Pueraria tuberosa
Pueraria tuberosa, commonly known as the tuberous kudzu, is a versatile medicinal climbing vine native to tropical Asia. Renowned in traditional medicine, its nutrient-rich tubers are utilized to treat various ailments, including inflammation and digestive issues. This botanical powerhouse offers significant therapeutic potential for supporting overall human wellness.
- Scientific name: Pueraria tuberosa
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is a member of the Fabaceae family. It is scientifically classified under the genus Pueraria, with the specific species being Pueraria tuberosa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Pueraria | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Pueraria tuberosa, is referred to by various regional names across different languages in India. In Telugu, it is commonly called నేల గుమ్మడి, while in Malayalam, it is known as മുതുക്ക്. It is identified as ವಿದಾರಿ ಕಂದ in Kannada, and in Hindi, it is called विदारीकंद. Additionally, in Odia, the plant is referred to as ଭୂଇଁ କଖାରୁ.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| te | నేల గుమ్మడి | Wikidata |
| ml | മുതുക്ക് | Wikidata |
| kn | ವಿದಾರಿ ಕಂದ | Wikidata |
| hi | विदारीकंद | Wikidata |
| or | ଭୂଇଁ କଖାରୁ | Wikidata |
| ja | プエラリア・トゥベロサ | Wikidata |
| bn | পুয়েরারিয়া টিউবারোসা | Wikidata |
| mr | घोडवेल | Wikidata |
| ur | بداری کند | Wikidata |
| te | నేలగుమ్మడి | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across the diverse landscapes of the Indian Subcontinent. It is widely recognized as being native to various regions within India, including the specific area of Assam. Beyond these borders, the species can also be found flourishing in the neighboring country of Bangladesh. Its presence extends into the rugged terrains of the East Himalaya, showcasing its adaptability to different altitudes. Furthermore, the plant is well-established within the mountainous landscapes of Nepal.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Pakistan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Pueraria tuberosa, is a climbing legume that utilizes various components for medicinal purposes. The most significant parts are the large, starchy tubers, which are often harvested and processed for their therapeutic properties. Whether referring to a single large tuber or the collective group of underground storage organs, these structures contain the concentrated bioactive compounds essential to the plant's healing potential. Additionally, the green leaves serve as the primary site for photosynthesis, supporting the growth and development of the energy-rich root systems.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| tubers | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| tuber | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Pueraria tuberosa has 18 reported phytochemicals identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include puerarin, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z), Puerarin.
- Total chemicals
- 18
- Scientific sources
- 20
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| puerarin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Puerarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| biochanin A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| biochanin B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| daidzein | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| genistein | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Pueraria tuberosa has 13 reported activities identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Nephroprotective, Antioxidant, Antiapoptotic, Anticancer, Anticonvulsant.
- Total activities
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 17
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Nephroprotective | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiapoptotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifertility | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiulcerogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Pueraria tuberosa has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diabetic nephropathy, oxidative stress, DNA damage, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, apoptosis.
- Total uses
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| diabetic nephropathy | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| DNA damage | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mycobacterium tuberculosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apoptosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| blood pressure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| blood urea nitrogen | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fibrinolysis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| helminthiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |