Introduction

Prishniparni is an important Ayurvedic herb with a wide range of therapeutic uses. However, its information is scattered across different classical texts. A detailed review is necessary to bring together both traditional and modern insights, clarify its botanical identity, and highlight its IUCN Conservation status^[1] (currently classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species). This can improve both clinical application and conservation efforts. Prishniparni is a well-known and significant drug extensively discussed in Ayurvedic classical texts. The illustration and description of the drug commences from Vedic period itself. In Samhita period, it is described as one among the Amshumatidwaya^[2] and as one of the drugs in Dashmula.^[2,3] Synonyms appertaining to the identification of the drug, its therapeutic properties (Rasadipanchaka), actions (Karma) and therapeutic indications (Rogaghnata) of the drug is mentioned in various Nighantus.

Materials and Methods

Literary review of the current literary research was done by referring various Ayurvedic classical texts (Charaka Samhita^[4], Sushruta Samhita^[3], Ashtanga Sangraha^[5], Ashtanga Hridaya^[2], Ashtanga Nighantu^[6], Amarkosh^[7], Madanadi Nighantu^[8], Dhanvantari Nighantu^[9], Sausruta Nighantu^[10], Saligrama Nighantu^[11], Sodhala Nighantu^[12], Madanapala Nighantu^[13], Kaiyadeva Nighantu^[14],Raja Nighantu^[15], Bhavaprakaha Nighantu^[16], Sarasvati Nighantu^[17], Nighantu Adarsha^[18], Abhidhanamanjari^[19], Mahaushadha Nighantu^[20], Priya Nighantu^[21], Ayurvediya Oushadi Nighantu^[22], Rajavallabha Nighantu^[23], Hridya Deepak Nighantu^[24], Paryaymuktavali, Siddha Mantra Nighantu^[25], Sabdachandrika^[26], Nighantu Shesha^[27], Abhidhana Ratnamala^[28] etc) to extract information regarding Prishniparni (Uraria picta Desv. Ex DC.) Also, the review has been done following various research journals, scientific papers and internet sources.

Observation

Botanical Identity^[29,30]

Botanical Name - Uraria picta Desv. Ex DC.

Family - Fabaceae (Papilionaceae)

Leaves: Leaves are generally 3-5 in number, upto 9 foliate. Leaflets are imparipinnate, linear-oblong, obtuse, mucronate at apex, white clouded above and pubescent below.

Flowers: Flowers are purple, 6-10 mm long on dense, cylindrical racemes with bracts concealing the buds. Flowering and fruiting are seen between the months of August to October.

Racemes: Dense cylindrical, 20cm long.

Bracts: Caduceus, 1.5cm long, concealing the buds.

Inflorescence: Rachis, 8-12 cm.

Calyx: 4-6mm long, pubescent: teeth much longer to tube.

Corolla: Purplish to bluish, much exserted.

Seeds: 1-12, reninform, reddish.

Pic. 1: Uraria Picta Desv. Ex. DC^[33] plant

Synonyms and Interpretations (Paryayas)

Synonyms referring to the morphology, properties and actions of the drug Prishniparni can be traced out from the various Nighantus. The morphological features, pharmacological properties and actions are well interpreted in the synonyms which are available from Amarakosha^[7], Namrupavijnanam^[31] and Shabdakalpadruma.^[32]

Based on morphological characters

• Amshumati: Roots are fibrous

Abbreviations Used: A.N – Ashtanga Nighantu, D.N – Dhanvantari Nighantu, So.N – Sodhala Nighantu, M.P – Madanapala Nighantu, Ka.N – Kaiyadeva Nighantu, Ra.N – Raja Nighantu, B.P – Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, S.L.N – Saligrama Nighantu, Ab.M – Abhidhana Manjari, Ma.N – Mahaoushadhi Nighantu, P.N – Priya Nighantu, Am.K – Amarakosha, Sa.N- Sarasvati Nighantu, P.Rt- Paryay Ratnamala, Ab.Rt- Abhidhana Ratnamala

Based on Pharmacological actions

• Dhamani, Dhaavani: expels toxins from body
• Kalashi: increases semen.
• Sthira: strengthens the body

Prishniparni: Useful Parts and Doses^[34]

Useful parts: Roots^[13,18] & whole plant^[18,22,30]

Doses:

Panchanga: 1/2 to 1 Tola^[18]
Mulachurna: 1-2 g^[22]
Kwatha: 60-120 ml^[22] (20-50 g powder)^[29]
Mula Kwatha: 50-100 ml^[13]

Important formulations^[30]

1. Dasmularishta
2. Dasmula Taila
3. Vyaghri Taila
4. Angamardprasamana Kashaya Churna

Adulterants and Substitutes^[34]

Prishniparni is widely used herb in Ayurvedic pharmaceutical industry, particularly for its roots, which are included in numerous classical formul-ations. Due to its high demand, plant is often harvested destructively, leading to overexploitation. As result, genuine herb is frequently adulterated or substituted with other species. Prishniparni mula is one of key components of Dashamula group, with Uraria picta being authentic botanical source. How-ever, in trade & practical use, other species such as Uraria lagopodioides (L.) DC, Desmodium ganget-icum (L.) DC, & Pseudarthria viscida (L.) Wight & Arn are comm. found as substitutes or adulterants.

Ayurvedic texts consistently describe it as Madhura in Rasa, Ushna in Veerya, and Laghuor Sara in Guna. These properties correlate with its therapeutic actions like Deepana (digestive stimulant), Balya (strength-promoting), Sangra hika (absorbent), Vrishya (reproductive tonic), and Tridoshahara (balancing all three doshas). Prishniparniis indicated in a range of Srotovaha systems: it supports respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and reproductive health, and is a core ingredient in classical preparations such as Baladi Ghrita, Dasamularishta, and Vyaghri Taila.

Modern pharmacological studies support its traditional claims. The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytoconstituents contribute to its cardio protective, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. These findings bridge the gap between traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and contemporary biomedical research.

A noteworthy point is the regional disparity in its botanical identification -Uraria pictais accepted in North India, while Desmodium gangeticumis often used in the South. Despite IUCN listing it as "Least Concern," regional assessments label it as rare or threatened due to overharvesting. This calls for urgent conservation strategies and sustainable cultivation.

Conclusion

Prishniparni (Uraria picta Desv. Ex DC.) is a revered medicinal plant deeply rooted in Ayurvedic literature and therapeutics. Its consistent mention across classical texts such as the Brihatrayee and various Nighantus highlights its multifaceted utility in managing disorders ranging from respiratory ailments to musculoskeletal conditions. Modern studies corroborate its pharmacological potential, validating its cardioprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, despite its classification as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, the rising demand for its roots—particularly in formulations like Dashamula - has led to destructive harvesting practices, regional substitution, and increasing rarity in some habitats. This underscores the urgent need for integrative conservation strategies, including taxonomical clarity, sustainable harvesting, in situ and ex situ cultivation, and awareness among herbal practitioners and industries.