MUDGAPARNI (VIGNA TRILOBATA LINN.): A CLASSICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Mudgaparni (Vigna trilobata Linn.) is an important medicinal plant described in Ayurveda for its rejuvenative and therapeutic properties. Although extensively documented in classical literature information regarding its classification, synonyms, pharmacodynamic attributes, therapeutic actions and clinical applications remains dispersed across various Samhitas and Nighantus. This review compiles and critically analyzes the available classical evidence on Mudgaparni. The drug is consistently classified under therapeutically important groups such as jivaniya mahakashaya, vidarigandhadi gana and vidaryadi gana and is predominantly described as possessing tikta-madhura rasa, shita virya, madhura vipaka with balya, brimhana, shukrala, vrishya properties. It is indicated in the management of disorders including jwara, vatarakta, vatavyadhi and is incorporated into several classical formulations. The collective classical evidence highlights the therapeutic significance of Mudgaparni while emphasizing the need for systematic pharmacological and clinical studies to validate its traditional claims and support its evidence-based utilization.