RADIX ACHYRANTHIS BIDENTATAE,Twotoothed Achyranthes Root

Part

Twotoothed Achyranthes Root is the dried root of Achyrantes bidentata Bl. (Fam. Amaranthaceae).

Character

Slender cylindrical, slightly curved, the upper part slightly thicker than the lower part, usually 15~50cm long and up to 90 cm, 0.4~1 cm in diameter. Externally greyish-yellow or pale brown, with slightly twisted and fine longitudinal wrinkles, transverse lenticels and sparse rootlet scars. Texture hard and fragile, easily broken, softened when moistened, fracture even, yellowish-brown, slightly horny and oily. Xylem of vascular bundles in the centre relatively large, yellowish-white, the outside scattered with many spotted vascular bundles arranged in 2~4 whorls. Odour, slight; taste, slightly sweet, somewhat bitter and astringent.

Water

≤15.0%

Total Ash

≤9.0%

Assay

It contains not less than 0.030% of Ecdysterone (C₂₇H₄₄O₇) calculate on the dried basis.

Action and Indication

To replenish the liver and the kidney, to strenghten the tendons and bones, to eliminate blood stasis and stimulate menstrual discharge, and to lead the blood to flow downward. For soreness of the lumbar and knee joints with weakness in the legs; amenorrhea with mass formation in the abdomen; dizziness due to hyperactivity of the liver.

Storage

Preserve in a cool and dry place, protected from heat, moisture and moth.