Achyranthes aspera

Achyranthes aspera  [Devil’s horsewhip, Chaff flower]          

Tam: Naayuruvi,  Kannada: Uththarani, Mal: Kadaladi,Hindi:Chirchila

A short herb about 2 ft from ground with leaves below ending in a whip-like  floral axis beset with sharp-awned fruits that readily cling on to passerby animals or humans for spreading to other areas. In ancient ‘Shilpa sastra’ the Indian art of sculpting,  A.aspera  powder is used as a plaster for binding.

Old literature about the plant reveals a variety of uses for A.aspera, especially as an antidote to different venom/ poison. A.aspera had been used in cases of bites by snake /scorpion though detailed reports are scanty. In some places A.aspera powder +sugar has been used against dog bites.

The ash of the plant is said to be rich in potash and is said to have been used in laundering clothes.

Chemical components

Achyranthes aspera has been assessed to possess the following constituents.

Triterpenoid saponins of A.aspera contain oleanolic acid as the Aglycone..

Long chain alcohols are found in the extract .Besides, Ecdysterone – a hormone for moulting in insects is found in A.aspera . Such a humble weed has so much to offer.

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