An erect branched undershrub with a short woody stem and numerous prostrate branches .Tender aerial parts of the plant are used in Ayurveda for various formulations.Shalaparni is a component of Dashamoola group. Like other ingredients of Dashamoola, it has a marked analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used as an important constituent in many.”Rasayana” formulations. Being a member of Dashamoola group, it exhibits considerable analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Roots contain resin, alkaloids and an essential oil in minute quantities.

• The plant has febrifuge, aphrodisiac, analgesic, diuretic, antiinflammatory, and haemorrhagic properties.
• It is used in postnatal complaints, diarrhoea, chronic fever, biliousness, cough, vomiting, and asthma.
• It is an important ingredient of dasamoolarishtam and chyavanaprasham.