Abstract

LITERARY AND THERAPEUTIC REVIEW OF SHARPUNKHA (TEPHROSA PURPUREA)

Bhavana Madhusudan Upadhyay*, Aarti Sharma, Prof. Kamini Kaushal and Dr. Ashwini Kumar Sharma

Abstract

Dravyaguna mainly deals with study of Herbal medicines and when utilized in optimum manner least side effects are seen. Sharpunkha is one such herbal medicine, also called as Saraponkh in Hindi belongs to Fabaceae family and its Botanical name is Tephrosa purpurea, It is an annual herb easily available as wasteland weed. Its chief action is on Pleeha i.e., Spleen so it is also called as Pleehashatru. It is used cardinally in Liver Cirrhosis and Spleenomegaly. Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. is named as "Sarwa vranvishapaha" for its property to heal wounds. Traditionally, it is used for impotency, asthma, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, syphilis gonorrhea, rheumatism, enlargement of kidney and spleen. It is an important component of herbal preparations like Tephroli and Yakrifti used to cure liver disorders.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Sharpunkha, Doshaghnata, Pliha.