INTRODUCTION:

Medicinal plants, also known as medicinal herbs, were discovered many years ago and used as medicines in the past¹. The plants have been used in traditional medicine for several thousand years. In most developing countries, traditional medicine is a common way to stay healthy. The world's health has been largely maintained by medicinal plants².

There has been a dramatic rise in its use in recent years of health products made of plants in both developed and developing nations, resulting in an exponential growth of herbal products globally. Herbal medicines can serve as safe and effective sources for developing treatments for various diseases³. Recently, it has been observed that there have been incredible rise in the preparation and usage of plants derived health products in both developed and developing countries, which results in ensuring an exponential growth of herbal products globally. In an effort to identify all medicinal More than 22,000 species of plants used around the world have been identified by the WHO. According to a WHO survey, 80% of the population in developing nations uses traditional herbal medicine as their main source of healthcare⁴. Achyranthes asperais the important medicinal herb found as weed throughout tropical region. The medicinal plant is a member of the family Amaranthaceae Because of their safety, plants are used to treat a variety of diseases as well as efficiency. Even though almost all of its parts are used in traditional medicine, the most important parts for medicine are the seeds, roots, and shoots⁵. Achyranthes aspera Linn. is a well-known plant medicines in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani-Tibbi, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, and Home Remedies It is an annual shrub found distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions. It is commonly found in India Baluchistan, Sri Lanka, tropical Asia, Africa, Australia, and America⁶. A. aspera is used in the traditional medical system as known for diuretic and hepatoprotective properties and used to cure several diseases viz. A. aspera is used to treat malarial fever, dysentery, asthma, hypertension, and diabetes. A. aspera has recently received a lot of attention for its medicinal properties and reported to have immunostimulatoryproperties, wound healing activity, antioxidan activity, hemolytic activity, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial activity and antifungal activity⁷. wounds occur when the skin is damaged or broken, and proper healing is essential to restore the skin’s structure and function. This healing happens through a coordinated response of different types of cells working together. then the achyranthesaspra is widely used in the wound healing and skin broken or damaged⁸.

Plant profile

1) Achyranthes aspera:

Fig 1: Achyranthes aspera L.

2. Taxonomical classification:

Kingdom	Plantae
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta
Superdivision	Spermatophyta
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliophyta
Subclass	Caryophylidae
Order	Caryophylidae
Family	Amaranthaceae
Genus	Achyranthes

3.Vernacular Name:

Sanskrit: Aghata

Hindi: Latjira, Chirchira

Punjabi: Kutri

Gujarati: SafadAghedo

Telugu: Uttaraene

Tamil: Shiru-kadaladi

Malayalam: Kadaladi

Unani: Chirchita

Ayurvedic: Shaikharilka, Apaamaarga, Chirchitaa, Shikhari,

Persian: Khare-vazhum

Spanish: rabo de gato, rabo de chango, rabo de raton, Mosotillo

Arabian: Atkumah

French: Achyranth a feuillesrudes, gendarme, collant.

Latin: Achyranthes aspera.⁹

Botanical Description:

1. Scientific name: Achyranthes aspera L.

2. Family: Amaranthaeae

3. Common Name: prickly chaff flower, chaff flower, and devil's horsewhi

4. Habit: A wild, perennial, erect herb that can also be annual.

5. Height: Varies from 0.5 to 2.0 meters.

6. Stem: It is an herbaceous plant that may turn woody near the base, bearing upright, branch stems that are angled and covered with hairs. The nodes are usually enlarged and often show a pink or violet tint.

Fig 2: Stem of Achyranthes aspera

7. Leaves: Simple, opposite, and arranged in pairs, with varying shapes from ovate to obovate. They are often hairy and can be hairy on both sides.

Fig 3: Leaves ofAchyranthes aspera

8. Flowers: The flowers have bracts and small bracteoles, with two bracteoles that are shorter than the perianth. They are dry, thin-textured, and remain attached even after maturity. The flowers are without stalks, fully formed, and contain both male and female organs. They are radially symmetrical, made up of five parts, and are hypogonous in structure. Overall, the flower are small, spiny and green.

Fig 4: Flower of Achyranthes aspera

9. Fruits: oblong utricle.

Fig 5: Fruit of Achyranthes aspera

10. Seeds: endospermic with curved embryo, 2mm long, oblong black.

Fig 6: Seed of Achyranthes aspera

11. Roots: A medicinal herb used in traditional medicine with properties that include anti- inflammatory, analgesic, and diuretic effects.

