Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.

Common Name: Salparni
Family: Papilionoideae
Vernacular Names: Dhruva – Hindi., Pullati – Tamil., Orila / Pulladi – Malayalam
Synonyms: Desmodium cavaleriei H. Lev., Desmodium lanceolatum Walp., Desmodium natalitium Sond.
Plant Description: Desmodium gangeticum is an erect undershrubs, stem angled- leaves 1-foliolate, ovate to elliptic, base rounded, apex acute. Flowers white 15 – 25 cm long racemes, pedicles 3 – 4 mm long.
Distribution and Habitat: D. gangeticum cosmopolitan in distribution and grows in moist deciduous forests and forest plantations also in the plains.
Uses:
D. gangeticum has anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is also used to treat postnatal complaints, diarrhea, chronic fever, cough and vomiting.