An Insight into the cardioprotective properties of Prisniparni (Desmodium gangeticum (L)DC) through its secondary metabolites.

Prisniparni is a medicinal plant that is often used in the formulation of many Ayurvedic medicines. Even though some controversy exists about the botanical source of the plant, Kerala physicians generally use Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. of the Leguminosae family as Prisniparni. Specific usage of the drug in hridroga is emphasized in traditional Ayurvedic textbooks and regional books of Kerala. The results of recent preclinical studies support Prisniparni's traditional use in hridroga. However, their clinical and scientific validation is lacking, especially in terms of their mechanism of action. The therapeutic potential of medicinal plants depends on their secondary metabolites. The plant's pharmacological activity may be due to the combined activity of its secondary metabolites. Based on this, a literature search on secondary metabolites of Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC was done by electronic and hand search. Results of this review revealed the richness of alkaloids and polyphenols in Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in nature. The findings support the plant's cardioprotective potential and its traditional use since inflammation and oxidative stress are reported to be major contributors to cardiovascular diseases.