Menolyte
Niu Xi
RADIX ACHYRANTHIS BIDENTATAE (ACHYRANTHES ROOT)
RADIX CYATHULAE (CYATHULA ROOT)
Niu Xi refers to the dried root of Achyranthes bidentata B1. and Cyathula officinalis Kuan (Amarathaceae). The root of A. bidentata is mainly produced in Henan province and that of C. officinalis is produced in Sichuan province. In the Chinese Phannacopoeia, however, only the root of A. bidentata is designated as "Niu Xi", whereas the root of C. officinalis is under a separate monograph "Chuan Niu Xi"1. To differentiate from each other the root of A. bidentata is often called Huai Niu Xi.
CHEMISTRY
The root of Achyranthes bidentata contains two ecdysones ecdysterone and inokosterone. It also contains triterpene saponins, yielding oleanolic acid on hydrolysis2. Several polysacchride fractions have also been isolated from the root3.
PHARMACOLOGY
Effect on Protein Anaholism
Incorporation of amino acids into hepatic nuclei, mitochondria and microsomes in mice were increased 2-4 h after one oral or intraperitoneal dose of ecdysterone. The potency of action was similar to that of 4-chiorotestosterone. Simultaneously, an increase of protein anabolism was also observed in the kidneys but not in the spleen. Ecdysterone given to weaned male young mice for 60 days quickly increased body weight, and enhanced protein anabolism in the liver and kidneys. Examination of liver tissue revealed meganuclear, binuclear, polynuclear and mitotic cells2.
Cardiovascular Effect
The ethanolic extract of the herb inhibted the isolated frog heart and the heart in situ of anesthetized cats. The decoction inhibited the myocardium of anesthetized dogs. Intravenous administration of the decoction or alcoholic extract of the herb to anesthetized dogs, cats and rabbits produced transient hypotension and in dogs reduced kidney volume. The hypotensive effect was accompanied by respiratory stimulation and did not cause rapid tachyphylaxis2.
Stimulation Effect on the Uterus
The total saponins of the herb at 0.125-1.0 mg/ml produced marked stimulation on the isolated rat uterus, increasing contraction amplitude and frequency. Local administration of the saponins to rabbits caused strong uterine contraction in 1 to 4 mm. The action lasted for about 25 mm. This action was significantly reduced by indomethacin premedication, suggesting that the saponins produces uterine stimulation effect through prostaglandins3.
Antiinflammatory and Analgesic Effects
The alcoholic preparation of the herb inhibited paw edema induced by formaldehyde in rats. Intraperitoneal administration of the alcoholic preparation also suppressed writhing reaction due to intraperitoneal injection of potassium antimony tartrate or acetic acid2.
FUNCTIONS AND APPLICATIONS
Traditional Description
(Huai) Niu Xi has bitter and sour tastes and a neutral property, acting on the liver and kidney channels. It has the functions of:
(i) replenishing the liver and kidney and strengthening the tendons
and bones, used in soreness of the lumbar and knee joints with weakness
in the legs;
(ii) eliminating blood stasis and stimulating menstrual discharge,
used in amenorrhea, mass formation in the abdomen; and
(iii) leading the blood downward, used in hemoptysis, epistaxis,
and dizziness due to hyperactivity of the liver.
Chuan Niu Xi has sweet and slightly bitter tastes and a neutral property, acting on the liver and kidney channels. It has the functions of:
(i) eliminating blood stasis and stimulating menstrual discharge,
used in amenorrhea with mass formation in the lower abdomen, detention
of the afterbirth;
(ii) allaying arthralgia and easing the joint, used in arthralgia
with contracture of the muscles and limitation of the legs in motion,
and traumatic injuries; and
(iii) relieving urinary disturbance, used in hematuria.
Applications
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Daily oral dose of 30 to 45 g of Chuan Niu Xi in decoction form was used in 23 cases. In most cases bleeding was stopped after 2 to 4 doses3.
Dilation of uterine cervix
The herb has also been used to dilate uterine cervix and induce abortion. It has the advantages of causing no pain and no complications3.
DOSAGE
4.5-9g.
SIDE EFFECTS AND TOXICITY
The LD50 values of ecdysterone and inokosterone in mice by intrapentoneal administration were 6.4 and 7.8 g/kg, respectively. The oral LD50 values of both ecdysterone and inokosterone were >9 g/kg3.
REFERENCES
1. The Pharmacopoeia Commission of PRC. (1995) Pharmacopoeia of
the People ~s Republic of China, 1995's edition, Vol. 1, pp. 27,
58-59, Guangzhoo: Guangdong Science & Technology Press, Beijing:
Chemical Industries Press.
2. Wang, Y.S. (1983) Pharmacology ond Applications of Chinese Moterio
Medico, pp. 198-202. Beijing:
People's Health Publisher.
3. Yin, J., Guo, L.G. (1993) Modern Research and Clinical Applications
of Chinese Marerlo Medica (I), pp.
168-171. Beijing: Academic Publisher.