Manjishtha: Difference between revisions

Line 1:

{{~~Infobox plant~~

{{#seo:

| ~~name~~ = Manjistha

|title=Charak Samhita

| image = ~~Rubia_cordifolia~~.jpg

|titlemode=append

| ~~image_caption~~ = ~~Flowering shoot and leaves of ''Rubia cordifolia''~~ (~~Indian Madder~~)

|keywords= Manjishtha,Manjistha,Rubia cordifolia, Indian Madder, Therapeutic use, blood purifier herbs, researches on dravya, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,

| ~~binomial_name~~ = ''Rubia cordifolia''

|description=Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia, Indian Madder) is a perennial climbing plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is renowned as one of the most potent blood-purifying (Raktashodhaka) and complexion-enhancing (Varnya) herbs, extensively cited across classical Ayurvedic scriptures.

| ~~family~~ = Rubiaceae

|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

| ~~common_names~~ = ~~Indian Madder~~

|image_alt=charak samhita

| ~~synonyms~~ = ~~''Samanga''~~, ~~''Yojanavalli'', ''Vastraranjini''~~

|type=article

}}

{{Infobox

|title = Manjishtha

|label1 = Section/Chapter

|data1 = Herb database/Manjishtha

|label2 = Botanical name(s)

|data2 = Rubia cordifolia

|label3 = Family

|data3 = Rubiaceae

|label4 = Availability

|data4 = Available

|label5 = Contributors

|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]

|label6 = Year of publication

|data6 = 2026

|label7 = Publisher

|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]

|label8 = DOI

|data8 = Awaited

}}

''~~'Manjistha''' (Latin~~: ''Rubia cordifolia''~~, English: '''Indian Madder'''~~) is a perennial climbing ~~plant belonging to~~ the ~~family [[Rubiaceae]]~~. ~~In [[Ayurveda]], it is renowned~~ as ~~one of the most potent blood-purifying (~~''Raktashodhaka'') and ~~complexion-enhancing (~~''Varnya'') ~~herbs, extensively cited across classical Ayurvedic scriptures~~.<ref name="API">Anonymous. ''The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India''. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3: 52.</ref>

''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubia_cordifolia Rubia cordifolia]'' (Manjishtha) is a perennial climbing herb distributed widely across the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, and parts of Africa. Historically categorized in Ayurvedic pharmacopeias as a primary ''Raktashodhaka'' (blood-purifying agent) and ''Varnya'' (complexion-enhancing herb).<ref name="API">Anonymous. ''The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India''. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3: 52.</ref> Modern pharmacological investigations validate its multi-target therapeutic activities. Its principal active constituents—anthraquinones, naphthoquinones, bicyclic hexapeptides, and triterpenoids—exhibit documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, dermatological, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties.

~~== Botanical & Vernacular Names ==~~

* '''Latin Name:''' ''Rubia cordifolia''

* '''Family:''' Rubiaceae

* '''English Name:''' Indian Madder

* '''Sanskrit / Classical Name:''' Manjistha

== Synonyms in Classical Texts ==

Line 170:

Line 183:

== Dosage & Administration ==

* '''Powder (''Churna''):''' 2 – 4 g of the drug.<ref name="API" />

Line 175:

Line 189:

* ''Aravindasava''

* ''Ashvagandharishta''

* ''~~Usirasava~~''

* ''Ushirasava''

* ''Chandanasava''

* ''Brihat Manjisthadi Kwatha''

Line 185:

Line 199:

== Current Research ==

* ~~Phytochemical profile~~ & ~~research database~~: [https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Rubia%20cordifolia ~~IMPPAT~~ Phytochemical ~~Profile: Rubia cordifolia~~]

== Scientific Monograph: Therapeutic Efficacy of ''Rubia cordifolia'' L. (Manjishtha) ==

=== Phytochemical Profile ===

The primary therapeutic actions of ''R. cordifolia'' stem from its diverse array of secondary metabolites extracted predominantly from the roots and rhizomes:

* '''Anthraquinones & Naphthoquinones:''' Purpurin, munjistin, alizarin, mollugin, rubiadin, and physcion.

