
Chakrabarti R1, Srivastava PK.
Abstract
Larval rohu Labeo rohita were fed four different diets: three of the diets contained Achyranthes aspera (prickly chaff-flower) seeds at 0.10% (D1), 0.25% (D2), or 0.50% (D3); the fourth diet was a control diet (D4; no A. aspera supplementation). After 70 d, the rohu were injected intraperitoneally with live Aeromonas hydrophila. Mortality of fish was recorded for 7 d. In the D4 group, the first mortality was observed within 12 h of exposure, whereas in the D1-D3 treatment groups, mortality was first observed at 24 h postexposure. In the D4 group, 50% of fish died within 72 h of exposure, whereas in the D3 group, 10-15% mortality occurred between 72 and 84 h. The cumulative mortality rate was 50% for D4, 40% for D1, 35% for D2, and 15% for D3. Total tissue protein level in the larvae was higher for the D2 and D3 groups than for the other groups. Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels were significantly lower in D3 larvae than in the other groups, whereas lysozyme and nitric oxide synthase levels were significantly higher in D3 larvae compared with the other groups. Dietary supplementation with A. aspera seeds at the 0.50% level provided protection against oxidative stress, prevented tissue damage, and enhanced disease resistance in rohu larvae.
PMID: 23025591 DOI: 10.1080/08997659.2012.694834 J Aquat Anim Health. 2012 Dec;24(4):213-8. doi: 10.1080/08997659.2012.694834. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In vivo wound-healing efficacy and antioxidant activity of Achyranthes aspera in experimental burns.
Barua CC, Talukdar A, Begum SA, Pathak DC, Sarma DK, Borah RS, Gupta A.
Abstract
CONTEXT:
The floral richness of the North-East Indian region cannot be neglected in context to its medicinal importance. Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae; Prickly Chaff flower) is an indigenous plant species of this region. Although the local traditional healers have ethnomedical knowledge on the use of this plant, there is no scientific study on wound-healing activity of this plant.
OBJECTIVE:
The healing efficacy of methanol leaf extract of A. aspera (MEAA) in granulation tissue of burn wound and its antioxidant activity are investigated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Methanol extract of leaves of A. aspera was used for compounding 5% (w/w) ointment, which was applied topically twice daily in experimental burn wound in rats. Healing potential was assessed by rate of wound contraction, antioxidant and biochemical assay which was supported by gelatin zymography and histopathology.
RESULTS:
In the present study, 5% ointment of A. aspera showed significant (p < 0.05) wound healing, which was evident by wound contraction, elevation of various antioxidant enzymes viz. SOD, catalase, vitamin C and prohealing and biochemical parameters like hydroxyproline and protein content than the control animals. Up-regulated expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and 9) was also observed by gelatin zymography. Histopathological examination of the granulation tissues in the A. aspera-treated animals showed collagen deposition, fibroblast proliferation and formation of epidermis.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:
The methanol leaf extract of A. aspera showed excellent wound-healing activities which has great potential for development of plant-based product.
PMID: 22480137 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2011.642885 Pharm Biol. 2012 Jul;50(7):892-9. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2011.642885. Epub 2012 Apr 6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Post-coital antifertility activity of Achyranthes aspera Linn. root.
Vasudeva N, Sharma SK.
Abstract
Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae) is an abundant indigenous herb in India. It is traditionally being used as an abortifacient. The ethanol extract of the root was screened for antifertility activity in proven fertile female albino rats at 200 mg/kg body weight and given orally on days 1-7 of pregnancy. The ethanol extract exhibited 83.3% anti-implantation activity when given orally at 200 mg/kg body weight. The rats, which continued their pregnancy, did not deliver any litters after their full term. Hence the combined antifertility (anti-implantation and abortifacient) activity of ethanol extract was 100%. The results suggest that the ethanol extract possess both anti-implantation and abortifacient activity. The ethanol extract also exhibited estrogenic activity tested in immature ovariectomised female albino rats. Histological studies were carried out to confirm this.
