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Background: Achyranthes asperaLinn, commonly known as Apamarga in Ayurveda (Prickly Chaff flower in English, Aghara in Hindi, Aghada in Marathi), is aannual, perennial herb that belong to Family Amaranthaceae and Genus Achyranthes consisting of several species which are popular as folk remedies. Certain ayurvedic and Unani practitioners use various parts of plant to treat various diseases.The present review aims to provide up-to-date information on different aspects of plant involving its botanical description, phytochemistry and bioactivities of different extractsto assess its therapeutic potential as a valuable source of natural compounds with beneficial effects on human health. Methodology: Systematic search of scientific databases like Google, Google scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, SciFinder, Springer link were used to find potentially significant scientific research and reports of Achyranthes asperaLinnusing combination of relevant keywords. Results: Achyranthes aspera Linn is a popular folk remedy in the traditional medicinal system in all tropical Asian and African countries. So far,58 important compounds have been isolated and identified from various parts of plant. These isolated constituents are mainly flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, phytosterols; phenolic compounds etc which posseses activities like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, spermicidal and other various important medicinal properties. Conclusion: Even though this plant consists of a wide range of phytochemicals and evaluated forbiological activities using various in-vitro and in-vivo models but they are limited. More attention should be paid to identify mechanisms that underlie beneficial therapeutic potential.It is essential to conduct the next level of research, by extending pharmacological to design novel drugs.

With aging, men inevitably encounter irreversible changes, including progressive loss of testosterone and physical strength, and increased fat mass. To assess the alleviatory effects of EUAJ on andropause symptoms, including in vivo testosterone deficiency, we administered EUAJ for 6 weeks in 22-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Before EUAJ (3:1) (

In the present study, the aerial parts of Achyranthes ferruginea underwent investigation of their in vitro antioxidant and free radical‐scavenging activities in cell‐free conditions, their phytoconstituents using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and their cytotoxic activity in HeLa cells. A. ferruginea was extracted with 80% methanol and successively fractionated with solvents to yield petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF), and aqueous (AQF) fractions. GC‐MS analysis revealed that CHF contained ten phytoconstituents, including different forms of octadecanoic acid methyl esters. The total antioxidant and ferric‐reducing antioxidant capacities of the extracts and the standard catechin (CA) were as follows: CA >CHF >PEF >CME (crude methanolic extract) >EAF >AQF, and CA >CHF >EAF >PEF >AQF >CME, respectively. CHF showed the highest DPPH‐free radical‐scavenging activity, with a median inhibitory concentration of 10.5 ± 0.28 µg/ml, which was slightly higher than that of the standard butylated hydroxytoluene (12.0 ± 0.09 µg/ml). In the hydroxyl radical‐scavenging assay, CHF showed identical scavenging activity (9.25 ± 0.73 µg/ml) when compared to CA (10.50 ± 1.06 µg/ml). Moreover, CHF showed strong cytotoxic activity (19.95 ± 1.18 µg/ml) in HeLa cells, which was alike to that of the standards vincristine sulfate and 5‐fluorouracil (15.84 ± 1.64 µg/ml and 12.59 ± 1.75 µg/ml, respectively). The in silico study revealed that identified compounds were significantly linked to the targets of various cancer cells and oxidative enzymes. However, online prediction by SwissADME, admetSAR, and PASS showed that it has drug‐like, nontoxic, and potential pharmacological actions., In this study, we found that the CHF of A. ferruginea has strong antioxidant and cytotoxic properties in different cell lines. GC‐MS quantitative phytochemical screening revealed that CHF contains 10 compounds which has known cytotoxic activity. Therefore, the obtained biological activity of A. ferruginea supports its use as a traditional medicine against different illnesses, and the plant can be considered a potential candidate for treating cancer.

Context Achyranthes bidentata Blume (Amaranthaceae) (ABR) and semen vaccariae (SV) are used commonly in the clinical treatment of erectile dysfunction in males with diabetes mellitus (DMED) to strengthen the kidney and promote blood circulation, and often achieve good curative effects. Objective Explore mechanistic details of ABR + SV treatment against DMED. Materials and methods Prediction of key targets by network pharmacology. A rat model of DM was established by streptozotocin injection (55 mg/kg). Apomorphine (100 μg/kg) was injected into rats to screen the DMED model. Group C (n = 6) and group M (n = 6) were gavaged with deionized water; group T (n = 6) was given Achyranthis bidentatae radix–semen vaccariae granule suspension (2.5 g/kg). It lasted 8 weeks. Real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting (WB) were used to measure the expression of tissue-related proteins and mRNA. Results The predicted key targets are albumin (ALB), caspase-3 (CASP3), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Compared with the M group (0.52 ± 0.04; 0.50 ± 0.03; 0.49 ± 0.02; 0.23 ± 0.03), CASP3, VEGFA, and ACE protein expression reduced in the T group (0.39 ± 0.06; 0.34 ± 0.03; 0.39 ± 0.03), and eNOS protein expression increased (0.34 ± 0.03). Conclusion ABR + SV can improve erectile function in DMED rats. This study provides a potential mechanism for the treatment of DMED with ABR + SV and can benefit from more patients.

