Herb's Introduction
Tephrosia calophylla Bedd. is a plant belonging to the family Fabaceae (Pea or Bean Family). It is described as a tuberous woody herb that prefers growing in shady hill areas. It is native and endemic to South India, specifically found in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The plant is utilized in traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda, for a variety of ailments, and scientific studies have begun to explore its pharmacological activities, confirming many of its traditional uses.
Name in Different Countries
The primary documented traditional and regional names for Tephrosia calophylla are found in the Telugu language of India, particularly in the regions where it is endemic. It is not widely reported with common names in a diverse range of international countries, but its regional names include: Telugu (India): Adavivempali (అడవి వెంపలి), Dumpavempali (దుంపవెంపలి), Gadda vempali (గడ్డ వెంపలి), and Kommuvempali (కొమ్ము వెంపలి). It is important to note that while the broader genus Tephrosia is widespread, T. calophylla is specifically an endemic species of South India. The search results did not show specific listings for T. calophylla in the "Medicinal Plants of Nepal" checklist, though other Tephrosia species are present in Nepal.
Terminology
Botanical Name: Tephrosia calophylla Bedd. Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae), Subfamily Faboideae. Synonyms/Related Taxa: The genus Tephrosia is large, but T. calophylla is a distinct species. The genus name Tephrosia is derived from the Greek word "tephros," meaning "ash-colored" or "hoary," referring to the grayish appearance of the foliage of many species in the genus. Active Constituents: The plant is rich in various flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Key pharmacologically active compounds that have been isolated include Calophione-A, B, and C, Tephcalostan, Tephcalostan A, Tephcalostan C, and Betulinic acid. Betulinic acid, in particular, has been noted for its potential anticancer and anti-HIV activities.
Availability
Geographic Distribution: Tephrosia calophylla is endemic to South India, primarily found in specific areas like the Talakona Hills (Andhra Pradesh), Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Habitat: It grows in shady hill areas and sometimes on hill slopes, often in deciduous forests. Conservation Status: The species has been listed as Rare (R) in some older literature (e.g., Red Data Book of Indian Plants), and more recent ethnobotanical studies note a decline in its wild population, suggesting a need for conservation efforts. Form of Availability: It is mainly available from its endemic natural habitat and through herbal vendors and traditional healers in those regions.
External Look
Based on the initial description and general botanical notes: Habit: It is a tuberous woody herb or a perennial shrub. Roots: The roots are often described as rhizomatous or tuberous. Stem/Branches: The branches are slender and tough, often described as glabrous (smooth, hairless). Leaves: Type: Simple. Size: Approximately 7–10 cm long and 2–3 cm wide. Texture/Appearance: They are rigidly coriaceous (leathery and stiff), with distinct veins and an entire (smooth) margin. Flowers: The flowers are typically seen in a terminal raceme (a flower cluster with flowers attached to a central stalk by small stalks), about 10–15 cm long. The flowers are described as light pink in color. Fruits (Pods): The mature pods are compressed, mucronate (tipped with a short, sharp point), and glabrous.
Healing Properties
Tephrosia calophylla is recognized in traditional medicine for a wide array of healing properties, which are being supported by modern pharmacological research. The plant's properties are attributed to the presence of various flavonoids and other active compounds. Property Description/Mechanism Hepatoprotective Used traditionally for liver disorders; extracts show protection against chemically induced liver injury. Antidiabetic Used traditionally for diabetes; extracts have shown significant reduction in blood glucose levels. Antioxidant Possesses compounds that neutralize free radicals, contributing to overall cellular health. Antimicrobial Root extracts show good antibacterial and antifungal activity, often attributed to isoflavones like caloisoflavones. Anti-inflammatory Used to treat inflammation and swelling. Anticancer & Anti-HIV Chemical constituents, particularly Betulinic acid, show promising activity against cancerous and HIV-infected cells. Antiulcer & Cytoprotective Leaf extracts show significant antiulcer and protective activity against gastric damage. Anthelmintic (Deworming) Used to expel parasitic worms. Antiprotozoal Flavonoids are responsible for activity against parasites like Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Plasmodium. Diuretic Helps increase urine flow. Hypolipidemic Helps in lowering lipid (fat) levels in the blood. Export to Sheets
Advantages
The advantages of using Tephrosia calophylla stem from its broad spectrum of therapeutic actions and its traditional use, suggesting a wide range of safety when used correctly within traditional contexts. Multi-Target Action: It simultaneously addresses multiple health issues, such as liver protection, diabetes management, and antimicrobial action. Rich Source of Bioactives: The presence of unique compounds like Betulinic acid, Calophiones, and various flavonoids offers high therapeutic potential for serious diseases like cancer and HIV. Traditional Validation: Its long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine provides a basis for its efficacy and traditional safety profile for ailments like liver disorders, ulcers, and skin conditions. Natural Treatment for Gastrointestinal Disorders: It is noted for treating various gastrointestinal issues, including gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and as an anthelmintic.
Uses
Different parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine to address various conditions: Plant Part Ailments/Uses Whole Plant/Decoction General anthelmintic, antipyretic (fever reducer), anti-cancer (in early stages), remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, and alternative cure for diseases of the liver, spleen, heart, and blood. Root/Tuber Diuretic properties, improving blood content, curing diarrhea, treating bronchial asthma, inflammation, boils, pimples, and jaundice. Also used in a paste form for brushing teeth to relieve dental pain. Leaves Used as a tonic for the intestines, an appetizer, and in a poultice for boils, cuts, wounds, and skin allergies. The leaf juice is used as an antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal agent. Seeds Can be used as a substitute for coffee. Export to Sheets
Using Way
Traditional methods of using Tephrosia calophylla involve different preparations and dosages: Powder with Honey: About one teaspoonful of the whole plant powder is traditionally taken with honey on an empty stomach daily for several weeks to treat peptic ulcers, and disorders of the spleen, heart, and blood. Decoction (Boiled Extract): A decoction (boiled preparation) of the whole plant is typically administered orally to treat gastrointestinal and gastric ulcer issues. Paste for Oral Use: A paste of the whole plant mixed with turmeric is taken orally as an anthelmintic, anti-pyretic, and for early-stage anti-cancer claims. The root tuber is also made into pills with water for use as a diuretic, blood-enricher, and to cure diarrhea. Topical Application: A poultice (soft, moist mass) of the leaves and fresh roots is applied directly to the skin to heal boils, cuts, wounds, and skin allergies. A paste of the plant boiled in oil may be used externally for joint pains and rheumatism. Crucial Note: It is highly important that any traditional or herbal medicine is used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as dosages and preparation methods are specific to traditional systems.
Conclusion
Tephrosia calophylla is a valuable, yet increasingly rare and endemic, medicinal plant of South India, belonging to the genus Tephrosia. It is a tuberous woody herb traditionally revered in Ayurveda, and locally known by names like Adavivempali. Its pharmacological profile is remarkably rich, featuring potent hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antiulcer, and significant antimicrobial activities, supported by the isolation of powerful compounds like Betulinic acid with potential anti-cancer properties. Due to its status as a rare and endemic species and the scientific validation of its wide range of traditional uses, the need for both its conservation and further extensive research into its full therapeutic potential and safety for modern application is paramount.