* '''Bicyclic Hexapeptides:''' RA (Rubia Alkaloid) series (RA-I to RA-XXIV), which demonstrate cytotoxic and antitumor activity.

* '''Triterpenoids:''' Rubiprasin A–C, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid.

* '''Flavonoids & Phenolics:''' Quercetin, rutin, and gallic acid derivatives contributing to free radical scavenging capacity.

=== Pharmacological Properties & Mechanisms of Action ===

==== A. Dermatological & Anti-Acne Efficacy ====

''R. cordifolia'' demonstrates targeted activity against common cutaneous pathologies, including ''Acne vulgaris'', psoriasis, and eczema.

* '''Antibacterial Action:''' Extract formulations rich in anthraquinones exhibit strong minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against ''Cutibacterium acnes'' (formerly ''Propionibacterium acnes''), ''Staphylococcus epidermidis'', and ''Malassezia furfur'' <ref name="Nipanikar2017">Nipanikar, S. U., Nagore, D., Chitlange, S. S., & Buzruk, D. (2017). Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of AHPL/AYTOP/0213 cream. ''AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda)'', ''38''(1), 82. https://doi.org/10.4103/ayu.ayu_150_17</ref>.

* '''Antipsoriatic Mechanism:''' Topical quinones (alizarin, purpurin, mollugin) significantly downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) in hyperactive keratinocytes. In vivo models show an increased granular layer thickness and reduced keratinocyte apoptosis <ref name="Lin2025">Lin, C. F. (2025). Harnessing Quinone Derivatives from Rubia cordifolia for Topical. ''Journal of Ethnopharmacology''.</ref>.

==== B. Anti-Inflammatory & Immunomodulatory Activity ====

* '''Cytokine Suppression:''' Alcoholic and ethyl acetate root extracts inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways and reduce inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression.

* '''T-Cell Regulation:''' In autoimmune and chronic inflammatory models (e.g., lichen planus), ''Rubia'' diesters downregulate activation markers like CD69 on surface membranes and attenuate T-cell proliferation by reducing systemic IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α.

==== C. Antioxidant & Neuroprotective Potential ====

* '''Radical Scavenging:''' High phenolic content allows ''R. cordifolia'' to neutralize DPPH and superoxide radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation in tissue membranes.

* '''Diabetic Neuropathy:''' Administration of ''R. cordifolia'' extracts suppresses cleaved caspase-3 and normalizes the Bax:Bcl-2 apoptosis ratio in sciatic nerve and brain tissue, restoring nerve conduction velocity and reducing oxidative damage <ref name="Bana2023">Bana, S., Kumar, N., Sartaj, A., Alhalmi, A., Qurtam, A. A., Nasr, F. A., Al-Zharani, M., Singh, N., Gaur, P., Mishra, R., Bhardwaj, S., Ali, H., & Goel, R. (2023). Rubia cordifolia L. Attenuates Diabetic Neuropathy by Inhibiting Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Rats. ''Pharmaceuticals'', ''16''(11), 1586. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16111586</ref>.

==== D. Hepatoprotective & Cardiovascular Effects ====

* '''Hepatoprotection:''' Protects hepatocytes against carbon tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>)-induced toxicity by stabilizing serum transaminases (ALT, AST) and maintaining endogenous glutathione (GSH) levels.

* '''Vascular Health:''' Anthraquinones exert anti-platelet activating factor (Anti-PAF) activity, preventing pathological thrombus formation and modulating vascular smooth muscle tone.

=== Summary of Scientific Studies ===

{| class="wikitable"

! Target Domain !! Experimental Model !! Key Findings / Outcome !! Citation

|-

| '''Dermatology''' || In vitro / In vivo (Psoriasis Models) || Quinones (Alizarin, Purpurin) suppressed TNF-α-activated keratinocytes; reduced epidermal hyperplasia. || <ref name="Lin2025" />

|-

| '''Microbiology''' || In vitro Anti-acne assays || Ethanolic extracts inhibited ''C. acnes'' and ''S. epidermidis'' growth comparably to standard clindamycin gel formulations. || <ref name="Nipanikar2017" />

|-

| '''Neuroprotection''' || STZ-induced Diabetic Rats || Attenuated neuropathic pain; lowered Bax:Bcl-2 apoptosis ratio and cleaved caspase-3 in sciatic nerves. || <ref name="Bana2023" />

|-

| '''Immunology''' || Inflammatory Skin Models (Lichen Planus) || Downregulated CD69 expression, reducing T-cell proliferation and serum IL-2/IFN-γ levels. ||

|-

| '''Antioxidant''' || Lipid Peroxidation Assays || Inhibited TBARS formation and scavenged free DPPH radicals in a dose-dependent manner. ||

|}

=== Dosage, Administration & Safety Profile ===

==== Recommended Standard Dosing (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) ====

* '''Root Powder (''Churna''):''' 1 to 3 grams daily, divided into equal doses with warm water or milk.

* '''Decoction (''Kwatha''):''' 30 to 50 mL daily.

* '''Topical Applications:''' 0.1% to 4% standardized extract formulated in gel or ointment bases for cutaneous lesions.

==== Safety & Toxicology ====

* '''Toxicity:''' Standard therapeutic doses demonstrate a high safety margin with negligible acute oral toxicity in rodent models.

* '''Chromaturia:''' Patients should be advised that anthraquinone metabolites may cause harmless dark red or reddish-brown discoloration of urine during active oral therapy.

* '''Precautions:''' Due to a lack of comprehensive safety data on uterine dynamics, high-dose administration during pregnancy should be avoided unless supervised by a physician.

=== Conclusion ===

The pharmacological validation of ''Rubia cordifolia'' aligns closely with its classical medicinal usage. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant capacities support its efficacy as a dermatological agent and systemic immunomodulator. Further clinical trials on standardized anthraquinone fractions will help establish specific dosing guidelines for modern dermatological and metabolic applications.

== External links ==

* [https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Rubia%20cordifolia%20IMPPAT%20Phytochemical%20Profile:%20Rubia%20cordifolia Phytochemical profile & research database]

