SARPANKHA (Tephrosia purpurea)

Sarpankha (Tephrosia purpurea) is a perennial herb or small shrub commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is known for its liver-protective, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It is widely distributed throughout India and is often found in dry regions. Sarpankha has long been used as a blood purifier and to treat skin and liver conditions.

Tephrosia purpurea Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Tephrosia
Species: Tephrosia purpurea

Tephrosia purpurea Common Name

English: Purple Tephrosia, Wild Indigo
Sanskrit: Sarpankha, Sharpunkha
Hindi: Sarphoka, Sharpunkha
Tamil: Kolunchi
Telugu: Vempali
Kannada: Kolasige
Bengali: Sarpankho

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Liver Health - Traditionally used to treat hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and enlarged liver, Acts as a hepatoprotective agent, aiding in liver detoxification and bile secretion.

Skin Disorders - Beneficial in treating eczema, dermatitis, and wounds, The paste of leaves is applied externally for itching and swelling.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic - Used to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling in conditions like rheumatism.

Blood Purification - Used as a Raktashodhak (blood purifier) in Ayurvedic texts.

Respiratory Disorders - Used to alleviate symptoms of asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Phytochemical Constituents

Sarpankha contains multiple bioactive compounds responsible for its pharmacological actions:

Flavonoids: Rutin, Tephrosin, Quercetin
Glycosides: Purpurin
Steroids: Beta-sitosterol
Alkaloids: Tephrosin, Pongamol
Tannins, Saponins, Phenols, and Proteins

References

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Volume II, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Kirtikar, K.R., & Basu, B.D. (1935). Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol. II. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun.

Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. I. Bombay Popular Prakashan.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

Ahmed, F., & Urooj, A. (2010). "Hepatoprotective effects of Tephrosia purpurea on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats." Iranian Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 9(2), 45–49.

Rathi, B., Bodhankar, S.L., & Baheti, A.M. (2006). "Evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of Tephrosia purpurea for hepatoprotective activity in rats." Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 38(1), 25–28.

European Medicines Agency. Herbal Monograph on Tephrosia purpurea. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC), 2020.