The yield and quality of the medicinal plant Achyranthes bidentata can be increased when it is replanted into a field cultivated previously with the same crop, however, fundamental aspects of its biology (so-called “replanting benefit”) still remain to be elucidated. miRNAs are sRNA molecules involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in plant biological processes. Here, 267 conserved and 36 novel miRNAs were identified in A. bidentata roots. We compared the miRNA content of the roots (R1) from first-year planting with that of the roots (R2) of second-year replanting, and screened 21 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs. Based on in silico functional analysis, integrated miRNA-mRNA datasets allowed the identification of 10 miRNA-target family modules, which might participate in the benefit. The expression profiles of the miRNA-target modules were potentially correlated with the presence of the replanting benefit. The indication was that the miRNA-responsive continuous monoculture could reprogram miRNA-mRNA expression patterns, which possibly promote the root growth and development, enhance its transport activity and strengthen its tolerance to various stresses, thereby improving A. bidentata productivity as observed in the replanting benefit. Our study provides basic data for further research on the molecular mechanisms of the benefit in A. bidentata.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) has been identified to be an important factor leading to chondrocyte apoptosis in osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies have confirmed that Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharides (ABPS) can inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis; however, the mechanism of action of ABPS on chondrocyte ERS remains unclear. Thus in this study, we aim to investigate whether ABPS could inhibit OA-associated chondrocyte apoptosis by regulating ERS, especially by observing the relationship between the lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-377-3p, to explore further the protective mechanism of ABPS in OA. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ABPS inhibited chondrocyte ERS by regulating the expression of lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-377-3p. Moreover, both lncRNA NEAT1 silencing and miR-377-3p inhibition could attenuate the therapeutic effect of ABPS on ERS. Dual-luciferase results indicated that miR-377-3p targets the lncRNA NEAT1 gene in mouse chondrocytes. Therefore, we concluded that ABPS could inhibit thapsigargin (TG)-induced chondrocyte ERS through the lncRNA NEAT1/miR-377-3p axis.

The root of

Achyranthes aspera L. var. pubescens (Moq.) M.Gómez — Habit: Herb. Habitat: LMWF, LMDF; up to 3 000 m. Distribution: I. Voucher: N/A. Reference: Fries & Fries (1925)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 68, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Fries, R. E. & Fries, T. C. E. (1925) Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Flora des Kenia, Mt. Aberdare und Mt. Elgon. VII. Notizblatt des Koniglichen Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin 9 (85): 299 - 333. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 3994384"]}

Achyranthes aspera var. sicula L. — Habit: Herb. Habitat: LMWF, LMDF, up to 3 000 m. Distribution: I. Voucher: Near Ontulili Forest Station, Alt. 2 181 m, 5 Aug. 2015, SAJIT 003158 (HIB). References: Fries & Fries (1925), Townsend (1985), Bussmann (1993, 1994, 2006), Bussmann & Beck (1995a, 1995b, 1998, 1999), Agnew (2013)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 68, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Fries, R. E. & Fries, T. C. E. (1925) Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Flora des Kenia, Mt. Aberdare und Mt. Elgon. VII. Notizblatt des Koniglichen Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin 9 (85): 299 - 333. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 3994384","Townsend, C. C. (1985) Amaranthaceae. In: Polhill, R. M. (Ed.) Flora of Tropical East Africa. A. A. Balkema, Rotterdam, 136 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (1993) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): A phytosociological approach with special reference to ecological problems. Ph. D. Thesis, Eberhard Karls Universitat Tubingen, Tubingen, 119 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (1994) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): Vegetation, ecology, destruction and management of a tropical mountain forest ecosystem. Ph. D. dissertation, Universitat Bayreuth Startseite, Bayreuth, 252 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (2006) Vegetation zonation and nomenclature of African Mountains: An overview. Lyonia 11 (1): 41 - 46.","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1995 a) The forests of Mt. Kenya (Kenya), a phytosociological synopsis. Phytocoenologia 25 (4): 467 - 560. https: // doi. org / 10.1127 / phyto / 25 / 1995 / 467","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1995 b) Regeneration and succession processes in the Cedar Forests (Juniperion procerae) of Mt. Kenya. Ecotropica 1: 79 - 84.","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1998) The plant communities of the forests of Mount Kenya - First phytosociological and ecological data. In: Ojany, F. F. (Ed.) African mountains and highlands - planning for sustainable use of mountain resources. United Nations University, Tokyo, pp. 96 - 107.","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1999) Vegetation units of Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve: Comment. In: Bitok (Ed.) Vegetations-okologosche, ethnobotanische und faunistische Beitrage uber Aquatorial-Afrika. Bayreuther Forum Okologie 64. Bayreuther Forum Okologie, Bayreuth, pp. 17 - 28.","Agnew, A. D. Q. (2013) Upland Kenya wild flowers and ferns, 3 rd edn. Nature Kenya Publications, Nairobi, 733 pp."]}

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide (ABP) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, relative organ weight, ileal microflora, and meat quality in Pekin ducks. A total of 1,200 female 1-day-old Pekin ducklings (51.2 ± 0.2 g) were blocked based on body weight (BW) and randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 10 replicates of 40 birds each. The experiment lasted for 6 wk, and dietary treatments included corn–soybean meal–based diet supplemented with 0, 0.02, and 0.04% ABP. The supplementation of ABP increased (P

