VARDHARA BEEJ (Rourea santaloides)

Rourea santaloides, commonly known as Vardhara Beej in Ayurveda, is a medicinal plant renowned for its aphrodisiac, rejuvenating, and reproductive health-promoting properties. It belongs to the family Connaraceae and is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical regions of India. The seeds are particularly used in Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy to enhance vitality, improve sexual stamina, and strengthen reproductive tissues in both men and women.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Connaraceae
Genus: Rourea
Species: Rourea santaloides

Common Names

Sanskrit: Vardhara, Beejavardhaka
Hindi: Vardhara Beej
English: Vardhara Seed, Indian Baby Pea
Marathi: Vardhara
Tamil: Vartaraivittai
Kannada: Vardhare beeja
Malayalam: Vardhara

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Aphrodisiac and Reproductive Tonic - Enhances sexual vitality and libido, Improves sperm count and motility in men. Supports reproductive health in women by strengthening the uterus.

Rasayana (Rejuvenative) - Acts as a general tonic to restore energy and physical strength.

Male and Female Fertility - Used in formulations targeting infertility and conception support.

Hormonal Balance - Helps regulate hormonal imbalances, especially in reproductive-age individuals.

Nervine Tonic - Supports mental clarity, reduces stress and fatigue.

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Volume V, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.

Nadkarni, K.M. (1954). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. 1, Popular Prakashan.

Warrier, P.K., V.P. Nambiar, and C. Ramankutty (1996). Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species, Orient Longman.

Ram, M., & Janardhanan, K. (2010). "Ethnomedicinal uses and phytochemical properties of Rourea santaloides." International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 5(2), 112-117.

Thakur, R.S., Puri, H.S., & Husain, A. (1989). Major Medicinal Plants of India, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP).

Khare, C.P. (2007). Indian Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated Dictionary. Springer Publications.