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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Achyranthes Bidentata Root is a non-standardized allergenic extract used primarily in the diagnosis and treatment of specific plant-based allergies. It belongs to the Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC] drug class.
Name
Achyranthes Bidentata Root
Raw Name
ACHYRANTHES BIDENTATA ROOT
Category
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
3
Variant Count
3
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Achyranthes Bidentata Root
Achyranthes Bidentata Root is a non-standardized allergenic extract used primarily in the diagnosis and treatment of specific plant-based allergies. It belongs to the Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC] drug class.
Detailed information about Achyranthes Bidentata Root
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Achyranthes Bidentata Root.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root, derived from the perennial herb Achyranthes bidentata Blume (family Amaranthaceae), is clinically classified within the United States pharmacopeia as a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC] and a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]. While the root has a multi-millennial history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as Huai Niu Xi, its primary recognition in modern Western clinical pharmacology—and its FDA-listed status—pertains to its use as an allergenic substance. In this context, it is utilized by allergists and immunologists for the diagnosis of hypersensitivity and, in some cases, for allergen immunotherapy (desensitization).
As a non-standardized extract, Achyranthes Bidentata Root does not have a federally mandated potency unit (such as Bioequivalent Allergy Units or BAU). Instead, its concentration is typically expressed in terms of weight-to-volume (w/v) ratios or Protein Nitrogen Units (PNU). This classification is critical because it implies that the biological activity may vary between different manufacturing lots, requiring clinicians to exercise extreme caution when transitioning patients between different vials or suppliers. The FDA has maintained a regulatory framework for these extracts to ensure they are prepared under Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), even though they lack the precise standardization of more common allergens like ragweed or dust mites.
The mechanism of action for Achyranthes Bidentata Root depends entirely on its clinical application: diagnostic testing or therapeutic immunotherapy.
When used for skin prick testing (SPT) or intradermal testing, the extract introduces specific proteins (antigens) from the Achyranthes root into the skin's dermal layer. If a patient is sensitized, IgE antibodies bound to the surface of mast cells recognize these antigens. This recognition triggers mast cell degranulation, releasing inflammatory mediators like histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. The result is a localized "wheal and flare" reaction—a raised bump surrounded by redness—which confirms the presence of Type I hypersensitivity.
In allergen immunotherapy (AIT), the extract is administered in gradually increasing doses. This process aims to induce immunological tolerance. At the molecular level, this involves a shift in the T-cell response from a Th2-dominated profile (which promotes IgE production and allergy) to a Th1-dominated profile. It also stimulates the production of T-regulatory (Treg) cells, which secrete IL-10 and TGF-beta, and induces the production of IgG4 antibodies. IgG4 acts as a "blocking antibody," competing with IgE for allergen binding and preventing the allergic cascade.
The pharmacokinetics of allergenic extracts like Achyranthes Bidentata Root differ significantly from traditional small-molecule drugs. Because these are complex mixtures of proteins and polysaccharides, they do not follow standard ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) pathways in the traditional sense.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root extract is indicated for:
Achyranthes Bidentata Root is generally available in the following forms for clinical use:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider, typically a board-certified allergist, can determine if Achyranthes Bidentata Root testing or therapy is right for your specific condition.
Dosage for Achyranthes Bidentata Root extract is highly individualized and must be determined by a physician experienced in allergy management. There is no "standard" dose due to the non-standardized nature of the extract.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root extracts are not specifically contraindicated in children; however, pediatric dosing requires extreme caution. Children are at a higher risk for systemic reactions. The dosage is generally based on the same titration principles as adult dosing but may start at even more conservative dilutions. Safety and efficacy in children under the age of 5 have not been robustly established for this specific plant extract.
No specific dosage adjustments are provided by manufacturers for renal impairment, as the systemic load of the protein extract is minimal. However, patients with severe renal disease may have altered immune responses.
