Manjishtha

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Rubia cordifolia (Manjishtha)

Manjishtha
Section/Chapter Herb database/Manjishtha
Botanical name(s) Rubia cordifolia
Family Rubiaceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

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).[1] 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.

Manjishtha(Rubia cordifolia)

Synonyms in Classical Texts

  • Synonyms in Charaka Samhita:
    • Samanga
  • Synonyms in Bhavaprakash Nighantu:[2]
    • Vikasa – Spreads over the ground.
    • Jingi
    • Kalameshika – When completely dried, the root turns black in colour.
    • Mandukaparni
    • Bhandiri / Bhandi – Spreads extensively on the land.
    • Yojanavalli – A long climber that spreads over large distances on the ground.
    • Rasayani – Possessing rejuvenating properties.
    • Aruna / Kaala
    • Raktanga – Fresh root and stem are red in colour.
    • Raktayastika – Stem is slender and red in colour.
    • Bhanditaki
    • Gandiri
    • Manjusha
    • Vastraranjini – Imparts red colour to cloth, hence traditionally used as a dyeing agent.

Varieties

According to Raja Nighantu, four major varieties of Manjistha are described:[3]

  1. Cola
  2. Yojani
  3. Crounchi
  4. Simhali

Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties

According to Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, the properties (Rasa Panchaka) of Manjistha are summarized below:[1]

Sr. No. Pharmacological Criteria Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes)
1 Taste (Rasa) Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
2 Potency (Veerya) Hot (Ushna)
3 Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) Pungent (Katu)
4 Qualities (Guna) Heavy (Guru)
5 Actions (Karma) Krumighna (anthelmintic / antimicrobial), Kaphapitta Shamaka (pacifies Kapha and Pitta), Svarya (improves voice), Vrushya (aphrodisiac), Sothaghna (anti-inflammatory / anti-edema), Kushthaghna (cures skin disorders), Pramehaghna (anti-diabetic), Stambhana (astringent / styptic), Artavajanana (emmenagogue / regulates menstruation), Rasayana (rejuvenative), Sonitasthapana (hemostatic / blood restorer)

References in Charaka Samhita

Manjistha is mentioned across numerous contexts and formulations in the Charaka Samhita:

Sr. No. Reference in Charaka Samhita Activity / Indication / Formulation
1 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9/8 Complexion-promoting group (Varnya Mahakashaya)
2 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9/16 Anti-toxic / antidote group (Vishaghna Mahakashaya)
3 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9/39 Antipyretic / fever-relieving group (Jwarahara Mahakashaya)
4 Cha.Sa.Nidana Sthana 4/33 Describing the colour and characteristics of urine (Mutra)
5 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/144 Astringent drug group (Kashaya-skandha)
6 Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/32 Treatment of striae gravidarum / pregnancy stretch marks (Kikkisa)
7 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/258 Ingredient of Chandanadhya Taila
8 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/39 Medicated oil for the treatment of Prameha (diabetes and urinary disorders)
9 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/65 Ingredient of Mustadi Churna
10 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/100 Ingredient of decoction drug (Kwatha Dravya) for Kushtha (skin disorders)
11 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/120 Ingredient of Vipadikahara Ghrita and Taila (for cracked heels / dermatoses)
12 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/83 External application (Lepa)
13 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/36 Ingredient of Kalyanaka Ghrita
14 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/70 External application in Vata-Kapha dominant insanity / psychosis (Unmada)
15 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/44 Ingredient of Shvadamshtradi Ghrita
16 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/68 External application in Pitta-dominant swelling (Shotha)
17 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/159 Ingredient of Kanakarishta
18 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/147 Ingredient of Madhukasava
19 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/158 Ingredient of Moolasava
20 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/105 Ingredient of Gauda Arishta
21 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/145 Ingredient of Manahshiladi Ghrita
22 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/76 External application (Lepa)
23 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/50 Ingredient of formulation used in the 6th stage of poisoning management
24 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/79 Ingredient of Mahagandhahastinama Agada
25 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/185 Management of toxic effects localized in the colon region
26 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/196 Treatment of Mandali (viperine) snake bites
27 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/114 External application for wound care (Vrana)
28 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/208 Ingredient of Khadiradi Gutika
29 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/234 Formulation drug used in the treatment of eye disorders (Akshi Roga)
30 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/238 Formulation drug used in the treatment of eye disorders (Akshi Roga)
31 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/270 Formulation drug used in the management of premature greying (Palitya) and alopecia (Khalitya)
32 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/150 Ingredient of Baladi Taila
33 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/162 Ingredient of Amritadi Taila
34 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/94 Ingredient of Madhuparnyadi Taila
35 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/107 Ingredient of Amritadya Taila
36 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/113 Ingredient of Mahapadma Taila
37 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/114 Ingredient of Khuddaka Padmaka Taila
38 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/123 Ingredient of Pinda Taila
39 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/134 Medicated formulation drug in Vatarakta
40 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/275 Management of disorders caused by vitiated breast milk (Stanya Dosha)
41 Cha.Sa.Siddhi Sthana 3/48 Ingredient of medicated enema formulation (Basti Dravya)
42 Cha.Sa.Siddhi Sthana 10/21 Ingredient of Pitta-pacifying enema (Pitta Dosha Nashaka Basti)
43 Cha.Sa.Siddhi Sthana 10/43 Basti formulation in bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) and diabetes/polyuria (Prameha)

