A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Shaliparni (Desmodium gangeticum)
1. Botanical Reference & Nomenclature
Latin Name: Desmodium gangeticum DC.
Family: Papilionaceae (Leguminosae).
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka Samhita: Angamardaprashamana, Balya, Snehopaga, Shvayathuhara, Madhuraskandha.
Sushruta Samhita: Vidarigandhadi, Laghupanchamula.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Vadarigandha, Anshumati, Sudala, Kumuda, Guha, Tanvi, Supatra, Peevara, Parni.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Sarivan
Marathi: Salvan
Gujarati: Shalvan
Telugu: Gitanaram
Tamil: Pulladi
Malayalam: Pullati
2. Botanical Description & Processing (Śodhana & Māraṇa)
Morphology: A small, erect herb, 7-15 cm tall. The stem has small edges. Leaves are simple, lanceolate or oblong (7.5-15 cm x 2.5-5 cm), resembling the leaves of the Shala tree, with an acute apex; the underside is pale and covered with soft hairs. Flowers are small, leading to a curved, hairy, leguminous fruit. Flowers and fruits appear in May-June.
Habitat: Found throughout India, up to an altitude of 1.5 meters.
Part Used: Panchanga (whole plant) and root.
Purification (Śodhana): Information on a specific classical purification process (Śodhana) for Shaliparni is not provided in the source text. Further consultation with classical texts is recommended.
Preservation: Information on specific preservation methods for the purified herb is not provided in the source text. Standard practices for drying and storing herbal roots in airtight containers away from moisture would apply.
3. Pharmacodynamics (Rasa, Guṇa, Vīrya, Vipāka)
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)
Guṇa (Qualities) Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous/Oily)
Vīrya (Potency) Ushna (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-digestive Effect) Madhura (Sweet)
4. Pharmacological Properties & Therapeutic Indications (Karma-Prayoga)
Dosha Karma: Pacifies all three Doshas. It is primarily Pittaghna (due to its sweet and cooling nature post-digestively), Vataghna (due to its heavy and unctuous qualities), and Kaphaghna (due to its bitter taste).
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Being Deepana (appetizer) and Anulomana (carminative), it is useful in Agnimandya (indigestion), Atisara (diarrhea - as a Grahi, absorbent), and Arsha (hemorrhoids - by strengthening blood vessels). Its Tikta and Ushna properties make it Krimighna (anthelmintic).
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): Its expectorant and nourishing properties make it useful in Kasa (cough), Urahkshata (chest trauma/ulcers), and Rajayakshma (tuberculosis/wasting diseases) by nourishing the Dhatus.
Rasavaha & Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory System): It is effective in Jvara (fever), especially Sannipatika Jvara (e.g., enteric fever), by digesting Doshas, reducing Daha (burning sensation), and strengthening Dhatus. It acts as a Hridya (cardiotonic) and blood purifier, useful in Hridroga (heart disease) and Raktadushti (blood impurities).
Mamsavaha & Majjavaha Srotas (Muscular & Nervous Systems): Nourishes muscle tissue and strengthens nerves, making it beneficial in Vatavyadhi (neurological and rheumatic disorders).
Shukravaha & Artavavaha Srotas (Reproductive Systems): Acts as Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and is useful in Shukra Daurbalya (low semen vitality) and Sutikaroga (puerperal disorders) by preventing infections.
Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary System): Being Mutrala (diuretic), it relieves Mutrakrichchhra (dysuria) with associated Daha (burning) and Shula (pain).
Primary Actions: Rasayana (rejuvenative), Balya (strengthening), Brimhana (nourishing), Jvaraghna (antipyretic), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Hridyota (cardiotonic), Vrishya (aphrodisiac).
5. Dosage, Administration & Important Formulations (Mātrā, Anupāna, Kalpa)
Dosage (Mātrā):
Decoction (Kvatha): 50 - 100 ml.
Note: Dosage for purified powder is not specified in the source. Standard practice suggests 1-3 grams of powdered root.
Anupāna (Vehicle): Milk (especially for Ksheerapaka), Ghee, warm water. Specific formulations use Yavakshara (alkaline ash), Saindhava Lavana (rock salt), and Hingu (asafoetida) as adjuvants.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Dashamularishta, Dashamuladi Kvatha, Shaliparnyadi Kvatha, Shaliparni Ksheerapaka.
6. Toxicology & Safety Profile (Viṣa Lakṣaṇa & Chikitsā)
Contraindications (Nivārita): Specific contraindications are not detailed in the source text. Given its Ushna (heating) Virya, it should be used with caution in pure Pitta conditions or conditions of extreme heat (Ama Pitta).
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Signs of poisoning from impure herb or overdose are not described in the source text.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): A specific traditional antidote is not mentioned in the source text.
7. Modern Scientific Correlates
Chemical Composition: The root contains resin, oil, alkaloids (gangetine, gangetinine, desmodine), and approximately 6% ash.
Research Notes: The source text does not provide specific modern research findings. The mentioned chemical constituents (alkaloids) are typically associated with the plant's biological activity.