牛膝 / 怀牛膝 — Achyranthes bidentata Blume

Pinyin: Niúxī / Huái Niúxī · Malay: Jarum Mas / Pokok Lemba · Family: Amaranthaceae (苋科)

Energetics

Neutral (平)

Flavor

Bitter, sweet, sour (苦、甘、酸)

Meridians

Liver (肝), Kidney (肾)

Traditional Edict

Activates blood circulation and dispels stasis, strengthens sinews and bones, unblocks strangury, acts as the supreme downward-conducting guide (Yin Xue Xia Xing). For amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, lochial stasis, knee/lumbar soreness, and upward fire surges.

Cautions & Contraindications

STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy (potent downward blood activation induces uterine contractions and abortion) and in profuse menorrhagia.

Clinical Applications

Knee osteoarthritis, osteopenia, hyperuricemia, diabetic nephropathy, essential hypertension, dysmenorrhea, and post-traumatic lower limb edema.

Quality Markers

b-Ecdysterone (b-蜕皮甾酮) >= 0.030% (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. b-Ecdysterone binds ER-b, downregulates TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB, suppresses TNF-a and IL-1b, and stimulates osteocalcin and Runx2 for bone formation. 2. Achyranthoside saponins stimulate chondrocyte proliferation and Type II collagen synthesis. 3. Downregulates central sympathetic tone and lowers upper-body vascular resistance.

Preparation & Dosage

Raw Niu Xi slices for activating blood, unblocking stasis, and downward guidance: 6-15 g daily (up to 30 g for drainage). Wine-Steamed Niu Xi (Jiu Niu Xi) for Liver-Kidney joint nourishment. Concentrated extract: 1-2.5 g.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang (镇肝熄风汤 Guide Herb) with Haematitum (Dai Zhe Shi) and Scrophularia for hypertensive dizziness and stroke prevention. 2. Lower Extremity Fortifying Decoction with Eucommia ulmoides and Morinda officinalis.

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Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only