Teramnus labialis (Mashaparni), is a highly valued and nutrition-rich herb in the traditional systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda. Below is a long, comprehensive explanation structured according to your required headings, detailing its botanical, traditional, and pharmacological profile.
Herb's Introduction
Teramnus labialis (L.f.) Spreng. is a slender, perennial, twining or trailing herbaceous plant belonging to the Leguminosae (or Fabaceae) family. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, it holds a prestigious position as one of the herbs comprising the famous Dashamoola (ten roots) formulation, and is classified under key groups such as Jivaniya Mahakashaya (life-promoting) and Shukrajanana Gana (sperm-improving). Commonly known by its Sanskrit name, Mashaparni, the plant is revered for its high nutritional density and its profound therapeutic effects, especially on the Vata and Pitta doshas. It is traditionally used to combat fatigue, improve general strength, enhance sexual health, and act as a nervine tonic. Despite its extensive medicinal value and relative ease of availability, it is often an overlooked and sometimes adulterated herb in the herbal trade.
Name in Different Countries
Teramnus labialis is known by a variety of names across different regions and languages, reflecting its widespread distribution and traditional use: Language Key Names (Transliterated) Scientific Name Teramnus labialis (L.f.) Spreng. Synonyms Glycine labialis L., Glycine parviflora, Kennedya arabica Sanskrit माषपर्णी (Mashaparni), कल्याणी (Kalyani), लोमशपर्णिनी (Lomashparnini), हयःपुच्छी (Hayahapuchchi), विसारिणी (Visarini) Hindi माषपर्णी (Mashaparni), कल्याण (Kalyan), माषवन (Mashavan) English Blue Wiss, Pistache Marronne, Horse Vine, Rabbit Vine Marathi/Konkani रानउडीद (Ran-udid) Telugu అడవి మినుములు (Adavi minumulu), కరు మినుములు (Karu minumulu) Kannada ಅಡವಿ ಉದ್ದು (Adavi uddu) Malayalam Kattulunnu, Cherukattuzhunnu Bengali Mashani Hawaiian Mashani, Mashoni, Mashparui Export to Sheets
Terminology
In Ayurveda, the therapeutic action and application of Teramnus labialis are defined by its specific properties, collectively known as Rasa Panchaka: Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet) and Tikta (Bitter). The combination of these tastes is indicative of its nourishing and cleansing properties. Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light) and Snigdha (Unctuous or Oily). These qualities explain its ability to be easily digestible yet deeply nourishing to the tissues. Virya (Potency): Sheeta (Cold/Coolant). Its cold potency is crucial for addressing conditions associated with high internal heat, such as fever, burning sensation, and Pitta imbalances. Vipaka (Post-digestive Taste): Madhura (Sweet). The sweet Vipaka results in a nourishing, tissue-building (anabolic) action on the body after digestion. Effect on Tridosha: It is highly effective in pacifying the imbalances of Vata and Pitta doshas, while having a tendency to increase Kapha dosha.
Availability
Teramnus labialis is a widely distributed plant found throughout the Paleotropics, extending across vast regions including Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and parts of Australia. It is a resilient plant that thrives in various habitats, particularly in the moist tropics. It is found at elevations ranging from sea level up to 3,000 meters in tropical and subtropical regions. Its typical habitats include seasonally dry tropical bushland, grassland, wooded grassland, forest clearings, and often along roadsides, hedges, and dry, rocky areas. In the context of the Medicinal Plants of Nepal, it is likely found in the tropical and subtropical zones of the Terai and lower-to-mid Himalayan hills, where the climate is suitable for its growth. The whole plant, including the root and fruit, is typically available, though commercial availability sometimes suffers from adulteration.
External Look
Teramnus labialis is characterized as a slender, herbaceous, perennial vine that either trails along the ground or twines around surrounding vegetation, with stems sometimes reaching up to 3 meters in length. Stem: The stems are slender and covered in fine, appressed hairs (pubescence). Leaves: The leaves are trifoliate, meaning each leaf is composed of three leaflets. These leaflets are typically small, ovate, elliptic, or round, reaching up to 5 cm in length. They are membranous, often glabrous (smooth) on the upper surface and sparsely hirsute (hairy) on the underside. Flowers: The flowers are small (approx. 4 mm long), zygomorphic, and arranged in long, slender, axillary racemes. The corolla (petals) can vary in color, appearing white, pink, or reddish. Fruit: The fruit is a long, narrow, compressed legume (pod), measuring about 3–5 cm in length. A key distinguishing feature is the thin, adpressed pubescence (hairiness) and the small, persistent style at the end which forms a characteristic hook. Upon maturity, the pods coil to assist in seed dispersal. Seeds: The seeds inside the pods are small, rounded at the ends, and dark brown in color.
