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PubMed · An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. (2011)
PubMed · Crude extract of <i>Desmodium gangeticum</i> process anticancer activity via arresting cell cycle in G1 and modulating cell cycle-related protein expression in A549 human lung carcinoma cells. (2022)
Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals
Shalaparni contains active compounds including indole-3-alkylamines, gangetin, desmodin, and serotonin derivatives that contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds are believed to modulate inflammatory pathways and support nervous system function through neurotransmitter interactions. The phenylethylamine content may contribute to adaptogenic properties by supporting stress response mechanisms. As a member of the Dashamoola group in Ayurveda, it is traditionally considered to have balancing effects on Vata dosha, which governs movement and nervous system function. Evidence level: C (preliminary research and traditional use).
Does Shalaparni interact with any medications?
Shalaparni may interact with medications affecting the central nervous system due to its serotonin derivatives and phenylethylamine content. Caution is advised when taking this herb alongside antidepressants, particularly SSRIs or MAO inhibitors, as theoretical interactions could affect serotonin levels and potentially increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Those on sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, or blood pressure medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Limited clinical data exists on specific drug interactions. Evidence level: C (theoretical based on constituent profile).
What is the recommended dosage for Shalaparni?
The typical adult dosage for Shalaparni is 3-6 grams of root powder daily, or 500mg of standardized extract taken twice daily. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations often combine Shalaparni with other Dashamoola herbs for synergistic effects on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Dosage should be adjusted based on individual tolerance and the specific condition being addressed. It is recommended to start with lower doses and gradually increase while monitoring for any digestive discomfort. Consult a qualified practitioner for personalized dosing guidance.
Is Shalaparni safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Shalaparni is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is contraindicated for pregnant women. The presence of biologically active compounds including serotonin derivatives and alkaloids may pose risks to fetal development and uterine function. There is insufficient safety data regarding use during breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended for nursing mothers. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should not use this herb without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. Evidence level: C (traditional contraindication with theoretical risks).
What is Shalaparni used for in Ayurvedic medicine?
Shalaparni is primarily used for nervous system support, joint pain relief, and fever management in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. As one of the ten roots in the Dashamoola formulation, it is valued for its adaptogenic and tonic properties that help the body resist physical and mental stress. It may support musculoskeletal health, reduce inflammation, and promote general vitality and recovery from illness. The herb is traditionally used to balance Vata dosha and strengthen the body. Evidence level: C (limited clinical research, primarily traditional use).
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Desmodium gangeticum, known as Shalaparni, is an endangered medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic and for treating inflammatory and neurological conditions [PMID:21530632, PMID:39865705].
Background
Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. is a perennial non-climbing herb or shrub from the Leguminosae family (Fabaceae subfamily) [PMID:34692854, PMID:39865705]. It is a key ingredient in the Laghupanchamoola and Dashamoola Ayurvedic formulations [PMID:23723675, PMID:39865705].
Traditional uses
In the Ayurvedic system, it is used as a tonic, febrifuge, digestive, anticatarrhal, antiemitic, and for inflammatory conditions of the chest and other inflammatory states [PMID:21530632]. It is also traditionally used for neurological disorders [PMID:16946593].
Active compounds
Bioactive compounds include Gangetinoid, Gangetinin, N,N-tryptamine, Kaempferol, Quercetin [PMID:39865705], as well as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid [PMID:17604372, PMID:19839141]. Other identified constituents include gangenoid (a bisindole alkaloid) and (17Z,20Z)-hexacosa-17,20-dien-9-one [PMID:23336435], and flavonoids such as desmocarpin and desmodin [PMID:36515031].
Mechanism of action
The herb exhibits antioxidant activity by scavenging hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide, and DPPH, and by augmenting SOD, CAT, and GPX activities [PMID:14519948, PMID:17604372]. In lung cancer cells (A549), it acts by arresting the cell cycle in G1 and modulating cell cycle-related protein expression [PMID:35836974]. Cardioprotective effects may be mediated via muscarinic receptor agonist-like action [PMID:22575976] and preservation of mitochondrial and sarcoplasmic ATPase [PMID:21969747]. Antidiabetic activity is associated with increased insulin secretion from MIN6 cells [PMID:17431824].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DDiabetes
Aerial part extract significantly reduced blood glucose and increased insulin secretion in diabetic rats [PMID:17431824].
Evidence DCognitive Impairment/Amnesia
Aqueous extract showed nootropic (antiamnesic) effects in mice by affecting whole brain AChE activity [PMID:16946593].
Evidence DGastric Ulcers
Ethanolic extract markedly decreased the incidence of ulcers in cold restraint, aspirin, alcohol, and pyloric ligation models in rats [PMID:15991576].
Evidence DMyocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Root extracts improved cardiac function and reduced lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde levels in rat hearts [PMID:20180993, PMID:21969747].
Evidence DInflammation/Pain
Water decoction of root and aerial parts caused dose-dependent inhibition of carrageenin-induced swelling and increased analgesia in acetic acid-induced writhing [PMID:15507346].