PMID: 16725289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.03.009 J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Sep 19;107(2):179-81. Epub 2006 Mar 22. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pharmacological validation of in-silico guided novel nootropic potential of Achyranthes aspera L.
Gawande DY, Goel RK.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Achyranthes aspera (A. aspera) has been used as a brain tonic in folk medicine. Although, ethnic use of medicinal plant has been basis for drug discovery from medicinal plants, but the available in-silico tools can be useful to find novel pharmacological uses of medicinal plants beyond their ethnic use.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
To validate in-silico prediction for novel nootropic effect of A. aspera by employing battery of tests in mice.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
Phytoconstituents of A. aspera reported in Dictionary of Natural Product were subjected to in-silico prediction using PASS and Pharmaexpert. The nootropic activity predicted for A. aspera was assessed using radial arm maze, passive shock avoidance and novel object recognition tests in mice. After behavioral evaluation animals were decapitated and their brains were collected and stored for estimation of glutamate levels and acetylcholinesterase activity.
RESULTS:
In-silico activity spectrum for majority of A. aspera phytoconstituents exhibited excellent prediction score for nootropic activity of this plant. A. aspera extract treatment significantly improved the learning and memory as evident by decreased working memory errors, reference memory errors and latency time in radial arm maze, step through latency in passive shock avoidance and increased recognition index in novel object recognition were observed, moreover significantly enhanced glutamate levels and reduced acetylcholinesterase activity in hippocampus and cortex were observed as compared to the saline treated group.
CONCLUSION:
In-silico and in-vivo results suggest that A. aspera plant may improve the learning and memory by modulating the brain glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission.
PMID: 26408046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.025 J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Dec 4;175:324-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.025. Epub 2015 Sep 25. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preventive and curative effects of Achyranthes aspera Linn. extract in experimentally induced nephrolithiasis.
Aggarwal A, Singla SK, Gandhi M, Tandon C.
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of Achyranthes aspera in preventing and reducing the growth of calcium oxalate stones in ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiatic model. Hyperoxaluria was induced in rats using ethylene glycol (EG, 0.4%) and ammonium chloride (1%) for 15 days and was then replaced with EG (0.4%) only. Upon administration of cystone (750 mg/kg body wt.), aqueous extract of A. aspera (500 and 1000 mg/kg body wt.), levels of renal injury markers (lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase) were normalized with a decrease in serum urea and serum creatinine. Concurrent treatment reduced changes in the architecture of renal tissue and also decreased the size of crystals thereby helping in quick expulsion of the crystals. The present results indicated that Achyranthes aspera had an ability to maintain renal functioning and reduced renal injury.
PMID: 22439435 Indian J Exp Biol. 2012 Mar;50(3):201-8. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anticonvulsant activity and acute neurotoxic profile of Achyranthes aspera Linn.
Gawande DY, Druzhilovsky D, Gupta RC, Poroikov V, Goel RK.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Root powder of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (A. aspera) belongs to family Amaranthaceae is used in Indian traditional medicine for the management of epilepsy and its efficacy is widely acclaimed among the different rural communities.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
The present study was aimed to establish the possible anticonvulsant effect of A. aspera methanolic root extract using acute anticonvulsant models and to evaluate the acute toxicity and neurotoxic potential A. aspera extract.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
A. aspera methanolic extract was standardized with respect to betaine using HPTLC. The maximal electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), picrotoxin and bicuculline induced seizure models were used to evaluate the anticonvulsant potential of standardized A. aspera root extract. The GABA content in cortex and hippocampus of extract treated mice was evaluated using HPLC. Moreover, the animals were also evaluated for acute toxicity study and neurotoxicity test.
