A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Prishniparni (Uraria picta),
1. Botanical Reference & Nomenclature
Latin Name: Uraria picta Desv.
Family: Papilionaceae (Leguminosae).
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka Samhita: Angamardaprashamana, Sandhaniya, Shothahara, Madhuraskandha.
Sushruta Samhita: Vidarigandhadi, Haridradi, Laghupanchamula.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Pithakparni, Kalashi, Dhavani, Guha, Shrigalvinna, Chitraparni, Anghriparni.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Pithvan
Marathi: Pithvan
Gujarati: Pithvan
Tamil: Kolaponna
Telugu: Kolkuponna
2. Botanical Description & Processing (Śodhana & Māraṇa)
Morphology: A small herb, 0.75 to 1.5 meters tall. Leaves are compound, with leaflets 8-16 cm long, displaying prominent white veins. The inflorescence is 8-10 cm long, resembling a fox's tail, with small red or bluish flowers. Seeds are reniform (kidney-shaped), yellowish, with 1-12 seeds per fruit. Flowering occurs during the rainy season.
Habitat: Found in arid lands across India, up to an altitude of 2000 meters.
Part Used: Root.
Purification (Śodhana): Information on a specific classical purification process (Śodhana) for Prishniparni 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) Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous), Sara (Mobile)
Vīrya (Potency) Ushna (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-digestive Effect) Madhura (Sweet)
4. Pharmacological Properties & Therapeutic Indications (Karma-Prayoga)
Dosha Karma: Tridoshahara (pacifies all three Doshas). It is Pittaghna (due to Madhura and Tikta Rasa), Kaphaghna (due to Laghu and Ushna properties), and Vataghna (due to Madhura and Snigdha properties).
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Acts as a Deepana (appetizer) and Vatanulomana (carminative). Its Malasangrahi (astringent) property makes it useful in Atisara (diarrhea), particularly Raktatisara (bleeding diarrhea) and Grahani (irritable bowel syndrome), where it helps heal intestinal ulcers and stop bleeding.
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): As an expectorant and Hridya (cardiotonic), it is used in Shvasa (dyspnea) and Hikka (hiccough) originating from gastric issues (Amashaya).
Rasavaha & Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory System): It is a primary herb for Hridroga (heart disease), Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), and Kamala (jaundice). It strengthens the heart, reduces cardiac edema (Hridrogaja Shotha), and acts as a Shonitasthapana (hemostatic). A gruel (Peya) prepared from it is indicated for Adhoga Raktapitta (bleeding from the lower body).
Majjavaha Srotas (Nervous System): Its strengthening (Balya) quality makes it beneficial in Vatavyadhis (neurological and rheumatic disorders).
Shukravaha Srotas (Reproductive System): It is Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and used in Shukradaurbalya (low semen vitality).
Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary System): Its Mutrala (diuretic) action helps relieve Mutrakrichchhra (dysuria).
Primary Actions: Balya (strengthening), Rasayana (rejuvenative), Brimhana (nourishing), Angamardaprashamana (relieves body aches), Hridya (cardiotonic), Vishaghna (antitoxic), Shonitasthapana (hemostatic).
5. Dosage, Administration & Important Formulations (Mātrā, Anupāna, Kalpa)
Dosage (Mātrā):
Decoction (Kvatha): 10 - 20 ml.
Juice (Svarasa): 40 ml (specifically for poisoning).
Note: Dosage for purified powder is not specified in the source. Standard practice suggests 1-3 grams of powdered root.
Anupāna (Vehicle): Water, Gruel (Peya), Sugar.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Dashamularishta. It is also a key ingredient in compound decoctions with herbs like Bala and Vasa.
6. Toxicology & Safety Profile (Viṣa Lakṣaṇa & Chikitsā)
Contraindications (Nivārita): Specific contraindications are not detailed in the source text. Given its Ushna (heating) Virya and Malasangrahi (astringent) nature, it should be used with caution in conditions of severe constipation or high 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): The fresh juice of Prishniparni (Svarasa), 40 ml administered with sugar, is indicated as an antidote for poisoning by Vatsanabha (Aconite).
7. Modern Scientific Correlates
Chemical Composition: The chemical composition of Prishniparni is not detailed in the source text.
Research Notes: The source text does not provide specific modern research findings.