Therapeutic Uses

Manjistha is indicated in classical Ayurvedic literature for the management of the following conditions:[1]

  • Yoni Roga (Gynecological and vaginal diseases)
  • Akshi Roga (Eye diseases)
  • Shleshmaja Shotha (Kapha-dominant swelling / edema)
  • Karna Roga (Ear disorders)
  • Manjistha Meha (Urinary condition with reddish urine)
  • Raktatisara (Bloody diarrhea / dysentery)
  • Kushtha (Obstinate skin disorders / psoriasis / eczema)
  • Visarpa (Erysipelas / herpes)
  • Prameha (Urinary disorders / diabetes mellitus)
  • Sarpavisha (Snake venom poisoning)
  • Bhagna (Fractures / bone healing)
  • Arsha (Hemorrhoids / piles)
  • Vyanga (Hyperpigmentation / facial melasma)

Dosage & Administration

  • Powder (Churna): 2 – 4 g of the drug.[1]

Important Formulations

  • Aravindasava
  • Ashvagandharishta
  • Ushirasava
  • Chandanasava
  • Brihat Manjisthadi Kwatha
  • Manjisthadi Taila
  • Khadiradi Gutika

Habitat & Availability

  • Status: Available

Current Research

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 [4].
  • 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 [5].

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 [6].

D. Hepatoprotective & Cardiovascular Effects

  • Hepatoprotection: Protects hepatocytes against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-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

Target Domain Experimental Model Key Findings / Outcome
Dermatology In vitro / In vivo (Psoriasis Models) Quinones (Alizarin, Purpurin) suppressed TNF-α-activated keratinocytes; reduced epidermal hyperplasia.[5]
Microbiology In vitro Anti-acne assays Ethanolic extracts inhibited C. acnes and S. epidermidis growth comparably to standard clindamycin gel formulations.[4]
Neuroprotection STZ-induced Diabetic Rats Attenuated neuropathic pain; lowered Bax:Bcl-2 apoptosis ratio and cleaved caspase-3 in sciatic nerves.[6]
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

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 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.
  2. ↑ Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Haritakyadi varga, verse no. 189–190.
  3. ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narhari. Edition 2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Pippalyadi varga, verse no. 195.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 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
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lin, C. F. (2025). Harnessing Quinone Derivatives from Rubia cordifolia for Topical. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 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
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