Vidarikand
Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC.
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.
| Botanical name | Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; recognized in Indian traditional medicine systems; limited WHO-specific documentation; further clinical validation encouraged |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2977609 · Wikidata Q7258521 · NCBI Taxonomy 457826 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Vidarikand |
| Latin/Botanical | Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Puerarin (isoflavone C-glucoside)
- Daidzein
- Genistein
- Tuberosin
- Puerarone
- Tuberostan
- Beta-sitosterol
- 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: Tuberosin and puerarin reduce oxidative stress in neuronal cells, inhibit acetylcholinesterase, and promote BDNF expression
- Cardioprotective: Isoflavones improve endothelial function, reduce LDL oxidation, and inhibit platelet aggregation through NO-mediated vasodilation
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Rasayana (rejuvenative) and Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) use supported by nootropic, 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. Frontiers in pharmacology. PMID 33708108 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.582506
Comprehensive review documenting anticancer, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, 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 Paka (milk decoction), Lehyam, Granules
Standard Dosage: 3-6 g powder twice daily with milk; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; Ksheera Paka: 100-200 mL at bedtime
Bioavailability: If Ipomoea digitata (Kshira Vidari): Scopoletin has moderate oral bioavailability (~30-40%). Taraxerol and beta-sitosterol have low bioavailability (<15%) enhanced by lipid vehicles. If Pueraria tuberosa (see Vidari entry): puerarin bioavailability ~25-35%. Milk decoction (Ksheera Paka) significantly enhances bioavailability of lipophilic compounds through casein-mediated solubilization. High 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 >1%; Pueraria tuberosa extract: puerarin >3% by HPLC. Ergot 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
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Milk decoction (Ksheera Paka)
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Sequential extraction for fractionation
- Spray drying of decoction
Synergistic Combinations
- Ashwagandha - Rasayana and Balya synergy
- Shatavari - galactagogue and female tonic combination
- Bala - muscular strength and Vata-pacifying combination
- Ghrita/milk - traditional vehicle enhancing galactagogue and nutritive actions
- Yashad Bhasma (zinc) - reproductive health 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 reviews5
- 2020. Pueraria tuberosa: A Review on Traditional Uses, Pharmacology, and PhytochemistryFrontiers in pharmacology. PMID 33708108 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.582506
- 2020. Molecular Mechanisms of Anticancer Activities of PuerarinCancer management and research. PMID 32021425 · doi:10.2147/CMAR.S233567
- 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
Laboratory and animal studies6
- 2024. In vivo analysis of puerarin from Pueraria tuberosa as a promising galactagogueBioinformation. PMID 40162455 · doi:10.6026/9732063002001574
- 2024. An ethnopharmacological approach to evaluate antiparasitic and health-promoting abilities of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. in livestockPloS one. PMID 39028725 · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0305667
- 2017. Active phytochemicals of Pueraria tuberosa for DPP-IV inhibition: in silico and experimental approachJournal of diabetes and metabolic disorders. PMID 29201861 · doi:10.1186/s40200-017-0328-0
- 2017. Effect of extract of Pueraria tuberosa on expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in kidney of diabetic ratsBiomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. PMID 28648975 · doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2017.06.045
- 2015. Molecular Docking and Interactions of Pueraria Tuberosa with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ReceptorsIndian journal of pharmaceutical sciences. PMID 26664060 · doi:10.4103/0250-474x.164780
- 2015. Stability and quality of herb (Pueraria Tuberosa)-milk model systemJournal of food science and technology. PMID 25694723 · doi:10.1007/s13197-013-1067-y
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