Vidanga is Sanskrit name of Embelia ribes which is a potent herb distributed throughout India and commonly known as �baberang�.
Embelia is commonly naturalized at the altitudes 5000 feet in meghalya and Assam.
Embelia is commonly used in ayurveda and other traditional medicines which are sold commercially in Indian markets.
Vidanga is climbing shrub with brownish-grey and hairy root and the stem is whitish grey with protruded lentils.
The leaves are elliptic, lanceolate, 6-14 cm long and 2-4 cm wide and entirely glabrous.
The plant bears small white-yellow colour flower and fruit is berry, 2-2.4 mm obovate and smooth.
Embelia ribes is cultivated throughout the mountainous and other regions of India in the area with the height of 1500 m.
Berries, roots, bark
The main component of vidanga is Embelin containing Embelic acid: 2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-1, 4-Benzoquinone and also contains christembeline, an alkaloid and a resinoid and volatile oil.
Embelia is potent herbal medicine used to possess properties like anthelmintic, alterative, carminative and stimulant.
The seeds of embelia are good remedy for indigestion and other stomach disorders including constipation.
In ayurveda vidanga is an invasive medicine used to relieve Vata and Kapha.
Vidanga powder is effective for various skin disorders like ringworm and other antifungal infections.
Vidanga is thought to be effective oral contraceptive.