RESULTS:
A significant enhancement in the seizure threshold was observed by A. aspera extract (5 and 10mg/kg) treated mice in PTZ, picrotoxin and bicuculline models as compared to saline treated mice respectively, whereas the extract failed to show protection in MES induced seizures. Moreover, A. aspera treatment (5 and 10mg/kg) significantly enhances the GABA levels in hippocampus and cortex as compared to saline treated group. A. aspera root extract was devoid of any sign of acute toxicity as well as neurotoxicity.
CONCLUSIONS:
A. aspera root extract exhibits significant anticonvulsant effect by facilitation of GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain.
PMID: 28315457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.018 J Ethnopharmacol. 2017 Apr 18;202:97-102. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.018. Epub 2017 Mar 14. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pharmacological Evaluation of Gut Modulatory and Bronchodilator Activities of Achyranthes aspera Linn.
Rahman HMA, Bashir S, Mandukhail SR, Huda S, Gilani AH.
Abstract
Achyranthes aspera L. is traditionally used to relieve constipation, diarrhea, and asthma. Its crude extract (Aa.Cr) was evaluated through in vivo and ex vivo experiments to rationalize these medicinal uses of A. aspera and to provide their scientific basis. Aa.Cr, at 3 and 10 mg/kg, increased fecal output, similar to castor oil, whereas at 30, 100, 300, and 700 mg/kg, it protected against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice when administered orally. Aa.Cr caused spasmogenic effect on rabbit jejunum and guinea pig ileum preparations, which was partially inhibited by atropine while completely blocked by cyproheptadine preincubation. Aa.Cr also relaxed high K+ (80 mM)-induced contraction in rabbit jejunum. Aa.Cr inhibited CCh (100 μg/kg)-induced bronchospasm in rats, similar to aminophylline. Like dicyclomine, Aa.Cr relaxed high K+ and CCh (1 μM)-induced contractions in guinea pig trachea and caused rightwards parallel shift of CCh concentration-response curves at the lower concentrations followed by non-parallel shift at the higher concentrations. On activity-directed fractionation, spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities of Aa.Cr were concentrated in aqueous and organic fraction, respectively. This study suggests the presence of dose-specific laxative and antidiarrheal effects in A. aspera, possibly mediated through cyproheptadine-sensitive receptors and dual cholinergic and calcium channel blockade, respectively. The latter combination is also a suggested mechanism underlying its bronchodilator effect.
PMID: 28840614 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5907
Phytother Res. 2017 Nov;31(11):1776-1785. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5907. Epub 2017 Aug 25. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antiobesity, hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Achyranthes aspera seed saponins in high cholesterol fed albino rats.
Khan N, Akhtar MS, Khan BA, Braga Vde A, Reich A.
Author information
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Numerous herbal medicines have been recommended for the treatment of different diseases. Achyranthes aspera, Linn. (Family: Amaranthaceae), popularly known as Charchitta or Pitpapra, is commonly used by traditional healers for the treatment of fever, malaria, dysentery, asthma, arterial hypertension, pneumonia, and diabetes. The root extract is well reputed for its insect molting hormonal activity. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of saponins from Achyranthes aspera seeds on the serum lipid profile of albino rats fed a high cholesterol diet.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of these saponins were tested as described previously. To determine the mechanism underlying the observed effects, serum antioxidant status was assessed according to ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), superoxide dismutase and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays in saponin-treated hyperlipidemic animals. Liver enzyme levels were determined to reveal any possible hepatotoxicity.
RESULTS:
Four-week oral administration of A. aspera seed saponins produced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of total cholesterol, total triglycerides and LDL-C and a significant increase of HDL-C level in hyperlipidemic rats. Treatment with A. aspera seed saponins also showed a significant (p < 0.01) improvement of serum antioxidant status in tested animals. No significant hepatotoxicity was produced by such treatment as the serum liver enzyme activity remained unaltered.
CONCLUSIONS:
Saponins from A. aspera seeds possess antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties which might lead to improvement of serum lipid profile and blood antioxidant status. Our findings support the folkloric use of this indigenous plant in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. However, its exact mechanism of action remains to be elucidated.
