Location IconGPS icon
QUICK BUY! Get 25% off on medicines*
Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
Scientific View By
Monalisa Deka
M.Tech, B.Tech
Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information
Read our editorial policy

Shalparni

Shalparni is bitter as well as sweet in taste. The root of this plant is one of the constituents of the famous Ayurvedic preparation called Dasmoola.
Shalparnia helps to manage fever due to its antipyretic property. It is also useful for respiratory problems like bronchitis as it helps to relax the respiratory passages and decreases inflammation due to its bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties. This allows free flow of air to respiratory passages and eases breathing.
According to Ayurveda, Shalparni is beneficial for male sexual health as it helps to manage problems like premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction due to its Vrishya (aphrodisiac) property. It helps to increase the blood flow to the penis and helps maintain the erection. Taking Shalparni powder along with water regularly helps in improving male sexual health.
Shalparni helps to manage piles by reducing inflammation at the anal site due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Taking Shalparni powder along with water manages piles due to its Pitta balancing and Shothhar (anti-inflammatory) properties.
Shalparni is also beneficial in wound healing as it prevents infections and reduces inflammation due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying Shalparni leaf paste on the scalp reduces dandruff as well as hairfall due to its antifungal properties. As per Ayurveda, applying Shalparni leaf powder along with rose water on the forehead is a remedy for managing headache[2][4][13][21].

What are the synonyms of Shalparni?

Desmodium gangeticum, Shalpaani, Saalvan, Sameravo, Sarivan, Saalapaani, Salpan, Murelchonne, Kolakannaru, Orila, Saalvan, Sarvan, Saloparnni, Salpatri, Sarivan, Shalpurni, Pulladi, Orila, Moovilai, Kolakuponna, Kolaponna, Shalwan[1][2].

What is the source of Shalparni?

Plant Based

Benefits of Shalparni

1. Bronchitis
Shalparni is useful in managing bronchitis. In Ayurveda, bronchitis is known as Kasroga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of wastes leads to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. This leads to bronchitis. Shalparni has Ushna (hot) and Kapha balancing properties. It reduces Ama and expels excess mucus from the lungs. Together it gives relief from the symptoms of bronchitis.
Tips:
a. Take dry Shalaparni root.
b. Grind and make powder.
c. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of this powder.
d. Add 2 cups of water to it and boil.
e. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume is reduced to 1/2 cup to form Shalparni Kwath.
f. Take 4-6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same quantity of water to it.
g. Have it once or twice a day after taking light food.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama. This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Shalparni helps to reduce Ama due to its Ushna (hot) potency. It also has Vata balancing property and thus gives relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
a. Take dry Shalaparni root.
b. Grind and make powder.
c. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of this powder.
d. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
e. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume is reduced to 1/2 cup to form Shalparni Kwath.
f. Take 4-6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same quantity of water to it.
g. Have it once or twice a day after taking light food.


3. Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be low erection time or expulsion of semen soon after sexual activity. This is also referred to as early discharge or premature ejaculation. Taking Shalparni powder helps in proper functioning of male sexual performance. It increases the quality and quantity of semen. This is due to its Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties.
Tips:
a. Take dry Shalaparni root.
b. Grind and make powder.
c. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of this powder.
d. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
e. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume is reduced to 1/2 cup to form Shalparni Kwath.
f. Take 4-6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same quantity of water to it.
g. Have it once or twice a day after taking light food

Precautions when using Shalparni

Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Shalparni during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Shalparni is found to lower the blood glucose levels when taken with antidiabetic drugs, so it is advisable to avoid to consult a doctor before taking Shalparni in case of diabetic patients[6].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Shalparni in heart patients.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Shalparni during pregnancy.

Recommended Dosage of Shalparni

  • Shalparni Root - ¼-½ teaspoon of Shalparni root powder.

How to use Shalparni

1. Shalparni Powder
a . Take dry Shalaparni root.
b. Grind and make powder.
c. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Shalparni powder.
d. Mix with water.
e. Have it once or twice a day after taking food.

2. Shalaparni Kwath
a. Take dry Shalaparni root.
b. Grind and make powder.
c. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of this powder.
d. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
e. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume is reduced to 1/2 cup to form Shalparni Kwath.
f. Take 4-6 teaspoon of this Kwath and add the same quantity of water to it.
g.Have it once or twice a day after taking light food.

Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Shalparni is dried, powdered and then stored at ambient temperature. Keep them away from direct light and heat[20].
Modern Science View
Do not take more than the prescribed dose. The overdosage of Shalparni maybe poisonous or cause serious toxic side effects. It is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Shalparni.

References

  1. 1
    The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
  2. 2
    Buddhadev S, Vaghela B, Shukla L.Pharmacological activities of desmodium GANGETICUM: An overview.An International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.2013;4(4):264-278.
  3. 3
    Puhan P, Rath S.P.Induction, Development and Germination of Somatic Embryos from In vitro Grown Seedling Explants in Desmodium gangeticum L.: A Medicinal Plant.Research Journal of Medicinal Plant.2012;6(5):346-369.
  4. 4
    Buddhadev S,Vaghela B,Shukla L.Pharmacological activities of Desmodium Gangeticum: An Overview.An INternational Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.2013;4(4):264-278.
  5. 5
    Singh R,Singh S,Jeyabalan G, et al. An Overview on Traditional Medicinal Plants as Aphrodisiac Agent.Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.2012;1(4):43-56.
  6. 6
    Bisht R, Bhattacharya S.Effect of various extracts of Desmodium gangeticum on Streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-2 diabetes.Asian Journal of plant science and research.2013;3(3):28-34.
  7. 7
    Niranjan A, Tewari SK.Phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of Desmodium gangiticum (Linn.) DC.Natural Product Radiance.2008;7(1):35-39.
  8. 8
    Ghosh D, Anandakumar A.Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of gangetin -A pterocarpenoid from Desmodium gangeticum.Indian Journal of Pharmacology.1983;15(4):391-402.
  9. 9
    Parle M.Antiamnesic effects of Desmodium gangeticum in Mice.Journal of Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.2006;126(9):795-804.
  10. 10
    Rastogi S, Pandey MM, Rawat AK.An ethnomedical, phytochemicals, and pharmacological profile of Desmodium gangiticum (L.) DC.and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.)DC.2011;136(2):283-296.
  11. 11
    Mishra PK,Singh N,Ahmad G, et al.Glycolipids and other constituents from Desmodium gangeticum with antileishmanial and immunomodulatory activities.Bioorg Med Chem Lett.2005;15(20):4543-4546.
  12. 12
    Orhan IE, Daglia M, Nabavi SF, et al.Flavonoids and Dementia:an update.Current Medicinal Chemistry.2015;22(8):1004-1015.
  13. 13
    Vedpal, Dhanabal SP, Dhamodaran P, et al.Microscopical, Morphological evaluation and fluorescent analysis of Desmodium gangeticum DC: An Ayurvedic medicinal plant.Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research.2016;8(7):395-402.
  14. 14
    Dharmani P, Mishra PK,Maurya R, et al.DEsmodium gangeticum: A potent anti-ulcer agent.Indian Journal of Experimental Biology.2005;43:517-521.
  15. 15
    Bisht R, Bhattacharya S, Jaliwala YA.Evaluating the use of Desmodium gangeticum as Alpha Glucosidase and DPPIV Inhibitor for Type-II Diabetes.American Journal of Phytomedicine and Clinical Therapeutics.2014;2(4):530-539.
  16. 16
    Singh S , Parmar N, Patel B.A review on Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum DC.) and Desmodium species (Desmodium triflorum DC. & Desmodium laxiflorum DC.) – Ethnomedicinal perspectives.Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies.2015;3(4):38-43.
  17. 17
    Gopalakrishnan S, Rajameena R. Evaluation of ethanolic extract of Desmodium gyrans DC leaves on wound healing activity in Rats.Pharmaceutical Analytica Acta.2012;3(7):2-5.
  18. 18
    Singh SG, Parmar N,Patel BR.A review on Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum) and Desmodium species (Desmodium triflorum DC. & Desmodium laxiflorum DC.) - Ethnomedicinal perspectives).Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies.2015;38(34):38-43.
  19. 19
    Vedpal, Dhanabal SP, Dhamodaran P, et al.Pharmacognostical Characterization, Phytochemical Screening and Fingerprint Profile of the Plant Desmodium gangeticum DC.International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research.2016;8(8):1271-1277.
  20. 20
    Kawale M, Saravanan R, Ankoliya S, et al.Pharmacognostic Characterization of Desmodium gangeticum (l.) DC - an Ayurvedic Medicinal Plant.International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research.2011-2012;3(4):113-120.
  21. 21
  22. 22
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.