Introduction of Tǔ Niú Xī: Native Achyranthes Root
✵This article documents Native Achyranthes Root—including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and botanical sources (four plant species): (1) Achyranthes bidentata Blume, (2) Achyranthes longifolia Miq., (3) Achyranthes aspera L., and (4) Achyranthes aspera L. var. indica (L.) O. Kuntze—followed by detailed descriptions of the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these species; macroscopic characteristics of the herb; its pharmacological actions; medicinal efficacy; and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Tǔ Niú Xī
English Name: Native Achyranthes Root; Twotooth Achyranthes Root
Latin Name:Radix Achyranthis Asperae Properties and Flavor: Cold; sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly sour
Brief Introduction:Radix Achyranthis Asperae is the dried root of Achyranthes aspera L. and other related species, used clinically for sore throat and diphtheria. It is commonly known as Radix Achyranthis Asperae, Native Achyranthes Root, or Tǔ Niú Xī.
Botanical Source: Classical and official herbal works define Radix Achyranthis Asperae (Native Achyranthes Root) as the dried root of: (1) Achyranthes bidentata Blume, (2) Achyranthes longifolia Miq., (3) Achyranthes aspera L., and (4) Achyranthes aspera L. var. indica (L.) O. Kuntze. These species belong to the genus Achyranthes L., family Amaranthaceae (amaranth family), order Caryophyllales (formerly in order Centrospermae). The four commonly used species are described below:
(1) Achyranthes bidentata Blume.
Botanical Description:Achyranthes bidentata Blume is also known as A. bidentata Blume; it is commonly known as Niú Xī, Yě Niú Xī, and Shān Xiàn Cài. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 70–120 cm tall. The root is cylindrical, 5–10 mm in diameter, and khaki (stone yellow) in color. Stems are angular or square, green or purplish, and covered with white appressed or spreading pilose hairs—or become nearly glabrous; branches are opposite, and nodes are swollen. Leaves are simple and opposite; petioles are 5–30 mm long; leaf blades are membranous, elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate, 5–12 cm long and 2–6 cm wide; the apex is acuminate, the base is broadly cuneate, and margins are entire; both surfaces are pilose.
Spikes are terminal and axillary, 3–5 cm long, and reflexed after flowering; peduncles are 1–2 cm long and covered with white pilose hairs; flowers are numerous and densely arranged, each ~5 mm long; bracts are broadly ovate, 2–3 mm long, with a long-acuminate apex; bracteoles are spinous, 2.5–3 mm long, with a curved apex and one oval, membranous lobule (~1 mm long) on each side of the base; tepals are lanceolate, 3–5 mm long, glossy, with an acute apex and a single midrib; stamens are 2–2.5 mm long; the apex of the staminode is flat and rounded, slightly incised-serrulate.
Utricles are oblong, 2–2.5 mm long, tawny (yellowish brown), and smooth. Seeds are oblong, ~1 mm long, and tawny. Flowering occurs from July to September; fruiting occurs from September to October.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows in forests on hillsides at elevations of 200–1,750 m above sea level, along forest edges, on grassy hillsides or mountain slopes, and near houses.
Growth Characteristics:Achyranthes bidentata Blume has a deep root system and prefers a warm, relatively arid climate; it is not cold-tolerant and may freeze and die when temperatures drop to –17 °C (1.4 °F). For cultivation, fields with deep soil layers and sandy loam are preferred; clayey or alkaline soils are unsuitable.
Characteristics of the Herb: (wild origin): The rhizome is cylindrical, 1–3 cm long and 5–10 mm in diameter, taupe brown (grayish brown), with a residual stem base at the upper end and numerous thin or thick roots arising circumferentially. The root is long-cylindrical and slightly curved, less than 15 cm in length and up to 4 mm in diameter; its surface is pale taupe brown with fine, dense longitudinal wrinkles. The dried herb is slightly soft and easily fractured; the fracture surface is yellowish brown, with visible vascular bundles arranged in a circular ring. It has a faint odor and a slightly sweet taste.
Medicinal Efficacy: Promotes blood circulation and resolves blood stasis; clears dampness and promotes diuresis; drains fire and detoxifies; clears heat and detoxifies; promotes urination and treats stranguria. It is indicated for gonorrhea, hematuria, female amenorrhea, abdominal masses, rheumatic joint pain, beriberi, edema, dysentery, malaria, diphtheria, sore throat, stranguria, carbuncles, injuries from falls, etc.
Administration of Radix Achyranthis Asperae (Tǔ Niú Xī):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Radix Achyranthis Asperae (Tǔ Niú Xī)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally:water decoction, 3–5 qián (~9–15 grams); fresh herb, 1–2 liǎng (~30–60 grams). External use: crush and apply as a poultice; extract juice and instill into the ear; or grind into fine powder and blow into the throat. (2) Internally: water decoction, 9–15 grams; fresh herb, 30–60 grams. Externally: appropriate amount—crush and apply as a poultice; extract juice and instill into the ear; or grind into fine powder and blow into the throat.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions: Radix Achyranthis Asperae should be avoided during pregnancy.
