Achyranthes japonica
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A. japonica
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| Achyranthes japonica |
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Achyranthes japonica (Hangul: 쇠무릎), also known as Japanese Chaff Flower is a perennial member of the Achyranthes genus in the Amaranthaceae family. It can be discovered on the roadside and its main distribution is Korea and Japan.[1]
Ecology
Achyranthes japonica is a perennial plant growing to 50 centimetres (20 in) - 100 centimetres (39 in) tall with thickened roots. Stems are glabrous or slightly pubescent and shape quadrangular and branched.[1] Its nodes are dilated. The leaves opposite and shape elliptic or oval and slightly pubescent and have petiolate. The leaves are 10 centimetres (3.9 in) - 20 centimetres (7.9 in) long and 4 centimetres (1.6 in) - 10 centimetres (3.9 in) wide. Flowers bloom in Aug. to Sep. and inflorescence spikes in axils and at terminals of the stem. From there, tiny green flowers bloom. It has 5 stamens and a pistil in each flower and unites into one at the bottom. Tiny bracts, branch shaped, easily stick to cloth.
It grows in woody areas in lowlands and hills.[1]
Chemical compounds
The leaves and stems and roots contain several chemical constituents.
- Seed: Insect moulting hormones like rubrosterone, ecdysterone, inokosterone
- Root: Triterpenoids, saponins.[1]
In addition, it contains protocatechuic acid, which has antioxidant properties, and also inhibits the aggregation of platelets.[1]
Traditional medicine
The root of the plant is used in the traditional medicine of Korea to treat oedema, rheumatism, delayed menses and as a contraceptive and abortifacient.[citation needed]
