Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Also Known As
- English: Wild Gram, Three-lobed Bean
Sanskrit: मुद्गपर्णी, काकमुद्गा, सूर्यपर्णी
Hindi: जंगली मूँग, रानमूँग
What is Wild Gram?
If you have ever cooked mung beans, you already know Wild Gram's closest relative. Wild Gram (Mudgaparni), also called Three-lobed Bean, takes its Sanskrit name from its leaves, which look like those of green gram (Mudga). It is a modest creeper that appears in fields and forests during the rainy season.
Its botanical name is Phaseolus trilobus Ait., and the whole plant is used as medicine. In Hindi it is known as Jangli Moong, literally "wild mung".
What makes it distinctive is its place in the life-sustaining group of herbs (Jeevaniya), the nourishing, cooling plants Ayurveda uses to rebuild strength. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 3) describes it as cooling, nourishing and fever-relieving.
It rarely works alone. It is paired with its sister plant Mashaparni, and in some traditions the two complete the ten-root formula (Dashamula) as substitutes within its smaller five-root group (Laghu Panchamula). You will also find it inside classical ghees, oils and confections in the Charaka Samhita and Sharangadhara Samhita.
Benefits of Wild Gram
Wild Gram is sweet and bitter in taste, light (Laghu) and unctuous (Snigdha), cooling in potency (Sheeta Virya) and sweet after digestion (Madhura Vipaka). The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 3) says it pacifies all three doshas (Tridoshahara): Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Fever
Its first listed action is antipyretic (Jwaraghna), and fever (Jwara) heads its classical uses. A cooling potency is the logic here: it counters the heat of fever without being harsh.
Diarrhea
Wild Gram is absorbent (Grahi), meaning it helps bind loose stools, and the texts use it for diarrhea (Atisara).
Bleeding and Burning
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) and burning sensation (Daha) among its uses. Both are heat-driven, Pitta-type problems, which fits a sweet, bitter and cooling herb.
Strength and Emaciation
It is strength-promoting (Balya) and a Jeevaniya herb, so it suits weakness and debility. The Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 11) includes it in a medicated ghee for chest injury and wasting (Kshatakshina), and the Ashtanga Hridaya (Sutrasthana) places it in the sweet group of nourishing substances.
Gout and Joint Inflammation
The Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 29) includes Wild Gram in decoctions, oils and ghees for gout (Vatarakta), a condition where Vata and the blood are disturbed together.
Hair
In Chikitsa Sthana 26, Charaka includes it in a milk-based paste applied to treat tawny, prematurely discolored hair.
How to Use Wild Gram
Wild Gram is almost always used as one ingredient in a classical formula rather than as a single herb. The whole plant is the part used.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicated ghee (with other Jeevaniya herbs) | No standard dose in our sources | Chest injury, wasting and debility (Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 11) | As prescribed |
| Decoction, oil or ghee | No standard dose in our sources | Gout and joint inflammation (Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 29) | As prescribed |
| Confection (Avaleha) | No standard dose in our sources | Nourishing formulas in the Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda 8 | As prescribed |
| External paste with milk | Applied to the hair | Tawny hair (Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 26) | As directed |
A Note on Dosing
Our sources give no standalone dose for Wild Gram. If you want to use it on its own, ask an Ayurvedic practitioner to set the form and amount for you.
Working With Its Partner
In the classical formulas it nearly always appears beside Mashaparni, and the Sahasra Yoga treats the two as a pair (Surpaparni).
Safety & Side Effects
Wild Gram belongs to the gentle, nourishing end of the Ayurvedic pharmacy. It is a food-like plant related to mung beans, and the classical texts describe it as balancing all three doshas.
What Our Sources Say
Our sources list no specific contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Wild Gram, and no modern safety studies. That means there is no data either way, not proof of safety.
Points to Keep in Mind
- It binds the bowels. Wild Gram is absorbent (Grahi), so take care if you tend toward constipation.
- It is cooling. Its cold potency suits heat conditions, so check with a practitioner if you run cold or have sluggish digestion.
- Check identity. Buy from a reputable supplier, so you know you are getting Phaseolus trilobus.
If you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or on prescription medication, speak with a qualified practitioner and your doctor before using it.
Recommended: Start Here
The easiest way to meet Wild Gram is inside the formulas the classical texts built around it. On its own it is a gentle, cooling herb, but it is traditionally used as part of a team.
Best starting point: look for a Wild Gram powder from a reputable Ayurvedic supplier, and ask a practitioner how much to take, since our sources give no standalone dose.
The formula route: in some traditions Wild Gram and Mashaparni stand in for part of the ten-root formula (Dashamula). Check the label if you want a Dashamula blend that includes it.
Who it suits: its sweet, bitter and cooling nature fits heat-type complaints such as fever, burning and bleeding, and its strength-promoting action suits people recovering from weakness.
Find Mudgaparni Powder on Amazon ↗ Dashmool Churna ↗
Because it binds the bowels and is cooling, check with a practitioner first if you are constipated, pregnant, nursing or on medication.
Wild Gram vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Wild Gram is usually compared with its classical partners and with the familiar bean it is named after.
| Comparison | Wild Gram | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Gram vs Mashaparni | Leaves resemble green gram; cooling, nourishing, fever-relieving | Its sister plant (Teramnus labialis); the two form the Surpaparni pair | Not rivals. The classical formulas use them together, and our sources treat them as a pair. |
| Wild Gram vs Green Gram (Mudga) | A wild creeper used as a medicinal herb, whole plant | The cultivated mung bean, used mainly as food and in soups | Choose green gram for everyday diet, Wild Gram when a formula calls for it. |
| Wild Gram vs Shalaparni and Prishniparni | One of the four Parni herbs in the Ashtanga Hridaya's sweet group | The other Parni herbs in the same sweet group; Charaka often lists them beside Wild Gram in nourishing ghees | Close classical companions. They are usually combined in formulas rather than chosen between. |
Wild Gram for Specific Populations
Our sources give no population-specific doses for Wild Gram, so the guidance below is cautious and based on its classical properties.
Pregnancy and Nursing
Our sources contain no safety information on Wild Gram in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use it only if a qualified practitioner recommends it.
Children
No pediatric dose appears in our sources. Its gentle, food-like nature does not replace the need for a practitioner to set the amount for a child.
Elderly
Its strength-promoting (Balya) and nourishing Jeevaniya qualities suit weakness that comes with age. Older adults who tend toward constipation should remember that it binds the bowels.
Athletes
Wild Gram is classed as strength-promoting, and Charaka uses it in formulas for chest injury and wasting. Our sources do not describe it as a performance aid, so treat it as recovery support rather than a training supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mudgaparni the same as mung bean?
No. Wild Gram (Phaseolus trilobus) is a wild creeper whose leaves resemble those of green gram, which is how it got its name. Mung bean is the cultivated food legume.
What does Jeevaniya mean?
It means "life-sustaining". Jeevaniya herbs are nourishing, usually sweet and cooling plants used to rebuild strength, and Wild Gram is one of them.
Which dosha does Mudgaparni suit?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu says it pacifies all three doshas. Its sweet, bitter and cooling nature makes it especially useful for heat-type, Pitta complaints such as fever, burning and bleeding.
Is Mudgaparni part of Dashamula?
In some traditions, yes. Along with Mashaparni it is used as a substitute within the small five-root group that forms half of Dashamula.
Which part of the plant is used?
The whole plant is used medicinally. It is found in fields and forests during the rainy season.
What are its other Sanskrit names?
Synonyms include Kakamudga, Suryaparni and Kshudrasaha. In Hindi it is called Jangli Moong or Ranmoong.
How to Use Mudgaparni by Condition
Explore how Mudgaparni is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (6 sources)
Classical Therapeutic Uses
- Jwara (fever)
- Atisara (diarrhea)
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Daha (burning sensation)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
Madhura Gana – group of sweet substances: घ ृत हे म गुडा ोडमोचचोचप षकम ् अभी वीरा पनस राजादनबला यम ् मेदे चत ः प ण योजीव ती जीवक ऋषभौ मधूकं मधुकं ब बी वदार ीर शु ला त ग ु ा ीर ीरे ुगो ुर ौ ावणीयुगम ् ी र यौ का मर सहे ा ा दमधुरो गणः Ghrita (ghee, butter fat), Hema (gold), Guda (molasses), Akshoda, Mocha, Chocha, Parushaka, Abhiru, Vira, Panasa, Rajadana, the three Bala (Bala, Atibala and Nagabala), The two Medas – Meda and Mahameda, The four Parni – Shalaparni, Prishnaparni, Mudgaparni, Ma
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
References in Charaka Samhita
Two prasthas of ghee should be cooked with the juice dhatri (two prasthas), juice of vidari (two prasthas), sugarcane juice (two prasthas), soup of the meat of goat (two prasthas), milk (two prasthas), and the paste (one karsha each) of jivaka, rsabhaka, vira, jivanti, nagara, shati, shalaparni, prushniparni, mashaparni, mudgaparni,meda, mahameda, kakoli, kshirakakoli, kantakari, bruhati, shveta punarnava, rakta punarnava,madhuka, atmagupta, shatavari, riddhi,parushaka, bharangi, mridvika, briha
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा)
Sprikka (Delphinium zalil), plava (Cyperus rotundus), sthauneyaka (Taxus baccata), kanksi (Saurashtrika), shaileya (Parmelia perlata), rochana (bile of cow), tagara (Valeriana wallichii), dhyamaka (Cymbopogon martini), kunkuma (Crocus sativua), mamsi (Nardostachys jatamansi), agra (inflorescence) of surasa (Ocimum sanctum), ela (Elettaria cardamomum), ala (Haritala – Purified Arsenic trisulphide), kushtaghna (Khadira – Acacia catechu)), brhati (Solanum indicum), flower of sirisha (Albizzia lebbe
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
[276 ½- 278½] Ointment for tawny hair: Application of the paste prepared of milk, priyala (Buchanania lanzan), yastimadhu – Glycrrchiza glabra, jeevaka – Malaxis acuminata, rishabhaka – Manilkara hexandra, meda – Polygonatum cirrhifolium, maha-meda – Polygonatum cirrhifolium, kakoli – Fritillaria roylei, kshira-kakoli, mudgaparni – Phaseolus trilobus, mashaparni – Teramnus labialis, jeevanti –Leptadenia reticulata, madhuka, honey, tila – Sesame Sesamum indicum) and pippali – Piper longum cures t
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Both laghu and brihad panchamula (dashmula), varshabhu (Trianthema portulacastrum), eranda, punarnava, mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), mahameda, mashaparni (Teramnus labialis), shatavari, shankhapushpi, avakpushpi, rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), bala, atibala, are to be taken 80 gm each and crushed then boiled in one drone water (approximately 10.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
tat vātaśonitam | Jeevaka, rishabhaka, meda, rishyaprokta, shatavari, madhuka, madhuparni, kakoli, kshirakakoli mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), mashaparni (Teramnus labialis), dashamula, punarnava, bala, amrita, vidari, aswagandha and pasanabheda (Saxifraga lingulata), decoction of all these substances is made and again paste of these substances is added to decoction, then oil and ghee cooked along with four times milk, vasā (fat) and majja (marrow) of pecking and gallinaceous birds living in d
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 11: Chest Injury and Emaciation Treatment (Kshatakshina Chikitsa / क्षतक्षीणचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
References in Charaka Samhita
Then those leaf-buds should be added to curd and blended with either two good grains of masha (Phaseolus radiatus Linn - black gram) or white mustard seeds, and then given to the expectant mother to drink.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
Food comprising rakta shali (Oryza sativa), yava (Hordeum vulgare), mudga (Phaseolus radiatus), meat soup of dry land animals, milk, cow’s urine, asava (fermented infusions), arishtha (fermented decoctions), honey, sidhu (alcoholic preparation from sugarcane juice) and sura (alcoholic preparation made by fermenting a mixture of water, flour of rice and jaggery).
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
Sprikka (Delphinium zalil), plava (Cyperus rotundus), sthauneyaka (Taxus baccata), kanksi (Saurashtrika), shaileya (Parmelia perlata), rochana (bile of cow), tagara (Valeriana wallichii), dhyamaka (Cymbopogon martini), kunkuma (Crocus sativua), mamsi (Nardostachys jatamansi), agra (inflorescence) of surasa (Ocimum sanctum), ela (Elettaria cardamomum), ala (Haritala – Purified Arsenic trisulphide), kushtaghna (Khadira – Acacia catechu)), brhati (Solanum indicum), flower of sirisha (Albizzia lebbe
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Kapittha (Feronia limonia), akshipeeda (Phaseolus lunactus), arka seeds (Calotropis procera), trikatu (Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, Piper longum), karanja (Pongamia pinnata), haridra (Curcuma longa) and daruharidra (Berberis aristata) – this formulation counteracts the poisoning by house lizard.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Soup should be prepared using mudga (Phaseolus mungo) and harenu (Vitex negundo).
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Also: Bala (Sida cordifolia), Bhumi Amali (Phyllanthus niruri), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Shati (Hedychium spicatum), Jivaka (Microstylis wallichii), Rishabha (Microstylis muscifera), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Pushkara (Inula racemosa), and Kakanasika (Martynia annua).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Also: Mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), Mashaparni (Teramnus labialis), Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), the two Kakolis — Kakoli and Kshira-Kakoli, Kamala (Nelumbo nucifera), the two Medas — Meda and Mahameda, Sukshmaila (Elettaria cardamomum), Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha), and Chandana (Santalum album).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Also: Bala (Sida cordifolia), Bhumi Amali (Phyllanthus niruri), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Shati (Hedychium spicatum), Jivaka (Microstylis wallichii), Rishabha (Microstylis muscifera), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Pushkara (Inula racemosa), and Kakanasika (Martynia annua).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Also: Mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), Mashaparni (Teramnus labialis), Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), the two Kakolis — Kakoli and Kshira-Kakoli, Kamala (Nelumbo nucifera), the two Medas — Meda and Mahameda, Sukshmaila (Elettaria cardamomum), Agaru (Aquilaria agallocha), and Chandana (Santalum album).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.