Sharpunkha (Sharapunkha (Shataponaka, Upakulya, Ushna, Shaundi, Kola, Sprikka, Nata, Nakha, Katphala, Sukshmaila, Dhyamaka, Pattanga, Kapota, Shuka, Sharanga, Chirati, Kanku, Yashtika, Kunakha, Kuleena, Talishapatra, Kshudrila, Priyangu, Sakutannata))
Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used for various ailments, particularly those related to the liver, spleen, and digestive system. Classical texts highlight its efficacy in alleviating diseases o...
Botanical name: Tephrosia purpurea. Also known as: Sharpunkha, Sharapunka, Sharapunkha, Shataponaka).
Classical attributes
- Virya: []
- Vipaka: []
Dosha effects
- vata: decreasing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: increasing
Clinical evidence
Despite centuries of traditional use and robust preclinical (in vitro and animal) studies demonstrating significant hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer effects, human clinical trials for Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) are currently limited. The existing modern scientific literature predominantly consists of in vitro and in vivo studies, highlighting pharmacological potential but lacking extensive, placebo-controlled human trials to definitively establish efficacy and safety for specific conditions in human populations.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Yakrit-Plihodari (Beneficial for liver and spleen disorders)
- Krimighna (Anthelmintic)
- Vranahara (Heals ulcers)
- Vishaghna (Antitoxic)
- Arbudahara (Anti-tumor)
- Raktashodhaka (Blood purifier)
Classical clinical indications
- Liver diseases
- Spleen diseases
- Abdominal tumors (Gulma, Arbuda)
- Ulcers (Vrana)
- Poisoning (Visha)
- Vata disorders
- Kapha disorders
- Medas (fat) disorders
- Skin conditions
- Blood disorders