Background This study used a network pharmacology approach to elucidate the molecular mechanism governing the effect of Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (RAB) on osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Based on oral bioavailability and drug-likeness, the main active components of RAB were screened via the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology platform. The GeneCard, OMIM, PharmGkb, Therapeutic Targets database, and DrugBank database were used to establish a database of osteoarthritis targets. The interactive active network map of “ingredient-target” was constructed with Cytoscape software (Version 3.7.1). The protein-protein interaction network was constructed with the STRING database, and the related protein interaction relationship was analysed. GO biological function analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis for core targets were performed. Finally, docking of the active components with the core target was carried out. Results Sixteen active components of RAB were obtained, and 63 potential targets for OA were identified. Network analysis results indicate that these targets are primarily involved in regulating biological processes, such as cell metabolism, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. Pathways involved in the treatment of osteoarthritis include virus-related signalling pathways, apoptosis signalling pathways, IL-17 signalling pathways, and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways. Conclusion RAB has the characteristics of being multi-system, multi-component and multi-target. Possible mechanisms of action for RAB include regulating the immune and inflammatory responses, reducing chondrocyte apoptosis, and protecting the joint synovial membrane and cartilage to control disease development. The active ingredients in RAB, such as sterols and flavonoids, exhibit strong potential as candidate drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

The present study was investigated the effects of dietary Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) supplementation on the growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, breast meat quality, and organ weight in broiler chickens. In total, 640 Ross × Ross male broiler chickens (1-day-old) were randomly distributed into 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicate cages (16 birds/replicate) per treatment group for 5 wk. The dietary treatments included a control basal diet without AJE, and diets with 0.025, 0.05, or 0.1% AJE. Body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion improved linearly with the supplementation of AJE over the experimental period (days 1 to 35) (P < 0.05). Dietary AJE supplementation caused a significant increase in the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (linear, P < 0.05). The cecal Lactobacillus, E. coli, and Salmonella counts were linearly affected with increasing dietary AJE supplementation (P < 0.05). With increasing levels of AJE, excreta ammonia gas concentration showed a linear decrease (P < 0.05). The breast muscle weight linearly increased, along with a decrease in the abdominal fat weight, in treatment groups fed with AJE (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary addition with increasing AJE linearly improved growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta ammonia gas emission, and abdominal fat weight in broiler chickens.

Achyranthes bidentate is a common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used in treating osteoarthritis (OA). The compatibility between effective components has now become a breakthrough in understanding the mechanism of TCM. This study aimed at determining the optimal compatibility and possible mechanism of Achyranthes bidentate for OA treatment. Results showed that the adhesion score of the OA group is higher than NC group, and showed a trend of down-regulation in the intervention group. The CHI3L1 and IL-1β in joint fluid of the OA group was significantly increased compared to the sham operation group (NC group). Group G, I, and L exhibited significantly down-regulated CHI3L1, while groups C, F, I, K, and L exhibited reduced IL-1β. Joint adhesion, damage in cartilage, and synovial tissue was found in the OA model, cartilage tissue was found recovered in groups I, J, and L, and synovial tissue was recovered in group G, I, and L. Thus, group I and L were chosen for metabolite analysis, and indole-3-propionic acid was slightly up-regulated, while koeiginequinone A, prostaglandin H2, and 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-10-methylacridonew were down-regulated in group I and L. According to functional analysis, the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolic pathway is enriched. Down-regulated expression of vital proteins in the AA metabolism pathway, such as PGE2 and COX2 in group I and L were verified. In conclusion, Hydroxyecdysone, Oleanolic acid, Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide at a compatibility of 0.03-μg/mg, 2.0-μg/mg, 20.0-μg/mg or 0.03-μg/mg, 2.0-μg/mg, 10.0-μg/mg, respectively, may be the optimal compatibility of Achyranthes bidentate.

The history and progress of floristic knowledge on Amaranthaceae occurring in Greece and adjacent Balkan countries are briefly outlined and changes in family circumscription and generic delimitation are addressed. The new combinations Amaranthus blitoides [var. blitoides] f. thellungii (Sennen ex Thell.) Raus and A. blitoides [var. reverchonii] f. densifolius (Uline & W. L. Bray) Raus are published. The names Achyranthes argentea Lam. and Amaranthus commutatus A. Kern. ex Hayek are lectotypified, the former a synonym of Achyranthes sicula (L.) All , the latter of Amaranthus blitum L. Amaranthus commutatus A. Kern. has long been known as a designation with no nomenclatural value for a fictitious taxon but is still erroneously accepted in current floristic online sources.

Achyranthes root is a crude drug used as diuretic, tonic and remedy for blood stasis. Characteristic oleanolic acid saponins with a dicarboxylic acid moiety have been isolated as one of the representative constituents of this crude drug. This review focuses on the triterpene saponin constituents, especially those with a characteristic dicarboxylic acid moiety, of A. bidentata and A. fauriei. Several groups isolated the saponins and different names were given to one compound in some cases. The names of the compounds are sorted out and the stereochemistry of the dicarboxylic acid moieties are summarized. HPLC analysis of the composition of the saponin constituents and the effect of processing and extraction conditions on the composition are reviewed. Biological activities of the saponin constituents are also summarized.

Vigeo is a mixture of fermented extracts of Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim (ESM), Achyranthes japonica (Miq.) Nakai (AJN), and Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi (AJK) manufactured using the traditional Korean nuruk fermentation method. Although the bioactive effects of ESM, AJN, and AJK have already been reported, the pharmacological effects of Vigeo have not been proven. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether Vigeo had inhivitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory bone loss in vivo and receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and the related mechanism in vitro. Vigeo administration conferred effective protection against bone loss induced by excessive inflammatory response and activity of osteoclasts in LPS-induced inflammatory osteoporosis mouse model. In addition, Vigeo significantly suppressed the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts induced by RANKL and inhibited F-actin formation and bone resorbing activity without any cytotoxicity. Moreover, Vigeo significantly inhibited RANKL-induced phosphorylation of p38, ERK, JNK, IκB, and AKT and degradation of IkB. Additionally, Vigeo strongly inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of c-FOS and NFATc1 and subsequently attenuated the expression of osteoclast specific marker genes induced by RANKL. We demonstrated for the first time the anti-osteoporosis effect of Vigeo, suggesting that it could be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of osteoclast-mediated inflammatory bone diseases.

