Sharkapunkha Revisited: Modern Science Meets Ancient Wisdom in Tephrosia purpurea Medicinal Applications

Abstract

Sharkapunkha is common name of Tephrosia purpurea Linn. (Fabaceae), is a medicinally significant plant with extensive ethnopharmacological applications across Asia and Africa. Renowned in Ayurveda as "Sarwa wranvishapaka" (supreme wound healer), it is widely used in formulations like Tephroli and Yakrifit for liver disorders, respiratory ailments, dermatological conditions, and metabolic dysfunctions. Modern research has identified key bioactive constituents including flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), rotenoids (tephrosin, deguelin), and terpenoids (lupeol, β-sitosterol) that underlie its pharmacological properties. The plant exhibits notable hepatoprotective effects by modulating oxidative stress and liver enzymes, alongside antidiabetic potential through AMPK activation. Its neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-obesity activities are attributed to anti-inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms, while wound healing is facilitated by antimicrobial and tissue-regenerative actions. T. purpurea also demonstrates nephroprotective and antioxidant properties, further validating its traditional uses. Commercially, it is a critical component in hepatoprotective formulations (e.g., Tefroliv Forte, GD-Liv Syrup) for treating hepatitis, cirrhosis, and drug-induced liver damage. Despite its broad therapeutic utility, toxicological studies confirm safety at doses ≤2000 mg/kg, though caution is advised for prolonged use due to potential rotenoid-mediated mitochondrial effects. This review synthesizes ethnomedicinal knowledge, phytochemical evidence, and mechanistic studies, highlighting T. purpurea as a promising candidate for evidence-based herbal medicine. Further clinical trials are needed to standardize dosages and evaluate long-term efficacy in humans.