# Mashaparni

> Mashaparni (Teramnus labialis (L.f.) Spreng.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. Not listed in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as a Jivaniya (life-promoting) and Balya (strength-promoting) herb.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Teramnus labialis (L.f.) Spreng.
- **Family:** Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as a Jivaniya (life-promoting) and Balya (strength-promoting) herb

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Mashaparni |
| Latin/Botanical | *Teramnus labialis (L.f.) Spreng.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Vitexin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitexin) (C-glycosyl flavone)
- [Bergenin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergenin) (C-glycoside of 4-O-methylgallic acid)
- Daidzin (isoflavone glycoside)
- 3-O-methyl-D-chiro-inositol
- [Coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins)
- Free phenols and [tannins](/reference/tannins/)
- Amino acids (lysine, leucine, isoleucine, arginine, valine, histidine)
- Unsaturated fatty acids

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory action primarily mediated by vitexin through dose-dependent inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase enzyme, reducing leukotriene synthesis
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) mechanism through improvement of insulin sensitivity, with coumarins-containing fraction showing efficacy in type 2 diabetes mouse models
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) mechanism involving enhancement of both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, demonstrated through antigen challenge models

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-inflammatory activity validated through isolation of vitexin as a key 5-LOX inhibitor, confirming traditional use in inflammatory conditions and rheumatism
- Immunomodulatory properties experimentally confirmed, supporting traditional use as a body strengthener and vitality enhancer
- Antidiabetic potential supported by in vivo studies with [coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin)-rich fractions, partially validating traditional use in Prameha (metabolic disorders)

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Traditionally used safely in Ayurvedic formulations including [Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/); high nutritional value with significant protein (22.86%), mineral, and amino acid content supports safety for dietary use
- No significant adverse effects documented in preclinical pharmacological studies; however, systematic toxicological evaluation is limited

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Taila (medicated oil)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g whole plant powder per day; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Isoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavonoids) show moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%). [Genistein](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#genistein) and [daidzein](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#daidzein) (if present) are well-studied with known pharmacokinetics. [Phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols) are poorly absorbed (2-5%) but therapeutically active at the gut level. [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)-based preparations enhance absorption of lipophilic [isoflavones](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavones) significantly.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals for nutritive and tonic effects; morning with milk for [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) benefits; Taila application for musculoskeletal complaints

**Standardized Extract:** Whole plant extract (8:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 1% total isoflavonoids. Ghrita preparation per classical texts. Combined Mashaparni-[Mudgaparni](/herb/mudgaparni/) extract for Jivaniya formulations.

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for dried powder; 30 months for capsules/tablets; 24 months for Ghrita; 36 months for Taila

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers. Protect from moisture and light. Ghrita in glass containers at room temperature. Taila in amber glass bottles.

**Marker Compounds:** Genistein, Daidzein, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), [Galactomannan](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#galactomannan), Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Oil extraction for Taila preparation
- Ghrita Paka method
- Methanol extraction for flavonoid enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Mudgaparni](/herb/mudgaparni/) (classical pair in Jivaniya Gana)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (strength-building combination)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (musculoskeletal tonic)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (nutritive Rasayana)
- Dashamula (anti-Vata polyherbal)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/mashaparni/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.