Increasing attention is being focused on the use of polypeptide-based N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for the treatment of nervous system disorders. In our study on Achyranthes bidentata Blume, we identified an NMDA receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) antagonist that exerts distinct neuroprotective actions. This antagonist is a 33 amino acid peptide, named bidentatide, which contains three disulfide bridges that form a cysteine knot motif. We determined the neuroactive potential of bidentatide by evaluating its in vitro effects against NMDA-mediated excitotoxicity. The results showed that pretreating primary cultured hippocampal neurons with bidentatide prevented NMDA-induced cell death and apoptosis via multiple mechanisms that involved intracellular Ca2+ inhibition, NMDA current inhibition, and apoptosis-related protein expression regulation. These mechanisms were all dependent on bidentatide-induced inhibitory regulation of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors; thus, bidentatide may contribute to the development of neuroprotective agents that would likely possess the high selectivity and safety profiles inherent in peptide drugs.

BackgroundThe Japanese chaff flower,Achyranthes japonica, is used as complementary medicine to control degenerative arthritis. Although commonly used in South Korea, there has been no report of side effects. We report the first case of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) that occurred in a woman who ingestedA. japonicaextract for 4 months.Case presentationA 56-year-old Korean woman was admitted for deterioration of renal function. She had general weakness and nausea for 1 month. Her initial blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were 26.3 mg/dL and 3.2 mg/dL, respectively. She acknowledged ingestingA. japonicaextract for the past 4 months. Renal histology demonstrated AIN represented by immune cell infiltration into the interstitium, tubulitis, and tubular atrophy, but the glomeruli were intact.A. japonicawas discontinued immediately and conservative management was started. Renal function was nearly restored to the baseline level without medication after 13 months.ConclusionThis is a rare case report of AIN associated with a pureA. japonicaextract. In the case of unknown etiology of AIN, physicians should ask about the use of herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, and traditional folk medicines includingA. japonica.

BackgroundPatients with lymphoedema are at high risk of getting bacterial and fungal wound infections leading to acute inflammatory episodes associated with cellulitis and erysipelas. In Ethiopia, wound infections are traditionally treated with medicinal plants.MethodsAgar well diffusion and colorimetric microdilution methods were used to determine the antibacterial activity of methanol extracts of the three medicinal plants againstStaphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shewanella alage, methicillin-resistantS. aureusATCC®43300TM,Staphylococcus aureusATCC25923,Escherichia coliATCC25922,Klebsiella pneumoniaeATCC700603, andPseudomonas aeruginosaATCC37853.ResultsThe methanol extract ofL. inermisleaves showed high activity against all tested bacterial species, which was comparable to the standard drugs. Similarly, the extracts ofA. indicashowed activity against all tested species though at higher concentrations, and higher activity was recorded againstStreptococcus pyogenesisolates at all concentrations. However, the extract ofA. asperashowed the lowest activity against all tested species exceptStreptococcus pyogenesisolates. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was recorded with the extract ofL. inermisagainstE. coliisolate andS. aureusATCC 25923.ConclusionMethanol extracts ofL. inermis, A. indica, andA. asperaleaves exhibited antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial isolates involved in wound infections, of which the methanol extracts ofL. inermisexhibited the highest activity. The results of the present study support the traditional use of plants against microbial infections, which could potentially be exploited for the treatment of wound infections associated with lymphoedema.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

BACKGROUND Achyranthes bidentata is a Chinese traditional herbal medicine widely used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to identify active compounds from Achyranthes bidentata through systematic pharmacology and in vitro experiments to find the targets of Achyranthes bidentata in the treatment of OA. MATERIAL AND METHODS We screened the active compounds of Achyranthes bidentata from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Then, we used STITCH and Open Targets Platform databases to screen the active components and predict the potential targets of Achyranthes bidentata in the treatment of OA. Subsequently, we studied the compound-target network and protein interaction network and analyzed the enrichment of potential target proteins. Finally, we used Western blot analysis to verify the therapeutic effect of Achyranthes bidentata extract on the expression of OA-related target proteins. RESULTS There were 7 active components in Achyranthes bidentata, which were strongly related to the 74 targets of OA. Quercetin, baicalein, and berberine are the critical active compounds of Achyranthes bidentata in the treatment of OA. Protein interaction analysis and in vitro experiments suggested that TNF, IL-6, and TP53 are the critical targets of Achyranthes bidentata in the treatment of OA. Functional enrichment analysis showed that Achyranthes bidentata plays a pharmacological role in OA through apoptosis, inflammation, and immune regulation. CONCLUSIONS Quercetin, baicalein, and berberine are the critical active compounds of Achyranthes bidentata in the treatment of OA. TNF, IL-6, and TP53 may be potential targets for the treatment of OA.

