# Shalparni

> Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. Not individually listed in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as a key Dashamoola ingredient.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.
- **Family:** Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not individually listed in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as a key Dashamoola ingredient

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shalparni |
| Latin/Botanical | *Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Gangetinin (pterocarpanoid)
- Gangetin
- Desmodin
- N,N-dimethyltryptamine
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Phospholipids](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phospholipids)
- Flavone [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)
- Pterocarpans
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory action mediated through inhibition of COX-2 and LOX pathways, with pterocarpans acting as key anti-inflammatory agents
- [Cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/) mechanism involving [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) defense enhancement and reduction of myocardial oxidative damage
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) activity through stabilization of hepatocyte membranes and restoration of liver enzyme levels (SGOT, SGPT, ALP)

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) properties validated through multiple preclinical models, confirming its traditional use in pain and swelling
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity supported by in vivo studies showing blood [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) reduction, validating its use in Prameha (diabetes management)
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) properties confirmed against multiple bacterial and fungal strains, supporting its traditional use in infectious conditions

## 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

- Considered safe at traditional Ayurvedic doses as a component of [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) and Laghupanchamoola formulations; no significant adverse effects reported in available studies
- Classified as an endangered medicinal species; sustainable sourcing and conservation efforts are recommended to prevent overexploitation

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Kaempferol
- Quercetin
- Phospholipids
- Glycosides
- Sitosterol
- Gangetinin 
- Gangetin
- Desmodin
- N
- Flavone 

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Ghana vati, Asava (fermented preparation), Taila (medicated oil)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g root powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500-1000 mg extract capsule twice daily; 15-30 mL asava after meals

**Bioavailability:** Pterocarpan and isoflavonoid constituents show moderate bioavailability (25-40%). Lipophilic pterocarpans benefit from lipid-based delivery. First-pass metabolism is moderate. [Isoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavonoids) undergo glucuronidation in the intestinal wall and liver.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals; traditionally used as part of Dashmool kwatha taken warm for Vata disorders

**Standardized Extract:** Aqueous-ethanolic root extract (6:1), standardized to NLT 1.5% total isoflavonoids (as [genistein](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#genistein) equivalents by HPLC); Dashmool combined extract as per API specifications

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for churna; 36 months for capsules; indefinite for properly prepared asava/arishta

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers, protected from light and moisture. Asava in glass bottles.

**Marker Compounds:** Gangetin, Desmodin, Genistein, Pterocarpan, Beta-sitosterol, [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional for Dashmool)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Self-generated alcoholic fermentation (Asava)
- Cold maceration for heat-labile constituents

### Synergistic Combinations

- Dashmool components (classical 10-root anti-inflammatory formulation)
- [Bilva](/herb/bilva/) (Vatahara combinations)
- Prisniparni (paired herb in Laghupanchamula)
- [Shyonaka](/herb/shyonaka/) (Brihat Panchamula formulations)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (anti-inflammatory and nervine combinations)

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

## 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.