Mahamanjishthadi
Mahamanjishthadi is a compound formulation of several ingredients, from the Polyherbal Kwath/Kashayam (decoction) - classical Ayurvedic compound formulation family. Not listed in WHO monographs as a formulation; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and Ayurvedic Formulary of India; individual ingredients like Manjistha have documented pharmacopoeia entries.
| Substance type | Compound formulation of several ingredients, not a single plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Polyherbal Kwath/Kashayam (decoction) - classical Ayurvedic compound formulation |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Not listed in WHO monographs as a formulation; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and Ayurvedic Formulary of India; individual ingredients like Manjistha have documented pharmacopoeia entries |
The evidence at a glance
1paper on this site for this drug, every one with a DOI.
- 1Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Mahamanjishthadi |
| Latin/Botanical | Polyherbal formulation: Rubia cordifolia L. (Manjistha) as principal herb with multiple supporting herbs |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Purpurin and munjistin (anthraquinones from Manjistha - primary actives)
- Alizarin (anthraquinone from Manjistha)
- Rubiadin and its glycosides (from Manjistha)
- Curcumin (from Haridra, if included)
- Gallic acid and ellagic acid (from Triphala components)
- Berberine (from Daruharidra)
- Saponins (from Sariva and other herbs)
- Vacha phenylpropanoids (alpha-asarone, beta-asarone)
- Tannins and flavonoids from multiple herbal components
How does it work?
- Blood purifying (Raktashodhaka) mechanism through anthraquinone-mediated enhancement of hepatic detoxification, anti-inflammatory action reducing systemic inflammation, and antimicrobial activity
- Anti-allergic mechanism through inhibition of histamine release from mast cells and modulation of IgE-mediated immune hypersensitivity responses
- Skin-healing mechanism through anthraquinone promotion of wound healing, melanin synthesis regulation (Varnya action), and antioxidant protection against UV-induced skin damage
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Traditionally used for blood purification and skin disease (Raktashodhana for Kushtha/Twak Vikara). Studies of the formulation and its principal ingredient Manjistha have reported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Traditionally used in Sheetapitta (urticaria) and allergic conditions. Pharmacological studies have reported histamine inhibition.
- Traditionally used for lymphatic system support and in chronic inflammatory conditions such as PCOS and arthritis. Studies have reported anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity.
What do recent studies show?
No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Classical decoction preparation generally well-tolerated at recommended doses (15-30ml twice daily with water)
- Some constituent herbs (Vacha - beta-asarone content) have regulatory concerns in certain countries; long-term use should be supervised by qualified Ayurvedic practitioner; may interact with blood-thinning medications
What is it made of?
Key Active Markers
- Purpurin
- Alizarin
- Curcumin
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Kwatha (decoction - primary classical form), Kashayam tablets, Capsules of spray-dried extract, Liquid concentrate
Standard Dosage: 15-30 mL Kwatha twice daily before meals; 2 tablets (500 mg each) of Kashayam tablet twice daily; dilute with equal warm water
Optimal Timing: Before meals on empty stomach for maximum absorption of anthraquinones and blood-purifying action; morning and evening doses
Storage: Fresh Kashaya at room temperature, consume within 24 hours. Tablets/capsules below 25 deg C in blister packs or HDPE bottles. Liquid concentrate refrigerate at 2-8 deg C after opening. Protect all forms from moisture and light.
Marker Compounds: Alizarin (from Manjishtha), Purpurin, Gallic acid (from Triphala), Berberine (from Daruharidra), Piperine (from Pippali), Catechin (from Khadira), Tinosporine (from Guduchi)
Synergistic Combinations
- This is itself a synergistic polyherbal formula containing approximately 50+ herbs. Key synergistic pairs within: Manjishtha + Sariva (blood purification), Triphala components (digestive and detoxification), Guduchi + Nimba (immunomodulation and skin health), Khadira (skin diseases), Daruharidra (antimicrobial)
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Laboratory and animal studies1
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.