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Achyrophorus maculatus is a perennial herbaceous plant with an upright, slightly hairy stem and a rosette of basal, oblong-elliptic leaves. The plant grows to a height of 30 to 45 cm. The rosette leaf blades taper toward the base, are shallowly toothed, and covered with small stiff hairs. The root is vertical. The stem is nearly bare, covered with brownish scales, and may have one or two elongated leaves.
At the top of the stem are yellow flower heads (capitula). All the flowers in the capitulum are ligulate and have a pappus made of a single row of hairs. The small, yellowish-felted involucral bracts are lanceolate in shape. The receptacle is formed by membranous bracts. The calyx has five teeth, and the corolla is ligulate. The flower heads are solitary. The ovary is inferior, single-chambered, with one style. There are five stamens.
The fruits are achenes with a pappus consisting of a single row of fine, feathery hairs. The seeds are small, numerous, and loosely attached to the receptacle, making them easily dispersed by the wind. Flowering occurs from early June to July, and fruiting from late June to August.
Harvesting of Raw Material
The aerial parts of Achyrophorus maculatus — including the leaves, stem, and flower heads — are used as medicinal raw material. Harvesting is carried out during the flowering period, which occurs from May to June. The herb is dried by spreading it out on racks in a well-ventilated area. Once completely dried, the plant material is stored in a dry place, packed in paper bags. The shelf life of dried Achyrophorus maculatus herb is up to 2 years.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of Achyrophorus maculatus is still under investigation. However, studies have identified the presence of carotenoids, flavonoids such as isoscoparin and luteolin, and the triterpenoid squalene (0.26%). The leaves also contain steroids, carotenoids, the flavonoid luteolin, and pollen.
Pharmacological Properties
Achyrophorus maculatus exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, wound-healing, and mild laxative effects. These beneficial properties are attributed to its active compounds, including carotenoids, flavonoids (such as luteolin and isoscoparin), and the triterpenoid squalene. The plant is also noted for its antitumor potential and may be useful in the treatment of certain types of neoplastic growths.
Experimental studies have shown that a 15% gel made from a concentrated extract of Achyrophorus maculatus enhances macrophage activity, reduces inflammation, restores intercellular signaling balance, and promotes cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The observed increase in macrophages indicates accelerated regeneration in epithelial and connective tissues. In vivo experiments demonstrated a strong bactericidal effect of the gel, leading to a significant reduction in microbial load and promoting rapid wound healing.
The plant also exhibits notable antibacterial activity, with the extract showing sensitivity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 10702), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027), and Candida albicans (ATCC 885-653).