Mudgaparni
Phaseolus trilobus Ait. (syn. Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc.)
Mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus Ait. (syn. Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc.)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. Not individually listed in WHO monographs; recognized as an ingredient in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; commonly consumed as food legume.
| Botanical name | Phaseolus trilobus Ait. (syn. Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc.) |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Not individually listed in WHO monographs; recognized as an ingredient in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; commonly consumed as food legume |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Mudgaparni |
| Latin/Botanical | Phaseolus trilobus Ait. (syn. Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc.) |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Flavonoids and isoflavonoids
- Tannins
- Stigmasterol
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Proteins (high content)
- Alpha-pinene
- Carvone
- Pulegone
- Saponins
How does it work?
- Hepatoprotective mechanism through reduction of oxidative stress in cholestatic liver injury by enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems
- Antidiabetic action involving improvement of insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization, with flavonoid fraction contributing to alpha-glucosidase inhibition
- Antimicrobial mechanism through disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity by phenolic and tannin constituents
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Hepatoprotective property validated through preclinical studies showing protection against chemically induced liver damage, confirming traditional use in Kamala (jaundice)
- Antidiabetic activity experimentally confirmed with significant blood glucose reduction, supporting traditional use as a nutritive and metabolic regulator
- Anthelmintic traditional use supported by documented antimicrobial activities against various pathogens
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
- Widely consumed as a pulse (Ranmoong) in tropical regions, indicating high dietary safety; used in Chyawanprash formulation historically
- No adverse effects reported in animal studies at doses up to 400 mg/kg; comprehensive human clinical safety data still needed
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, 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 capsules twice daily
Bioavailability: Isoflavonoids show moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%). Phytosterols are sparingly absorbed (3-5%) but therapeutically active at gut level for cholesterol management. Polysaccharides act as prebiotics without systemic absorption. Ghrita preparations enhance bioavailability of lipophilic components.
Optimal Timing: With meals for nutritive and tonic effects; morning with warm milk for Rasayana benefits; Ghrita with meals for reproductive health
Standardized Extract: Whole plant extract (8:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 1% total isoflavonoids. Combined Mashaparni-Mudgaparni extract for Jivaniya formulations. Ghrita preparation per classical protocol.
Shelf Life: Dried powder: 24 months. Capsules/tablets: 24 months. Ghrita: 24 months. Taila: 36 months.
Storage: 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, Stigmasterol, Vitexin, Isovitexin, Galactomannan
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Ghrita Paka method
- Oil extraction for Taila
- Methanol extraction for flavonoid analysis
Synergistic Combinations
- Mashaparni (classical Jivaniya Gana pair)
- Bala (strength-building tonic)
- Shatavari (nutritive and reproductive health)
- Ashwagandha (adaptogenic synergy)
- Vidari (nutritive Rasayana combination)
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Laboratory and animal studies1
- 2010. Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Phaseolus trilobus, Ait on bile duct ligation induced liver fibrosis in ratsJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 20430092 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2010.04.021
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