Achyranthes

Achyranthes: A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity, Taxonomy, and Botanical Description

Achyranthes L. (family Amaranthaceae), commonly known as Chaff Flower and Niuxi (牛膝), is a genus of flowering plants whose two principal medicinal species are Achyranthes bidentata Blume and Achyranthes aspera L. The genus contains approximately 21 species, widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions.

Among the 21 species, A. bidentata and A. aspera are the two most prominently used medicinal plants. A. bidentata is widely cultivated and used in China, India, Korea, Java, Japan, and other territories, while A. aspera is broadly distributed across China, India, South Korea, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Kenya.

Achyranthes bidentata

Achyranthes bidentata was recorded for the first time in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica) and listed as a top-grade Chinese medicine with the alternate name Bai Bei. Known as Niu Xi, meaning "ox knee" in translation, the name refers to the plant's distinctively knobby root shape. The pharmacopoeial drug name is Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae. The plant reaches 30–100 cm in height. Its roots are slender and cylindrical, and can reach 100 cm in length, with a light yellow or white, fleshy texture. The stems are erect with a quadrilateral shape, and the section is slightly expanded at the nodes, resembling a cow's knee. The leaves are opposite and sessile, membranous, with an elliptic to ovate-lanceolate shape, entire margin, and pilose on both surfaces.

Achyranthes aspera

Achyranthes aspera, commonly known as the prickly chaff flower or Apamarga in Ayurveda, is a highly valued medicinal plant used across traditional healing systems. It is a perennial herbaceous plant characterized by its erect stem, lanceolate leaves, and small greenish-white flowers, producing small, ribbed seeds enclosed in capsules. Known as Apamarga or Chirchita in Hindi, it occupies a pivotal position in folk medicine throughout tropical Asian and African countries.

Common Names and Synonyms

• A. bidentata is commonly known as Chaff-flower, Apang, Niuxi, Chirchra, Chirehitta, Latjira, Prickly Chaff Flower, and Apamarga.
• A. aspera is known regionally as Chirchita (Hindi), Apamarga (Sanskrit), Aghedi (Gujarati), Apang (Bengali), Nayurivi (Tamil), Kalalat (Malayalam), and Agadha (Marathi).
• Additional synonyms for A. aspera include Prickly chaff flower and Prickly amaranth.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In TCM, A. bidentata was recorded first in the Shennong Bencao Jing as a top-grade medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, it was categorized as bitter, slightly sweet, and sour, acting on the liver and kidney meridians. Its principal TCM actions were described as expelling blood stasis through menstruation, tonifying the liver and kidney, strengthening muscles and bones, and inducing diuresis.

In TCM, A. bidentata has been widely used as a blood-activating and stasis-resolving medicine for the treatment of various conditions including amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, lumbago, gonalgia, paraplegia, edema, stranguria, headache, dizziness, odontalgia (tooth pain), oral ulcer, hematemesis, and epistaxis (nosebleed).

In TCM, A. bidentata first appears in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as a blood-invigorating and kidney-tonifying root. Practitioners used it to guide the flow of qi and blood downward, making it a key agent in treating lower back pain, irregular menstruation, and joint stiffness.

Ayurveda and Indian Traditional Medicine

Achyranthes aspera is mentioned in ancient Sanskrit Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Traditionally classified as "Tikta" (bitter) and "Katu" (pungent) in taste, it is described as having "Ushna Veerya" (heating energy), with a strong affinity toward Kapha-Vata disorders, and was used for treating conditions like cough, piles, worm infestation, and even snakebite.

The classical Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita names an entire chapter after this plant — "Apamarg Tanduliya" — describing the many ways it can be used for treating the human body.

In Vedic literature, the Atharvaveda considers Apāmārga as the lord of all plants growing on the earth, stating that it cures sterility and physical debility, and drives out disease from the body.

Tamil Siddha medicine regards the plant — locally called "Nayuruvi" — as a purifier of blood and remedy for asthma.

Apamarga has a long history of traditional medicinal use in Ayurveda, Siddha, and other indigenous medical systems, and is valued for its diverse therapeutic properties across many ailments.

