Phytochemical Evaluation of Churna of Vidari (pueraria Tuberosa, Roxb.)

Background: Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa) has been used throughout ages as a tonic, rejuvenator and galactogogue. This was an analytical study carried out to authenticate raw drug Vidari. Aims: This study aims to determine the Phyto-chemistry of the Vidari tubers when collected as per the Ayurvedic Principles. Methods and Material: Vidari tubers were collected from akaashiya bhumi (~land predominant in vacuum primordial element), in the sharadartu (~autumn), and during Mrigashiranakshaktra (constellation), and dried powder (churna) was prepared and evaluated phytochemically by subjecting it to various tests like physico-chemical, qualitative analysis, and TLC. Results: Qualitative tests revealed the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, monosaccharides polysaccharides, hexose sugars, steroids, alkaloids, glucosides and flavonides, calcium, etc. and TLC also inferred positive Rf values, indicating the presence of puerarin. Conclusion: The results of phytochemical evaluation of churna of Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa) tubers collected as per the Ayurvedic rules, prove the presence of the active principles which support its therapeutic efficacy. Key-words: Vidari, Pueraria tuberosa Roxb. ex Willd., Puerarin, Galactogogue.