Pleurolobus gangeticus (L.) J.St.-Hil. ex Ohashi & K.Ohashi
Vernacular name: Salparni, Salvan, Salpan, Shalaparni, Orila, Pulladi (Hindi: सालपर्णी / सालवन)
Species Name: Pleurolobus gangeticus (L.) J.St.-Hil. ex Ohashi & K.Ohashi (syn. Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.)
Family: Fabaceae
Habit: Perennial undershrub, usually found in plains to about 1400 m, particularly in deciduous forests, wooded places and forest plantations.
Stem: Erect, slender, branched and somewhat woody towards the base; young branches generally pubescent or hairy.
Leaf: Simple and unifoliolate, alternate, ovate, elliptic to lanceolate, up to about 12 cm long; entire margin; apex acute; stipules present; petiole not winged.
Flowering: October–January
Flowers: Small, papilionaceous, violet to purple or white, bisexual; typical Fabaceae flower with 5 petals; stamens 10; ovary superior. Inflorescence long terminal racemes, bearing numerous small flowers along the flowering axis.
Fruit: Small, reddish-brown to brown, subfalcate/jointed pod, about 2.5 cm long, deeply constricted between the seeds and usually containing 6–8 seeds
Uses:
- Plant has expectorant properties that helps in managing and treating chronic coughs, asthma and bronchitis.
- Roots of plants are one of key ingredient of Dashamoola herbal formulation of Ayurveda that has anti-inflammatory properties and used for general rejuvenation.
- Plant acts as a mild laxative and carminative and used to treat dysentery, piles and diarrhea.
- Plant has febrifuge activity and can be used to treat ailments like typhoid. Plant also acts as aphrodisiac and tonic.
- Plant is found to inhibit formation of calcium oxalate crystals or stones in kidney.
- Plant also exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
- In open sandy areas, plant show heavy matty growth that can act as natural weed control. Plant can be used as green manure for tea plantations or cover crop for rubber plantations.
- Stem fiber can be processed to make paper.
- Root extracts can be used in cosmetic products as skin conditioner.