In Ayurveda, a unique preparation called Apamarga Kshar (Apamarga ash) is used externally in the surgical process of treating fistula-in-ano.

African and Other Ethnobotanical Traditions

A. aspera is found throughout tropical Asia, Africa, Australia, and America, growing as a wasteland herb. It is used in folk medicine across these regions, and various researchers have investigated it for emenagogue, antiarthritic, antifertility, laxative, ecbolic, abortifacient, antihelminthic, aphrodisiac, antiviral, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, diuretic, immunostimulant, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and antitumor properties.

Different parts of the plant are used as active remedies recorded in region-specific native prescriptions to address various health problems, such as relieving toothaches, cough, and night blindness, and as an eye salve for corneal opacities. During food scarcity in Rajasthan, seeds were also historically used to make flour for bread, called Bharotha.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

Phytochemical Composition of A. bidentata

The chemical constituents of A. bidentata are comprehensively investigated, and more than 270 metabolites from different parts of the plant have been identified. These phytochemicals mainly contain terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, organic acids, alkanes, phenylpropanoids, volatile oils, and others. Among these constituents, terpenoids and steroids are the predominant secondary metabolite constituents.

The chemical constituents isolated from A. bidentata mainly include saponins, sterones, flavonoids, sugars, alkaloids, and organic acids. Saponins and sterones are recognized as the main active components.

The most pharmacologically significant individual compounds identified in A. bidentata include:

• Ecdysterone (β-ecdysone): A phytoecdysteroid present in A. bidentata root, contributing to the plant's effects on liver and kidney invigoration, muscle and bone strengthening, blood flow promotion, blood stasis removal, and increased longevity.
• Triterpenoid saponins (oleanolic acid glycosides): The main ingredients of the extract include triterpenoid saponins with oleanolic acid aglycon. Triterpenoid saponins are enriched in the roots, and oleanolic acid glycosides may be the active components responsible for anti-osteoporosis effects.
• Polysaccharides (ABPs): Recent advances in phytochemical and pharmacological research have identified polysaccharides as primary bioactive constituents of A. bidentata, demonstrating antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporotic, and gut microbiota-regulating properties.
• Polypeptides (ABPPs): The polypeptides component extracted from A. bidentata exhibited potent neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, including reducing excitotoxic injury by inhibiting NMDA receptors and activating the PI3K/Akt pathway to promote neuronal survival under serum deprivation conditions.
• Ketosteroids and flavonoids: The root extract is also rich in ketosteroids and flavonoids, which contribute to its wide pharmacological profile.

Phytochemical Composition of A. aspera

The plant is reported to contain important biochemicals including ecdysterone, achyranthine, betaine, pentatriacontane, hexatriacontane, 6-pentatriacontanone, and tritriacontane.

More broadly, the plant contains various bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which contribute to its medicinal properties.

Qualitative phytochemical screening of aerial parts has confirmed the presence of phenolics, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and phlobatannins.

4. Established Mechanisms of Action

Bone and Musculoskeletal Mechanisms

Saponins are the major compounds extracted from A. bidentata with demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antirheumatic, diuretic, and anti-osteoporosis pharmacological activities. Achyranthes bidentata saponins (ABS) were found to induce proliferation and differentiation in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) as determined by cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase assays. Cells treated with ABS showed increased mRNA levels of rat bone morphogenetic protein-2, runt-related transcription factor 2, and osterix. Furthermore, ABS stimulated the activation of ERK as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of these proteins, which was blocked by the ERK inhibitor PD98059.

Five new oleanolic acid glycosides from A. bidentata have been reported to inhibit the formation of osteoclasts, representing a complementary mechanism to the pro-osteoblast effects.

Researchers have found that in rheumatoid arthritis, the imbalance of excessive osteoclast resorption and defective osteoblast production is a core feature. A. bidentata alcohol extract increases proliferative capacity and stimulates the osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts, and can inhibit osteoclast differentiation.

Neuroprotective Mechanisms

The polypeptides component of A. bidentata exhibits potent neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, including reducing excitotoxic injury by inhibiting the NMDA receptor, and activating the PI3K/Akt pathway to promote neuronal survival under serum deprivation conditions.

Pro-inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are suppressed, along with downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), with upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in activated microglia. The Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide k (ABPPk) inhibits neuroinflammation in BV2 microglia through an Nrf2-dependent mechanism.

Immunomodulatory Mechanisms

A. bidentata polysaccharide (ABPS) significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of TLR4 and MyD88, and the immunomodulatory mechanism of ABPS was associated with secretion of cytokines by stimulating the NF-κB pathway through the TLR4/MyD88 signaling cascade.

Cardiovascular Mechanisms

The water-soluble alkaloid achyranthine from A. aspera has been shown in animal studies to decrease blood pressure and heart rate, dilate blood vessels, and increase the rate and amplitude of respiration. A mixture of saponins from A. aspera increases the force of cardiac contraction in isolated guinea pig, frog, and rabbit hearts. The stimulation occurs at lower doses (1–50 µg) and can be blocked by pronethalol (a non-selective β-blocker) or partially by mepyramine.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Bone Health and Musculoskeletal Conditions

An increasing number of plant-based therapies from TCM have been shown effective in treating bone injuries and bone-related diseases. A. bidentata, listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, is one of the most frequently used herbs in formulas prescribed for regulation of bone and mineral metabolism.

A preclinical study investigated whether A. bidentata extract (ABE) could prevent steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) using a rat model. Steroid-induced ONFH rat models were established to evaluate the effects of ABE treatment on osteonecrotic changes and repair processes.

A. bidentata saponins were found to be effective in preventing and treating retinoic acid-induced osteoporosis, and induced proliferation and differentiation in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) as evidenced by osteoblastic proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that A. bidentata saponins increased mRNA levels of rat BMP-2, runt-related transcription factor 2, and osterix, and increased the phosphorylation of ERK, indicating enhancement of bone formation via activation of the ERK signaling pathway in osteoblasts.

A. bidentata roots have been applied in TCM for hundreds of years as an anti-osteoporosis agent. After being salt-processed, the herb exerts enhanced effects in strengthening the muscles and bones.

Evidence strength: The extract and metabolites exert multiple pharmacological activities such as alleviating osteoarthritis effects and anti-osteoporosis activity; however, some traditional uses of A. bidentata need further in-depth studies to confirm, and the separation and screening of active compounds, as well as the corresponding molecular mechanisms, require additional investigation. Evidence for musculoskeletal effects remains largely preclinical (in vitro and rodent models), with an absence of large-scale human clinical trials.

5.2 Neuroprotection and Neurodegeneration

Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide fraction k (ABPPk) has been shown to protect against ischemic stroke and Parkinson's disease models, and can inhibit neuroinflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV2 microglia.

A preclinical study investigated the effects of polypeptides isolated from A. bidentata (ABPP) on rat sciatic nerve crush injury and their involvement of neurotrophic factors. After surgical crush injury, rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of 0.2 mL saline containing 2 mg ABPP or 1 µg nerve growth factor (NGF). Walking track analysis, electrophysiological assessment, and histological evaluation indicated that repair outcomes from ABPP treatment were close to those of NGF treatment, and superior to saline alone.

Extensive studies of A. bidentata suggest multiple physiological functions including adipogenesis inhibition, anti-oxidative stress, promotion of osteogenic differentiation, and chondrocyte proliferation. Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides (ABPPs) are documented as potent neuroprotective agents in several types of neurons.

The neuroprotective activity of ABPPk provides some evidence for the potential of this compound to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as ischemic stroke and Parkinson's disease.

Modern research has revealed that A. aspera possesses various pharmacological effects including cardiocerebrovascular protection, immune regulation, antioxidation, and anti-aging, and the neuroprotective effects of A. aspera have been confirmed by numerous scientific studies.

Evidence strength: Neuroprotection data for both A. bidentata and A. aspera is largely derived from in vitro cell culture systems and animal models. No large human clinical trials have confirmed these effects in neurodegenerative disease populations.

5.3 Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

In Indian folklore, A. aspera has been used in the treatment of cough, bronchitis, rheumatism, malarial fever, dysentery, asthma, hypertension, and diabetes. A study was designed to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of an aqueous extract of A. aspera (AEAA). The results indicated that AEAA at 800 mg/kg body weight showed more significant (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) anti-inflammatory activity when compared with the standard and untreated groups in animal (rodent) edema models.

A study evaluated in-vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities of solvent fractions of 80% methanol leaf extract of A. aspera in rats. The 80% methanol leaf extract was fractionated with chloroform, n-butanol, and water. Wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using excision and incision wound models, rat paw edema, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models.

A. aspera aqueous extract offers significant protection against arthritis and joint inflammation in preclinical research.

Evidence strength: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are well-documented in multiple animal models and in vitro systems. No large, well-controlled human clinical trials are available in the peer-reviewed literature.

5.4 Antimicrobial and Oral Health

A study assessed the antibacterial activity of A. aspera extract against Streptococcus mutans. Aqueous extract was prepared, and different concentrations of root and stem extracts were applied to agar plates streaked with the bacterium. Plates were incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24 hours, and zones of inhibition were measured. The extract showed statistically significant zones of inhibition.

Methanol extract of aerial parts of A. aspera showed notable antibacterial activity in a dose-dependent manner against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 1000 µg/mL concentration.

Chloroform and methanol root and shoot extracts of A. aspera showed good antibacterial activity against Klebsiella sp., while petroleum ether root extract showed activity against B. subtilis. Antifungal activity of roots was found in extracts with petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol against Fusarium sp. only.

A small clinical study evaluated the use of A. aspera gel as a local drug delivery agent for chronic periodontitis. A split-mouth study was conducted with 60 sites included. Clinical parameters included probing depth (PD), gingival index, and clinical attachment level (CAL). Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected for microbiological analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Parameters were recorded at baseline and after 3 months. At 3 months, the group receiving SRP plus A. aspera gel resulted in greater mean reductions in clinical parameters: PD (3.77) compared to SRP alone (5.23), and greater mean CAL gain (3.18 vs. 5.16). This constitutes limited but promising preliminary human clinical data in a single dental indication.

Evidence strength: In vitro antimicrobial findings are consistent across multiple studies. The single human periodontal study is preliminary and small-scale. No large clinical trials exist confirming antimicrobial efficacy for systemic infectious conditions.

5.5 Immunomodulation and Antitumor Activity

Recent advances in phytochemical and pharmacological research have identified polysaccharides as primary bioactive constituents of A. bidentata. These polysaccharides demonstrate antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporotic, and gut microbiota-regulating properties.

A. bidentata polysaccharides (ABPS) function as an immunomodulator and inhibit the growth of tumor cells by promoting cellular immunity and humoral immunity. A large number of pharmacological and clinical studies have shown that previous research on ABPS mainly focused on increasing organ immunity, with fewer studies on direct anti-tumor effects.

ABPS has been demonstrated to have multiple biological activities including immunomodulatory effects. Results showed that ABPS significantly increased the secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α in macrophage cell lines, and nitric oxide (NO) also significantly increased after ABPS treatment.

Evidence strength: Immunomodulatory and antitumor evidence is primarily from cell culture and animal experiments. No human clinical trials examining direct antitumor outcomes from Achyranthes use have been located in peer-reviewed databases.

5.6 Antidiabetic and Metabolic Effects

The extract and metabolites of A. bidentata exert multiple pharmacological activities including antidiabetic activity-associated complications. A. aspera shows pharmacological activities described as hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, cardiovascular, hypoglycemic, and antidiabetic, among others in preclinical research.

Evidence strength: Antidiabetic effects have been investigated in cell and animal models only. Clinical human evidence is lacking.

5.7 Reproductive and Antifertility Effects

Oral administration of ethanol and chloroform extracts of A. aspera root at 200 mg/kg body weight caused a significant increase in uterine weight in immature rats (P < 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). The uterotrophic potency was approximately 55% of ethinyl estradiol for the ethanol extract and 65% for the chloroform extract.

Chloroform and ethanol extracts of A. aspera root exhibited 100% anti-implantation activity when given orally at 200 mg/kg body weight, and both extracts at the same dose also exhibited estrogenic activity in animal models.

In a developmental toxicity study in rats, at 1000 mg/kg of ethanolic leaf extract administered from gestational days 6–12, the number of implantation sites and somites were significantly reduced. The number of implantation sites in the 1000 mg/kg group was 8.34 ± 0.65 versus 11.2 ± 0.86 in controls. Retarded development of hindlimb, forelimb, optic, and olfactory systems was detected at the high dose.

Evidence strength: Antifertility and estrogenic effects are demonstrated in animal studies only. These findings are primarily relevant to safety and pregnancy contraindications. No human clinical evidence for therapeutic use in reproductive medicine is available.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas of Association

• Musculoskeletal system: Strengthening muscles and bones, improving liver and kidney function, promoting blood circulation, and exhibiting antirheumatic activity.
• Nervous system: A. bidentata exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects and inhibits myocardial ischemic/reperfusion-induced injuries in preclinical models.
• Immune system: Polysaccharides from various natural sources including Achyranthes possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimutagenic, antiviral, and antitumor properties as demonstrated in preclinical research.
• Reproductive system: A. aspera has been widely used to treat gynecological disorders and has been applied to difficult labor, wound healing, and insect and snake bites.
• Oral and dental health: A. aspera is a medicinal herb with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties relevant to periodontal applications.
• Urogenital system: A. bidentata is widely acknowledged for its function as a stranguria-relieving diuretic and is used in the treatment of edema.
• Integumentary system (skin and wounds): Therapeutic properties of A. aspera extract justify its traditional use for the treatment of bacterial infections and wounds, attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds.

7. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages

The following dosages and preparation forms are as reported in identified sources and do not constitute recommendations.

Traditional Decoction

The traditionally recommended dosage of A. bidentata is 3–9 g per day, typically prepared as an herbal decoction. Other sources report higher ranges: boiling 5–12 grams of dried root in water, soaking it for 30 minutes first to soften it.

Powder/Granules

In Chinese medicine, granules or powdered root extract are often given in doses of 5–10 grams daily, depending on age and constitution.

Modern Pharmaceutical Forms

In modern forms, A. bidentata is available as 0.25 g dry extract tablets (equivalent to 4 g dry root per ampoule). The dosage reported is 5 tablets or 1 ampoule per day, taken after meals, for 1–2 months, for conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis.

Use in TCM Compound Formulas

In classical TCM compound prescriptions, Achyranthes bidentata root (Huai Niu Xi, Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) is frequently included at 10 g combined with other herbs such as Mu Gua (Fructus Chaenomelis) 10 g to tonify Qi and Blood, nourish muscles and tendons, and relieve pain.

Research Dosages (Animal Models)

Doses used in reported preclinical research include: daily intraperitoneal injections of 0.2 mL saline containing 2 mg ABPP in a rat sciatic crush injury model. In cell culture studies, ABPPk was applied at concentrations of 0.04–5 µg/mL.

8. Safety Considerations and Interactions

Pregnancy and Reproductive Toxicity

A. bidentata is contraindicated in pregnant women due to its reputed emmenagogue (menstruation-promoting) effects. Animal studies suggest uterine stimulation, which could pose risks during early pregnancy.

Animal studies using ethanolic leaf extract of A. aspera at high doses (1000 mg/kg) administered during organogenesis found significantly reduced implantation sites and retarded development of hindlimb, forelimb, optic, and olfactory systems in rat fetuses.

After discontinuation of treatment in animal studies, all animals were mated and delivered normal litters, indicating that the action of the extracts was reversible.

Anticoagulant Interactions and Bleeding Risk

While A. bidentata is generally considered to be well tolerated, its blood-moving properties mean it should be used cautiously in individuals prone to bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy. It may slightly alter platelet function, though data on human subjects is limited.

General Tolerability

In higher doses, especially concentrated extracts, users have reported mild dizziness, dry mouth, and stomach discomfort. These effects tend to subside upon reducing the dose or switching to traditional decoctions.

Acute Toxicity Data

One study found the LD50 of an A. aspera extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight, and no deaths occurred during the study. There were no abnormalities in haematological parameters of treated mice.

Blood Pressure

A possible contraindication includes hypotension, as the herb may mildly lower blood pressure.

Evidence Limitations

Reviewers note that some traditional uses of A. bidentata need further in-depth studies to confirm, and the separation and screening of active compounds, as well as the corresponding molecular mechanisms, are also needed to be studied. The mechanism of action of A. aspera in wound healing is unclear and further studies are needed to identify the precise mechanism. Results from in vitro studies need to be extended through in vivo studies to ascertain wound healing properties.

References

• Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (2024): Achyranthes bidentata Blume (Amaranthaceae): a review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology
• PubMed / Oxford Academic (2024): Achyranthes bidentata Blume – botany, pharmacology, phytochemistry review abstract
• ScienceDirect / Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2017): The genus Achyranthes: A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities
• PMC (2025): Isolation, Structures, and Bioactivities of Polysaccharides from Achyranthes bidentata: A Review
• PMC (2014): Achyranthes bidentata extract exerts osteoprotective effects on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rats by regulating RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling
• PMC / Frontiers in Pharmacology (2025): Effects and molecular mechanisms of Achyranthes bidentata Blume and Cyathula officinalis in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
• PMC (2014): The protective effects of Achyranthes bidentata root extract on antimycin A induced damage of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells
• PMC (2016): Transcriptome Analysis to Identify Putative Biosynthesis and Transport Genes Associated with Medicinal Components of Achyranthes bidentata
• Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics (2014): Achyranthes bidentata Saponins Promote Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Through the ERK MAPK Signaling Pathway
• PMC / Molecules (2022): A Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Anti-Osteoporosis Mechanism of Four Components from Crude and Salt-Processed Achyranthes bidentata in Ovariectomized Rats
• PMC (2021): Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide alleviates neurotoxicity of lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia via PI3K/Akt dependent NOX2/ROS pathway
• PMC (2019): Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide k suppresses neuroinflammation in BV2 microglia through Nrf2-dependent mechanism
• PMC (2018): Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide protects dopaminergic neurons from apoptosis induced by rotenone and 6-hydroxydopamine
• Neurochemical Research (2012): The Protective Effects of Achyranthes bidentata Polypeptides on Rat Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury Causes Modulation of Neurotrophic Factors
• PMC (2016): Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Achyranthes aspera extract against Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study
• PMC (2023): In Vitro Antibacterial, Cytotoxicity and Wound Healing Activities of Methanol and Aqueous Extracts from Achyranthes aspera
• PMC (2023): Clinical Effects of Subgingivally Delivered Achyranthes aspera Gel in Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinical and Microbiological Study
• PMC (2021): Investigation of Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Solvent Fractions of 80% Methanol Leaf Extract of Achyranthes aspera in Rats
• PMC (2012): Antimicrobial Properties of Achyranthes aspera
• PMC (2013): Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Achyranthes aspera on Experimental Animal Model for Inflammation
• PMC (2021): Achyranthes bidentata Polysaccharide Activates Nuclear Factor-Kappa B and Promotes Cytokine Production in J774A.1 Cells Through TLR4/MyD88 Signaling Pathway
• PMC (2010): Estrogenic and Pregnancy Interceptory Effects of Achyranthes aspera Linn. Root
• PMC (2021): Developmental Toxicity of Ethanolic Extracts of Leaves of Achyranthes aspera, Amaranthaceae in Rat Embryos and Fetuses
• PMC / Frontiers in Pharmacology (2025): Role of Achyranthes aspera in neurodegenerative diseases: current evidence and future directions
• Health Canada: Traditional Chinese Medicine Ingredients — Pharmacopoeial Names List (including Achyranthes bidentata Niu xi, Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae)