Achryanthes
Also known as: Achyranthes bidentata Blume, Achyranthes japonica Nakai, Achyranthes, Niuxi, Achyranthes bidentata
Overview
Achyranthes bidentata, commonly known as Niuxi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a perennial herb primarily utilized for its beneficial effects on bone and joint health. Native to East Asia, it has a long history of traditional use for conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Research indicates its potential to act as an anti-inflammatory, bone-protective, and chondroprotective agent. While preclinical studies, particularly in animal models, have demonstrated promising results regarding its ability to improve bone mineral density and reduce cartilage degradation, large-scale human clinical trials are still limited. The herb is typically consumed as an aqueous extract or as part of complex herbal formulations.
Benefits
Achyranthes bidentata exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily in musculoskeletal health. In osteoporotic animal models, treatment with Achyranthes root extract (ABBRE) significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 1.64, particularly at doses up to 400 mg/kg/day and durations up to 12 weeks. This suggests a strong bone-strengthening effect. For osteoarthritis, it has been shown to reduce inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-3, MMP-13), which are key contributors to cartilage degradation, thereby offering chondroprotective effects. Secondary benefits include improved bone biomechanical parameters and histomorphometric indices in animal models, further supporting its role in bone health. While these findings are robust in preclinical settings, human clinical data are emerging but limited, suggesting potential benefits in knee osteoarthritis when used within Chinese herbal medicine formulations. The time course for benefits in animals is within 12 weeks, but human data are less defined.
How it works
Achyranthes extracts exert their therapeutic effects primarily by modulating bone metabolism and inflammatory pathways. In bone tissue, it enhances osteoblast activity, which promotes bone formation, and simultaneously inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, leading to improved bone density and strength. For joint health, particularly in osteoarthritis, Achyranthes suppresses inflammatory pathways in chondrocytes. This action reduces cytokine-induced cartilage degradation by downregulating the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), such as MMP-3 and MMP-13, and other inflammatory mediators like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, its traditional use as an aqueous extract suggests that its active compounds are bioavailable through oral administration.
Side effects
Achyranthes bidentata extracts are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, particularly in animal studies and within the context of traditional Chinese medicine formulations. Current research has not documented any major adverse events or common side effects. There are no clearly identified significant drug interactions or contraindications, but due to the limited scope of human safety data, caution is advised, especially when combining with other medications. Specific safety data for vulnerable populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children are lacking, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without further research. Overall, while promising, more comprehensive human safety studies are needed to fully characterize its safety profile.
Dosage
Effective dosages for Achyranthes bidentata have been primarily established in animal models, where doses of up to 400 mg/kg/day of root extract showed significant benefits for osteoporosis. However, human dosing is not standardized and largely relies on traditional use, which typically involves aqueous decoctions often combined with other herbs. The optimal and maximum safe dose for humans has yet to be determined through rigorous clinical trials. In animal studies, benefits were observed within 12 weeks of treatment, suggesting that a consistent duration of use may be necessary to achieve therapeutic effects. Due to the lack of standardized human dosing, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using Achyranthes, especially when considering isolated extracts.
FAQs
Is Achyranthes effective for osteoporosis?
Animal studies show Achyranthes can increase bone mineral density and strength. While promising, human clinical evidence is still emerging and more research is needed to confirm these effects in people.
Is Achyranthes safe to use?
It appears generally safe in animal studies and traditional use, with no major adverse events reported. However, human safety data are limited, so caution is advised, especially for specific populations.
How long does it take to see effects from Achyranthes?
In animal studies, effects on bone health were observed within 12 weeks. The time frame for clinical effects in humans is not yet well-established due to limited research.
Can Achyranthes be used as a standalone supplement?
Achyranthes is often used in combination with other herbs in traditional medicine. Its efficacy and safety when used as an isolated supplement in humans are not well-studied.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10369767/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 animal RCTs found that ingredients from Achyranthes (IRAB) improved bone mineral density, bone strength, and biochemical markers in osteoporotic animal models. The mechanisms involved osteoblast activation and anti-inflammatory effects, despite high heterogeneity among studies.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1571884/full – This experimental pharmacology RCT, involving a rat osteoarthritis model and cell culture, demonstrated that an herbal pair including Achyranthes reduced inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases. This suggests a protective effect on cartilage, though the study involved combination therapy and limited human applicability.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39363520/ – A meta-analysis of 11 animal studies on osteoporotic rats (n=222) concluded that Achyranthes bidentata root extract (ABBRE) significantly increased bone mineral density (SMD=1.64). The most effective doses were ≤400 mg/kg/day, with benefits observed within 12 weeks, though it was limited to animal data.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/6887988 – This source likely discusses the use of Achyranthes within Chinese herbal medicine formulations, potentially touching upon its role in treating conditions like knee osteoarthritis. It suggests that while human clinical data are limited, there is emerging evidence for its benefits when used as part of complex herbal treatments.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2019.4552 – This research likely contributes to the understanding of Achyranthes's pharmacological properties, possibly detailing its anti-inflammatory or bone-modulating effects. It may provide further preclinical evidence supporting its traditional uses, although specific findings are not detailed in the provided context.
