Vidari
Pueraria tuberosa
Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Tuberosin shows moderate absorption. Daidzein and genistein (isoflavones) undergo extensive gut microbial metabolism to equol and other metabolites with prolonged half-lives. Milk as vehicle (traditional Ksheera Paka) enhances absorption of lipophilic isoflavonoids through casein micelle solubilization.
| Botanical name | Pueraria tuberosa |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. II: VIDARI (Tuberous Root) |
| Also called | Ipomoea digitata (attribution recorded without a cited source) |
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2977609 · Wikidata Q7258521 · NCBI Taxonomy 457826 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Vidari |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Madhura | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Guru, Snigdha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Lehyam (confection), Ksheera Paka (milk decoction), Granules
Standard Dosage: 3-6 g powder twice daily with milk; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 10-20 g lehyam daily
Bioavailability: Puerarin (major isoflavonoid in Pueraria species) has moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%) limited by poor aqueous solubility and P-glycoprotein efflux. Tuberosin shows moderate absorption. Daidzein and genistein (isoflavones) undergo extensive gut microbial metabolism to equol and other metabolites with prolonged half-lives. Milk as vehicle (traditional Ksheera Paka) enhances absorption of lipophilic isoflavonoids through casein micelle solubilization.
Optimal Timing: After meals with warm milk for Rasayana (rejuvenative) effect; morning and evening; Ksheera Paka at bedtime
Standardized Extract: Tuber extract standardized to >5% puerarin by HPLC; >1% total isoflavones (daidzein + genistein); starch content characterization for excipient use
Shelf Life: Dried tuber slices: 18-24 months; Powder: 12-18 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24-36 months; Lehyam: 18-24 months; Ksheera Paka: prepare fresh
Storage: Dried material in airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-25 deg C. Protect from insects (starchy material attracts pests). Include desiccant sachets in packaging.
Marker Compounds: Puerarin, Daidzein, Genistein, Tuberosin, beta-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Pterocarpan, 4’-Methoxypuerarin
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Milk decoction (Ksheera Paka - traditional)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for isoflavone-rich fraction
- Spray drying for standardized powder
Synergistic Combinations
- Ashwagandha - Balya (strength-giving) and Rasayana synergy
- Shatavari - female reproductive tonic combination
- Bala (Sida cordifolia) - muscle-building and strength-giving synergy
- Ghrita/milk as vehicle - enhanced absorption and Vata-pacifying action
- Musali (Chlorophytum borivilianum) - vitality combination
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Randomised controlled trials1
- 2012. Effect of Pueraria tuberosa DC. (Indian Kudzu) on blood pressure, fibrinolysis and oxidative stress in patients with stage 1 hypertensionPakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS. PMID 24171260 · doi:10.3923/pjbs.2012.742.747
Other clinical studies and reviews3
- 2014. Pueraria tuberosa: a review on its phytochemical and therapeutic potentialNatural product research. PMID 24980468 · doi:10.1080/14786419.2014.928291
- 1988. A review of Indian medicinal plants with interceptive activityThe Indian journal of medical research. PMID 2844661
- 1982. Research on plants for fertility regulation in IndiaJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 6752588 · doi:10.1016/0378-8741(82)90004-6
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