Cyathula Root (Cyathula officinalis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Cyathula root work in the body?

Cyathula root contains bioactive ecdysteroids, including cyasterone, isocyasterone, and ecdysterone, along with saponins. These compounds are believed to promote blood circulation and reduce inflammation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cyathula invigorates blood circulation, expels wind-damp from joints, and directs blood downward to treat conditions affecting the lower body. The ecdysteroids may contribute to antirheumatic effects, though human clinical trial data is limited. Evidence level: C.

Does Cyathula root interact with any medications?

Cyathula root may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications due to its blood-invigorating properties. Combining Cyathula with warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or other blood thinners could potentially increase bleeding risk. The herb may also enhance effects of NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients taking prescription blood thinners should avoid Cyathula root or use it only under professional supervision. Evidence level: C (theoretical based on mechanism).

What is the recommended dosage for Cyathula root?

The typical adult dosage for Cyathula root is 6-9 grams of dried root prepared as a decoction daily. For standardized extracts, approximately 300mg daily is commonly used. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation, condition being treated, and individual factors. Always follow guidance from a qualified healthcare provider or licensed TCM practitioner, as improper dosing may reduce effectiveness or increase side effect risk. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Is Cyathula root safe to take during pregnancy?

Cyathula root is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. As a blood-invigorating herb that promotes circulation and directs blood downward, Cyathula may stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. The herb's strong blood-moving properties make it unsafe for pregnant women. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not use Cyathula root. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

What conditions is Cyathula root used to treat?

Cyathula root is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat painful joints and arthritis (by expelling wind-damp), menstrual irregularities including amenorrhea (by invigorating blood), and urinary difficulties (by directing blood downward). It is considered an antirheumatic and blood-moving herb. Unlike Achyranthes bidentata (Niu Xi), Cyathula has stronger blood-moving properties. Clinical evidence supporting these uses is limited. Evidence level: C, based primarily on traditional use.

What are the side effects of Cyathula root?

Common side effects of Cyathula root include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. Due to its blood-invigorating action, it can increase menstrual flow, making it unsuitable for women with menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). Individuals with Spleen Qi deficiency accompanied by diarrhea should avoid this herb. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur and consult a qualified healthcare provider. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Cyathula officinalis is a medicinal herb used in traditional Chinese medicine primarily for managing rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, and blood stasis [PMID:40777991, 35850203, 38053346].

Contexte

Cyathula officinalis Kuan (also known as Chuan Niuxi) is a perennial medicinal and edible herb endemic to Sichuan [PMID:35850203, 42298400]. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is often used interchangeably or confused with Achyranthes bidentata [PMID:35490700, 40795998].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used to remove blood stasis, stimulate menstrual flow, ease joint movement, and treat rheumatism, arthralgia, and fall or flutter injuries [PMID:35850203, 38053346].

Composés actifs

Key compounds include phytoecdysteroids (cyasterone, inokosterone, ecdysterone, cyathsterones A-D, and amarasterone A), saponins (chikusetsusaponin IV), phenolic glycosides (cyathglucosides A-B), and polysaccharides such as levan-type fructans [PMID:35065449, 34432202, 29200735, 42280282, 19842121, 24824008].

Mécanisme d'action

Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated via the inhibition of NO release, suppression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and downregulation of iNOS and COX-2 through the NF-κB signaling pathway [PMID:35065449]. In rheumatoid arthritis, it may act via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/SREBP1/SCD-1/GPX4 axis-mediated ferroptosis and by targeting the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) [PMID:40257367, 34432202]. It also downregulates matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in chondrocytes [PMID:21347999].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DRheumatoid Arthritis

Ecdysteroid-enriched fractions reduced arthritis scores and paw swelling in rats and suppressed synovial proliferation and inflammation [PMID:40257367].

Preuve DHypertension/Arterial Remodeling

Root extracts inhibited arterial remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats [PMID:29285068].

Preuve DOsteoarthritis

Cyaonoside A resisted IL-1β-mediated chondrogenic inflammation and apoptosis and increased expression of cartilage-specific genes (ACAN, COL2A, SOX9) [PMID:39908269, 38591180].

Preuve DBlood Stasis

Extracts improved blood rheology and exhibited anti-inflammatory properties in acute blood stasis rat models [PMID:29200735].

Preuve DImmunosuppression

Phosphorylated polysaccharides increased serum immunoglobulin concentrations and enhanced T cell subpopulations in immunosuppressed mice [PMID:31731832].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Polysaccharides from the herb are described as nontoxic and highly biocompatible [PMID:38243389].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with systematic reviews (Level C) summarizing traditional uses and phytochemistry. There are no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 40777991 (2025) — Effects and molecular mechanisms of Achyranthes bidentata Blume and Cyathula officinalis K.C. Kuan in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. · Frontiers in pharmacology
2.PMID: 35850203 (2022) — The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Cyathula officinalis and comparative analysis with four related species. · Gene
3.PMID: 38243389 (2024) — Oligo/polysaccharides from Cyathula officinalis and Achyranthes bidentata: a review of structures and bioactivities. · The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
4.PMID: 35065449 (2022) — Undescribed ecdysteroids and phenolic glycosides from the roots of Cyathula officinalis Kuan and their anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro. · Phytochemistry
5.PMID: 34432202 (2021) — Inokosterone Is A Potential Drug Target of Estrogen Receptor 1 in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Analysis from Active Ingredient of Cyathula Officinalis.

Cyathula Root

Sources et citations

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