Rasa (Taste)
Kashaya, Katu, Tikta.
The primary taste perceived on the tongue.
Vidhara (Elephant creeper)
It is a large, twining climber that spreads extensively over supporting trees.
Medicinal Plant
Vidhara (Elephant creeper)
Argyreia speciosa · Convolvulaceae
It is a large, twining climber that spreads extensively over supporting trees.
Scientific Name
Argyreia speciosa
Family
Convolvulaceae
Hindi Name
Bidara
Used Part
Mool (Root)
Botanical Description
About the Vidhara Plant
Morphology and field-identification notes as documented in our Dravyaguna library.
It is a large, twining climber that spreads extensively over supporting trees. Leaves are broadly ovate to heart-shaped, measuring about 15–30 cm in width, with a rounded or occasionally pointed apex. The upper surface is smooth and green, whereas the lower surface is characteristically white and velvety due to dense hairs. The flowers are bell-shaped, approximately 5–7.5 cm long, externally whitish and pubescent and internally deep pink to purple. The fruits are ellipsoid, about 12 mm in diameter, greenish when unripe and turning yellowish-brown upon maturation. Seeds are whitish with a brown tinge.
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa Panchaka — Classical Properties
The five-fold framework Ayurveda uses to describe a drug — Rasa, Guna, Vipaka, Veerya and its effect on the doshas.
Guna (Qualities)
Laghu, Snigdha.
Physical and energetic attributes of the dravya.
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
Madhura
Taste that emerges after complete digestion.
Dosha Karma (Action on Doshas)
Kaphavata Shamaka
Effect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Veerya (Potency)
Ushna
Heating (ushna) or cooling (sheeta) energy.
Ayurvedic Actions (Karma)
Rasayan, Vrishya, Balya, Medhya, Agnideepana, Swra-Kantikara, Pramehaghna, Virechanopaga, Jwarahara, Raktashodhana.
Modern Phytochemistry
Chemistry & Pharmacology
How modern science maps onto the classical understanding of this dravya.
Pharmacological Action
What the Science Says
Antidiabetic, Anti microbial, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Spasmolytic, Aphrodisiac.
Phytoconstituents
Active Compounds
Vidhara contain various metabolites like Ergoline, alkaloids such as Ergine, Ergometrine, Lysergol, Lysergic acid.
Therapeutic Usage
Clinical Applications of Vidhara
Classical Ayurvedic indications drawn directly from the Dravyaguna tradition — paired with the preparations recommended in shastra.
01
Aamavata - root decoction of vruddhadaru is given in rheumatoid arthritis.
02
Vranasotha - leaves paste is applied over the cellultis and inflammation.
03
Swetapradara - vruddhadaru with asvagandha powder is given with milk in leucorrhoea.
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using any herb therapeutically. Dose, anupana and Prakriti-specific suitability matter.
Yoga / Kalpana
Classical Formulations
Common Ayurvedic preparations where Vidhara is a key ingredient.
- Bahusala Guda, Laxmivilasa Rasa, Vriddhadaraka Sama Churna
Shastra Pramana
Classical Reference
वृद्धदारुः कषायोष्णः कटुस्तिक्तो रस्यनः | वृष्यो वातामवातार्शहृ शोथमेहकफप्रणुत् || शुक्रायुर्बलमेधाग्निस्वरकान्तिकरः सरः||