PMID: 26788089 PMCID: PMC4697059 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2015.56353 Arch Med Sci. 2015 Dec 10;11(6):1261-71. doi: 10.5114/aoms.2015.56353. Epub 2015 Dec 11. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of the hypoglycaemic effect of Achyranthes aspera in normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits.
Akhtar MS, Iqbal J.
Abstract
Blood glucose levels of normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits were determined after oral administration of various doses of Achyranthes aspera powdered whole plant and certain aqueous and methanolic extracts. Oral administration of 2, 3 and 4 g/kg of A. aspera powder produced a significant dose-related hypoglycaemic effect in normal as well as in diabetic rabbits. The water and methanol extracts also decreased blood glucose levels in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits. A 7-day acute toxicity study in rabbits did not reveal any adverse or side effects of this folk medicine at dosages up to 8 g/kg orally. It is possible that the plant could act by providing certain necessary elements like calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese and copper to the beta-cells.
PMID: 2030593 J Ethnopharmacol. 1991 Jan;31(1):49-57. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In vitro determination of the contraceptive spermicidal activity of a composite extract of Achyranthes aspera and Stephania hernandifolia on human semen.
Paul D, Bera S, Jana D, Maiti R, Ghosh D.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect of a 50% ethanolic extract of the leaf of Stephania hernandifolia and the root of Achyranthes aspera on sperm motility and function in a ratio of 1:3 by weight at different concentrations.
RESULTS:
Concentration of 0.08 g/mL of the extract affected the motility, and at a concentration of 0.16 g/mL, the sperm motility was reduced to 20% immediately (within 20 s). At a concentration of 0.32 g/mL, this composite extract showed the most promising results by complete sperm immobilization within 2 min after the application of the extract. The effects were spermicidal but not spermiostatic as sperm immobilization effect was found to be irreversible. Sperm viability was decreased significantly and was found to be nonviable after 30 min when treated with the composite extract at a concentration of 0.32 g/mL. The hypo-osmotic swelling of these sperm was reduced significantly at this highest concentration, indicating that the crude extract may probably cause injury to the sperm plasma membrane. A low concentration of 0.04 g/mL is ineffective.
CONCLUSION:
The findings indicate that this composite plant extract possesses potential contraceptive spermicidal activity in vitro.
PMID: 16472572 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2005.07.014 Contraception. 2006 Mar;73(3):284-8. Epub 2005 Oct 20. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessment of Antiobesity Potential of Achyranthes aspera Linn. Seed
Neerja Rani, Surendra Kumar Sharma, and Neeru Vasudeva*
Abstract
The present study was designed to evaluate the quality control parameters, quantitative phytochemical analysis (total phenols, total flavonoids, and total saponin content), and the antiobesity effect of ethanol extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn. seed (EAA) by employing in vitro and in vivo models. In in vitro study, the inhibitory activity of EAA on pancreatic amylase and lipase was measured. The in vivo pancreatic lipase activity was evaluated by measurement of plasma triacylglycerol levels after oral administration of EAA along with lipid emulsion to Swiss albino mice. The EAA inhibited pancreatic amylase and lipase activity in vitro and elevations of plasma triacylglycerol level in mice. Furthermore, the antiobesity effect of EAA (900 mg/kg) was assessed in mice fed a high-fat diet with or without EAA for 6 weeks. EAA significantly suppressed the increase in body, retroperitoneal adipose tissue, liver weights, and serum parameters, namely; total cholesterol, total triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol level. The anti obesity effects of EAA in high-fat-diet-treated mice may be partly mediated through delaying the intestinal absorption of dietary fat by inhibiting pancreatic amylase and lipase activity. Histopathological effects of EAA on the liver of mice were also assessed.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; 2012: 715912.