Evidence DLung Carcinoma (A549 cells)
Safety & adverse effects
Acute toxicity studies in mice for Laghupanchamula formulations (containing Shalaparni) were conducted, but specific adverse effects for D. gangeticum alone were not detailed in the provided abstracts [PMID:25364205, PMID:26834423].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant pharmacological potential for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective activities. No human clinical trials were provided.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 21530632 (2011) — An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 23723675 (2012) — A comparative pharmacognostical profile of Desmodium gangeticum DC. and Desmodium laxiflorum DC. · Ayu
3.PMID: 34792750 (2022) — Evaluation of Substitution of Small Branches with Roots of Desmodium gangeticum (Physicochemical Analysis, HPLC, and GC-MS Profiling) and In Silico Study of Pterocarpans for Pharmacological Target. · Applied biochemistry and biotechnology
4.PMID: 34692854 (2021) — Pharmaco-chemical profiling of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. with special reference to soil chemistry. · Future journal of pharmaceutical sciences
5.PMID: 23723639 (2012) — A critical review on two types of Laghupanchamula.
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
Water crude extract inhibited the growth of A549 human lung cancer cells via G1 cell cycle arrest [PMID:35836974].
· Ayu
6.PMID: 39865705 (2026) — A brief review on chemoprofling and pharmacological potential of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. · Natural product research
7.PMID: 35836974 (2022) — Crude extract of Desmodium gangeticum process anticancer activity via arresting cell cycle in G1 and modulating cell cycle-related protein expression in A549 human lung carcinoma cells. · BioMedicine
8.PMID: 16946593 (2006) — Antiamnesic effects of Desmodium gangeticum in mice. · Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan
9.PMID: 23336435 (2013) — Novel anti-inflammatory phytoconstituents from Desmodium gangeticum. · Natural product research
10.PMID: 14519948 (2003) — Studies on the antioxidant activities of Desmodium gangeticum. · Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin
11.PMID: 36515031 (2024) — Therapeutic Role of Desmodium Species on its Isolated Flavonoids. · Current molecular medicine
12.PMID: 17431824 (2007) — Effect of Desmodium gangeticum extract on blood glucose in rats and on insulin secretion in vitro. · Planta medica
13.PMID: 25364205 (2014) — Analgesic and hypnotic activities of Laghupanchamula: A preclinical study. · Ayu
14.PMID: 26834423 (2015) — Wound healing and antimicrobial activity of two classical formulations of Laghupanchamula in rats. · Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine
15.PMID: 38708490 (2025) — Establishment of callus cultures and quantification of Caffeic acid using HPTLC from Desmodium gangeticum (L.). · Natural product research
16.PMID: 20180993 (2010) — Antioxidant effects of ethyl acetate extract of Desmodium gangeticum root on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in rat hearts. · Chinese medicine
17.PMID: 15507346 (2004) — Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activity of the water decoction Desmodium gangeticum. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
18.PMID: 19100816 (2009) — Molecular characterization of Desmodium species--an important ingredient of 'Dashmoola' by RAPD analysis. · Fitoterapia
19.PMID: 17604372 (2007) — Antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities of Desmodium gangeticum fractions in carrageenan-induced inflamed rats. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
20.PMID: 15991576 (2005) — Desmodium gangeticum: a potent anti-ulcer agent. · Indian journal of experimental biology
21.PMID: 21969747 (2010) — Role of Mitochondrial Enzymes and Sarcoplasmic ATPase in Cardioprotection Mediated by Aqueous Extract of Desmodium gangeticum (L) DC Root on Ischemic Reperfusion Injury. · Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences
22.PMID: 38430634 (2024) — A multi-modal approach to investigate Desmodium gangeticum's influence on stress-induced male infertility: In vivo, in vitro, and in silico assessments. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
23.PMID: 15763367 (2005) — Efficacy of Desmodium gangeticum extract and its fractions against experimental visceral leishmaniasis. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
24.PMID: 33321899 (2020) — Indian Medicinal Herbs and Formulations for Alzheimer's Disease, from Traditional Knowledge to Scientific Assessment. · Brain sciences
25.PMID: 39984097 (2025) — Alginate nanoparticles loaded with enriched polyphenols of Desmodium gangeticum alleviates diabetes induced oxidative and inflammatory stress in Rin-5F cells via GLUT2/IRS-1/NF-κB pathway. · International journal of biological macromolecules
26.PMID: 22575976 (2012) — Methanol extract of Desmodium gangeticum DC root mimetic post-conditioning effect in isolated perfused rat heart by stimulating muscarinic receptors. · Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine
27.PMID: 15740881 (2005) — Effect of aqueous extract of the Desmodium gangeticum DC root in the severity of myocardial infarction. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
28.PMID: 23973589 (2013) — Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle from leaf extract of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and its biomedical potential. · Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy
29.PMID: 19839141 (2006) — Antioxidant activity of Desmodium gangeticum and its phenolics in arthritic rats. · Acta pharmaceutica (Zagreb, Croatia)