Fig 7: Root ofAchyranthes aspera

12. Flowering and Fruiting time: September to April.

13. Reproduction: sexually by seeds, and asexually through stem cuttings or in vitro propagation.

14. Lifespan: In some tropicalclimates with consistent rainfall it acts as an annual plant, completing its life cycle in about four months before dying during the dry season.

15. Odourand characteristics: slightly acrid or noxious, odour and bitter and pungent taste.¹⁰

Chemical Constituents:

Fig 8: Chemical constituents ofAchyranthes aspera

Alkaloids: Achyranthes asperais known to contain various alkaloids, such as betaine, ecdysterone, ecdysone, and achyranthine. Alkaloids are nitrogenous compounds that frequently have harmful effects, such as pain relief and reducing inflammation.

Flavonoids: Flavonoids are a large class of polyphenolic compounds that can be found in large quantities in plants. There are a number of flavonoids in Achyranthes aspera, including quercetin, utin, kaemnferal, and apigenin. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and they have been linked to a number of positive effects on one's health¹¹.

Saponins: Saponins are lycosides that can formn soapy froth when shaken with water. The saponins in Achyranthes asperahave been shown to have a variety of pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. Mass spectrometry and gas chromatography were used to identify sapogenin. Spectroscopic analytical techniques.

Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids are a group of compounds that come from isoprene units and are frequently present in plant extracts. Achyranthes aspera is a source of triterpenoid compounds, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties¹².

Phenolic Compounds: Achyranthes aspera is abundant in phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids and tannins. These compounds ave antioxidant capabilities and can help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Sterols: Achyranthes aspera has sterols, such as stigmasterol and B-sitosterol. These compounds have been associated with various pharmacological activities, including anti- inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects¹³.

Geographical Distribution:

aspera is a weed that grows up to an altitude in India on road sides, field boundaries, and waste areas. of 2100 meters, located in the South Andaman Islands. Baluchistan, Sri Lanka, tropical Asia, and Africa all contain the plant. Australia and America¹⁴.

Morphology:

Achyranthes aspera (Latjeera) is an erect or procumbent, annual or perennial herb of about 1- 2meter in height, often with a woody base. The leaves are thick, 3.8-6.3 22.5 - 4.5cm, ovateelliptic or obovate-rounded, finely and softly pubescent on both sides, entire, petiolate, petiole 6-20mm long. lowers are greenish white, numerous in axilary or terminal spikes up to 75cm long seeds are subcylindric, truncate at the apex¹⁵.

Pharmacological Activity:

1. Wound Healing Activity: Achyranthes aspera (Cupressaceae) is a commonly available plant in India. Cuts and wounds were treated with this plant. Ethanol and aqueous solutions of Achyranthes aspera were used to investigate the process of healing wounds. This research was used two of his models of wounds, an excisional laceration wound model and wound model¹⁶.

2. Anti Inflammatory Activity: Acute inflammation is a normal, protective process That reliefs the body to deal withinfections, tissue inijury and Immune disorders Traditionally, chaff lower has been used. To treat inflammatory disorders since long ago. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the chaff flower's anti-inflammatory properties. An investigation into the ethanolic chaff flower extracts in various doses of 50, They were tested for their effectiveness against induced chronic inflammation in rats. The chaff flower ceased. These inflammations at 100-200 mg/kg doses. The Chaff flower was found to have a significant anti- inflammatory effect. Alcoholic chafflower extract was most active according to many reports¹⁷.

3. Anti arthritic activity: To evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of ethanolic Extract of chaff flower, protein inhibition assay method was Used. Different concentrations (10, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000 ug/ml) of ethanolic extract and diclofenac sodium Were utilized in this study. The excerpts demonstrated significant anti-arthritic effect when compared to the standard drug diclofenac sodium at concentration of 800-1000 ug/ml. Tannic acids and flavonoids rocnonsible for this activity ¹⁸.

4.Cardivascular Disease: To determine how well chafflower can defend heart problems, and the effect of chaff lower saponin was noticed. On phosphorylase activity of rat heart. Achyranthine, water Soluble alkaloid demonstrated a decrease in blood pressure, depression of heart and increase in rate of respiration in Dogs under anesthesia Findings showed that chaff flower has Significant cardiovascular actresponsi¹⁹.

5. Anti Oxidant Activity: The unique health benefits of chaff flower are Primarily due to the high concentration of antioxidants in it. In the event of antioxidants (such as phytochemicals and chafflower) vitamins) help keep dliseases at bay. Along with numerous other herbal plants, chafflower's ability to protect against free radicals was also looked at in a lot of experiments and results. Demonstrated that the chaff flower show significant Potential as an antioxidant. In an investigation the antioxidant Capability of a methanolic extract of chaff's roots and leaves Flower was evaluated using 1, 1-diphenyl-2- in vitro, and assay for picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging. The outcomes cited the chaff flower as an antioxidant and phytochemicals responsible for this activity were flavonoids²⁰.