Healing Properties
The therapeutic value of Teramnus labialis is derived from its complex phytochemical profile, which has been shown to possess a variety of pharmacological actions: Chemical Constituents: The plant is a rich source of protein, amino acids (including lysine, leucine, isoleucine, arginine, valine, and histidine), and essential minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron). It also contains significant bioactive compounds such as: Flavonoids: Vitexin, Daidzin. Triterpenoid Saponins: Bergenin. Phenolic Compounds: Free phenols, tannins. Other Key Compounds: L-DOPA (a precursor to dopamine, which supports its role as a nervine tonic). Pharmacological Actions: Anti-inflammatory: Research has isolated compounds like Vitexin, Bergenin, and Daidzin that demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, supporting its traditional use in conditions like rheumatism and arthritis. Antioxidant: Its high flavonoid content provides significant antioxidant activity, helping to fight against harmful free radicals and potentially protecting against oxidative stress-related diseases. Hepatoprotective: Studies suggest it may have properties that protect the liver. Antipyretic: The fruit is traditionally used as a fever-reducer. Anabolic/Rejuvenating: It is considered a Rasayana (rejuvenator) and has anabolic properties, helping to improve general strength and nourishment (Pushtivardhini).
Advantages
Teramnus labialis offers several distinct advantages as a medicinal and nutritional resource: Potent Aphrodisiac Action (Vrushya): It is one of the premier herbs for improving sexual health. It is valued for its ability to enhance the quality and quantity of semen and improve overall male vigor, especially in cases of sexual debility and spermatorrhoea. Superior Nutritional Profile: The seeds, in particular, have a high dietary energy value, rich in crude proteins (over 22%), fats, and a higher concentration of essential minerals (Potassium, Calcium, Sodium, and Iron) compared to many other legumes. Effective Nervine Tonic: It has a strengthening and supportive effect on the nervous system, which makes it particularly advantageous in treating conditions like paralysis, rheumatism, and various nerve disorders. Anti-diarrheal and Absorbent (Sangrahi): It acts as an absorbent in the digestive tract, making it highly effective in managing chronic diarrhea and malabsorption syndromes. Multi-Targeted Healing: It provides relief for a wide range of systemic issues, including inflammation (Shotha), blood impurities (Asrajit), and systemic burning sensation (Daha).
Uses
The whole plant, particularly the root and fruit, is utilized across traditional systems to treat a comprehensive list of ailments: System/Category Specific Conditions and Uses Sexual & Reproductive Spermatorrhoea, sexual debility, to promote vigor, loss of strength, and as a galactagogue (promoting breast milk). Gastrointestinal Diarrhea (Atisara), Dysentery (Pravahika), Malabsorption syndrome, abdominal distension, and as an astringent and stomachic. Fevers & Inflammation All types of fevers (Jwara, Vatapitta jvara), swelling (Shotha), gout (Vatarakta), rheumatism, and arthritis. Respiratory Bronchitis, catarrh, and tuberculosis (used as a supportive nervine tonic). Cardiovascular/Blood Bleeding disorders (Raktapitta), blood diseases (Raktavikara), and as a blood purifier. Nervous System Paralysis, myalgia (muscle pain), and various affections of the nervous system. General Burning sensation (Daha), thirst, general weakness, and to improve overall nourishment (Pushtivardhini). Export to Sheets
Using way
The usage of Teramnus labialis varies depending on the desired therapeutic effect, but generally involves internal consumption of the root or whole-plant material, and external application in medicated oils. Parts Used: Whole plant, root, and fruit (seeds). Internal Administration (Ayurveda): Root/Plant Powder (Churna): A typical dosage is 3 to 6 grams of the dried powder, usually mixed with honey, milk, or ghee, and taken once or twice daily. This form is often used for vitality, strength, and nervine disorders. Decoction (Kwath): The decoction of the herb is typically prescribed in doses of 50 to 100 ml. Fruit/Seeds: The seeds can be dried and used as a febrifugal, astringent, and stomachic tonic. Due to their high nutritional value, the seeds must be properly processed (soaked or boiled) before being cooked into a curry, similar to other legumes. External Application: The herb is a major ingredient in topical formulations. It is used in the preparation of specialized medicated oils like Narayan Oil and Mahanarayan Oil, which are applied externally to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, paralysis, and various Vata-related neuromuscular conditions.
Conclusion
Teramnus labialis, or Mashaparni, stands as an indispensable treasure within the traditional pharmacopoeias of South Asia. As a cooling, sweet, and highly nourishing herb, it excels in balancing Vata and Pitta, making it a powerful natural agent for building systemic strength and promoting longevity. Its dual function as a potent aphrodisiac and a robust anti-inflammatory and nervine tonic solidifies its importance, particularly in managing chronic ailments like rheumatism, fever, and debility. Given its high nutritional value and profound medicinal properties, focusing on the sustainable cultivation and proper utilization of this easily available yet often overlooked plant is paramount to harness its full potential for modern health and wellness. Tools
