Tephrosia purpurea

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It has been suggested that Tephrosia apollinea be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since November 2024.

Tephrosia purpurea
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Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Genus:	Tephrosia
Species:	T. purpurea
Binomial name
*Tephrosia purpurea* (L.) Pers.
Synonyms
Cracca purpurea L. Galega purpurea (L.) L. Tephrosia apollinea (Delile) Link Tephrosia purpurea var. genuina R.Vig.

Tephrosia purpurea is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, that has a pantropical distribution. It is a common wasteland weed. In many parts it is under cultivation as green manure crop. It is found throughout India and Sri Lanka^[1] in poor soils.

Uses

Fish poison

Tephrosia purpurea is used as a fish poison for fishing. Its leaves and seeds contain tephrosin, which paralyzes fish. Larger doses are lethal to fish, but mammals and amphibians are unaffected.^[2]

Ethnomedicine

Tephrosia purpurea is also used traditionally as folk medicine. According to Ayurveda, the plant is anthelmintic, alexiteric, restorative, and antipyretic. It is used in the treatment of leprosy, ulcers, asthma, and tumors, as well as diseases of the liver, spleen, heart, and blood. A decoction of the roots is given in dyspepsia, diarrhea, rheumatism, asthma and urinary disorders. The root powder is salutary for brushing the teeth, where it is said to quickly relieve dental pains and stop bleeding. An extract, termed 'betaphroline' (not a systematic name) is claimed to promote release of endorphins, and finds use in certain cosmetic preparations. African shepherds use crushed plants to make an antidotal beverage for animals bitten by snakes.^[2]

Feed and manure

Tephrosia purpurea has been reported to provide fodder to animals such as goats. It makes also a good green manure in fields.^[2]

References

^ Botany-sinhala website
^ ^a ^b ^c Heuzé V., Thiollet H., Tran G., Hassoun P., Lebas F., 2018. Ahuhu (Tephrosia purpurea). Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/654 Last updated on January 25, 2018, 14:36

Arnold, M.D., Harry L. (1968). Poisonous Plants of Hawaii. Tokyo, Japan: Charles E. Tuttle Co. pp. 57–58. ISBN 0-8048-0474-5.
Bishop Museum Hawaiian Ethnobotany Online Database. Downloaded on 24 September 2007.

External links

Tephrosia purpurea in West African plants – A Photo Guide.

Taxon identifiers

Tephrosia purpurea

Cracca purpurea

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