Desmodium dichotomum (Fabaceae) Telegraph plant

Desmodium dichotomum (Syn. Codariocalyx motorius)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Desmodium dichotomum (Willd.) DC.Note: This species is often taxonomically complex and may be referred to as Codariocalyx motorius (Houtt.) H.Ohashi in some modern classifications, particularly for the "telegraph plant" variety.

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Desmodium (or Codariocalyx)

The Desmodium genus within the Fabaceae family is notable in Ayurveda, with several species being key ingredients in formulations for fever, respiratory ailments, and general debility.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Desmodium gangeticum (Shalaparni): One of the foundational "Dashamula" roots in Ayurveda, a vital rejuvenative and febrifuge used for debility, fever, and respiratory issues.

• Desmodium adscendens (Anayantika): Used in traditional medicine for asthma, liver disorders, and as an anti-spasmodic.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu): A quintessential demulcent, expectorant, and rejuvenative tonic for mucosal and adrenal health.

• Abrus precatorius (Gunja): A highly potent and toxic plant, used in minute, processed doses for neurological conditions and as a purgative.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Desmodium dichotomum | English: Telegraph Plant (for the moving leaflet variety), Dancing Plant | Sanskrit: Not definitively recorded in classical texts. May be regionally grouped under "Prisniparni" complex. | Hindi: Jhunjhuniya, Chapria | Tamil: Thozhukanni, Ottai Mullu | Telugu: Kondavuri | Kannada: Muttidare Moola | Malayalam: Orila | Bengali: Ban Kudrum | Chinese: 舞草 (Wǔ cǎo) - Dancing Herb |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Febrifuge (fever-reducing), Antitussive (cough suppressant), Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Vulnerary (wound healing).

Medicinal Parts:The whole plant, especially the leaves and roots, are used in traditional medicine.

• Whole Plant: Used for decoctions and extracts.

• Leaves: Commonly used for poultices and teas.

• Roots: Used in decoctions for systemic issues.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Isoflavonoids and Flavonoids (Desmodin, Tectorigenin): These compounds are known for their Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant effects, helping to modulate the immune response and reduce oxidative stress.

Alkaloids (Desmodiamine): Contribute to the plant's Antispasmodic and potential Analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

Pterocarpans: A class of phytochemicals common in the Fabaceae family, known for their Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory actions.

Tannins: Provide Astringent properties, supporting wound healing and reducing secretions.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Kasa (Cough)

Formulation: Whole plant decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from the whole plant is used in folk medicine to treat intermittent fevers and associated coughs. It is believed to have a cooling effect.

Reasoning: The febrifuge properties help reduce body temperature, while the anti-inflammatory and antitussive actions soothe the respiratory tract and suppress dry, irritating coughs.

Shotha (Inflammation) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or paste.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied topically to inflamed joints, sprains, or minor wounds to reduce swelling and promote healing.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and astringent compounds help reduce localized swelling, while the antimicrobial properties prevent infection in wounds.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Bastishula (Bladder Pain)

Formulation: Leaf or root decoction.

Preparation & Use: A mild decoction is consumed as a diuretic to promote urine flow and relieve burning sensations during urination.

Reasoning: The diuretic action helps flush the urinary tract, potentially relieving discomfort associated with minor infections or irritation.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

It is not a culinary herb. Its use is primarily medicinal in folk traditions.

Fever and Cough Decoction

Purpose: To reduce fever and soothe a dry cough.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of dried Desmodium dichotomum whole plant.

• Boil in 3 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink 1-2 tablespoons of this decoction 2-3 times a day.

Anti-inflammatory Leaf Poultice

Purpose: For joint pain or localized swelling.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a sufficient amount of fresh leaves into a coarse paste.

• Warm the paste slightly and apply it directly to the affected area.

• Cover with a clean cloth and leave on for 20-30 minutes.

7. Disclaimer:

The medicinal use of Desmodium dichotomum is primarily based on folk tradition and ethnobotanical records, not extensive classical Ayurvedic documentation or modern clinical trials. Its safety profile is not fully established. It should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. Due to its diuretic and potential hypoglycemic effects, individuals on medication for blood pressure or diabetes should use it with caution and under professional guidance. This information is for academic and educational purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

• Ethnobotany of India Series

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

• Regional ethnobotanical studies of Eastern and Southern India.

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Desmodium gangeticum (Shalaparni)

• Species: Desmodium gangeticum | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Desmodium

• Similarities: This is the most important Desmodium species in Ayurveda. Both share febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory benefits. Shalaparni is a key component of the "Dashamula" formula, used for deep-seated fevers, cough, and general debility, offering a more documented and potent alternative.

2. Tephrosia purpurea (Sharapunkha)

• Species: Tephrosia purpurea | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Tephrosia

• Similarities: Another common Fabaceae plant found in similar habitats. Both are used in traditional medicine for liver disorders, fever, and as diuretics. They share a similar growth habit and are often used interchangeably in some regional folk practices for inflammatory conditions.

3. Lepidagathis decumbens

• Species: Lepidagathis decumbens | Family: Acanthaceae | Genus: Lepidagathis

• Similarities: While from a different family, both are small, spreading herbs used in folk medicine for their febrifuge and anti-inflammatory properties, often applied in similar ways (decoctions for fever, poultices for wounds).

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