Last verified: April 2026

Vidanga

विडंग -- Vidanga -- "that which drives away -- from Vid (to know) + Anga (body) -- or from the appearance of the fruit"

Vidanga is the primary classical Krimighna (antiparasitic/antimicrobial) herb -- placed first or prominently in the Krimighna Gana in both Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridayam. Classical texts document it for Krimi conditions (the classical category encompassing intestinal parasites, skin parasites, and some infectious conditions). Embelin -- the primary active compound -- has demonstrated documented anthelmintic, antibacterial, and antifungal activity.

Important noticeThis page documents what classical texts record. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Full disclaimer

Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 4.13

Krimighna... vidango mukhyo Krimighnanam -- Vidanga is the first among the Krimighna (worm/parasite-destroying) herbs. Combined with Trikatu and Triphala, it is the classical first-line preparation for all Krimi conditions.

Classical documentation

Charaka Samhita classifies Krimi (parasites and microorganisms causing disease) into Bahya (external) and Abhyantara (internal) categories, with further subdivision into 20 types. Vidanga is documented for internal Krimi -- particularly intestinal worm conditions. The classical preparation: Vidanga Churna with jaggery or honey for children; Vidanga Vati (tablets) for adults; Vidangasava (fermented preparation) for chronic conditions requiring sustained antiparasitic treatment.

Embelin pharmacology

Embelin (2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione) -- the primary benzoquinone from Embelia ribes -- has demonstrated anthelmintic activity in animal studies against roundworms and tapeworms; antibacterial activity against multiple bacterial strains; antifungal activity; and anti-inflammatory effects. Research published in Phytotherapy Research and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology documents these properties, consistent with the classical Krimighna documentation.

Classical compound -- Krimimudgara Rasa

The Rasa Shastra compound Krimimudgara Rasa (containing Vidanga as primary herb alongside Bhasma preparations) is the classical intensive antiparasitic formulation. Standard Vidanga preparations: Vidangasava (fermented -- for systemic/chronic Krimi conditions) and Vidanga Churna with honey (for acute intestinal Krimi).