Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC

The Indian Kudzu (Pueraria tuberosa) is highly valued for its medicinal properties in India and other Southeast Asian countries. Its underground tuber has been extensively studied, revealing bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Traditional uses, supported by modern pharmacological investigations, include formulations for fertility regulation, sexual disorders, antidiabetic, cardio and neuro-protective effects. It is frequently used as a component of Ayurvedic medicines and formulations. Its phytochemical profile features compounds like puerarin, genistein, and daidzein, that have established anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, neuroprotective activity. P. tuberosa is also used in food supplements, nutraceuticals and for ornamental purposes. Its potential as a source of novel pharmaceutical agents appears to be of great significance in the context of new drug discovery.