MANJISTHA (Rubia cordifolia)

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), commonly known as Indian Madder, is a perennial, climbing herb belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine for blood purification, detoxification, and treating various skin disorders. The main portions used for therapeutic purposes are the red-colored roots and stems. It has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-acne qualities.

MANJISTHA Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Rubia
Species: Rubia cordifolia

MANJISTHA Common Name

English: Indian Madder
Sanskrit: Manjistha, Raktanga, Samanga
Hindi: Manjith
Tamil: Manditti
Telugu: Tamravalli
Malayalam: Manjatti
Kannada: Manjishte
Bengali: Manjith

MANJISTHA Uses

Blood Purifier - Supports detoxification of blood and liver, Used to manage chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Skin Health - Promotes clear and radiant skin, Used in the treatment of pigmentation, dark spots, and wounds.

Anti-inflammatory & Wound Healing - Helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and supports wound healing.

Reproductive & Urinary System - Useful in managing menstrual disorders and urinary tract infections.

Antioxidant Support - Protects tissues from oxidative stress, delays aging processes.

Phytochemical Constituents

Rubia cordifolia is rich in a wide range of bioactive compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects:

Anthraquinones: Rubiadin, Purpurin, Alizarin, Munjistin
Naphthoquinones: Deoxyerythrolaccin
Iridoids: Asperulosidic acid, Geniposidic acid
Triterpenoids: Rubiprasins A and B
Others: Tannins, Saponins, Glycosides, Resins

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. I, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Sharma, P. V. (2001). Dravyaguna Vijnana (Materia Medica-Vegetable Drugs), Vol. 2. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy.

Kaur, S., & Michael, H. (2014). "Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on Rubia cordifolia L. (Indian Madder)." International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6(5), 631-636.

Singla, A. K., & Pathak, K. (1990). "Anti-inflammatory studies on extracts of Rubia cordifolia L." Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 22(1), 9–11.

European Medicines Agency. (2022). Community Herbal Monograph on Rubia cordifolia L., radix.

Bhatt, A., & Pandey, A. (2020). "A comprehensive review on Rubia cordifolia L.: A potential medicinal plant." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 253, 112624.

Nadkarni, K. M. (2007). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. 1. Popular Prakashan.