Bhadraparni (Prishniparni, Prithakparni, Chitraparni, Ahiparni, Sriparni)

About

Bhadraparni, known botanically as Uraria picta, is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and rejuvenating properties. It is a key component of Dashamoola and is traditionally used to support respiratory health, promote wound healing, and enhance digestion.

Properties

Anti-inflammatory action, Antioxidant effects, Phosphorus and calcium deposition (fracture healing)

Dosage

Dried Leaf Powder: 1–3 grams twice daily with warm water or honey. Aerial Part Decoction: Boil 10–15 grams of dried herb in 300 mL water until reduced by half; drink 1/4 cup thrice daily. Alcoholic extract (tincture): 1:5 ratio in 40% ethanol, 20–30 drops twice daily. Decoction: 50-100ml

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Madhura (Sweet)
• Virya: ["Shita (Cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]

Benefits

• Vatahara (Reduces Vata)
• Pittahara (Reduces Pitta)
• Kaphahara (Reduces Kapha)
• Rasayana (Rejuvenative)
• Balya (Strengthening)
• Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)

Traditional uses

• Daha (Burning sensation)
• Shotha (Inflammation)
• Durbalya (Weakness)
• Jwara (Fever)
• Rakta Vikara (Blood disorders)
• Vrana (Wounds)

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Decoction: Boil the dried herb to extract its properties.
• Powder: The dried leaves can be ground into a powder for internal use.
• Paste: Fresh leaves can be ground with water or cow's milk for topical application.
• Tincture: Combine with alcohol for a concentrated extract.
• Home remedies: Involve mixing root powder with turmeric and hot water for bone fractures, or boiling root powder in water for fever.

Contraindications

• High internal doses (above 5g/day) may cause gastric upset or mild diarrhea.
• Rare contact dermatitis has been reported in sensitive individuals when using fresh leaf paste.
• Uraria picta may have a hypotensive effect, so caution is advised for individuals on blood pressure medications.

Side effects

• General: Uraria picta is generally well tolerated topically.
• Internal Use: High doses may cause gastric upset or mild diarrhea.
• Skin: Rare contact dermatitis has been reported in sensitive individuals when using fresh leaf paste.
• Blood Pressure: May cause a hypotensive effect; caution is advised for individuals on blood pressure medications.

Interactions

• Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
• Anticoagulants: Uraria picta may enhance anticoagulant effects. Consult your doctor if you are on medication.
• Supplements: This product generally goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
• Homeopathic medicine: This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
• Other herbs: As a core ingredient in Dashamoola, it synergizes with nine other roots to create a powerful decoction for neurological, musculoskeletal, and systemic disorders.

Active compounds

• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids
• Steroids
• Terpenoids
• Pterocarpans
• Saponins
• Phenols
• Tannins
• Carbohydrates
• Proteins
• Cardiac glycosides

Clinical evidence

Pilot studies and animal models support anti-inflammatory, skin rejuvenation, and fracture healing effects of Uraria picta. A small human safety trial showed good tolerability at low doses.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Vatahara (Reduces Vata)
• Pittahara (Reduces Pitta)
• Kaphahara (Reduces Kapha)
• Rasayana (Rejuvenative)
• Balya (Strengthening)
• Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)

Classical clinical indications

• Daha (Burning sensation)
• Shotha (Inflammation)
• Durbalya (Weakness)
• Jwara (Fever)
• Rakta Vikara (Blood disorders)
• Vrana (Wounds)

Frequently asked questions