No dosage adjustments are typically required for hepatic impairment. The metabolic clearance of proteins via proteases is not primarily dependent on cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Geriatric patients should be evaluated for underlying cardiovascular disease before starting immunotherapy. If a patient is taking beta-blockers for hypertension or heart disease, immunotherapy may be contraindicated due to the risk of treatment-resistant anaphylaxis.
This medication is never self-administered by the patient at home. It must be administered in a clinical setting equipped with emergency resuscitation equipment (e.g., epinephrine, oxygen, IV fluids).
If a dose in the immunotherapy schedule is missed, the next dose may need to be reduced depending on the length of the delay.
An "overdose" in the context of allergenic extracts usually refers to an accidental injection of a concentration higher than the patient's current tolerance level.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not attempt to adjust your schedule or dose without direct medical supervision.
Most patients undergoing testing or treatment with Achyranthes Bidentata Root will experience localized reactions. These are generally considered part of the body's expected response to the allergen.
These reactions are more significant and may require a pause or reduction in the immunotherapy dose.
Rarely, the extract can trigger more widespread immunological symptoms that do not reach the level of full anaphylaxis but are concerning.
> Warning: Stop taking Achyranthes Bidentata Root and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. These may indicate the onset of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
There is no evidence that long-term use of Achyranthes Bidentata Root extract causes organ damage or cancer. The primary long-term risk is the development of "new" sensitivities if the extract is contaminated with other allergens, though modern manufacturing makes this unlikely. Some patients may develop persistent subcutaneous nodules (small lumps) at the injection sites if the same area is used repeatedly.
While specific Achyranthes Bidentata Root extracts may not have an individual Black Box Warning, the entire class of allergenic extracts carries a general warning regarding Anaphylaxis.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. Even a "mild" systemic reaction (like widespread itching) can be a precursor to a much more severe reaction during the next dose.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root extract is a potent biological substance. It is not a "natural supplement" in this clinical context but a regulated pharmaceutical extract. Safety depends on accurate diagnosis and meticulous dosing. Patients must inform their doctor if they are feeling unwell, have an active infection, or if their asthma symptoms have flared up before receiving an injection.
No specific FDA black box warning exists uniquely for Achyranthes Bidentata Root, but it falls under the class-wide warning for all allergenic extracts. This warning emphasizes that these agents can cause severe systemic reactions and should only be used by clinicians trained in managing life-threatening allergic emergencies.
Unlike many medications, Achyranthes Bidentata Root does not require routine blood counts or liver function tests. Instead, monitoring is clinical:
Most patients can drive after the 30-minute observation period. However, if a systemic reaction occurs or if the patient receives antihistamines (which cause drowsiness) as part of their treatment, they should not drive or operate heavy machinery.
Alcohol should be avoided on the day of an injection. Alcohol causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which can increase the rate of allergen absorption and potentially trigger or worsen a systemic allergic reaction.
Immunotherapy is typically continued for 3 to 5 years. Stopping abruptly does not cause "withdrawal" in the pharmacological sense, but the patient's allergic symptoms may return if the immune system has not yet reached a state of stable tolerance.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially respiratory or heart problems, with your healthcare provider before starting Achyranthes Bidentata Root.
There are no direct chemical interactions with specific foods. However, patients should avoid heavy meals or very hot beverages immediately before or after an injection, as these can increase core body temperature and peripheral blood flow, potentially altering the absorption rate of the extract.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root extract will directly affect the results of:
For each major interaction, the primary concern is the management of a systemic reaction. The clinical consequence of using beta-blockers is not a direct reaction with the root extract, but the neutralization of the "rescue" medication (epinephrine). Management strategies include switching to alternative antihypertensive medications (like Calcium Channel Blockers) before starting allergy shots.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, including those for blood pressure or depression.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root extract must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Conditions requiring careful risk-benefit analysis include:
Patients allergic to Achyranthes Bidentata Root may show cross-reactivity with other members of the Amaranthaceae family, such as Pigweed (Amaranthus) or even common food items like Spinach and Beets. This is because these plants share similar protein structures. A patient who reacts strongly to Achyranthes may also test positive for these related species, even if they have never been directly exposed to them.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, especially your respiratory and cardiovascular health, before prescribing Achyranthes Bidentata Root.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root is classified as Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. The primary risk is not direct teratogenicity (birth defects) from the extract itself, but the danger that maternal anaphylaxis poses to the fetus. Anaphylaxis can lead to a sudden drop in maternal blood pressure and oxygenation, resulting in fetal distress or death.