Published online 2012 Jun 27. doi: [10.1155/2012/715912]
PMCID: PMC3418711
PMID: 22919417 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of achyranthes aspera L. on fetal abortion, uterine and pituitary weights, serum lipids and hormones
Workineh Shibeshi, Eyasu Makonnen, Legesse Zerihun, and Asfaw Debella
Abstract
Back ground
The practice of traditional medicine for the control of fertility in rural Ethiopia is based on folk use of numerous anti-fertility herbs and Achyranthes aspera is one of these used for this purpose. Many plants are known to possess anti-fertility effect through their action on hypothlamo-pituitary-gonadal axis or direct hormonal effects on reproductive organs resulting in inhibition of ovarian steroidogenesis.
Objectives
The present study focused to investigate the effect of methanolic leaves extract of Achyranthes aspera L. on some indicators for anti-fertility activities such as abortifacient, estrogenesity, pituitary weight, and ovarian hormone level and lipids profile in female rats, in attempt to validate the traditional claim.
Methods
The abortifacient effect of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Achyranthes aspera was determined by counting the dead fetuses in vivo. Effect on estrogenesity was assessed by taking the ratio of the uterine weight to body weight. The ratio of the pituitary weight to body weight was also calculated. The effect of the extract on the level of ovarian hormones and lipid profile was evaluated using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.
Results
The extract showed significant (p<0.05) abortifacient activity and increased pituitary and uterine wet weights in ovarectimized rats. The extract, however, did not significantly influence serum concentration of the ovarian hormones and various lipids except lowering HDL at doses tested.
Conclusion
The methanolic leaves extract of Achyranthes aspera possesses anti-fertility activity, which might be exploited to prevent unwanted pregnancy and control the ever-increasing population explosion.
Afr Health Sci. 2006 Jun; 6(2): 108–112.
PMCID: PMC1831979
PMID: 16916302 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Therapeutic Effect of Saponin Rich Fraction of Achyranthes aspera Linn. on Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Pankaj S. Kothavade, Vipin D. Bulani, Dnyaneshwar M. Nagmoti, Padmini S. Deshpande, Nitin B. Gawali, and Archana R. Juvekar *
Abstract
Objective. Achyranthes aspera Linn. (AA) is used in folklore for the treatment of various inflammatory ailments and arthritis like conditions. Anti-inflammatory activity of saponin rich (SR) fraction of AA has been previously reported. The objective of this study was to assess the antiarthritic effect of SR fraction of Achyranthes aspera in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. Methods. Arthritis was assessed by arthritis score, paw volume, changes in tibiotarsal joint thickness, hyperalgesic parameters, and spleen and thymus index. Haematological, serum, biochemical, and inflammatory cytokine and in vivo antioxidant parameters were measured on the last day of the study. Results. SR fraction significantly suppressed paw swelling and arthritic score and improved the pain threshold in motility and stair climbing tests. There was a reversal in the levels of altered parameters, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and antioxidant parameters like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide. SR fraction significantly decreased plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. Moreover, histopathology revealed a significant reduction in synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and bone destruction in the joints. Conclusion. These observations explain the therapeutic benefit of SR fraction of AA in suppressing the progression of adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.
Autoimmune Dis. 2015; 2015: 943645.
Published online 2015 Jul 26. doi: [10.1155/2015/943645]
PMCID: PMC4529882
PMID: 26273477 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of feeding ethanolic extracts of Achyranthes aspera Linn. on reproductive functions in male rats.
Sandhyakumary K1, Boby RG, Indira M.
Author information
Abstract
Feeding 50% ethanolic extract of A. aspera to male rats resulted in reduced sperm counts, weight of epididymis, serum level of testosterone and testicular activity of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, while motility of the sperm and activity of the HMG CoA reductase were not affected. Cholesterol level in the testis, incorporation of labelled acetate into cholesterol, 17-ketosteroids in urine and hepatic and fecal bile acids were increased. The results suggest that ethanolic extract of A. aspera caused reproductive toxicity in male rats and the action may be by suppressing the synthesis of androgen.
