Tianquan Sichuan Achyranthes

Tianquan Sichuan Achyranthes

Tianquan Sichuan Achyranthes is an agricultural product with geographical indication status.

　　Achyranthes is one of the traditional authentic medicinal herbs, and its resources are found only in provinces such as Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou. Sichuan is the main producing area of Achyranthes, hence the Achyranthes produced there is called "Sichuan Achyranthes." Tianquan is a major producing area of Sichuan Achyranthes.

　　The production and sales of Tianquan Achyranthes were documented as early as the eighth year of the Xianfeng reign in the Qing Dynasty in the "Tianquan Prefecture Annals." Tianquan Achyranthes is thick, moist in texture, rich in oil content, and not easily broken. Its cross-section is chrysanthemum-like, sweet in taste, without any numbing sensation, making it a premium-grade Achyranthes. According to modern biomedical research, Tianquan Achyranthes contains the same insect-metamorphic chemical components as those found in Huainan Achyranthes, including ecdysterone, cyasterone, and achyranthone, all of which are active ingredients. It has enjoyed a high reputation since ancient times.

　　Tianquan Achyranthes has the effects of dispelling wind and dampness, promoting blood circulation, breaking up blood stasis, nourishing liver and kidney, strengthening tendons and bones, and relieving pain. Modern medical research has also confirmed that Tianquan Achyranthes has unique benefits such as promoting bile function, lowering blood lipids, and fighting cancer. It enjoys great prestige both in China and in Southeast Asian countries.

　　Tianquan Achyranthes is a perennial herbaceous plant grown in high-altitude areas where the air, water, and soil are unpolluted. The typical growing environment is at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,000 meters, favoring a temperate, cool, and moist climate. Areas with an average annual temperature around 10°C, annual rainfall of about 1,000 millimeters, and relative humidity of approximately 70% are most suitable for the growth of Achyranthes. Seven townships in Tianquan County — Lianglu, Zishi, Yuquan, Dahe, Sijing, Xiaohe, and Qingshi — are the main producing areas of Achyranthes.

　　Thanks to its superior ecological environment and scientific cultivation techniques, Tianquan Achyranthes contains higher levels of active ingredients than Achyranthes from other regions. It has always been favored by merchants and professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, and is an irreplaceable pollution-free health-promoting traditional Chinese medicinal herb.

　　Tianquan Sichuan Achyranthes

　　Geographical Scope

　　The protected geographical indication area for Tianquan Sichuan Achyranthes includes five townships in Tianquan County, Ya’an City, Sichuan Province: Lianglu Township, Zishi Township, Xiaohe Township, Sijing Township, and Yuquan Township. It spans from Xiahe Shaping Village in the east to Tuanyuanping in Lianglu Township in the west, from Chunjianping in Yuquan Township in the south to Huangshaping in Xiaohe Township in the north. The geographical coordinates are between 102°20′ and 102°42′ east longitude, and 29°52′ and 30°08′ north latitude. The protected area covers 1,333 hectares, with a total output of 10,000 tons.

　　Product Quality and Characteristic Features

　　(1) External Sensory Characteristics: Tianquan Sichuan Achyranthes is nearly cylindrical, slightly twisted, tapering slightly downward or having a few branches. It is 30–60 cm long and 0.5–3 cm in diameter. The surface is yellowish-brown or grayish-brown, with longitudinal wrinkles, rootlet scars, and numerous transversely elongated skin pore-like protrusions. It is tough and not easily broken. The cross-section is light yellow or brownish-yellow, with vascular bundle dots arranged in several concentric rings. It has a faint scent and a sweet taste. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Modern medical research shows that the main chemical components in Tianquan Sichuan Achyranthes are steroidal ketones, achyranthes polysaccharides, and alkaloids. Its extract content is 65%, and the cyasterone content is 0.03%. (3) Safety Requirements: It complies with the quality standards outlined in the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" (2010 Edition, Part One).