6. Anti-Diabetic Activity: Chafflower was being used to treat diabetes Melltus has existed since ancient times, but no scientific evidence for its anti-diabetic activity. Therefore, to examine the chaff flower's effectiveness against diabetes. Mellitus, ethanol extract was prepared and tested against Swiss albino mice with diabetes caused by alloxan. The level of It was discovered that the blood glucose level had increased by 123% and 128% on day fifteen and day thirteen of exposure. From the As a result, it was evident that chaff flower ethanol extract demonstrate significant anti- diabetic properties.

7. Anti cancer activity: The anti-cancer activity of chaff flower has been Substantiated and cited by a number of investigators. The anti-tumor Swiss albino mice were used to test the chaff flower's potential. After treated with mineral oil. D fferent chaff extracts The anti-tumor potential of flower leaves was investigated. Diferent doses of ether extract (3 mg/ml and 1.5 mg/ ml Were given to mice and results showed that the ether extract of the leaves of chafflower has the greater anti-cancer Potential among allextracts at the concentration of 3 mg/ ml. The leaves of chaff lower has the greater anti cancerous. This was caused by activity and nonalkaloid fractions Activity²¹.

8. Antiparasitic Activity:

Achyranthes aspera ethyl acetate extract was discovered. To have antiparasitic properties. Dried extracts of leaves, Achyranthes aspera's flowers and seeds were studied to demonstrate activity against the bovine mite larvae MicroplusRhipicephalus (Boophilus) (Acaridae: xodidae), an internal parasite of sheep, Paramphistomumcerv.

9. Anti Snake Venom Activity: Aversion to snake venom In India, the extract of Achyranthes asperais traditionally used as a medicine for bites from snakes. Aqueous leaf extracts of the Plants have been shown to be effective against the venom of the family Viperidae by neutralizing venom toxicity and Enzymatic activity. Water from The whole plant and a paste from the roots of the plant are Frequently used as snake bite remedies²².

Traditional Uses:

The plant has traditionally been used to treat cough and asthma. It is pungent, antiperiodic, and antiphlegmatic. It acts as a diuretic, purgative, and laxative, making it useful in treating edema, dropsy, piles, boils, and various skin diseases. The crushed plant, when boiled in water, is used as a remedy for pneumonia²³.The root is infused with a mild astringent for constipation.A paste prepared from crushed flowering spikes or seeds mixed with water is applied externally to treat snake and reptile bites, as well as various skin diseases and night blindness.For snake bites, the powdered root is administered with water until the patient regains consciousness and vomits. The fumes of Achyranthes aspera mixed with the roots of Smilax ovalifolia are inhaled to help treat various gastric disorders²⁴. The plant is beneficial in treating haemorrhoids and has emetic, carminative, and phlegm-expelling properties. It is also used to reduce swelling and aid digestion. The ash of the plant is applied externally to ulcers and warts, while crushed leaves are rubbed on the back to relieve muscle strain. A fresh root is sometimes used as a natural toothbrush. A paste of the roots in water is applied to treat eye conditions like ophthalmia and corneal opacities, and a paste of fresh leaves is used to relieve pain from wasp stings. Additionally, the plant helps in liver ailments, rheumatism, scabies, and other skin disorders, and also exhibits tranquilizing effects²⁵.

CONCLUSION:

Achyranthes aspera is recognized as a highly valuable medicinal plant due to its wide range of therapeutic properties and the presence of several bioactive compounds such as ecdysterone, achyranthine, betaine, pentatriaontane, 6-pentatriacontanone, hexatriacontane, and tritriacontane. The plant exhibits various pharmacological effects including spermicidal, antiallergic, cardiovascular, nephroprotective, antiparasitic, hypoglycemic, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Traditionally, it has been utilized as an antiperiodic, purgative, laxative, and for treating gastric problems and body pain. Considering its diverse medicinal potential, Achyranthes aspera appears to be a promising multipurpose therapeutic plant, warranting further scientific and clinical investigations confirm its effectiveness. The multi-multi-faceted healing properties of Achyranthes aspera underscore its potential as a natural drug source, necessitating further empirical research to its clinical utility.

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Received on 16.01.2026 Revised on 13.02.2026

Accepted on 07.03.2026 Published on 21.04.2026

Available online from April 24, 2026

Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2026; 18(2):207-211.

DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00028

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