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{{#seo: | {{#seo: | ||
|title=Charak Samhita | |title=Charak Samhita | ||
|titlemode=append | |titlemode=append | ||
|keywords=Apamarga, Achyranthes aspera L., | |keywords= *Apamarga, Achyranthes aspera L., name(s) Achyranthes aspera L.* Therapeutic use, herbs, researches on dravya, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda, | ||
|description= | |description= Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera L.) is traditionally classified as a vishaghna (anti-toxic), deepana, and vatanulomaka herb, widely utilized in Ayurveda for managing obesity, skin disorders, dental ailments, renal calculi, and inflammatory conditions. | ||
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg | |image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg | ||
|image_alt= | |image_alt=charak samhita | ||
|type=article | |type=article | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Infobox | {{Infobox | ||
Revision as of 17:41, 30 September 2026
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Apamarga |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Achyranthes aspera L. |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Achyranthes aspera L., popularly known as Apamarga or Prickly Chaff Flower, is a rigid, erect annual or perennial herb distributed widely throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of India. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for its scraping (*Lekhana*), purgative support, and Kapha-Vata pacifying properties.[1]
English Name
Prickly Chaff Flower
Therapeutic Use
Sula (pain), Udararoga (abdominal disorders), Apachi (cervical lymphadenitis), Arsha (hemorrhoids), Kandu (pruritus), Medoroga (disorders of fat metabolism)[1]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
- Pratyakpushpi – Deflexed flowers.
- Kharapushpa
- Shikhari – Bears terminal spike inflorescence.
- Durgraha – Difficult to hold.
- Adhashalya – Spinous bracteols and pointed perianth.
- Karmanjri
Synonyms in Bhavaprakasa Nighantu
- Mayuraka – Anti-poisonous or cures many diseases.
- Markati
- Kinihi
- Kharamanjari – Inflorescence has spinous bracteols and pointed perianth, hence prickly to touch.[2]
Varieties
Bhavaprakasa Nighantu, Dhanvantari Nighantu, Raja Nighantu
- Sweta
- Rakta
Kaiyadeva Nighantu
- Apamarga
- Vasira
- Ramatha
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics (Rasa Panchaka), Apamarga has the following properties:[1]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Hot (Ushna) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Pungent (Katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Light (Laghu), Rough (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna) |
| 5 | Dosha Action (Karma) | Pacifies Kapha and Vata, Purification of Kapha and Pitta |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its Actions
Apamarga is prominently documented across multiple therapeutic chapters of the Charaka Samhita:
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity / Formulation / Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/82, 2/3, 2/33 | Phalini (Nasya) (Errhine therapy) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(23) | Vamanopag mahakashaya (group of herbs helping emesis) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40 | Agrya Sangraha (collections of best food articles, factors, and drugs) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 6/17 | Abhyantar Krimi Chikitsa (treatment of internal worm infestation) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/135 | Vaman dravyani (emetic drugs) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/19 | Punsavan Karma |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 1/14 | Vamanarth (for therapeutic emesis) |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/176 | As a Utsadan dravya Bahyaprayogarth (external application) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/66 | Used as Nasya and Anjana prayogarth |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/18 | Ingredient in Mahapanchagavya Ghrita |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/44 | As a Nasya dravya |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/171 | In formulation of Kshara |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/126 | As an ingredient of Muktadhya churna |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/57 | As an ingredient of Agastya haritaki leha |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/184 | Used in Kaphaja Siroroga for Pradhamana nasya |
Dose
- Decoction (*Kwatha*): 20 – 50 ml of the drug.[1]
Important Formulations
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Apamargakshara
- Apamargakshara taila
- Abhaya lavana
- Gudapippali
- Jyotishmati taila
Current Availability
Available
- In India: Found abundantly as a weed throughout India up to 900 meters altitude.
Major Phytoconstituents
The pharmacological profile of *Achyranthes aspera* is characterized by several active secondary metabolites:
- Triterpenoid Saponins: Achyranthine and related oleanolic acid glycosides.
- Alkaloids & Steroids: Betaine, ecdysterone (a prominent insect molting hormone with biological activity), and D-sitosterol.
- Minerals & Watersoluble Ash: High potassium content, which forms the core of its alkaline ash (*Kshara*) preparation.
Therapeutic Efficacy & Modern Scientific Research
Modern scientific evaluations validate various traditional indications associated with *Achyranthes aspera*:
1. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activity
- Traditional Use: Applied for pain (*Sula*) and inflammatory conditions.
- Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: Whole plant and leaf extracts demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute and chronic models, reducing edema and inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis pathways.[3]
2. Diuretic and Renal Support
- Traditional Use: Employed in urinary disorders and abdominal swelling (*Udararoga*).
- Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: Aqueous and alcoholic extracts exhibit marked diuretic activity, increasing sodium and potassium excretion, which validates its traditional role in clearing fluid retention.[4]
3. Wound Healing and Antimicrobial Activity
- Traditional Use: Used topically for skin disorders, wounds, and localized infections (*Kandu*).
- Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: Plant extracts show potent broad-spectrum activity against bacterial pathogens like *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Escherichia coli*, while topical preparations significantly accelerate wound contraction and tensile strength.[5]
4. Hypolipidemic and Metabolic Effects
- Traditional Use: Indicated in *Medoroga* (obesity and lipid disorders).
- Mechanism & Scientific Evidence: Administration of plant extracts significantly lowers serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipids in experimental hyperlipidemic models.[6]
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pain & Inflammation (*Sula*) | Saponins, Ecdysterone | Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic |
| Renal & Urinary Conditions | Water-soluble ash, Alkaloids | Diuretic, Electrolyte excretion modulation |
| Wounds & Skin Irritation (*Kandu*) | Triterpenoids, Phenolic compounds | Antimicrobial, Wound contraction acceleration |
| Metabolic Disorders (*Medoroga*) | Active glycosides, Sterols | Hypolipidemic, Lipid profile normalization |
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Precautions: Due to its sharp (*Tikshna*) and hot (*Ushna*) properties, high doses should be avoided during pregnancy or by individuals with severe Pitta disorders.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- Decoction (*Kwatha*): 20–50 ml.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2:04
- ↑ Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Guduchyadi varga, verse no. 219-221.
- ↑ Vijaya, Padma V., et al. "Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Achyranthes aspera extracts." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.
- ↑ Gokhale, A. B., et al. "Preliminary evaluation of anti-inflammatory and diuretic activity of Achyranthes aspera Linn." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- ↑ Barua, C. C., et al. "Evaluation of the wound healing activity of Achyranthes aspera Linn. leaf extract in rats." Fitoterapia.
- ↑ Khan,uja, et al. "Hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties of Achyranthes aspera root extracts." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
This article is under development ..