Uraria rufescens (DC.) Schindl. as a regional variant of Prishniparni: Ethno-medicinal efficacy and botanical identity

Abstract

Uraria rufescens (DC.) Schindl. (Family: Fabaceae) is a lesser-known medicinal legume distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Although it is not extensively described in classical Ayurvedic literature, the plant holds considerable importance in indigenous healthcare traditions. In several regions of India, particularly among tribal communities, U. rufescens is used as a substitute for the classical Ayurvedic drug Prishniparni, one of the constituents of Dashamoola. Ethnobotanical records indicate that different parts of the plant are used in folk medicine to manage fever, inflammation, bone fractures, skin diseases, respiratory disorders, and reproductive health conditions. Leaves are commonly applied as a paste for wounds and skin infections, while root decoctions are used in the treatment of fever and musculoskeletal ailments. Occasional consumption of the seeds, a wild edible legume, also contributes to nutritional support in rural communities. Despite its continued traditional use, scientific documentation and pharmacological evaluation remain limited. This review compiles available ethnomedicinal information on U. rufescens, highlights its potential identity as a regional substitute for Prishniparni, and emphasises the need for further pharmacological and phytochemical investigations to validate its traditional therapeutic claims.