Achyranthes Aspera (Chaff Flower): Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Introduction

Achyranthes aspera is a perennial herb widely found in tropical regions and has been traditionally valued for its various uses in different cultural practices. Common names for the plant include chaff flower, prickly chaff flower, and devil’s horsewhip. All parts of the plant, roots, seeds, leaves, flowers, and fruits, have traditionally been used for various purposes, such as for eye conditions and heavy menstrual bleeding². During Ganesh Chaturthi, the leaves are used in Ganesh Patra pooja³.

Morphology of Achyranthes Aspera

A. aspera (chaff flower) is an upright, spreading herb with many branches and a quadrangular stem. It is a perennial plant that can live for several years and usually grows up to 6–7 feet in height. The stem has noticeable longitudinal ridges or grooves with hairy nodes. 

The leaves of Achyranthes aspera are simple, short-stalked, and covered with fine hairs. They grow opposite each other on the stem, which is sharp-pointed and woody. The upper surface of the leaves is green, while the underside is yellowish. Each leaf is about 8–10 cm long and 7–8 cm wide, with an egg-shaped broad base and a pointed tip. 

The plant produces small green or yellowish-white flowers arranged in long, axillary spikes that can grow up to 60 cm in length. Flowering occurs throughout the year. By the time flowers bend towards the stem in the fruiting stage, the bracts (small leaf-like structures around the flowers) become sharp, pointed tips, making the heads spiny to the touch. 

Fruits are orange to reddish-purple or straw-brown capsules, contain a single seed, and are produced throughout the year. The fruit easily attaches to clothes and animal skin^1,2,4.

Where Is Achyranthes Aspera Found?

A. aspera is mainly found in tropical Asian, African, and warmer regions. It is also found in Australia and America, Ceylon, and Baluchistan. In India, it predominantly grows like a weed on roadsides⁴.

Chemical Components of Achyranthes Aspera

A. aspera contains the following key components:  

• Fatty acids 
• Oleanolic acid, triacontanol 
• D-glucuronic, betaine 
• Spathulenol, alkaloids 
• Ecdysterone 
• Achyranthine and various amino acids 
• Oleonic acid 
• Spinasterol, dihydroxy ketones 
• Bisdesmosidic, triterpenoid-based saponins 
• Saponin 
• N-hexacos-14-enoic⁴ 

Nutritional Constituents

The plant A. aspera and its seeds contain carbohydrates, proteins, and several bioactive components, including flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which may support overall health⁴.

Achyranthes Aspera or Chaff flower is highly nutritious and has caloric value. Based on some studies, it may have anti-diabetic activity and may be useful in managing diabetes¹¹.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Other Names for Achyranthes Aspera 

The plant is known by different names in various parts of India, as follows.  

• Hindi: Puthkanda, Sonpur, Latjira, Lamchichra, Chirchira. 
• Marathi: Aghada. 
• Sanskrit: Apamargah. 
• English: Chaff Flower. 
• Punjabi: Kutri. 
• Kannada: Gorwiballi, Karihambu. 
• Tamil: Naaiyuruvi, Naagarkaai Mullu. 
• Telugu: Uttaraene⁴.

Traditional Uses of Achyranthes Aspera

• The pulp prepared from fresh leaves and flowering spikes of A. aspera has traditionally been applied externally as a home remedy for scorpion stings. 
• The seeds of the plant have been mentioned for use in certain eye conditions, including corneal problems, and are also described in relation to snake or reptile bites. 
• The elongated flowering spikes, when mixed with a small amount of sugar, have been used in traditional practice for hydrophobia associated with dog bites. 
• The ash obtained from A. aspera, which is rich in potash, has been used as a cleansing agent for washing clothes. 
• The flowers and fruits of the plant are described in traditional texts as being helpful in managing heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)⁵.

Based on some research, A. aspera or Chaff flower might possess anti-fertility properties and might play a positive role in an unwanted pregnancy. However, its use should be in moderation and only after taking a professional opinion¹⁰. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Achyranthes Aspera

• Different parts of A. aspera, including its seeds, roots, and leaves, have been used in traditional practices for various purposes. The plant is noted for its strong, unpleasant odour when used either externally or internally. 
• In traditional medicine, A. aspera has been attributed with several properties, such as expectorant (helps clear mucus), stomach tonic, laxative, anthelmintic (acts against intestinal worms), diuretic (promotes urine flow), lithotriptic (used for breaking down stones), sudorific (induces sweating), demulcent (soothes irritation), as well as anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-allergic, hepatoprotective (supports liver health), and other effects. Some studies also mention potential hypoglycaemic (blood sugar-lowering), antihyperlipidaemic (cholesterol-lowering), anti-asthmatic, anticataract, and anti-periodic fever (used against recurring fevers) activities³.
• Research on A. aspera supplements has explored their role in weight management, although the evidence remains preliminary⁶. 
• The juice of A. aspera is described in Ayurveda as having astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has traditionally been applied to ulcers and wounds to support healing. 
• The root paste or juice of A. aspera has been used externally in folk medicine to ease pain, reduce itching, manage rashes caused by insect bites, and provide relief in urticaria (hives). It has also been used for earache. 
• In some traditional practices, the daily use of powdered A. aspera mixed with honey has been suggested for improving digestion³.
• The plant has also been described in Ayurvedic texts as having digestive and appetite-enhancing qualities, which are believed to help maintain overall health. 
• In Ayurveda, Apamarga kshara (alkaline ash prepared from A. aspera) is applied externally in the management of fistula and fissure. 
• The oil derived from A. aspera has been used traditionally to reduce excessive cough and provide relief from respiratory discomfort³.
• The plant is also noted for its purgative (stool-softening) effect and is mentioned in relation to constipation, piles, and fistula/fissures. 
• Animal studies on Wistar rats suggest that A. aspera extracts may help in the management of kidney stones by promoting urine output, though human evidence is lacking.  
• Traditional texts also mention the plant’s role in supporting urinary health^7,8.
• A mixture of A. aspera with tankana bhasma (a borax preparation) and lemon juice has been used to remove warts; however, since this can cause skin burns, it should only be attempted under medical supervision³.
• A. aspera, being naturally rich in potassium, is considered to be beneficial for heart health in traditional medicine³.

