Masaparni (Teramnus Labialis) Ayurvedic Uses, Benefits And Side Effects

Masaparni is the Sanskrit name of an herb regarded for its medicinal properties in the traditional medicine system of Ayurveda.  The herb belongs to the pea family Fabaceae or Leguminosae, also known as the legume or bean family. Mashaparni therefore is a legume which means it has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air making it available in the soil. This information about Mashaparni is also mentioned in the 13th century Ayurvedic text Raja Nighantu. The scientific name of Mashaparni is Teramnus labialis and is known as Vana Udadi in Hindi. It is called Vogel tephorsis in English.

Mashaparni is a twining herb with slender and hairy stem. The fruit tastes bitter and sweet and is cooling in nature. 

Other Names:

Suryaparni, Kamboji, Hayapucchika, Pandulomasaparni, Ksnavrnta, Mahasaha, Masavanam, Masauni, Vana Udadi, Jangali Udada, Vana Urdi, Vana Udada (Bengali), Masani (Marathi), Kadadayu (Telegu), Kadulada(Telegu), Rano dindu (Gujarati), Karu Minaru (Tamil), Kattu Alandu (Tamil), Jangali Udada (Kannad)

Masaparni: Uses And Properties

Mashaparni is a highly nutritious herb and is used in the treatment of many disorders and disabilities like muscular disorders and fatigue and bleeding disorders.

The constituents of Mashaparni include:

  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus
  • Lysine
  • Arginine
  • Valine
  • Histidine
  • Tannins

Masaparni herb has the following properties:

  • Aphrodisiac
  • Stomachic
  • Astringent to the bowels
  • Galactagogue
  • Anti inflammatory
  • Antipyretic
  • Used as a nervine tonic
  • Anti oxidant
  • Febrifuge
  • Hypolipidemic
  • Tonic
  • Anti microbial

Mashaparni according to Ayurveda is useful in the following ailments:

  • Sangrahi – helps in curing diarrhea
  • Vrushya – is aphrodisiac in nature
  • Asrajit – is helpful in curing blood related disorders
  • Shukrala – helps in improving sperm production and quality
  • Daha – being cooling in nature, it can help suppress burning sensation
  • Shotha – is anti inflammatory in nature
  • Jwara – helps cure chronic fevers
  • Pushtivardhini – improves nutrient absorption
  • Raktapitta – can help stop bleeding

Ayurvedic Properties or Gunadharma of Mashaparni

  • Physical property (Guna) – light (laghu), smooth (snigdha) 
  • Taste (Rasa) – madhura or sweet
  • Potency (Veerya) – sheeta or cool
  • Conversion after digestion (Vipaka) –  sweet after digestion
  • Effect on doshas – Mashaparni helps in balancing Vata and Pitta doshas but it increases Kapha dosha.

Classification of Masaparni in Ancient Ayurvedic Texts

 माषपर्णी  हिमा तिक्ता स्निग्धा शुक्रबलासकृत│
 मधुरा गृहिणी शोथवातपित्तज्वरास्त्रजित ││भ.प्र.

 माषपर्णी हिमा रुक्षा मधुरा कफशुक्रला l
 तिक्ता संग्रहणी वातपित्तदाह ज्वरास्त्रजित् l l कै नि

 माषपर्णी रसे तिक्ता शीतला रक्त पित्तजित् l
 कफपित्तशुक्रकरी हन्ति दाह ज्वरानिलान्l l ध नि 

Charaka classifies the herb as:

  • Madhura skandha – group of herbs which taste sweet
  • Jivaniya – life giving herbs
  • Shukrajanana  – herbs that improve sperm production and quality

Sushruta classifies the herb as:

  • Vidarigandhadi – herbs that help in balancing Vata and Pitta doshas
  • Kakolyadi – herbs that help in improving milk production in lactating mothers

Kaiyadeva Nighantu classifies the herb as:

  • Madhyama Panchamoola – herbs that are laxative in nature
  • Oshadhi Varga – herbs that are medicinal in nature

Bhavaprakasha, Raja Nighantu, Dhanvantari Nighantu classify the herb as:

  • Shurpaparni dwaya
  • Guduchyadi Varga

Masaparni Benefits

Has Anti Oxidant Property

Mashparni herb has free radical scavenging activity. Free radicals lead to the buildup of oxidative stress in the body and can cause the formation of benign tumors which can turn malignant and cancerous in nature.

Helps In Improving Sperm Count

Mashaparni is considered as Vrushya or a natural aphrodisiac in Ayurveda. It increases the sukra dhatu. It can help in improving the quality of sperm and even quantity. It even helps in improving sperm motility. It is considered as one of the best herbs for curing erectile dysfunction.

Useful In Chronic Fevers

Mashaparni is quite useful in curing fevers and bringing back strength of the body which is lost in fighting a fever.

Suggested Remedy: Prepare a decoction or kadha of the Mashaparni herb and consume 10-20 ml for breaking a fever.

Improves Vitality

The herb is useful in improving immunity and improving the mechanism of the body in fighting infections. Its anti microbial property acts as cherry on the cake keeping the body safe. Mashaparni improves bodily strength and helps in boosting energy of the nerves and muscles. 

Anti Inflammatory In Nature

Mashaparni’s anti inflammatory property make it useful in external applications like curing wounds and swellings. It can also be helpful in making arthritis and joint problems less painful.

Mashaparni Dosage

All the parts of the Mashaparni herb including the root, shoot and fruit are useful. The general recommended dosage is:

  • As churna or powder – 3 to 6 g
  • As decoction – 50 to 100 ml

Side Effects and Precautions

If taken within recommended dosage, the herb might not show any side effects. But it is always recommended to consult a doctor before consuming the herb, especially in combination with antibiotics, health supplements or other herbs.

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