# Vriddhadaru

> Vriddhadaru (Argyreia nervosa) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Friedelin and other triterpenoids have low oral bioavailability (<10%) improved by lipid co-administration. Flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin glycosides) undergo typical Phase II conjugation with moderate bioavailability (~15-20%).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Argyreia nervosa

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Vriddhadaru |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Snigdha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (medicated oil), Lepa (paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; external oil application as needed

**Bioavailability:** Argyrein ([coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin) glycoside) has moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%) with hepatic hydrolysis releasing the aglycone. [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin) and other [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) have low oral bioavailability (<10%) improved by lipid co-administration. [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)) undergo typical Phase II conjugation with moderate bioavailability (~15-20%). External application (Taila) allows local absorption through skin for musculoskeletal conditions.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for internal use; external oil application at night before sleep for musculoskeletal conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract standardized to >2% total flavonoids (as quercetin equivalent by UV); >0.5% argyrein by HPLC; ergot [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids): absent (mandatory safety test)

**Shelf Life:** Root powder: 18-24 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24 months; Medicated oil: 18-24 months; Decoction: prepare fresh

**Storage:** Airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-25 deg C. Medicated oil in amber glass. Protect from light and humidity.

**Marker Compounds:** Argyrein, Friedelin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, beta-[Sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Scopoletin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#scopoletin), Caffeic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Soxhlet extraction with ethanol
- Traditional Taila Paka for medicated oil
- Methanol extraction for coumarin-rich fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- Shunthi ([ginger](/herb/ginger/)) - anti-inflammatory and digestive synergy
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) - musculoskeletal strength combination
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (Sida cordifolia) - Vata-pacifying musculoskeletal formula
- [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila (castor oil) - vehicle for Vata disorders
- [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) - anti-inflammatory synergy for joint conditions

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- 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.