Background Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae nourishes and protects the kidneys, the effect of which is enhanced following a salt treatment. Raw and salt-processed Achyranthes bidentata are produced via different processing techniques from the same crude Achyranthes root. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of this plant have been verified earlier. However, there is a scarcity of experimental evidence for the renal-protective effects. Aim The purpose of present study is to compare the protective effects of raw and salt-processed Achyranthes on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - induced acute kidney injury in mice and chemically characterize their extracts. Method The monomer components of raw and salt-processed Achyranthes extracts were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The aggregation and distribution of 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) near infrared fluorescence probe in mice was examined with a small animal imaging systems. The pathological and morphological changes of kidneys were observed by H&E staining, and the serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) levels were used to evaluate the renal function. The levels of cytokines in serum were detected by cytometric bead array. Flow cytometry assay was performed to assess the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the kidney cells, and cell surface marker expression including CD45+, F4/80+, and Ly-6G+. The estrogenic activities of the raw and salt-processed Achyranthes were observed by uterine weight gain test in sexually immature mice. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels in the kidney. Results Chemical analysis showed that the salt-processed Achyranthes contained more ginsenoside Ro and chikusetsusaponin Ⅳa than the raw Achyranthes, but there was no difference in the contents of β-ecdysterone, 25R-inokosterone, and 25S-inokosterone.in vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging showed a significant reduced inflammation in the AKI mice. Histological studies showed that the raw and salt-processed Achyranthes markedly decreased the inflammatory infiltration, swelling and vacuolar degeneration in renal tissues and the Scr and BUN. Importantly, the raw and salt-processed Achyranthes extracts demonstrated different degrees of inhibition on the LPS-induced AKI, with salt-processed Achyranthes showing better inhibition. Results of flow cytometry showed a significant inhibition of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2, and promoted IL-10, along with reduced macrophages (CD45 + F4/80+), neutrophils (CD45+ Ly-6G+) and phagocytes. Furthermore, the extracts reduced the accumulation of ROS and apoptosis in the kidney, and also regulated the expression of apoptosis marker proteins TLR4, Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 9 levels. Notably, they increased ERα, ERβ, and GPR30 in the renal tissues of AKI mice and LPS non-treated mice. In the subsequent experiments, it was found that the raw and salt-processed Achyranthes extracts increased the uterine coefficient in sexually immature mice, improved the LPS-induced decrease in NRK52e cell viability, and reduced the apoptosis, which could be antagonized by ICI182, 780 (estrogen receptor-unspecific antagonist, Faslodex). Conclusions The renal-protective effect of raw and salt-processed Achyranthes was exhibited through antiapoptotic and antioxidant mechanisms via an estrogen-like pathway, along with a modulation of the inflammatory response by regulating immune cells. Ginsenoside Ro and Chikusetsu saponin IVa were found to be the key factors to enhance the protective effect of salt-processed Achyranthes.

We demonstrated the effect of a mixture containing fermented

In this study, the chloroplast genome sequencing of the Achyranthes longifolia, Achyranthes bidentata and Achyranthes aspera were performed by Next-generation sequencing technology. The results revealed that there were a length of 151,520 bp (A. longifolia), 151,284 bp (A. bidentata), 151,486 bp (A. aspera), respectively. These chloroplast genome have a highly conserved structure with a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (25,150 bp; 25,145 bp; 25,150 bp), a large single copy (LSC) regions (83,732 bp; 83,933 bp; 83,966 bp) and a small single copy (SSC) regions (17,252 bp; 17,263 bp; 17,254 bp) in A. bidentate, A. aspera and A. longifolia. There were 127 genes were annotated, which including 8 rRNA genes, 37 tRNA genes and 82 functional genes. The phylogenetic analysis strongly revealed that Achyranthes is monophyletic, and A. bidentata was the closest relationship with A. aspera and A. longifolia. A. bidentata and A. longifolia were clustered together, the three Achyranthes species had the same origin, then the gunes of Achyranthes is the closest relative to Alternanthera, and that forms a group with Alternanthera philoxeroides. The research laid a foundation and provided relevant basis for the identification of germplasm resources in the future.

Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as the Prickly Chaff flower, is used as herbal medicine in the Ivorian’s culture, Africa. Nonetheless, there is currently a paucity of scientific information on A. aspera from the Ivory Coast. Herein, the antioxidant activity of A. aspera extracts (methanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and infusion) as well as the enzymatic inhibitory potentials towards key enzymes in human diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease, (cholinesterases: AchE and BChE), type 2 diabetes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) and hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase) were assessed. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content was determined using colorimetric methods and the individual compounds were characterized using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Furthermore, a network pharmacology analysis was conducted to predict putative targets of identified phenolic compounds. The highest TPC was observed in the infused extract (28.86 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g), while the dichloromethane extract (38.48 ± 1.48 mg RE/g) showed the highest level of TFC. UHPLC-HRMS analysis has revealed an abundance of fatty acids, flavonoids, phenols and acylquinic acids. Among tested extracts, the infused extract displayed the highest free radical quenching, reducing and metal-chelating ability. The extracts (except infusion) were effective as enzyme inhibitors against AChE, while only methanolic and infused extracts showed noteworthy anti-BChE effects. The methanolic extract showed a remarkable antityrosinase effect (56.24 ± 5.05 mg KAE/g), as well. Modest to moderate inhibitory activity was observed against α-amylase (all extracts) and α-glucosidase (only dichloromethane extract). Finally, the network pharmacology analysis suggested the carbonic anhydrase II enzyme as a putative target for explaining, at least in part, the traditional use of A. aspera preparations as diuretic and blood clotting agent. Data amassed herein tend to validate the use of A. aspera in traditional medicine, as well as act as a stepping stone for further studies in the quest for novel phytopharmaceuticals. In this context, it is desirable that this study will contribute to the validation of the traditional uses of this plant in the African herbal medicine, and to the valorization of the whole chain production of A. aspera, as a local and sustainable botanical resource.