Side Effects of Achyranthes Aspera

A. aspera is generally considered safe when used in moderation, but may occasionally cause side effects like skin rashes and irritation⁵. If you notice symptoms after consuming A. aspera, you must consult your primary healthcare professional immediately⁹. As a precaution, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming this medicine to confirm whether it is safe for you. 

Precautions While Using Achyranthes Aspera

• The paste made from A. aspera should be used carefully, as it may sometimes cause skin irritation or rashes. To reduce this risk, it is traditionally applied along with cooling substances such as ice. 
• Consuming A. aspera in excessive amounts may lead to nausea and vomiting. 
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the use of A. aspera is best done only under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner. 
• The use of A. aspera supplements is not recommended for children under 12 years of age⁵.

Conclusion

Achyranthes Aspera is a traditional medicinal herb or weed all over India. Almost all the parts (seeds, roots, and shoots) of A. aspera are used to prepare traditional medicines.  

A. aspera may support the management of boils, asthma, in facilitating delivery, bleeding, bronchitis, debility, dropsy, cold, colic, cough, dog bite, snake bite, scorpion bite, dysentery, earache, headache, leukoderma, renal complications, pneumonia, and skin diseases. 

Also Read: Aloe Vera: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Reference

1. Srivastav S, Singh P, Mishra G, Jha KK, Khosa RL. Achyranthes aspera — An important medicinal plant: A review. J Nat Prod Plant Resour. 2011;1(1):1–14. Available from: https://www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com/articles/achyranthes-asperaan-important-medicinal-plant-a-review.pdf  

2. Salam MA, Ahmad A, Sadiq F, Tariq TF, Rasheed N, Shah MA, Aarab M, Anwar M, Khurram M. Assessment of phytochemical and pharmacognostic properties of flowers of Achyranthes Aspera. J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol. 2023;30(17):743–55. doi:10.53555/jptcp.v30i17.3727. Available from: https://jptcp.com/index.php/jptcp/article/view/3727 

3. Sonar S, Bhandari D, Patil N, Bhor S, Jogdandkar O, Chamnar P. Spiritual medicinal plants. World J Pharm Res. 2022;11(16):2137–55. doi:10.20959/wjpr202216-26435. Available from: https://www.wisdomlib.org/uploads/journals/wjpr/volume-11,-december-issue-16_21007.pdf  

4. Ghorpade K, Badadhe S. The effectiveness of chaff flower against snake bite (Achyranthes aspera). Int J Pharmacogn Clin Res. 2023;5(1):16-21. doi:10.33545/2664763X.2023.v5.i1a.26. Available from: https://www.pharmacognosyjournal.in/archives/2023.v5.i1.A.26/the-effectiveness-of-chaff-flower-against-snake-bite-achyranthes-aspera 

5. Nisarga P, Prashanth Kumar HP. Achyranthes aspera (Devil’s horsewhip): An overview. Conference Proceedings (ICGCP). Available from: https://sapthagiri.edu.in/designs/naac/ICGCP/BT_CHE.pdf  

6. Rani N, Sharma SK, Vasudeva N. Assessment of Antiobesity Potential of Achyranthes aspera Linn. Seed. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:715912. doi: 10.1155/2012/715912. Epub 2012 Jun 27. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22919417/  

7. Rajeshwari T, Suresh R, Sudhakar M. Anti-urolithiatic activity of saponin rich fraction from the methanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera against ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in Wistar rats. J Appl Pharm Sci. 2023;13(09):197–203. doi:10.7324/JAPS.2023.144912. Available from: https://japsonline.com/admin/php/uploads/4032_pdf.pdf  

8. Warke PD, Upadhayay A, Kale MK. Evaluation of diuretic activity of Achyranthes aspera leaves extracts. Res J Pharm Technol. 2018;11(12):5394–6. doi:10.5958/0974-360X.2018.00984.8. Available from: https://rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2018-11-12-33  

9. Ghimire K, Banerjee J, Gupta AK, Dahal P. Phytochemical constituents and pharmacological uses of medicinal plant Achyranthes aspera: a review. World J Pharm Res. 2015;4(1):470–89. Available from: https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1420092687.pdf  
10. Shibeshi W, Makonnen E, Zerihun L, Debella A. Effect of Achyranthes aspera L. on fetal abortion, uterine and pituitary weights, serum lipids and hormones. Afr Health Sci. 2006 Jun;6(2):108–112. PMCID: PMC1831979. PMID: 16916302. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1831979/
11. Rehman R, Melki D, Shehzad A, Nadeem F, Khalid T. Commercial Importance, Medicinal Value and Therapeutic Potentials of Chaff Flower (Achyranthes aspera) – A Review. Int J Chem Biochem Sci. 2018;14:62-70. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336825207_Commercial_Importance_Medicinal_Value_and_Therapeutic_Potentials_of_Chaff_Flower_Achyranthes_aspera_-A_Review

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