Abstract
Tephrosia purpurea Linn., commonly known as Sharpunkha/ Wild Indigo or Purple Tephrosia, is a potent herb that has been used in several ailments mentioned in Classical Ayurvedic literature. Its main action is on Pleeha (Spleen), hence it is named as “Pleehashatru”. The plant is also referred to as “Sarwa vranvishapaha” as it heals any type of wound.
Introduction
Sharpunkha is an annual herb with Botanical source Tephrosia purpurea Linn., belonging to the family Fabaceae. The genus Tephrosia includes approximately 300-400 species of annual and woody herbs. When Tephrosa purpurea leaves are cut transversely, they resemble the fletching of an arrow, hence named as Sharpunkha in Sanskrit. The various parts of the plant Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea Linn.) have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic formulations. The plant is mainly known for its Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-helminthic properties.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom- Plantae
- Subkingdom- Tracheobionta
- Super division- Spermatophyta
- Division- Magnoliophyta
- Class- Magnoliospida
- Subclass- Rosidae
- Order- Fabales
- Family- Fabaceae
- Subfamily- Papilionaceae
- Genus- Tephrosia
- Species- purpurea
Synonyms
- Sharpunkha - Derived from the Sanskrit words "shara," meaning arrow, and "punkha," meaning fan.
- Pleehashatru - Used in Pleeha roga (Spleen disorders).
- Pleehari - Used in disorders of the liver and spleen.
- Nilivrikshakriti - Similar appearance to Neeli plant (Indigofera tinctoria L.).
- Shibhiphala - Belongs to the Fabaceae family and contains legumes.
- Baanapunkha - Leaflets resemble arrow’s feathered end.
- Swetpunkha/Subhrapunkha/Sitapunkha - White variety of Sarpunkha.
Vernacular Names
- English - Wild Indigo, Purple Tephrosia, Fish poison bean
- Hindi - Sarphonk
- Kannada - Koggili, Vajraneeli
- Gujrati - Ghodakan, Jhila, Sarponkha
- Marathi - Sirapankha, Unhali
- Bengali - Ban-sarfuli
- Telugu - Vempali, Neelavampalai
- Tamil - Kolingi, Paapali
- Malyalam - Kozhengil
- Rajasthani - Masa
- Oriya - Kolothiyapokha, Soropokha
- Punjabi - Sarapankha, Jhojhru
Habitat
It is an annual herb distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Sharpunkha grows as a roadside weed all over India, including railway tracks, in deserted fields, and in cleared forest regions up to a height of about 1000 meters. In addition, the species is found in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, and other tropical countries.
Morphology
Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea Linn.) is a small, self-generating, spreading, erect perennial shrub that grows up to a height of 60-75 cm. Leaves are bipinnate, 7.5-15 cm long with approx 7 to 15 leaflets, green, glabrous above, silky beneath. Terminal leaflets are solitary, obovate to narrowly elliptical, acute at base, and venation is usually visible on both surfaces. Flowers are small, 4-8.5 mm long, purplish to white, fascicled, bracteolate with short pedicles. Petals are oblong, clawed, suborbicular, and obliquely winged. Stamens become Diadelphous when the flower fully opens; the ovary is sessile with many ovules. Roots are 6-10cm long, white in colour, less branched, and slightly hard.
Classical Categorisation
- Sushruta Samhita - Sursadi gana
- Sodhala Nigantu - Lakshmanadhi varga
- Madanpal Nighantu - Abhyadi varga
- Bhavprakasha Nighantu - Guduchyadi varga
- Raj Nighantu - Shtahvadi varga
- Shaligram Nighantu - Guduchyadi varga
- Hridya deepaka - Eknaam varga
- Sarasvati Nighantu - Kshupa varga
- Nighantu Aadarsha - Plashadi varga
Rasa Panchaka (Ayurvedic Properties)
- Rasa (Taste) - Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
- Guna (Quality) - Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Tikshana (Piercing)
- Veerya (Potency) - Ushna (Hot)
- Vipaka (Post Digestive effect) - Katu (Pungent)
- Prabhava (Action) - Pleehaghna (Spleenomegaly)
- Doshkarma (Effect on Dosha) - Vatakaphahara (Pacify Vata and Kapha Dosha)
Therapeutic Indications
- Yakrit roga (Liver disorders)
- Pleeha roga (Spleen disorders such as Spleenomegaly)
- Gulma (Abdominal distension)
- Vrana (Any type of wound)
- Vish (Diseases caused by poisonous substances)
- Kaas (Cough)
- Shwasa (Respiratory disorders)
- Raktavikara (Blood disorder)
- Jwara (Fever)
Chemical Composition
1. Alkaloids
Purpurin, tephrosinamine, purpureine.