Herbal medicines are important in treatment of inflammation as they are safe and nontoxic. Tannins are important bioactive compounds used as anti-inflammatory agents and possess wound healing potential. Anti-inflammatory activity of tannins extracted from seedling leaf tissue and callus culture extracts of Achyranthes aspera L. and Ocimum basilicum L. were determined using Carrageenan induced paw edema model. Wound healing potential of tannins from callus cultures of leaf explants of both plants were evaluated using four models in rabbits i.e. excision, incision, dead space and burn wound. Group I acted as control, Group II treated with Povidone iodine as standard drug. Groups III and IV were experimental groups treated with creams which consisted of tannins of callus cultures of leaf; cream A (A. aspera) and cream O (O. basilicum). The results of anti-inflammatory activity of callus cultures of leaf explants were comparable with standard drug Indomethacin. Seedling leaf tissue and callus culture extracts of A. aspera and O. basilicum plant showed decrease in paw edema thickness, size and maximum percentage inhibition of paw edema respectively. Among four wound models burn wound showed the best wound contraction by Cream O. Hydroxyproline content and tensile strength of dead space and incision wounds exhibited good result also respectively. Cream O exhibited best results as compared to cream A. Histopathological examination showed that cream O showed faster rate of fibroblast and collagen formation as compared to cream A. The results showed that condensed tannins of callus cultures of leaf of A. aspera exhibited the best anti-inflammatory activity while tannins from callus cultures O. basilicum showed the best results for wound healing. These findings may enable use of both plants for formulation of new phytomedicine.

In this study, we aimed to determine the synergistic effects of a formula consisting of dried pomegranate concentrate powder, Eucommiae Cortex, and Achyranthis Radix 5:4:1 (g/g) (PCP:EC:AR) in a surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. PCP:EC:AR was orally administered once per day. Knee thickness, maximum extension of the knee joint, gross articular defect area, and the histopathological appearance of the cartilage were monitored, along with serum collagen type II C-telopeptide (CTX-II), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-&alpha, interleukin (IL)-1&beta, and subchondral IL-1&beta, and TNF-&alpha, levels. Roentgenographic images were also evaluated. PCP:EC:AR significantly inhibited the surgically induced increase in knee thickness, maximum extension of both knees, knee thickness after capsule exposure, gross femoral and tibial articular defect areas, loss of the knee joint area, serum and synovial COMP, CTX-II, and MMP expression, and synovial IL-1&beta, expression. In addition, surgically induced narrowing of the knee bones, loss of the joint area, cartilage damage, and osteophyte formation were reduced. PCP:EC:AR suppressed the surgically induced increases in the Mankin score, and subchondral IL-1&beta, immunolabeled cell numbers. PCP:EC:AR exerted potent OA protective effects in a surgically induced OA rabbit model.

Application of plant growth regulators has become one of the most important means of improving yield and quality of medicinal plants. To understand the molecular basis of phytohormone-regulated oleanolic acid metabolism, RNA-seq was used to analyze global gene expression in Achyranthes bidentata treated with 2.0 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1.0 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (6-BA). Compared with untreated controls, the expression levels of 20,896 genes were significantly altered with phytohormone treatment. We found that 13071 (62.5%) unigenes were up-regulated, and a lot of differentially expressed genes involved in hormone or terpenoid biosynthesis, or transcription factors were significantly up-regulated. These results suggest that oleanolic acid biosynthesis induced by NAA and 6-BA occurs due to the expression of key genes involved in jasmonic acid signal transduction. This study is the first to analyze the production and hormonal regulation of medicinal A. bidentata metabolites at the molecular level. The results herein contribute to a better understanding of the regulation of oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins accumulation and define strategies to improve the yield of these useful metabolites.

Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome that is characterized by hyperglycemia, change in the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, and in the long term, with eye, kidney, cardiovascular, and neurological complications. Plenty of plants from different regions of the world have been investigated for anti-diabetic effects. This review article was designed to report some of the most important medicinal plants with hypoglycemic properties according to reliable clinical and laboratory evidence, and also touched on the medicinal plants that are prescribed in Iranian traditional medicine, for the treatment of diabetes. The information in this review was obtained from the eligible articles retrieved using the search terms diabetes mellitus, medicinal plants, type 1 diabetes and medicinal plants, type 2 diabetes and medicinal plants, and the effect of extract and essential oil of medicinal plants affecting diabetized tissues in the human body indexed in databases such as Iran medex, Irandoc, ISI, PubMed, Scopus, SID, Magiran, Google Scholar, etc. Based on the results drawn in this review the plants, Urtica, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Allium sativum, Carthamus tinctorius, Ferula assa-foetida, Bauhinia, Gymnema sylvestre, Swertia, Combretum, Sarcopoterium, Liriope, Caesalpinia bonduc, Coccinia grandis, Syzygium cumini, Mangifera indica, Momordica charantia, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Pterocarpus, Tinospora cordifoli, Salvia officinalis, Panax, Cinnamomum verum, Abelmoschus moschatus, Vachellia nilotica, Achyranthes, Fabaceae, Mentha, Asphodelaceae, Andrographis paniculata L, Artemisia herba-alba, Artemisia dracunculus, Azadirachta indica, Caesalpinioideae, Pachira aquatic, Gongronema latifolium, Nigella Sativa, Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi), Chrysanthemum morifolium, Zingiber zerumbet, Symphytum, Cactaceae, Symplocos, Perilla frutescens, Terminalia chebula and Aloe vera are effective to controland treat diabetes.

