Ayurveda Drug Review - Shaliparni

Abstract

Shalparni is an important medicinal herb mentioned in texts of Ayurveda. The botanical source of Shalparni has been recognized as Desmodium gangeticum Linn. of family Fabaceae. It is one of the constituent drugs of Laghu Panchmoola, Dashmoola and many other formulations and used as a single drug in various health conditions. In Charak Samhita it is classified in Snehopag, Shothhar and Angamarda Prashamana Mahakashay. It is also included in Agraya Dravya. Shalparni is used in many health conditions like cardiac pain, Rakta Pitta, Vaatrakta, Netraroga and paediatric conditions. It has also been screened for its pharmacological activities in various pharmacological studies and has been demonstrated to possess a wide range of biological activities like cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti- diabetic, anti-amnesic among others.

Introduction

It begins by explaining fundamental Ayurvedic concepts through three sutras: Hetu Sutra (causes of disease), Linga Sutra (symptoms of disease), and Aushadhagyana Sutra (treatment/medicine). It also highlights classical Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Vagbhata Samhita, and others as key sources of knowledge about medicinal plants.

The study focuses on Shaliparni, aiming to review its Ayurvedic properties and conceptual significance. It compiles information from various classical texts and commentaries.

In the literature review, the plant is identified as containing several phytochemicals with potential therapeutic effects. It is classified scientifically under the Fabaceae family and is known by different names in various languages, such as Sarivan, Shalaparni, and Vidarigandha.

The historical section traces references to medicinal plants across different Ayurvedic periods: Vedic (limited mention), Samhita (systematic classification and therapeutic use), and Nighantu (detailed drug descriptions including properties and synonyms). The Dhanvantari Nighantu specifically classifies Shaliparni under Guduchyadi Varga and describes its properties and actions.

Conclusion

Conclude the fallowing one the points derived from the above data, The proper knowledge of the Shaliparni helps in understanding the process of manifestation of Action of Drug also knowledge of Shaliparni is helpful for getting the knowledge of drug of action in Disease.

References

[1] Charaka Samhita of Chakrapanidatta, (2004), Reprint, ed. Vd. Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi. [2] Sushrut Samhita (2005), with the Nibandhasangraha commentary of Shri Dalhanacharya and the Nyayachandrika panjika of Shri Gayadasacharya on Nidanasthana, 8th edi, ed. Vd. Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya & Narayanram Acharya “Kavyatirtha”, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi. [3] Ashtnga Hridayam (2000), with the commentaries ‘Sarvangasundara’ of Arunadatta and ‘Ayurvedarasayana’ of Hemadri, collected by Dr. Anna Moreswar Kunte, Reprint, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi. [4] Bhavapakasha samhita Uttrardha (2003) vidhyotini bhasha tika by Bhishagratna Pandit Shri Brahma Shankara Mishra Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi [5] Sodhala Nighantu (1978), 1st edi, ed. Prof. P.V. Sharma, Oriental Institute, Baroda. [6] Abhidhana Ratnamala (Shadrasa Nighantu), (1977), 1st edi, 6th skandha, ed. Prof. P.V. Sharma, Cha ukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi. [7] Dhanvantari Nighantu, (1985), Hindi Gunakarmatmaka commentary and ed. Dr. Zarkhand Oza, Dr. Umapati Mishra, Chaukhamba Prakashan.

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Dr. Vishal Kumar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.