It is not known whether the allergenic proteins in Achyranthes Bidentata Root extract are excreted in human milk. However, because these are large proteins that are likely digested in the infant's gut, the risk to a nursing infant is considered very low. The decision to continue immunotherapy while breastfeeding should be based on the mother's clinical need for the treatment.
As discussed, immunotherapy is generally reserved for children old enough to communicate symptoms of a systemic reaction (usually 5 years and older). In younger children, the risk of a reaction that cannot be quickly identified is higher. Diagnostic testing can be performed at any age if the clinical history strongly suggests an allergy that requires identification.
Older adults (over 65) are more likely to have co-morbidities like coronary artery disease or COPD, which increase the risks associated with immunotherapy. Furthermore, age-related changes in the immune system (immunosenescence) may reduce the efficacy of the treatment. Physicians must ensure the patient is not taking prohibited medications like beta-blockers before beginning therapy.
There is no evidence that renal impairment significantly alters the safety of Achyranthes Bidentata Root extracts. Since the proteins are not filtered by the glomerulus in their intact form, the risk of accumulation is negligible. However, severe uremia can suppress the immune response, potentially leading to false-negative skin tests.
Liver disease does not affect the pharmacokinetics of allergenic extracts. However, patients with advanced cirrhosis may have coagulopathies (bleeding disorders), which could increase the risk of bruising or bleeding at the site of skin testing or injection.
> Important: Special populations, particularly pregnant women and the elderly, require a highly individualized medical assessment before any allergenic extract is administered.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root extract functions as an immunomodulator. In diagnostic use, it acts as an antigen that cross-links IgE molecules on the surface of mast cells. In therapeutic use (immunotherapy), it induces a state of peripheral T-cell tolerance. This is achieved by increasing the production of Regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which produce inhibitory cytokines like Interleukin-10 (IL-10). These cytokines suppress the allergic Th2 response and favor the production of IgG4, which acts as a competitive inhibitor against IgE, effectively "blocking" the allergic reaction upon future exposures.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous/Local) |
| Protein Binding | Minimal (Antigen-Antibody binding instead) |
| Half-life | Proteins: Minutes to Hours; Immunologic effect: Years |
| Tmax | 15-30 minutes (Local reaction) |
| Metabolism | Proteolysis by tissue enzymes |
| Excretion | Renal (as small peptides/amino acids) |
The extract is a complex biological mixture. The primary active constituents for allergy are acidic glycoproteins and polysaccharides. In the context of its traditional use (though not its allergenic extract use), the root contains triterpenoid saponins (based on oleanolic acid), ecdysterones (like beta-ecdysone), and various phytosterols. The molecular weight of the allergenic proteins typically ranges from 10,000 to 70,000 Daltons. It is soluble in water and saline solutions.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root belongs to the class of Non-Standardized Allergenic Extracts. It is grouped with other plant extracts like Oak, Maple, and various weed pollens used in allergy clinics. It is distinct from "Standardized Extracts" like Short Ragweed or Cat Hair, which have federally mandated potency standards.
Medications containing this ingredient
Common questions about Achyranthes Bidentata Root
Achyranthes Bidentata Root extract is used by medical professionals primarily for diagnosing and treating allergies to this specific plant. In a clinical setting, it is applied to the skin to see if a patient has an allergic reaction (skin prick test). If an allergy is confirmed and symptoms are severe, the extract may be used in 'allergy shots' (immunotherapy) to gradually desensitize the patient's immune system. This helps reduce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or asthma caused by the plant. It is not used as a general supplement in this medical context but as a targeted immunological tool.
