Introduction: 

The perennial herb Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb. ex Willd.), often known as Indian Kudzu (vidarikand), is found in India and other Asian nations. It belongs to the family Fabaceae. In Ayurveda and Chinese traditional practice, the tuber and leaves of this plant have been extensively used for nutritional and therapeutic benefits.¹  

It also has a synonym, Hedysarum tuberosum willd, and several common names (e.g., Indian Kudzu, vidarikanda). It thrives in humid climates, monsoon forests, and coastal areas. It can be found all over India, from the western Himalayas to Sikkim, at elevations of up to 4000 feet in Kumaon and in tropical and subtropical areas. Nepal and Pakistan are also home to this species.² 

Chemical Composition of Vidarikand: 

• Phytochemical study of the tuber extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, carbohydrates, glycosides, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanidins, among other phytoconstituents.  

• Flavonoids such as puerarin (8.31%), daidzein (1.70%), and genistein (1.37%) were discovered in the tuber extract. Tuberosin, 4-methoxypuerarin, hydroxytuberosone, quercetin, biochanin A, biochanin B, irisolidon, tectoridin, robinin, and glycoside are some of the other flavonoid chemicals found in the tuber.^2,3 

Properties of Vidarikand:  

Due to presence of several bioactive compounds Vidarikand might exhibit following properties:

• It may have body temperature regulating properties
• It may show blood pressure lowering activity
• It may have anti-spasm property
• It is also show anti-diabetic activity  
• It may have hypocholesterolemic (lowering cholesterol) properties  
• It may show diuretic activity
• it may be an expectorant and can help with fever and bronchitis.  
• Vidarikand may have heart-protecting qualities.  
• It may have skin benefiting properties.^3,4  

Pueraria tuberosa, commonly known as Vidarikand, is a medicinal herb with many properties. It is also known for its aphrodisiac and spermatogenic properties. Therefore, Vidarikand might help to improve sexual performance.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Vidarikand:  

Bioactive compounds present in vidarikand may be responsible for its potential uses

Potential Uses of Vidarikand for Skin:  

Vidarikand consists of puerarin, an antioxidant that can be potentially employed in skincare products like  

• Anti-wrinkle creams 
• Anti-ageing creams and lotions 
• Dark circles controlling products 

It can also be utilised in moisturising products to help with skin rejuvenation like: 

• Blemish-prevention products  
• Products that brighten the skin⁴  

The skin benefits of vidarikand, lack scientific evidence, thus, you must seek advice from a qualified dermatologist before applying anything on your skin.

Potential Uses of Vidarikand for Alcoholism:  

Tectoridin is an isoflavone glycoside found in the vidarikand plant that may help with the attenuation of alcoholism.⁵  There is a need for more scientific research to prove these claims.

Potential Uses of Vidarikand for Hair:  

Vidarikand is a natural tonic that can be used in hair care products: 

• The cooling characteristics of vidarikand might make it an excellent ingredient to be utilised in hair oils.  
• It may also help to prevent dryness; thus, it can be used as an anti-dandruff ingredient in hair washes.  
• It could also be utilised in hair tonics and serums.⁴  

The studies seem insufficient to validate these claims, therefore consult an ayurvedic physician before taking vidarikand for its effect on hair.

Also Read: 5 Ayurvedic Herbs For Hair Growth

Potential Uses of Antioxidant Activity of Vidarikand:  

• Vidarikand may have an ability to scavenge free radicals. In the liver and red blood cells, a hot water tuber extract of the plant vidarikand combined with milk have shown high antioxidant activity in an animal study.
• Higher phagocytic activity, increased immunoglobulin levels, and low glutathione and lipid peroxidation are all signs that vidarikand and milk may have antioxidant properties.¹  

These activities, however, are yet to be proved in humans. Therefore, kindly ensure to consult a doctor before using vidarikand for its benefits.

Potential Uses of Anti-diabetic Activity of Vidarikand:  

• Water extract of the tuber contains phytochemicals.
• Vidarikand may have a potential to help in diabetic nephropathy (the deterioration of kidney function).
• The aqueous extracts of the tuber might help in increasing insulin release.^1,5  

Diabetes is a major health condition and requires appropriate diagnosis and treatment from a professional doctor. Therefore, human trials of vidarikand is necessary to provide its potential usage for managing blood sugar levels in humans.

Potential Uses of Vidarikand for Bone:  

Vidarikand might show excellent anti-osteoporotic activity in patients who have ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis; the condition of low bone density which causes weak bones.

