Achyranthes aspera Linn of the abotanical family Amarantaceae is widely distributed in india. It is an erect branched weed. It has several medicinal uses. The seeds are rich in protein. They collected, fried and eaten. During famine it is an important source of food. Fruits and seeds reduce hunger without loss of weight.

An rural areas, besides primary Health Centres which are often without medicine for snakebites, the herb is used by local medical practitioners. The leaf decoction given internally and a paste appiled on the spot of attack in case of insect, scorpion and snakebitr. the root is used for snake and scorpion bites.

Indian Negandus describes Achruanthes as antringent, pungent, digestive, diuretic, laxative, purgative, stomachic. the plant juice is used in the treatments of boils, diarrhoea, antidote dysentery, haemorrhoids, skin eruptions, venoms. Antiperiodic inflammation of the internal organs, piles, itches, abdominal enlargements, rheumatism and for enlarged cervical glands.