(2) Achyranthes longifolia.
Botanical Description:Achyranthes longifolia (Makino) Makino is also known as A. bidentata var. longifolia. It is commonly known as Liǔ Yè Niú Xī, Achyranthes longifolia Makino, or willow-leaf achyranthes. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 m tall. The stem is erect, square, with enlarged nodes sparsely covered with pilose hairs; leaves are opposite; leaf blades are oblong-lanceolate or broadly lanceolate, 10–18 cm long and 2–3 cm wide; the apex is acuminate, the base is cuneate, margins are entire, and both surfaces are sparsely pilose; petioles are 0.2–1 cm long and pilose.
The inflorescence is spicate, terminal or axillary, slender and elongated; the peduncle is pilose; floral bracts are ovate (egg-shaped); there are two bracteoles, acicular (needle-like), each bearing one auriform, membranous lobule on either side of the base; there are five tepals, lanceolate and ~3 mm long; five stamens, with filaments basally connate; the staminode is square, with an inconspicuous dentate apex.
Utricles are nearly elliptic, about 2.5 mm long; its flowering period is from September to October, and the fruiting period is from October to November.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows on hillsides and mountain slopes, along ditches, and beside roads.
Characteristics of the Herb: The rhizomes are short and thick, 2–6 cm long and 1–1.5 cm in diameter. Four to nine roots are twisted, 10–20 cm long and 0.4–1.2 cm in diameter, tapering distally. The surface is grayish yellow-brown, with fine, dense longitudinal wrinkles and scars left after fibrous roots are removed. The herb is hard and slightly elastic, easily fractured; the cortex of the fracture surface is pale taupe (pale dust-colored) and slightly lustrous, with numerous scattered dot-like vascular bundles visible. It has a faint odor and a taste that is slightly sweet at first, followed by a puckery sensation.
(3) Achyranthes aspera L.
Botanical Description:Achyranthes aspera L. is commonly known as Cū Máo Niú Xī ("crude-hair achyranthes") or Tǔ Niú Xī. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 20–120 cm tall. The root is slender, 3–5 mm in diameter, and khaki in color. The stem is four-angled, pilose, with slightly enlarged nodes; branches are opposite. Leaves are opposite; petioles are 5–15 mm long; leaf blades are chartaceous (papery), broadly ovate–obovoid or ellipsoid–oblong, 1.5–7 cm long and 0.4–4 cm wide; the apex is obtuse and mucronate (with a short, abrupt, rigid point), the base is cuneate or rounded, margins are entire or undulate, and both surfaces are densely covered with coarse hairs.
Spikes are terminal and erect, 10–30 cm long, and reflexed after flowering; peduncles are angular, stout (thick and strong), firm and hard, and densely covered with white appressed or spreading pilose hairs; flowers are 3–4 mm long and sparsely arranged; bracts are lanceolate, 3–4 mm long, with a long-acuminate apex; bracteoles are spinous, 2.5–4.5 mm long, firm and hard, glossy, often purplish, each bearing one membranous wing (~1.5–2 mm long) on either side of the base—entire and adnate to the spine but readily detachable; tepals (perianth lobes) are lanceolate, 3.5–5 mm long, long-acuminate, stiffened and sharply pointed after flowering, with a single vein; stamens are 2.5–3.5 mm long; the tip of the staminode is truncate or finely crenulate, bearing branched, penicillate (fringelike) marginal setae (trichomes).
Utricles are ovoid (egg-shaped), 2.5–3 mm long. Seeds are ovoid—not oblate—and ~2 mm long, brown in color. Flowering occurs from June to August; fruiting occurs in October.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows in open forests on hillsides or mountain slopes, or in open fields near villages.
Growth Characteristics: The plant prefers a warm climate and is not cold-tolerant; frost-protection measures should be applied during winter in northern regions. It grows well in sandy loam, but clay soil is unsuitable for cultivation.
Characteristics of the Herb: The rhizome is short-cylindrical, taupe brown (grayish brown); numerous thin, cylindrical, and elongated roots arise circumferentially, 6–10 cm long and 2–5 mm in diameter, and are slightly curved. The surface is taupe brown (grayish brown), with fine, shallow longitudinal wrinkles. The herb is hard and easily broken; the fracture surface is fibrous, pale grayish cyan (pale bluish gray) to ash gray (grayish white). It has a mild taste and is odorless.
(4) Achyranthes aspera L. var. indica L.
Botanical Description:Achyranthes aspera L. var. indica L. is also known as A. obtusifolia L.; it is commonly known as Dùn Yè Tǔ Niú Xī ("peltate-leaved achyranthes"). It is a perennial herb whose morphology resembles that of Achyranthes bidentata Blume, but it has a short, highly branched taproot; the root is dry, hard, and wood-like. The plant is robust and firm; the stem is densely covered with white or yellow pilose hairs. Leaf blades are obovate, 3–7 cm long and 2–6.5 cm wide; the apex is often mucronate, the base is broadly cuneate, margins are undulate, and both surfaces are densely pilose.