Recently, the significantly higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in women than in men has been attributed to the loss of neuroprotective estrogen after menopause. Does phytoestrogen have the ability to protect against amyloid-β (Aβ) toxicity? The aim of this study was to evaluate hypothesis that β-ecdysterone (β-Ecd) protects SH-SY5Y cells from Aβ-induced apoptosis by separate signaling pathways involving protein kinase B (Akt) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Here, we demonstrate that phytoestrogen β-Ecd inhibits Aβ-triggered mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, as indicated by Bcl-2/Bax ratio elevation, cytochrome c (cyt c) release reduction, and caspase-9 inactivation. Interestingly, β-Ecd upregulates Bcl-2 expression in SH-SY5Y cells under both basal and Aβ-challenged conditions, but downregulates Bax expression only in Aβ-challenged conditions. Subsequently, Akt-dependent NF-κB activation is required for Bcl-2 upregulation, but not Bax downregulation, in response to β-Ecd, which was validated by the use of LY294002 and Bay11-7082. Notably, β-Ecd attenuates the Aβ-evoked reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) phosphorylation and JNK activation without altering the basal ASK1 phosphorylation and JNK activation. ROS-scavenging by diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) abrogated the ability of β-Ecd to alter the activation of ASK1. Simultaneously, inhibition of JNK by SP600125 abolished β-Ecd-induced Bax downregulation in Aβ-challenged SH-SY5Y cells, whereas LY294002 failed to do so. Consequently, β-Ecd possesses neuroprotection by different and complementary pathways, which together promote a Bcl-2/Bax ratio. These data support our hypothesis and suggest that β-Ecd is a promising candidate for the treatment of AD.

Achyranthes bidentata and Achyranthes aspera are saponin and steroid rich medicinal plants, used extensively for therapeutic treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. A. bidentata is reported to be one of the rare and extensively exploited medicinal plant species that face the issue of being endangered. Finding qualitative substitute with identical phyto-constituents contributing to similar composition and pharmacological benefits will help in reducing the burden of exploitation of the natural habitats of such plants. In the present study, a comparative metabolite analysis of the whole drug and specific tissues isolated by laser micro-dissection (LMD) was carried out for both the selected species, by use of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF MS). The results of the study indicate that the cortex and the medullary ray tissues are rich in their content of steroidal and saponin constituents such as (25S)-inokosterone-20,22-acetonide, ginsenoside Ro, bidentatoside II and achyranthoside B. Metabolite profiling of the whole tissues of both the species indicates presence of identical constituents. Thus, it is inferred that A. bidentata and A. aspera can be used as qualitative substitutes for each other.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJN) extract as a natural feed additive on growth performance, nutrient utilization, cecal microbiota, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality in broilers fed corn–wheat–soybean meal diet. In total, seven hundred twenty 1-day-old male Ross 308 broilers with an average body weight (BW) of 43.36 ± 1.42 g were used in a 35-d feeding trial. Broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 treatments. Each treatment had 10 replication pens with 18 birds per replication. Dietary treatments composed of corn–wheat–soybean meal–based diets along with the addition of 0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1% of AJN extract. The BW gain and feed conversion rate were linearly influenced (P

Fermentation has recently re-emerged as an approach for improved functionality of food products in addition to the traditional roles such as shelf life, taste, and texture. Here, we report dynamic changes in the metabolite profiles of

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone density and quality with high risk of bone fracture. Here, we investigated anti-osteoporotic effects of natural plants (Lycii Radicis Cortex (LRC) and Achyranthes japonica (AJ)) in osteoblast and osteoclast cells in vitro and ovariectomized mice in vivo. Combined LRC and AJ enhanced osteoblast differentiation and mineralized bone-forming osteoblasts by the up-regulation of bone metabolic markers (Alpl, Runx2 and Bglap) in the osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1. However, LRC and AJ inhibited osteoclast differentiation of monocytes isolated from mouse bone marrow. In vivo experiments showed that treatment of LRC+AJ extract prevented OVX-induced trabecular bone loss and osteoclastogenesis in an osteoporotic animal model. These results suggest that LRC+AJ extract may be a good therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of osteoporotic bone loss.

Achyranthes japonica Nakai (A. japonica) is a medicinal herb found widely distributed throughout Korea. The biological activities of A. japonica are well-documented and include anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and immunity enhancement. The objective of the present study was to investigate the immune-related activities of A. japonica extract in dogs. The extract was acquired by ethanol extraction and purified by filtration. To examine the effect of A. japonica extract on immune cell viability, human lymphocytes, such as Jurkat T-cells and Ramos B-cells, were exposed to the extract. After treatment with the extract, the number of Ramos B-cells was increased, whereas Jurkat T-cells remained unaffected. Griess assay revealed decreased nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophage Raw 264.7 cells after exposure to A. japonica extract. To evaluate the in-vivo effect in dogs, feed containing A. japonica extract was provided to 8 dogs for 2 months. Blood samples were collected before, during, and after consumption of the feed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the blood samples and the number of T-cells and B-cells were assessed using flow cytometry with anti-dog fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated CD3 and anti-dog phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated CD21 antibodies, respectively. We observed a significant increase in the average number of B-cells in the PBMCs during ingestion of the feed containing A. japonica. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed a decrease in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, in 3 out of 8 dogs and increased levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in 4 out of 8 dogs. Taken together, we believe that these changes indicate that A. japonica extract is beneficial in improving the immunity of dogs by stimulating B-cells and inducing production of anti-inflammatory responses.

