# Apamarga

> Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Amaranthaceae family. Documented in WHO Traditional Medicine resources for South-East Asia region; included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Achyranthes aspera L.
- **Family:** Amaranthaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Documented in WHO Traditional Medicine resources for South-East Asia region; included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Apamarga |
| Latin/Botanical | *Achyranthes aspera L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Betaine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#betaine)
- Achyranthine (alkaloid)
- Oleanolic acid
- Saponin A and B
- [Ecdysterone](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ecdysterone)
- Homovanillic acid
- Biochanin A
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory: Oleanolic acid and [saponins](/reference/saponins/) inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) via NF-kB pathway suppression
- Wound healing: Biochanin A promotes fibroblast migration and collagen synthesis by modulating MMP-9 and TGF-beta signaling
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/): Betaine and [potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium)-rich alkaline compounds enhance renal sodium and water excretion

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Kshara (alkaline preparation) for urinary calculi validated by in vitro lithotriptic activity and renal stone dissolution studies
- Anti-hemorrhoidal use confirmed by wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects in rectal tissue models
- Diuretic action (Mutrala) validated through increased urine output and sodium excretion in animal studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Garg AK, Chouhan P, Sen B 2025. [High resolution-mass spectrometry (hR-MS) profiling of Apamarga Ksharodaka (herbal alkaline water from Achyranthes aspera Linn.) and computational screening of bioactive phytochemicals for wound healing applications](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41085550/). *Natural product research*. PMID [41085550](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41085550/) · [doi:10.1080/14786419.2025.2568949](https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2025.2568949)  
  HR-MS identified 25 compounds in Apamarga Ksharodaka; Homovanillic acid and Biochanin A showed significant binding affinities to [wound-healing](/reference/wound-healing/) targets (MMP-9, TGF-beta).

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally safe at traditional Ayurvedic doses; acute toxicity studies in animals show LD50 > 2000 mg/kg for aqueous extracts
- Contraindicated in pregnancy due to reported abortifacient activity in animal studies; patients on anticoagulants should exercise caution

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Betaine
- Ecdysterone
- Sitosterol
- Achyranthine 
- Oleanolic acid
- Saponin A and B
- 
- Homovanillic acid
- Biochanin A
- Beta-

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kshara (alkali preparation), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (medicated oil), Dhupana (fumigation — dried plant)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 0.5-1g Kshara with buttermilk/water; 50-100ml decoction

**Bioavailability:** Moderate oral bioavailability. Achyranthes aspera contains saponins (achyranthine), [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids), and [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids). Oleanolic acid has moderate bioavailability (~5-7%) improved by micronization or lipid-based formulations. Kshara (alkaline ash preparation) contains water-soluble mineral salts with high bioavailability. Betaine is well absorbed (>90%).

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for digestive indications; Kshara with buttermilk after meals for calculi; post-prandial for metabolic conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract (8:1) standardized to minimum 3% total saponins (as oleanolic acid equivalent). Kshara standardized by pH (9.0-10.0) and calcium/potassium carbonate content. Betaine content minimum 0.5%.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 5 years (Kshara); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 2 years (Kshara Sutra, properly stored)

**Storage:** Powder in airtight containers, cool and dry. Kshara in glass containers (alkaline — reacts with metals). Kshara Sutra in airtight tubes at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Oleanolic acid, Achyranthine, Betaine, Ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone), Pentatriacontane, Potassium carbonate (in Kshara)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (1:8, reduced to 1/4)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Kshara preparation (classical: whole plant incinerated, ash dissolved in water, filtered, evaporated)
- Ethanol extraction for saponin enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) for urinary calculi (Kshara-based formulation)
- With [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) and Pashanbheda for kidney stones
- With [Chitrak](/herb/chitrak/) for digestive stimulation
- Apamarga Kshara in Kshara Sutra for fistula treatment

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/apamarga/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.