VIDANG (Embelia ribes)

Vidang (Embelia ribes Burm. f.) is a renowned medicinal plant extensively used in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine. It is primarily valued for its anthelmintic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, especially for expelling intestinal worms. The dried fruits of Vidang are the main part used therapeutically. The plant belongs to the Primulaceae family and is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of India and Southeast Asia.

Scientific Names

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Embelia
Species: Embelia ribes

Common Names

English: False Black Pepper, Embelia
Sanskrit: Vidanga, Krimighna, Tandula
Hindi: Baibidang, Vidang
Tamil: Vaivilangam
Telugu: Vaivilingi
Bengali: Babrang
Marathi: Vavading

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Use - Widely used to expel intestinal worms in children and adults.

Digestive Health - Stimulates appetite, improves digestion, and relieves bloating and flatulence.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory - Helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation due to its phenolic content.

Skin and Hair Benefits - Used for treating skin infections and promoting hair growth, Its paste is applied topically in conditions like eczema and ringworm.

Reproductive Health - Traditionally used in managing infertility and promoting uterine health.

Phytochemical Constituents

Vidang contains a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals contributing to its medicinal effects:

Tannins
Alkaloids
Phenolic compounds
Quinones
Embelin – A major active constituent with strong anthelmintic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Ribesin A and B
Betulinic acid

References

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. 2. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Sharangdhar Samhita, Madhyam Khand, Krimighna chapter.

Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. I. Popular Prakashan.

Rani, N., Sharma, S., & Tiwari, V. (2011). “Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies of Embelia ribes Burm. f.: A review.” International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research, 3(3), 48–52.

Vats, M., & Sharma, A. (2014). "Biochemical and antimicrobial potential of Embelia ribes." Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 7(3), 70–74.

European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2010). Community Herbal Monograph on Embelia ribes.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi.

Warrier, P.K., Nambiar, V.P.K., & Ramankutty, C. (1994). Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species. Orient Longman.