Background: Polygonum multiflorum and Achyranthes bidentate are traditional Chinese herbs, which show significant antiosteoporosis (OP) effect. These two herbs are commonly used as a combination in traditional Chinese medicine. Materials and Methods: In this study, the left humerus section of the mice were stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining to establish the spectrum-effect relationships between the high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint of different solvent extracts and the anti-OP effect. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between the content of main compounds of different solvent extracts and the anti-OP effect. Results: The compatibility had obvious therapeutic effect on OP induced by retinoic acid. The results of pharmacodynamic analysis showed that the extract had a certain effect on the bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, the level of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b), and estrogen 2 and had a great influence on TRACP-5b especially. The results of spectrum-effect relationships and correlation analysis showed that the level of β-ecdysterone and tetrahydroxystilbene is negatively correlated with bone resorption index and TRACP-5b. The higher the content of the two compounds in the combination, the better the effect of treating mouse OP induced by retinoic acid. Conclusion: It is suggested that the compatibility of P. multiflorum and A. bidentata can be used to treat OP, and their mechanism of action is through reducing osteoclastic effect. β-ecdysterone and tetrahydroxystilbene may be the active components of combination of Polygoni multiflori-A. bidentate.

Hair loss affects both men and women of all ages and often significantly affects social and psychologic health. Recent therapeutic approach for hair loss such as finasteride and minoxidil focused on regulation of hormonal system blood flow. However, long-term use of these drugs caused adverse effects. To develop herbal medicine for therapeutic effect on hair growth, here we screened the 10 medicinal herbs (Red ginseng, Licorice, Ulmus, Barberry root, Lycium root, Rehmanniae radix crudus, Sophora root, Sweet flag, Polygala root, Achyranthes) based on oriental medicine literature. We measured cytotoxicity, anti-oxidant activity, and 5-α reductase inhibitory effect of the herbal medicine on human dermal papilla (DP) cells to investigate therapeutic effect of the herbal medicine. Treatment of the 1% herbal medicine did not show any cytotoxic effects, and cell growth was increased by treatment of the 0.1% herbal medicine. In addition, the herbal medicine showed stronger antioxidant activity than resveratrol and comparable inhibitory activity of 5-α reductase with finasteride. Furthermore, when applied to in vivo mouse model, we also observed increases in the number and length of hair of the herbal medicine-treated group. These results suggest that the herbal medicine promotes hair growth by its antioxidant activity and inhibitory activity of 5-α reductase and might therefore be a promising hair growth-promoting agent.

A new phytoecdysteroid compound, named Niuxixinsterone D (1), together with two known phytoecdysteroid compounds (2 and 3) were isolated from Achyranthes bidentata Bl.. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by extensive spectral analysis, including HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR methods. Compounds 1–3 were tested for their inhibitory effects against LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and compound 1 and 3 exhibited anti-neuroinflammatory activity with inhibited 29.7 and 26.0% NO production.

Achyranthes coynei is a rare, endemic species with potential medicinal properties. The present study aimed to develop an efficient in vitro rapid multiplication protocol for A. coynei. It was successfully propagated in vitro using apical shoot tips as explants. A combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (3.0 mg · L−1), thidiazuron (0.5 mg · L−1), and kinetin (0.5 mg · L−1) in MS basal proved best for multiple shoot induction, yielding 4.8 shoots per explant after 60 days of culture. The shoots were rooted with a frequency of 80 % after 30 days of culture on MS agar medium fortified with IBA/NAA (0.5 mg · L−1) before being acclimatized in the greenhouse. The developed protocol will serve as a tool to restore the rare status of the plant and will append its sustainable utilization.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease whose main symptom is a heightened inflammatory response in synovial tissues. To verify the anti-arthritic activities of Achyranthes aspera and its possible therapy-related factors on the pathogenesis of RA, the saponins in A. aspera root were isolated and identified to treat the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Phytochemical analysis isolated and identified methyl caffeate, 25-S-inokosterone, 25-S-inokosterone β-D-glucopyranosyl 3-(O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-oleanolate, and β-D-glucopyranosyl 3-(O-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1→2)(O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-oleanolate as main compounds in the root of A. aspera. Proteomics was performed to determine the differentially expressed proteins in either inflamed or drug-treated synovium of CIA rats. Treatment resulted in dramatically decreased paw swelling, proliferation of inflammatory cells, and bone degradation. Fibrinogen, procollagen, protein disulfide-isomerase A3, and apolipoprotein A-I were all increased in inflamed synovial tissues and were found to decrease when administered drug therapy. Furthermore, Alpha-1-antiproteinase and manganese superoxide dismutase were both increased in drug-treated synovial tissues. The inhibition of RA progression shows that A. aspera is a promising candidate for future treatment of human arthritis. Importantly, the total saponins found within A. aspera are the active component. Finally, autoantigens such as fibrinogen and collagen could act as inducers of RA due to their aggravation of inflammation. Given this, it is possible that the vimentin and PDIA3 could be the candidate biomarkers specific to Achyranthes saponin therapy for rheumatoid arthritis in synovial membrane.