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Achyranthes bidentata

Scientific Name: Achyranthes bidentata

Family: Amaranthaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Achyranthes bidentata

Achyranthes bidentata Blume, commonly known as ox knee (English) and niu xi (Chinese), is a flowering plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Achyranthes bidentata Blume
  • Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth Family, Pigweed Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Centrostachys bidentata (Blume) Standl.
    • Achyranthes aspera var. fruticosa (Lam.) Boerl.
    • Achyranthes bidentata var. longifolia Makino (Synonym)
    • Radix achyranthis bidentatae (Latin)
  • Other Names: huai niu xi (Chinese) and pig's knee

Distribution and Habitat

Achyranthes bidentata is native to east Asia and is found in regions including India, Nepal, and China. It typically grows in forest edges and along roadsides.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Achyranthes bidentata is a perennial herb, typically growing to a height of 70-120 cm (approximately 2-4 feet).
  • The stem can be green or tinged with purple and is angulate or quadrangular in shape.
  • It flowers from August to September.
  • It is hardy to zone (UK) 8.

Traditional Uses and Research

  • In traditional Chinese medicine, the root of Achyranthes bidentata is used for various purposes, including as a diuretic, cardiotonic, and for the treatment of lower back and knee pain, and epistaxis (nosebleeds).
  • It has also been used traditionally for fever, asthma, rheumatism, and headache.
  • The plant is a commonly prescribed Chinese medicinal herb.
  • Recent research has explored its potential benefits related to cancer risk, anti-inflammatory activity, neuroprotection, and immune response enhancement.

Chemical Composition and Cytology

  • Research has focused on identifying various compounds within Achyranthes bidentata, including phytoecdysteroids, polysaccharides (ABPS), and triterpene saponins (e.g., Bidentatoside I).
  • Studies have analyzed the constituents and antisenile function of the plant's polysaccharides.
  • There has been a first report of 20E production in cell suspension cultures of *A. bidentata*.

Resources and Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • ResearchGate
  • Australia's Species