Herb's Introduction
Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC., commonly known as Prishniparni in Ayurveda, is a highly significant and perennial medicinal herb belonging to the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. It is a vital component of the revered Ayurvedic formulation, Dashamoola (a combination of ten roots), which is widely used for treating various Vata (air element)-related disorders, general debility, and inflammation. The plant is characterized by its erect, shrubby nature and distinctive, variegated leaves, which contribute to its Sanskrit name, Chitraparni (meaning 'spotted' or 'painted leaves'). Historically, it has been utilized across India, Nepal, and other parts of Asia and Africa for its broad-spectrum therapeutic effects, including its noted properties as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and aphrodisiac.
Name in Different Countries
Uraria picta is known by numerous names reflecting its wide geographical distribution and traditional uses. Country/Region Name Sanskrit Prishniparni, Chitraparni, Sinhapuchchi, Kalasi, Andhriparni Common Name Dabra, Painted Uraria Nepal Dabra Hindi Dabra, Pitvan, Shankaraja Bengali Sankarjata, Salpani, Chhalani, Chakule Marathi Pitvan, Prisniparni, Ranganja Tamil Sittirappaladai, Chittirappalatai, Oripai Telugu Kolkuponna Kannada Murele Honne, Ondele honne, Prushniparni Gujrati Pithavan Malayalam Muvila, Orila Chinese 美花狸尾豆 (Měihuā lí wěi dòu) Japanese hosoba-fuji-bô-gusa Malayan ekor kuching Nigeria alupayida Oriya Isworojota Export to Sheets
Terminology
The botanical and traditional terminology associated with Uraria picta clarifies its classification and specific uses: Botanical Name: Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC. Family: Leguminosae (Fabaceae) - the pea or bean family. Synonyms: Hedysarum pictum Jacq., Doodia picta Roxb. Ayurvedic Terminology: Prishniparni: The most common Sanskrit/Ayurvedic name. Dashamoola: It is one of the ten roots (Laghu Panchamoola, or the five lesser roots) in this renowned compound formulation, primarily targeting Vata disorders. Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet) and Tikta (Bitter). Guna (Quality): Laghu (Light) and Snigdha (Unctuous/Oily). Veerya (Potency): Ushna (Hot). Dosha Action: Balances all three Doshas (Tridoshaghna), but is particularly effective in balancing Vata and Kapha. Angamardhaprashamana: A classical category of herbs that helps relieve body aches and muscular pain.
Availability
Uraria picta is widely distributed, growing as an erect perennial undershrub in dry grasslands, savannahs, and open forests. Geographical Range: It is found throughout the sub-Himalayan tract from Kashmir to Assam (up to 1800m altitude), all over the plains of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Philippines), Australia, and various parts of Africa (Nigeria). Conservation Status: Due to extensive use, destructive harvesting (especially for the roots, which are used in Dashamoola), and growing demand, the plant has become increasingly scarce in its natural habitat in some regions and is classified as a Rare, Endangered, and Threatened (RET) species in parts of India. This scarcity has necessitated efforts in mass propagation and conservation. Trade: It is commercially important and in high demand in India and Western African countries for its inclusion in numerous Ayurvedic formulations.
External Look
Uraria picta is characterized by distinct morphological features: Habit: An erect perennial undershrub, typically growing between 20 cm and 180 cm tall. Stem and Branches: Branches are pubescent (covered in fine, soft hairs). Leaves: The leaves are the most striking feature, giving rise to the name picta (painted). Lower Leaves: Typically 1-3-foliolate (1 to 3 leaflets). Upper Leaves: 5-9-foliolate (5 to 9 leaflets), which are much longer and narrower (linear-oblong or ovate-lanceolate) and are often variegated with distinctive white or pale blotches along the veins. Inflorescence (Flowers): The flowers are borne on long, dense terminal racemes (10-70 cm long), which sometimes resemble the tail of a lion or jackal, inspiring the Sanskrit names Sinhapuchchi and Kostruka puchika. Color: Corolla is purple, pink, or bluish. Bracts: Large and completely conceal the bud before they open, but are deciduous (fall off early). Fruit: A small pod, 5-9 mm long, with 3-6 segments that are folded on one another, smooth, and polished.
Healing Properties
Uraria picta is a powerhouse of medicinal properties attributed to its rich content of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, and phenols. Property Description Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic It possesses strong anti-inflammatory (Shothahara) and pain-relieving effects (Angamardhaprashamana), making it beneficial for arthritis, gout, and general body aches. Aphrodisiac (Vrushya) The roots are traditionally used as an aphrodisiac to increase libido, improve sexual health, and treat low sperm count (oligospermia). Antiseptic & Antimicrobial The herb exhibits antiseptic properties and has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, useful for various infections. Cardiovascular Protective It acts as a heart tonic, helping to maintain healthy blood pressure, manage abnormal heart rhythms (antiarrhythmic), and balance cholesterol levels (lowering LDL and maintaining HDL). Antipyretic (Jwarahara) Traditionally used to reduce fever, including malarial fever and fevers accompanied by a burning sensation (Dahahara). Expectorant & Anti-asthmatic It helps to expel vitiated Kapha dosha, clearing mucus and providing relief in conditions like cough, asthma (Shwasahara), and bronchitis. Wound & Bone Healing (Sandhaneeya) The plant is traditionally prescribed for its efficacy in healing fractured bones (Asthibhagna) and wounds (Vrana). Anti-diarrheal (Sangrahika) It has an absorbent quality that helps relieve mild to chronic diarrhea (Atisara) and conditions like bloody diarrhea and malabsorption syndrome. Neuroprotective The presence of anticholinergic properties suggests potential for managing neurological issues like anxiety, depression, and sleeping problems. Studies also suggest potential in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Export to Sheets
Advantages
The primary advantages of using Uraria picta in traditional medicine include: Versatile Therapeutic Range: It addresses a wide array of systemic ailments, from digestive and respiratory issues to cardiovascular and reproductive health. Key Ayurvedic Component: Its role as a crucial ingredient in the Dashamoola formulation guarantees its inclusion in numerous classical remedies, enhancing the efficacy of the entire group in treating Vata-related disorders. Anti-inflammatory Action: It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, offering a traditional alternative for conditions like rheumatism and gout. Balancing Effect on Doshas: The herb's unique combination of tastes and qualities allows it to balance all three biological humors (Tridoshaghna), contributing to overall body homeostasis and rejuvenation (Satmikarana). High Nutritional Value: The seeds have been reported to have potential nutritional value, with a good balance of essential amino acids.
Uses
The different parts of Uraria picta are utilized for specific therapeutic purposes: Plant Part Traditional Uses (Based on Ayurveda and Folk Medicine) Root (Moola) Primary part used in Dashamoola. Treats cough, chills, fevers, abdominal pain, body ache, impotence, and supports fracture healing. Decoction is also used for gonorrhea. Leaves Used as an antiseptic for urinary and genitourinary infections. Decoction is taken for cough. Leaf juice is antipyretic (fever reducer) and styptic (stops bleeding). Applied for boils and blisters. Whole Plant Decoction prescribed for gonorrhea, alcoholism, mental disorders, bronchial inflammation, and general debility. Used as an antidote for snake venom (Phursa snakes). Fruit/Pods Juice is applied to treat sore mouth, especially in children (stomatitis). Seeds Reported to be edible and used by tribal snake charmers for catching poisonous snakes (magico-religious belief). Export to Sheets
Using way
The methods of using Uraria picta vary depending on the ailment, often involving decoctions, powders, or pastes: Decoction (Kwath): A common method, particularly for the root or whole plant. Preparation: The dried root/plant part is boiled in water until the volume is reduced (e.g., to one-fourth). Uses: Used for cough, fever, asthma, gonorrhea, and blood-related disorders. A dose of about 50 ml twice daily is traditionally mentioned for cold and cough. Powder (Churna): The dried root powder is a common form of administration. Uses: Mixed with warm milk for general debility and rejuvenation; taken daily for fracture healing. Poultice/Paste: Root Paste: Applied externally over inflamed joints to reduce swelling and pain in arthritis and gout. Root Poultice: Mixed with honey and given as a drink for issues like male impotence. Juice: Leaf Juice: Taken as an antipyretic or applied as a styptic. Fruit Juice: Applied directly to the mouth to treat sores. Ayurvedic Formulations: Most commonly consumed as a component of classical preparations like Dashamoola, Dashamoolarishta, Mahanarayan Oil, Dhanvantharam Thailam, and Abana (for cardiac conditions).
Conclusion
Uraria picta (Prishniparni) stands as a highly valued herb within the Ayurvedic system, particularly for its central role in Dashamoola. Its traditional efficacy in treating a wide range of conditions, including Vata and Kapha disorders, fever, diarrhea, respiratory ailments, and its specific applications for bone healing and as an aphrodisiac, is increasingly supported by modern phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids, it offers potent antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective actions. However, the high demand for its roots and destructive harvesting practices have led to its status as an endangered species in some regions. Sustainable cultivation and conservation efforts are therefore crucial to ensure the continued availability and utilization of this historically significant and highly beneficial medicinal plant.
