# Riddhi

> Riddhi (Habenaria intermedia D. Don) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Orchidaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs; classified as rare and endangered under Indian wildlife protection guidelines; a member of the Ashtavarga group in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Habenaria intermedia D. Don
- **Family:** Orchidaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; classified as rare and endangered under Indian wildlife protection guidelines; a member of the Ashtavarga group in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Riddhi |
| Latin/Botanical | *Habenaria intermedia D. Don* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Scopoletin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#scopoletin) ([coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin))
- Gallic acid
- Total phenols (high content)
- Thiamins
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)
- Calcium (high mineral content)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/)
- [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)
- [Glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)

## How does it work?

- Potent [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) mechanism through free radical scavenging and nitric oxide inhibition, primarily mediated by scopoletin and gallic acid synergistic activity
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action through stimulation of both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, supporting its traditional [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenation) role
- [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) potential through antioxidant-mediated protection against oxidative neuronal damage, supporting traditional use as a memory enhancer

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity experimentally validated, confirming its traditional Rasayana (rejuvenation) role
- [Aphrodisiac](/glossary/pharmacology/#aphrodisiac) and general tonic properties partially supported by nutritional profiling showing high calcium and mineral content
- Immune-boosting activity supported by preliminary immunological studies, confirming traditional use as a vitality-enhancing herb

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- No documented toxicity at traditional Ayurvedic doses; used safely as part of Ashtavarga and [Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/) formulations for centuries
- Critically endangered orchid species; authenticity of commercial samples is a major concern, with frequent adulteration by unrelated species posing potential safety risks

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (tuber powder), Capsule, Tablet, Avaleha (confection), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Milk decoction (Ksheerapaka)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g tuber powder daily; 500 mg - 1 g standardized extract twice daily; Ghrita: 5-10 g with warm milk

**Bioavailability:** Riddhi (Habenaria intermedia/Habenaria edgeworthii - terrestrial orchid) contains mucilaginous [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides), glucomannans, and [saponins](/reference/saponins/). Polysaccharides act as prebiotics and immunomodulators locally in the GI tract without requiring systemic absorption. Steroidal saponins show limited oral bioavailability (10-25%) but are partially converted to sapogenins by gut bacteria. Traditional administration with milk or ghee enhances lipophilic compound absorption. Limited modern pharmacokinetic data available.

**Optimal Timing:** With warm milk at bedtime for Rasayana (rejuvenation) effects. Morning with ghee on empty stomach for strength and vitality. As part of [Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/): 1-2 teaspoons morning and evening.

**Standardized Extract:** Riddhi tuber extract (4:1) standardized to total saponins >5%, total polysaccharides (as [glucomannan](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucomannan)) >20%. Authentication by DNA barcoding mandatory. If substitute used, clearly labeled with substitute species and standardization parameters.

**Shelf Life:** Dried tuber: 18-24 months; Tuber powder: 12-18 months; Extract: 24 months; Ghrita: 24-36 months; Avaleha: 18-24 months

**Storage:** Dried tubers: cool, dry, pest-proof, below 25 deg C, RH <50%. Powder: airtight containers, moisture-barrier packaging (highly hygroscopic due to polysaccharides). Ghrita: clean, dry glass containers, below 30 deg C. Store CITES documentation with inventory records.

**Marker Compounds:** Glucomannan, Steroidal saponins, [Diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin) (if Dioscorea substitute), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), Phenanthrene derivatives (orchid-specific), [Mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) polysaccharides

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction for polysaccharide-rich fraction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol) for saponin fraction
- Traditional Ghrita Paka in ghee
- Milk decoction (Ksheerapaka method)
- Hot water extraction with ethanol precipitation for glucomannan isolation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (Rasayana and strength combination - Ashtavarga member)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (reproductive health and rejuvenation)
- [Meda](/herb/meda/) (paired Ashtavarga herb for rejuvenation)
- [Kakoli](/herb/kakoli/) (Ashtavarga combination for vitality)
- [Vidari](/herb/vidari/) (nutritive and anabolic combination)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (strength and immunity)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/riddhi/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.