Spikes are erect; the staminode is penicillate (fringelike). Flowering occurs from August to September; fruiting occurs from September to October.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows on hillsides or mountain slopes.
Characteristics of the Herb: The rhizome resembles that of Achyranthes aspera L., but is slightly thicker and larger.
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References:
1.Introduction of Tǔ Niú Xī: Native Achyranthes Root
✵This article documents Native Achyranthes Root—including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and botanical sources (four plant species): (1) Achyranthes bidentata Blume, (2) Achyranthes longifolia Miq., (3) Achyranthes aspera L., and (4) Achyranthes aspera L. var. indica (L.) O. Kuntze—followed by detailed descriptions of the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these species; macroscopic characteristics of the herb; its pharmacological actions; medicinal efficacy; and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Tǔ Niú Xī
Botanical Description: Achyranthes bidentata Blume is also known as A. bidentata Blume; it is commonly known as Niú Xī, Yě Niú Xī, and Shān Xiàn Cài. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 70–120 cm tall. The root is cylindrical, 5–10 mm in diameter, and khaki (stone yellow) in color. Stems are angular or square, green or purplish, and covered with white appressed or spreading pilose hairs—or become nearly glabrous; branches are opposite, and nodes are swollen. Leaves are simple and opposite; petioles are 5–30 mm long; leaf blades are membranous, elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate, 5–12 cm long and 2–6 cm wide; the apex is acuminate, the base is broadly cuneate, and margins are entire; both surfaces are pilose.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows in forests on hillsides at elevations of 200–1,750 m above sea level, along forest edges, on grassy hillsides or mountain slopes, and near houses.
Botanical Description: Achyranthes longifolia (Makino) Makino is also known as A. bidentata var. longifolia. It is commonly known as Liǔ Yè Niú Xī, Achyranthes longifolia Makino, or willow-leaf achyranthes. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 m tall. The stem is erect, square, with enlarged nodes sparsely covered with pilose hairs; leaves are opposite; leaf blades are oblong-lanceolate or broadly lanceolate, 10–18 cm long and 2–3 cm wide; the apex is acuminate, the base is cuneate, margins are entire, and both surfaces are sparsely pilose; petioles are 0.2–1 cm long and pilose.
The inflorescence is spicate, terminal or axillary, slender and elongated; the peduncle is pilose; floral bracts are ovate (egg-shaped); there are two bracteoles, acicular (needle-like), each bearing one auriform, membranous lobule on either side of the base; there are five tepals, lanceolate and ~3 mm long; five stamens, with filaments basally connate; the staminode is square, with an inconspicuous dentate apex.
Characteristics of the Herb: The rhizomes are short and thick, 2–6 cm long and 1–1.5 cm in diameter. Four to nine roots are twisted, 10–20 cm long and 0.4–1.2 cm in diameter, tapering distally. The surface is grayish yellow-brown, with fine, dense longitudinal wrinkles and scars left after fibrous roots are removed. The herb is hard and slightly elastic, easily fractured; the cortex of the fracture surface is pale taupe (pale dust-colored) and slightly lustrous, with numerous scattered dot-like vascular bundles visible. It has a faint odor and a taste that is slightly sweet at first, followed by a puckery sensation.
Botanical Description: Achyranthes aspera L. is commonly known as Cū Máo Niú Xī ("crude-hair achyranthes") or Tǔ Niú Xī. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 20–120 cm tall. The root is slender, 3–5 mm in diameter, and khaki in color. The stem is four-angled, pilose, with slightly enlarged nodes; branches are opposite. Leaves are opposite; petioles are 5–15 mm long; leaf blades are chartaceous (papery), broadly ovate–obovoid or ellipsoid–oblong, 1.5–7 cm long and 0.4–4 cm wide; the apex is obtuse and mucronate (with a short, abrupt, rigid point), the base is cuneate or rounded, margins are entire or undulate, and both surfaces are densely covered with coarse hairs.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows in open forests on hillsides or mountain slopes, or in open fields near villages.
Botanical Description: Achyranthes aspera L. var. indica L. is also known as A. obtusifolia L.; it is commonly known as Dùn Yè Tǔ Niú Xī ("peltate-leaved achyranthes"). It is a perennial herb whose morphology resembles that of Achyranthes bidentata Blume, but it has a short, highly branched taproot; the root is dry, hard, and wood-like. The plant is robust and firm; the stem is densely covered with white or yellow pilose hairs. Leaf blades are obovate, 3–7 cm long and 2–6.5 cm wide; the apex is often mucronate, the base is broadly cuneate, margins are undulate, and both surfaces are densely pilose.
Ecological Environment: The plant grows on hillsides or mountain slopes.
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