Sarpankho Churna (Sharpunkha / Tephrosia purpurea) – Riddhish Herbals – 100g

Reviewed by Dr. Riddhish Padiya — B.Pharm (Ayurveda), M.Pharm (Pharmacognosy), Ph.D. (Dravyaguna), ITRA Jamnagar. Publications under "Padiya RH".

About Sarpankho (Sharpunkha) Churna

Sarpankho Churna is made from the dried, powdered whole plant / root of Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., family Fabaceae), a small perennial herb found widely across India. Its name derives from the Sanskrit "Shara" (arrow), a reference to the arrow-like shape of its leaves.

This is a single-ingredient formulation — Sharpunkha alone, with no other herbs added.

Traditional Ayurvedic Importance

Sharpunkha is classified in the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga) with classical Sanskrit synonyms including Sharapunkham, Pleehashatru, Neelavrukshakruti, Shimbiphala, Mahaushadhi and Banapunga. It is classically attributed with Tikta-Kashaya (bitter-astringent) rasa, Laghu-Rooksha-Teekshna (light, dry, piercing) guna, Ushna (hot) virya and Katu vipaka.

The synonym Pleehashatru (literally, 'enemy of Pliha/spleen concerns') reflects Sharpunkha's classical association in Ayurvedic Nighantu literature with Yakrit (liver) and Pliha (spleen) wellness, alongside traditional use in supporting healthy blood and skin. This classical attribution, per the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, is shared purely for textual and educational reference and is not a promise of benefit for any diagnosed medical condition.

Key Features

• Single-ingredient classical churna: made solely from Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), dried and finely powdered.
• Classically named Pleehashatru: a Sanskrit synonym literally referencing its classical association with Pliha (spleen) wellness in Ayurvedic Nighantu literature.
• Bitter-astringent classical profile: classically described with Tikta-Kashaya rasa, Laghu-Rooksha-Teekshna guna and Ushna virya.
• Physician-guided herb: given its classical liver/spleen-adjacent indications and hot potency, best used under an Ayurvedic physician's guidance rather than self-selected.
• Genuine, doctor-guided sourcing: bill provided with every pack; a store trusted since 2015.

Research on the Constituents

Ingredients

Label not independently verified this session. Sharpunkha is confirmed as the sole ingredient of this raw material pack from the live product title/description; the exact plant part (whole-plant Panchang vs. root only) was not stated with certainty on the source listing and is not fabricated here — please confirm against the physical label before use if in doubt, or contact us for the exact specification.

How to Use

Sharpunkha Churna is best used strictly as directed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician (BAMS/MD-Ayurveda). Classical use is generally described as a small quantity taken with warm water or a suitable anupan (vehicle), but the exact dose, timing and duration should be individually determined by your physician rather than self-selected, given the herb's hot (Ushna) potency and classical liver/spleen-adjacent indications.

Who Can Use It

Sharpunkha Churna is intended for adults, preferably with a qualified Ayurvedic physician's advice. It is NOT recommended during pregnancy or lactation without a physician's advice, and is NOT intended for young children without professional advice. Given its classically hot (Ushna) potency, individuals with a tendency toward excess Pitta, or with bleeding-related conditions, should consult a physician before use. Always disclose your full medical history and current medications to your physician before use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sarpankho (Sharpunkha) Churna?

It is a single-ingredient classical Ayurvedic powder made from Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), a bitter-astringent herb described in the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu.

Can I take this without a doctor?

It is best taken with a qualified Ayurvedic physician's advice, particularly given its classically hot (Ushna) potency and liver/spleen-adjacent classical indications.

What does the Sanskrit name Pleehashatru mean?

Pleehashatru translates roughly to 'enemy of spleen concerns,' reflecting Sharpunkha's classical association in Nighantu literature with Pliha (spleen) and Yakrit (liver) wellness — a textual, educational reference, not a medical claim.

What are the alternate names for Sharpunkha?

Also known as Wild Indigo or Purple Tephrosia in English; classical Sanskrit synonyms include Sharapunkham, Pleehashatru, Neelavrukshakruti, Shimbiphala, Mahaushadhi and Banapunga.

Who should be cautious with Sarpankho Churna?

Pregnant or lactating women and young children should only use it with a qualified physician's advice; those with a tendency toward excess Pitta or bleeding-related conditions should seek physician advice first, given the herb's classically hot potency.

Is this AYUSH- or GMP-made?

Any AYUSH or GMP mark would appear on the physical pack — we state such marks only where verified on the pack; this has not yet been confirmed for this listing.

Is it available at Riddhish Herbals?

Yes — Sarpankho (Sharpunkha) Churna is available at Riddhish Herbals as a genuine, bill-provided product.

Has Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) been studied scientifically?

Yes — a published phytochemical study screened root extracts of Tephrosia purpurea for in-vitro antioxidant activity and identified flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and phenolic compounds (Sonawane et al., 2010, International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research). This is shared for general educational interest, not as a medical claim.

Can Sarpankho Churna be combined with other Ayurvedic herbs or medicines?

Only with your Ayurvedic physician's advice, who can recommend combinations suited to your individual constitution and any medications you are taking.

How should I store Sarpankho Churna?

Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, out of reach of children.

Regional Names & Spelling Variants

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