The most common side effects are local reactions at the site where the extract was injected or applied. These include redness, itching, and a raised bump or swelling known as a wheal. These symptoms typically appear within minutes and usually go away within a few hours. Some patients may also experience a 'late-phase' reaction where the area becomes swollen or sore several hours later. These local effects are generally mild and are considered a sign that the immune system is responding to the extract. However, any swelling larger than the palm of your hand should be reported to your doctor.
It is strongly recommended that you avoid alcohol on the days you receive an Achyranthes Bidentata Root injection. Alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate (expand), which can increase the speed at which the allergen enters your bloodstream. This significantly increases the risk of having a systemic or severe allergic reaction. Additionally, alcohol can mask the early symptoms of anaphylaxis, making it harder for you or your doctor to recognize a medical emergency. For your safety, wait at least 24 hours after your injection before consuming alcohol.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root is generally not started during pregnancy because of the risk of anaphylaxis. If a pregnant woman has a severe allergic reaction, the resulting drop in blood pressure and oxygen can be very dangerous for the developing baby. However, if a woman is already on a stable 'maintenance' dose of allergy shots and becomes pregnant, her doctor may decide to continue the treatment at the same dose. The decision is always based on a careful balance of the mother's allergy needs and the safety of the pregnancy. Always inform your allergist immediately if you become pregnant.
When used for diagnostic skin testing, the extract works almost immediately, providing results within 15 to 20 minutes. However, when used for immunotherapy (allergy shots), it takes much longer to see a therapeutic benefit. Most patients begin to notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms after 6 to 12 months of consistent weekly or bi-weekly injections. The full effect of the treatment is typically reached after 2 to 3 years of therapy. Most doctors recommend continuing the shots for a total of 3 to 5 years to ensure the immune system remains desensitized long-term.
Yes, you can stop taking Achyranthes Bidentata Root injections suddenly without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms like you might with other medications. However, stopping the treatment before the recommended 3-to-5-year course is finished means your allergies are likely to return. The immune system needs a long period of exposure to the extract to 'learn' not to react to the plant. If you miss several doses, you cannot simply resume at your previous dose; your doctor will need to lower the dose and gradually build it back up to ensure your safety.
If you miss a scheduled immunotherapy injection, you should contact your allergy clinic as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not try to 'double up' on your next dose. Depending on how much time has passed since your last injection, your doctor may need to reduce the dose of your next shot to prevent an allergic reaction. If too much time has passed (usually more than 4 weeks), you may even need to restart a portion of the 'build-up' phase. Consistency is key to both the safety and the effectiveness of this treatment.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Achyranthes Bidentata Root extract causes weight gain. Unlike oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) which are sometimes used to treat severe allergies and are known to cause weight changes, allergenic extracts work specifically on the immune system's response to a single plant. The amount of protein in each injection is extremely small and does not affect your metabolism, appetite, or fat storage. If you experience unexplained weight gain while on this therapy, you should discuss other possible causes with your primary care physician.
Achyranthes Bidentata Root can be taken with many common medications, but there are critical exceptions. You must tell your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or MAO inhibitors, as these can make allergic reactions more dangerous or harder to treat. Antihistamines and certain antidepressants must be stopped several days before skin testing because they can block the 'wheal and flare' reaction, leading to a false-negative result. Most other daily medications for conditions like cholesterol or diabetes do not interact with the extract, but always provide a full list to your allergist.
The concept of 'generic' versus 'brand name' is different for allergenic extracts than for pills. Achyranthes Bidentata Root is a biological product produced by several different specialized laboratories. While the extracts from different companies are similar, they are 'non-standardized,' meaning one company's extract might be slightly stronger or weaker than another's. Because of this, doctors do not usually swap between different manufacturers' extracts interchangeably. If your clinic changes suppliers, your doctor will likely perform a new skin test or reduce your dose to ensure the new extract is safe for you.