== References ==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Infobox plant
+{{#seo:
-| name               = Manjistha
+|title=Charak Samhita
-| image              = Rubia_cordifolia.jpg
+|titlemode=append
-| image_caption      = Flowering shoot and leaves of ''Rubia cordifolia'' (Indian Madder)
+|keywords= Manjishtha,Manjistha,Rubia cordifolia, Indian Madder, Therapeutic use, blood purifier herbs, researches on dravya, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,
-| binomial_name      = ''Rubia cordifolia''
+|description=Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia, Indian Madder) is a perennial climbing plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is renowned as one of the most potent blood-purifying (Raktashodhaka) and complexion-enhancing (Varnya) herbs, extensively cited across classical Ayurvedic scriptures.
-| family             = Rubiaceae
+|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
-| common_names       = Indian Madder
+|image_alt=charak samhita
-| synonyms           = ''Samanga'', ''Yojanavalli'', ''Vastraranjini''
+|type=article
+}}
+{{Infobox
+|title = Manjishtha
+|label1 = Section/Chapter
+|data1 = Herb database/Manjishtha
+|label2 = Botanical name(s)
+|data2 = Rubia cordifolia
+|label3 = Family
+|data3 = Rubiaceae
+|label4 = Availability
+|data4 = Available
+|label5 = Contributors
+|data5 =  [[Team Dravyaguna]]
+|label6 = Year of publication
+|data6 =  2026
+|label7 = Publisher
+|data7 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
+|label8 = DOI
+|data8  = Awaited
 }}
-'''Manjistha''' (Latin: ''Rubia cordifolia'', English: '''Indian Madder''') is a perennial climbing plant belonging to the family [[Rubiaceae]]. In [[Ayurveda]], it is renowned as one of the most potent blood-purifying (''Raktashodhaka'') and complexion-enhancing (''Varnya'') herbs, extensively cited across classical Ayurvedic scriptures.<ref name="API">Anonymous. ''The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India''. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3: 52.</ref>
+''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubia_cordifolia Rubia cordifolia]'' (Manjishtha) is a perennial climbing herb distributed widely across the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, and parts of Africa. Historically categorized in Ayurvedic pharmacopeias as a primary ''Raktashodhaka'' (blood-purifying agent) and ''Varnya'' (complexion-enhancing herb).<ref name="API">Anonymous. ''The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India''. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3: 52.</ref> Modern pharmacological investigations validate its multi-target therapeutic activities. Its principal active constituents—anthraquinones, naphthoquinones, bicyclic hexapeptides, and triterpenoids—exhibit documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, dermatological, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties.
-== Botanical & Vernacular Names ==
-* '''Latin Name:''' ''Rubia cordifolia''
-* '''Family:''' Rubiaceae
-* '''English Name:''' Indian Madder
-* '''Sanskrit / Classical Name:''' Manjistha
 == Synonyms in Classical Texts ==
@@ Line 170: / Line 183: @@
 == Dosage & Administration ==
 * '''Powder (''Churna''):''' 2 &ndash; 4 g of the drug.<ref name="API" />
@@ Line 175: / Line 189: @@
 * ''Aravindasava''
 * ''Ashvagandharishta''
-* ''Usirasava''
+* ''Ushirasava''
 * ''Chandanasava''
 * ''Brihat Manjisthadi Kwatha''
@@ Line 185: / Line 199: @@
 == Current Research ==
-* Phytochemical profile & research database: [https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Rubia%20cordifolia IMPPAT Phytochemical Profile: Rubia cordifolia]
+== Scientific Monograph: Therapeutic Efficacy of ''Rubia cordifolia'' L. (Manjishtha) ==
+=== Phytochemical Profile ===
+The primary therapeutic actions of ''R. cordifolia'' stem from its diverse array of secondary metabolites extracted predominantly from the roots and rhizomes:
+* '''Anthraquinones & Naphthoquinones:''' Purpurin, munjistin, alizarin, mollugin, rubiadin, and physcion.
+* '''Bicyclic Hexapeptides:''' RA (Rubia Alkaloid) series (RA-I to RA-XXIV), which demonstrate cytotoxic and antitumor activity.
+* '''Triterpenoids:''' Rubiprasin A–C, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid.
+* '''Flavonoids & Phenolics:''' Quercetin, rutin, and gallic acid derivatives contributing to free radical scavenging capacity.
+=== Pharmacological Properties & Mechanisms of Action ===
+==== A. Dermatological & Anti-Acne Efficacy ====
+''R. cordifolia'' demonstrates targeted activity against common cutaneous pathologies, including ''Acne vulgaris'', psoriasis, and eczema.
+* '''Antibacterial Action:''' Extract formulations rich in anthraquinones exhibit strong minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against ''Cutibacterium acnes'' (formerly ''Propionibacterium acnes''), ''Staphylococcus epidermidis'', and ''Malassezia furfur'' <ref name="Nipanikar2017">Nipanikar, S. U., Nagore, D., Chitlange, S. S., & Buzruk, D. (2017). Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of AHPL/AYTOP/0213 cream. ''AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda)'', ''38''(1), 82. https://doi.org/10.4103/ayu.ayu_150_17</ref>.
+* '''Antipsoriatic Mechanism:''' Topical quinones (alizarin, purpurin, mollugin) significantly downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) in hyperactive keratinocytes. In vivo models show an increased granular layer thickness and reduced keratinocyte apoptosis <ref name="Lin2025">Lin, C. F. (2025). Harnessing Quinone Derivatives from Rubia cordifolia for Topical. ''Journal of Ethnopharmacology''.</ref>.
+==== B. Anti-Inflammatory & Immunomodulatory Activity ====
+* '''Cytokine Suppression:''' Alcoholic and ethyl acetate root extracts inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways and reduce inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression.
+* '''T-Cell Regulation:''' In autoimmune and chronic inflammatory models (e.g., lichen planus), ''Rubia'' diesters downregulate activation markers like CD69 on surface membranes and attenuate T-cell proliferation by reducing systemic IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α.
+==== C. Antioxidant & Neuroprotective Potential ====
+* '''Radical Scavenging:''' High phenolic content allows ''R. cordifolia'' to neutralize DPPH and superoxide radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation in tissue membranes.
+* '''Diabetic Neuropathy:''' Administration of ''R. cordifolia'' extracts suppresses cleaved caspase-3 and normalizes the Bax:Bcl-2 apoptosis ratio in sciatic nerve and brain tissue, restoring nerve conduction velocity and reducing oxidative damage <ref name="Bana2023">Bana, S., Kumar, N., Sartaj, A., Alhalmi, A., Qurtam, A. A., Nasr, F. A., Al-Zharani, M., Singh, N., Gaur, P., Mishra, R., Bhardwaj, S., Ali, H., & Goel, R. (2023). Rubia cordifolia L. Attenuates Diabetic Neuropathy by Inhibiting Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Rats. ''Pharmaceuticals'', ''16''(11), 1586. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16111586</ref>.
+==== D. Hepatoprotective & Cardiovascular Effects ====
+* '''Hepatoprotection:''' Protects hepatocytes against carbon tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>)-induced toxicity by stabilizing serum transaminases (ALT, AST) and maintaining endogenous glutathione (GSH) levels.
+* '''Vascular Health:''' Anthraquinones exert anti-platelet activating factor (Anti-PAF) activity, preventing pathological thrombus formation and modulating vascular smooth muscle tone.
+=== Summary of Scientific Studies ===
+{| class="wikitable"
+! Target Domain !! Experimental Model !! Key Findings / Outcome !! Citation
+|-
+| '''Dermatology''' || In vitro / In vivo (Psoriasis Models) || Quinones (Alizarin, Purpurin) suppressed TNF-α-activated keratinocytes; reduced epidermal hyperplasia. || <ref name="Lin2025" />
+|-
+| '''Microbiology''' || In vitro Anti-acne assays || Ethanolic extracts inhibited ''C. acnes'' and ''S. epidermidis'' growth comparably to standard clindamycin gel formulations. || <ref name="Nipanikar2017" />
+|-
+| '''Neuroprotection''' || STZ-induced Diabetic Rats || Attenuated neuropathic pain; lowered Bax:Bcl-2 apoptosis ratio and cleaved caspase-3 in sciatic nerves. || <ref name="Bana2023" />
+|-
+| '''Immunology''' || Inflammatory Skin Models (Lichen Planus) || Downregulated CD69 expression, reducing T-cell proliferation and serum IL-2/IFN-γ levels. ||
+|-
+| '''Antioxidant''' || Lipid Peroxidation Assays || Inhibited TBARS formation and scavenged free DPPH radicals in a dose-dependent manner. ||
+|}
+=== Dosage, Administration & Safety Profile ===
+==== Recommended Standard Dosing (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) ====
+* '''Root Powder (''Churna''):''' 1 to 3 grams daily, divided into equal doses with warm water or milk.
+* '''Decoction (''Kwatha''):''' 30 to 50 mL daily.
+* '''Topical Applications:''' 0.1% to 4% standardized extract formulated in gel or ointment bases for cutaneous lesions.
+==== Safety & Toxicology ====
+* '''Toxicity:''' Standard therapeutic doses demonstrate a high safety margin with negligible acute oral toxicity in rodent models.
+* '''Chromaturia:''' Patients should be advised that anthraquinone metabolites may cause harmless dark red or reddish-brown discoloration of urine during active oral therapy.
+* '''Precautions:''' Due to a lack of comprehensive safety data on uterine dynamics, high-dose administration during pregnancy should be avoided unless supervised by a physician.
+=== Conclusion ===
+The pharmacological validation of ''Rubia cordifolia'' aligns closely with its classical medicinal usage. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant capacities support its efficacy as a dermatological agent and systemic immunomodulator. Further clinical trials on standardized anthraquinone fractions will help establish specific dosing guidelines for modern dermatological and metabolic applications.
+== External links ==
+* [https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Rubia%20cordifolia%20IMPPAT%20Phytochemical%20Profile:%20Rubia%20cordifolia Phytochemical profile & research database]
 == References ==
 <references />