A Comprehensive Review of Prishniparni (Uraria picta Desv. Ex DC.) in Brihatrayee and various Nighantus

Prishniparni (Uraria picta Desv. Ex DC.) is a respected herb in Ayurveda and it is described in ancient texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and various Nighantus. Prishniparni (Uraria picta Desv. Ex DC.) is considered as Agraydravya (Sanghrahika, Vatahara, Deepniya and Vrishya Karma) in Charaka Samhita. Moreover, it is attributed with multiple therapeutic uses and is indicated in treatment of Shwasa (breathing troubles), Kasa (Cough), Jwara (fever), Atisara (diarrhoea), Raktavikara (bleeding disorders), Grahani (IBS), Vataroga, Asthibhagna (bone fractures) etc. and various Yogas (medicinal preparations) are mentioned in classical texts. It is one of the most important ayurvedic herb among Dashmula that includes ‘5 Brihat Panchmula’ (Bilva, Agnimantha, Shyonaka, Patala and Gambhari) which are obtained from large trees and '5 Laghu Panchmula’ (Brihati, Kantakari, Salaparni, Prishniparni and Gokhru) which are obtained from small shrubs. Uraria picta is commonly found in dry grasslands and open forests in sub - Himalayan tract from Kashmir to Assam upto 1800m altitude and all over plains of India. It has got many important chemical constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids etc. Prishniparni is known to exhibit cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anti- inflammatory, anti -hypertrophic, antioxidant and wound healing properties. Also, its nourishing, rejuvenating, and strengthening properties are well-recognized.