Vidarikand contains phytoestrogenic compounds like daidzein and genistein that bind to estrogen receptors and work synergistically and thus they may show some protective effects of the antioxidants present.⁶  

Also Read: What to Avoid When Taking Glutathione: Expert Recommendations for Safe Use

Potential Uses of Vidarikand for Heart:  

• The flavonoids present in vidarikand may help with blood clots, blood pressure lowering and may have lipid-lowering activities.
• Along with this, vidarikand may also have some cardioprotective effects that can potentially reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in patients with ischaemic heart diseases.
• Puerarin in vidarikand might help in reperfusion to the injury site in ischemic heart disease by opening the potassium channels and activating the protein kinase C.
• It may also increase the blood flow to the cerebral area, inducing vasodilation and delaying the progression of cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis.
• In addition to this, genistein can decrease ventricular arrhythmias, necrosis of the myocardium and might increase the contractility of the heart in myocardial ischaemia.²  

Though there are studies showing the benefits of vidarikand in various conditions, these are insufficient. There is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of vidarikand on human health. Furthermore, every person may respond differently to these herbs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using vidarikand for any medical condition.

There are many traditional uses of Pueraria tuberose. It has many properties such as antiemetic, anti-cold, anti-stress, etc. Consuming it might be highly beneficial for managing diseases like colds, neck stiffness, migraine, etc. Additionally, it is also used in the preparation of ayurvedic formulations like Ashwagandharishta which might be useful to manage epilepsy.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Vidarikand? 

The powdered form of the root extract can be used.⁷ 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.

Side Effects of Vidarikand: 

• When taken by mouth, vidarikand is safe for most people when used as directed for up to four months. Itching, stomach trouble, and dizziness are possible side effects of Kudzu consumption. According to some studies, consuming Kudzu root by mouth can induce liver damage.  

• When taken intravenously (IV), vidarikand is safe for most people when given for up to 20 days. However, the puerarin in vidarikand is linked to itching, nausea, headache, and fever when administered via IV route. Red blood cells have also been known to split inside blood vessels due to it.⁷ 

Also Read: Camphor – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Precautions to Take With Vidarikand: 

Blood clotting or bleeding disorders: 

Blood clotting might be slowed by Kudzu. It has the potential to aggravate bleeding and blood clotting issues, as well as interfere with therapeutic drugs.⁷ 

Hypertension:  

Vidarikand has antihypertensive properties and may interfere with blood-pressure-lowering medicines, causing a further decrease in blood pressure. Consume with caution if you are already on antihypertensive medication. Consult a physician for the same.⁷ 

Diabetes: 

In people with diabetes, vidarikand may have an effect on blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and utilise vidarikand, keep an eye out for indicators of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.⁷ 

Liver Disorder: 

There is considerable fear that consuming Kudzu could cause liver damage. Kudzu has the potential to worsen liver illnesses like hepatitis. Kudzu should be avoided by anyone who has or has had liver disease.⁷ 

Surgery: 

Vidarikand may impact blood sugar levels and blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking vidarikand at least two weeks before your operation date.⁷ 

Also Read: Castor Oil – Uses, Benefits, Precautions & Side Effects

Interaction With Other Drugs: 

Antiplatelets/anticoagulants: 

Vidarikand may help to slow blood clotting. However, if you take vidarikand with other medications that slow coagulation, you may experience more bruising and bleeding.

Tamoxifen: 

Hormones in the body influence the development of several cancers. Cancers impacted by oestrogen levels in the body are known as oestrogen-sensitive cancers. Tamoxifen is used to treat and prevent certain cancers. Vidarikand appears to affect oestrogen levels in the body as well. Vidarikand may reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen by altering oestrogen levels in the body. If you’re taking tamoxifen, avoid vidarikand.⁷ 

Hepatotoxic drugs: 

Vidarikand has the potential to injure the liver. Taking vidarikand with medications that can harm the liver can theoretically raise the risk of liver damage.⁷ 

Also Read: Shatavri – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Also Read: Majuphal – Uses, Benefits & Precautions

References: 

1. Bharti R, Chopra B, Raut S, Khatri N. Pueraria tuberosa: A Review on Traditional Uses, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2021;11. 

2. Maji A, Pandit S, Banerji P, Banerjee D. Pueraria tuberosa: a review on its phytochemical and therapeutic potential. Natural Product Research. 2014;28(23):2111-2127. 

3. Rathore M, Shekhawat N. Micropropagation of Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb. Ex Willd.) and determination of puerarin content in different tissues. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC). 2009;99(3):327-334. 

4. Bhakti Rawtal, Neha Sahatpure, Satish Sakharwade. Pueraria tuberosa (Vidarikanda): An Emerging Cosmeceutical Herb. IJSDR. 2019;4(7):130-137. 

5. Wang S, Zhang S, Wang S, Gao P, Dai L. A comprehensive review on Pueraria: Insights on its chemistry and medicinal value. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2020;131:110734. 

6. Satpathy S, Patra A, Hussain MD, Kazi M, Aldughaim MS, Ahirwar B. A fraction of Pueraria tuberosa extract, rich in antioxidant compounds, alleviates ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis in rats and inhibits growth of breast and ovarian cancer cells. PLoS One [Internet]. 2021;16(1):e0240068. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240068. 

7. Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews [Internet]. Webmd.com. [cited 2022 Feb 4]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-750/kudzu. 

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