PMID: 13677636 Indian J Exp Biol. 2002 Nov;40(11):1307-9. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cancer chemopreventive activity of Achyranthes aspera leaves on Epstein-Barr virus activation and two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis.
Chakraborty A, Brantner A, Mukainaka T, Nobukuni Y, Kuchide M, Konoshima T, Tokuda H, Nishino H.
Abstract
Achyranthes aspera leaves have been assessed for chemopreventive activity. The MeOH extract, alkaloid, non-alkaloid and saponin fractions exhibited significant inhibitory effects (concentration 100 microg) on the Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation induced by the tumor promotor 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in Raji cells. In this in vitro assay the non-alkaloid fraction containing mainly non-polar compounds showed the most significant inhibitory activity (96.9%; 60% viability). In the in vivo two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis test the total methanolic extract possessed a pronounced anticarcinogenic effect (76%). The present study suggests that A. aspera leaf extract and the non-alkaloid fraction are valuable antitumor promotors in carcinogenesis.
PMID: 11809524 Cancer Lett. 2002 Mar 8;177(1):1-5. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anxiolytic activity of methanol leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn in mice using experimental models of anxiety.
Barua CC, Talukdar A, Begum SA, Borah P, Lahkar M.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To study the anxiolytic activity of methanol extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn (Amaranthaceae).
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Male Swiss albino mice were used. Methanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera (MEAA) was administered in the doses of 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg p.o. Hole board (HB), open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and light/dark exploration (LDE) tests were used for determination of anxiolytic activity.
RESULTS:
The methanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera significantly increased the number and duration of head poking in HB test. The extract also significantly increased the time spent and the number of entries in open arm in EPM. In LDE test, the extract produced significant increase in time spent and number of crossings and decreased the duration of immobility in light box. In OFT, the extract showed significant increase in number of rearing, assisted rearing and the squares crossed.
CONCLUSION:
In the present study, MEAA exhibited anxiolytic activity which might be attributed to its phyto-constituents viz. alkaloid, steroid and triterpenes. Since Achyranthes aspera is ubiquitous and abundantly grown, it could be a fairly economical therapeutic agent for management of anxiety disorders.
PMID: 22345872 PMCID: PMC3271542 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.91869 Indian J Pharmacol. 2012 Jan;44(1):63-7. doi: 10.4103/0253-7613.91869. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antinociceptive activity of methanolic extract of leaves of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae) in animal models of nociception.
Barua CC, Talukdar A, Begum SA, Lahon LC, Sarma DK, Pathak DC, Borah P.
Abstract
Antinociceptive activity of methanolic extract of leaves of A. aspera was studied by peripheral/non-narcotic model of nociception like acetic acid induced writhing syndrome test and central/narcotic models like hot plate and tail flick tests. The methanolic extract of the plant, administered orally (@ 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg, body weight) and the standard drug (piroxicam; 10 mg/kg body weight, po) produced significant analgesic activity in acetic acid induced writhing syndrome as compared to the vehicle treated control group. In the hot plate analgesic test, in A. aspera at the above doses and the standard drug treated group (morphine sulphate @ 1.5 mg/kg, ip), the duration of reaction time (sec) increased dose dependently and significantly compared to the control group. In the tail flick test, the plant extract produced dose dependant increase in reaction time which was significantly higher in the test and standard group compared to the control group. The plant possesses significant antinociceptive property as evidenced in all the animal models of nociception. It might possibly exert its effect through diverse mechanism that may involve both central and peripheral pathways. The preliminary phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of steroids, alkaloids and triterpene in the methanolic extract of leaves of A. aspera which may be responsible for its antinociceptive activity.
PMID: 21341540 Indian J Exp Biol. 2010 Aug;48(8):817-21. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov