n4__ ACHYRANTHES In classical times in Europe, it was known as “herbal militaris’, since it was being used to treat war wounds. Flowers, leaves, aerial parts and essential oil are being used by Western herbalists. German Commission E monograph recog- nized the herb’ efficacy in the following areas: » Loss of appetite » Dyspeptic complaints » Liver complaints » Gallbladder complaints. ‘The herb is recommended in Europe as a chol- agogue, antibacterial, astringent and_antispas- modic. In the United States, the yarrow capsules are being prescribed for restoring hormonal balance in females. In endometritis the herb flushes out excess estrogen. As yerrow helps to balance hor- mones, it is often prescribed to treat heavy men- strual bleeding, fibroid tumours and menopausal hot flushes. Yarrow capsules are also prescribed to ease uterine and abdominal muscles and to relax muscles that cramp or contract. Caution Prolonged use can increase the skin’s photosensi- tivity. In rare cases, can cause allergic skin rashes. To be avoided during pregnancy, as the herb is a uterine stimulant. High doses of yarrow may turn urine dark brown. Amaranthaceae ACHYRANTHES Achyranthes aspera Linn. Habitat Distributed throughout the tropical and subtropi- cal regions. Classical & common names Ayurvedic: Apaamaarga, Chirchitaa, Shikhari, Shaikharike, Adahshalya, Mayura, Mayuraka, Figure 1 Achyranthes aspera Figure 2 Achyranthes aspera Kharamanjari, Kharapushpaa, Pratyakpushpaa, Aaghaat, Vashira, Kihini. Unani: Atkum (Arabic), Chirchitaa, Latjecraa. Siddha: Nayaruvi. English: Prickly Chaff Flower. Parts used Root, leaves, all aerial parts. Dose 20-50 g of the drug for decoction, juice 10-20 ml, alkaline ash 500 mg to 2 g, Classical use Charaka prescribed dried fruits alone or in pre- scriptions internally in parasitic infections, hemicrania and as erthine. Sushruta used alkaline ash of the plant for promoting growth of normal tissues after surgery; thick aqueous extract as ingredient of a massage cream for ulcers; inter- nally for skin diseases; as an ingredient of ¢ medi- cated salt in rheumatism, internal tumour, cough, piles, intestinal parasites. According to the 16thcentury texts, the herb proves very potent for stimulating digestion, cures anorexia. It over- comes the troubles due to worms and pathogenic organisms. Arrests bleeding and dysentery; also can be used for treating ascites. Siddha physicians use the herb effectively against bronchial asthma, ‘Unani physicians prescribe the alkaline ash of the herb with the milk of female camel for ascites. ‘They also use it as a lithotriptic. Active principles and pharmacology ‘The whole plant contains the alkaloids achyran- thine and betaine. Achyranthine, a water soluble alkaloid, is reported to dilate blood vessels, increases the amplitude of respiration and lowers, blood pressure, It also showed diuretic and purga- tive action, ‘The presence of ecdysterone is also reported in the stem and leaves. The ashes of the plant yield large quantities of potash. This justi- fies its use in traditional medicine for dropsy, asthma and cough. ‘Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaves showed antibiotic action against Micrococcus pyo- ‘genes var. aureus and E. coli. The extract is used for leprosy as an antibacterial agent. Roots are astringent and are applied to wounds as haemostatic. The decoction of the root is used for stomach troubles and an equeous extract for stones in the bladder. ‘The flowers, ground and mixed with curd and sugar, are given for menorthagia. ‘All these properties have been confirmed by various pharmacological studies. Use in Chinese herbal Achyranthes of the Amaranth family was named by Linnaeus in 1753 and Chinese Achyranthes bidentata (white var.) was first mentioned in a 1825, publication by Carl Ludwig von Blume. Called ‘Niu-xi, this spp. is also in use in the United States. ‘Triterpenoid saponins are the main constitu- ents of the plant. In Chinese medicine, Niw-xi is believed to invigorate the blood flow. It is used to stimulate menstruation when a period is delayed or scanty. It relieves pain due to a kidney stone. The herb is, also taken for mouth ulcers, toothache, bleeding gums and nosebleeds. ACONITUM 5 ‘The root is considered an anodyne, analgesic, antirheumatic, diuretic, emmenagogue, anti- inflammatory, antispasmodic, hypotensive and tonic. Caution Contraindicated during pregnancy. Ranunculaceae ACONITUM Aconitum bisma (Ham) Rap. ‘Aconitum palmatum D. Don Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex Royle Habitat Occurring in the alpine Himalayas of Sikkim, Nepal and adjoining parts of southern Tibet; also from Kashmir to the Kumaun hills at altitudes of 2500-3900 m. Classical & common names Aconitum bisma and Aconitum palmatum: Prativ- ishaa, Shyamakandaa, Patis, Bikhmaa. Aconitum —heterophylum: —Ativishaa, — Shuk- lakandaa, Bhanguraa, Ghunavallabhaa, Kaashmi- aa, Shishubhaishajyaa. Unanis Atees. Siddha: Athividyam (white variety). Parts used Root. Dose Powder 500 mg-1 g, decoction 3-5 g. In Ayurvedic classical texts (Dhanvantari Nighantu), two varieties of the root have been ‘mentioned. Ativishaa, the white (shukla) and Pra- tivishaa, the blackish (shyama) root. In Charaka Samhitaa Ativishaa and Prativishaa were consid- ered as one herb. Classical use Charaka used the root and tuber in internal pre~ scriptions for fevers, rheumatic conditions and for loss of vitality.