Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Vriddhadaru

Argyreia nervosa

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 nameArgyreia nervosa
FamilyConvolvulaceae · other entries in this family
OrderSolanales
Taxon identifiersGBIF 2928692 · Wikidata Q383947 · NCBI Taxonomy 139741

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishVriddhadaru

Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

PropertyValueDescription
Rasa (Taste)Madhura, TiktaPrimary taste
Guna (Quality)Laghu, SnigdhaPhysical quality
Virya (Potency)UshnaHeating/Cooling effect
Vipaka (Post-digestive)MadhuraPost-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 glycoside) has moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%) with hepatic hydrolysis releasing the aglycone. 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%). 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: 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, 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) - anti-inflammatory and digestive synergy
  • Ashwagandha - musculoskeletal strength combination
  • Bala (Sida cordifolia) - Vata-pacifying musculoskeletal formula
  • Eranda Taila (castor oil) - vehicle for Vata disorders
  • Guggulu - anti-inflammatory synergy for joint conditions

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.

Other clinical studies and reviews4

  1. Gonçalves J, Luís Â, Gallardo E and others. 2021. Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological SamplesMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 33807728 · doi:10.3390/molecules26051397
  2. Lo Faro AF, Di Trana A, La Maida N and others. 2020. Biomedical analysis of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) of natural originJournal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis. PMID 31704129 · doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2019.112945
  3. Graziano S, Orsolini L, Rotolo MC and others. 2017. Herbal Highs: Review on Psychoactive Effects and NeuropharmacologyCurrent neuropharmacology. PMID 27799032 · doi:10.2174/1570159X14666161031144427
  4. Shawcross WE. 1983. Recreational use of ergoline alkaloids from Argyreia nervosaJournal of psychoactive drugs. PMID 6361223 · doi:10.1080/02791072.1983.10471962

Laboratory and animal studies8

  1. Gori PV, Raval M, Patel S and others. 2025. Argyreia nervosa (Brum.f.) Bojer. alleviates diabetes mellitus-induced male infertilityMolecular biology reports. PMID 40465059 · doi:10.1007/s11033-025-10654-5
  2. Vyas N, Raval M. 2022. Aphrodisiac and spermatogenic potential of alkaloidal fraction of Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.) Bojer roots in male ratsNatural product research. PMID 33426924 · doi:10.1080/14786419.2020.1869231
  3. Patel N, Patel P, Chudasama P and others. 2022. Beneficial effects of roots of Argyreia nervosa (Brum.f.) Bojer on testosterone biosynthesis in testis and spermatogenesis in Wistar ratsJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 35074455 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2022.115025
  4. Sobanski E, Dalm S, Sievers L and others. 2021. Herbal High: Substance-Induced Psychosis after Consumption of Seeds of the Hawaiian Baby WoodroseZeitschrift fur Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie. PMID 33661700 · doi:10.1024/1422-4917/a000792
  5. Paulke A, Kremer C, Wunder C and others. 2014. Identification of legal highs--ergot alkaloid patterns in two Argyreia nervosa productsForensic science international. PMID 25036782 · doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.06.025
  6. Paulke A, Kremer C, Wunder C and others. 2013. Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.): receptor profiling of lysergic acid amide and other potential psychedelic LSD-like compounds by computational and binding assay approachesJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 23665164 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.04.044
  7. Singhal A, Gupta H, Bhati V. 2011. Wound healing activity of Argyreia nervosa leaves extractInternational journal of applied & basic medical research. PMID 23776770 · doi:10.4103/2229-516X.81978
  8. Rahman A, Ali M, Khan NZ. 2003. Argyroside from Argyreia nervosa seedsDie Pharmazie. PMID 12622256 · doi:10.1002/chin.200321168

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