2. Rotenoids
Rotenone, tephrosin, sumatrol, deguelin. These compounds act as pesticidal and insecticidal.
3. Flavonoids
Apigenin, genistein, quercetin, kaempferol. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are present in these compounds.
4. Terpenoids
Stigmasterol, Beta-sitosterol.
5. Phenolic Compounds
Ellagic acid, gallic acid possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Pharmacological Properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiulcer
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
- Antiallergic
- Antidiabetic
- Hepatoprotective
- Antitumor
- Insecticidal
Therapeutic Uses As Per Ayurvedic Text
- In the case of Pleeharoga (Spleenomegaly), Sharpunkha’s root paste should be taken with buttermilk.
- In Yakrit and Pleeha roga, the roots should be given with Haritaki churna.
- Application of juice obtained from the root of Sharpunkha in vrana (wounds) helps in their healing. Oral administration of Sharpunkha’s root juice with honey also treats wounds.
- Inhalation of the smoke of Sharpunkha’s root relieves Kasa (Cough).
- Local application of a paste of its roots around the abdomen results in Deworming.
- In case of toothache, crushed roots of Sharpunkha are placed between the aching tooth.
Recent Research Work
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory action reported from Sharpunkha aids its utilization for the development of drugs for Alzheimer's and dementia neurological disorders.
- Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea Linn.) can be used for the treatment of COVID-19 infection by targeting the Mpro, which is responsible for the viral genome replication. Two phytochemicals, namely tephrorin B and deguelin, are found to have the potential to act as inhibitors against the Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 when analysed by molecular docking, drug-likeness prediction, binding free energy calculation, and molecular dynamics simulation approach.
- Tephrosia purpurea extracts have exhibited antiparasitic activity against various parasites, including Leishmania donovani, Plasmodium berghei, and Trypanosoma brucei.
- The plant has shown inhibitory effects against certain viruses, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), through mechanisms that interfere with viral replication and proliferation.
Useful Parts
- Moola (Roots)
- Panchang (Whole plant)
Dosage
- Moola churna (Powder of roots) - 3-6 gm
- Swaras (Juice) - 10-20 ml
- Kshara (Alkali powder) - 1-2 gm
Classical Ayurvedic Formulations
- Sharapunkha kshara
- Shadbindu Taila
- Grahanihara Kashaya
- Punkhadi Taila
Planet Ayurveda Formulations
- Sharpunkha Churna
- Sharpunkha Capsules
- Sharpunkha Tablets
- Spleen Detox Capsules
- Leber Vet Powder
Conclusion
The plant Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea Linn.) is a versatile herb in Ayurveda known for its Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties. Regular use of the plant helps in the detoxification of the liver and the regeneration of new cells of liver. Its leaves, roots contain compounds such as ellagic acid, apigenin, quercetin, etc, that contribute to the healing of wounds. Its effect is also seen in Kaas (Cough), Shawas (Respiratory disorders).
FAQ
1. What is the common name of Sharpunkha
Wild Indigo or Purple Tephrosia
2. How can Sharpunkha be consumed
Sharpunkha can be used in Churna (Powder) form, Kshara (Alkali preparation), Swaras (Juice) capsules, or in combination with other herbs as in classical Ayurvedic formulations.
3. Can Sharpunkha help in liver detoxification
Yes, Sharpunkha is traditionally known as a liver tonic (Yakrit Rasayana) and supports liver health by reducing oxidative stress and improving liver enzyme levels.
4. Is Sharpunkha useful in respiratory problems
It can relieve asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough due to its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties.
5. Does Sharpunkha help in skin disorders
Yes, it is beneficial in treating wounds, eczema, and other inflammatory skin disorders due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action.
6. Which part of the Sharpunkha plant is used medicinally
Leaves, roots, or the whole plant are used for therapeutic benefits.
7. Can Sharpunkha improve digestive health
Yes, it enhances digestion, reduces acidity, and helps in managing liver-related digestive issues.
8. Where is Sharpunkha commonly found
It grows naturally in tropical and subtropical regions of India and is also cultivated for medicinal use.
