# Prishniparni

> Prishniparni (Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. Not individually listed in WHO monographs; recognized as a key component of Dashamoola in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC.
- **Family:** Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not individually listed in WHO monographs; recognized as a key component of Dashamoola in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Prishniparni |
| Latin/Botanical | *Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([isoflavones](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavones), flavone [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides))
- [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)
- [Steroids](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#steroids) and [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids)
- Phenolic compounds
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/)
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)
- Glycosides
- Uraricoside

## How does it work?

- [Cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/) action through modulation of oxidative stress markers and improvement of cardiac enzyme profiles
- Anti-inflammatory activity mediated by inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, supporting its role in [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) formulation
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) mechanism involving enhancement of liver [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) enzyme systems (SOD, CAT, GPx) and reduction of lipid peroxidation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-inflammatory activity validated through in vivo studies, confirming its traditional role in treating Shotha (edema/inflammation)
- Cardioprotective properties supported by preclinical studies showing improvement in cardiac biomarkers
- Wound healing activity confirmed through experimental models, validating its use in traditional wound management

## 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

- Generally considered safe when used as part of traditional [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) formulations at recommended Ayurvedic doses; no significant toxicity reported in available literature
- Limited modern toxicological studies available; long-term safety data in humans needs further investigation through controlled clinical trials

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Flavonoids
- Isoflavones
- Glycosides
- Alkaloids
- Steroids
- Terpenoids
- Saponins
- Tannins

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/), Taila

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g whole herb powder daily; 20-30 mL decoction twice daily; 500-750 mg standardized extract twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Uraria picta (Prishniparni) contains flavonoids and terpenoids with moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). [Isoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavonoids) show absorption kinetics similar to soy isoflavones (20-40% bioavailability). Saponins undergo partial hydrolysis by gut bacteria. Part of Dashmool combination where synergistic absorption with other herbs may be enhanced.

**Optimal Timing:** As part of Dashmool Kwatha: morning and evening between meals. Single herb: after meals with warm water for Vata disorders.

**Standardized Extract:** Prishniparni whole herb extract (6:1) standardized to total isoflavonoids >2%, total phenolics >5% GAE. Root extract for Dashmool with validated HPTLC fingerprint.

**Shelf Life:** Dried herb: 12-18 months; Powder: 12-18 months; Extract: 24 months; Capsules: 24 months

**Storage:** Dried material: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from pest infestation. Extracts: amber containers, cool and dry.

**Marker Compounds:** Uraripictin, [Genistein](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#genistein), [Daidzein](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#daidzein), Medicarpin, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Oleanolic acid, Gallic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Methanol extraction for isoflavonoid profiling
- Traditional processing as part of Dashmool Kwatha
- Soxhlet extraction for standardized extract production

### Synergistic Combinations

- Dashmool combination (key member of Laghu Panchamool group)
- Shalaparni (paired herb in Dashmool formulation)
- [Bilva](/herb/bilva/) (anti-inflammatory and digestive synergy)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (strength and recovery)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (fever management combination)

---

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

## 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.