# Vidarikand

> Vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae family. Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; recognized in Indian traditional medicine systems; limited WHO-specific documentation; further clinical validation encouraged.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC.
- **Family:** Fabaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; recognized in Indian traditional medicine systems; limited WHO-specific documentation; further clinical validation encouraged

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Vidarikand |
| Latin/Botanical | *Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Puerarin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#puerarin) (isoflavone C-glucoside)
- [Daidzein](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#daidzein)
- [Genistein](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#genistein)
- Tuberosin
- Puerarone
- Tuberostan
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)

## How does it work?

- Phytoestrogenic: Puerarin and daidzein bind estrogen receptors (ER-alpha and ER-beta), providing mild estrogenic effects beneficial in menopausal symptoms
- [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/): Tuberosin and puerarin reduce oxidative stress in neuronal cells, inhibit acetylcholinesterase, and promote BDNF expression
- [Cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/): [Isoflavones](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavones) improve endothelial function, reduce LDL oxidation, and inhibit platelet aggregation through NO-mediated vasodilation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenative) and [Vajikarana](/glossary/pharmacology/#vajikarana) ([aphrodisiac](/glossary/pharmacology/#aphrodisiac)) use supported by [nootropic](/glossary/pharmacology/#nootropic), [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/), and reproductive health improvement in animal models
- Menopausal symptom relief validated by RCT showing 45% reduction in hot flushes with standardized extract
- Balya (strength-promoting) use supported by improved muscle recovery markers (creatine kinase) in athletic pilot studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Bharti R, Chopra BS, Raut S and others 2020. [Pueraria tuberosa: A Review on Traditional Uses, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33708108/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [33708108](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33708108/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.582506](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.582506)  
  Comprehensive review documenting [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), anticonvulsant, [antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/), anti-inflammatory, [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/), cardioprotective, [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/), [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/), nephroprotective, nootropic, and neuroprotective activities.

*2 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

- Safe at standard doses; properly processed tubers have long traditional safety record; liver enzyme monitoring recommended for prolonged use
- Contraindicated in hormone-sensitive cancers (phytoestrogenic activity), first trimester pregnancy, active hyperthyroidism; caution with anticoagulants and diabetes medications (potential synergy)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, [Ksheera](/herb/ksheera/) Paka (milk decoction), Lehyam, Granules

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder twice daily with milk; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; [Ksheera](/herb/ksheera/) Paka: 100-200 mL at bedtime

**Bioavailability:** If Ipomoea digitata (Kshira [Vidari](/herb/vidari/)): [Scopoletin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#scopoletin) has moderate oral bioavailability (~30-40%). [Taraxerol](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#taraxerol) and beta-sitosterol have low bioavailability (<15%) enhanced by lipid vehicles. If Pueraria tuberosa (see [Vidari](/herb/vidari/) entry): puerarin bioavailability ~25-35%. Milk decoction (Ksheera Paka) significantly enhances bioavailability of lipophilic compounds through casein-mediated solubilization. High [starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch) content of tuber provides slow-release matrix effect in GI tract.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm milk; Ksheera Paka at bedtime; morning dosing for general tonic effect

**Standardized Extract:** Ipomoea digitata extract: scopoletin >0.3% by HPLC; total [sterols](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sterols) >1%; Pueraria tuberosa extract: puerarin >3% by HPLC. Ergot [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids): absent (mandatory safety test).

**Shelf Life:** Dried tuber: 18-24 months; Powder: 12-18 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24-36 months; Ksheera Paka: prepare fresh; Lehyam: 18 months

**Storage:** Airtight, moisture-proof, insect-proof containers at 15-25 deg C. High starch content attracts insects; use appropriate pest-control packaging. Protect from humidity.

**Marker Compounds:** Scopoletin (I. digitata), Taraxerol, beta-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Puerarin (P. tuberosa), Daidzein (P. tuberosa), [Coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Milk decoction (Ksheera Paka)
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Sequential extraction for fractionation
- Spray drying of decoction

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) - Rasayana and Balya synergy
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) - [galactagogue](/glossary/pharmacology/#galactagogue) and female tonic combination
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) - muscular strength and Vata-pacifying combination
- [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)/milk - traditional vehicle enhancing galactagogue and nutritive actions
- Yashad Bhasma (zinc) - reproductive health combination

---

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

## 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.