# Manjishtha

> Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Rubiadinare moderately lipophilic with reasonable absorption. Purpurin shows enhanced absorption with fatty meals. First-pass hepatic metabolism is moderate. Topical absorption of anthraquinones is good through intact skin.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Rubia cordifolia

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Manjishtha |

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, Asava/Arishta, Taila (medicated oil), Topical cream/gel, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g root powder per day in divided doses; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 500-1000 mg standardized extract daily; 15-30 mL Arishta after meals

**Bioavailability:** Anthraquinone [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) undergo hydrolysis in the GI tract; aglycones ([alizarin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alizarin), [purpurin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#purpurin)) are absorbed in the colon (~25-35% bioavailability). Rubiadinare moderately lipophilic with reasonable absorption. Purpurin shows enhanced absorption with fatty meals. First-pass hepatic metabolism is moderate. Topical absorption of [anthraquinones](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthraquinones) is good through intact skin.

**Optimal Timing:** Between meals for blood purification; morning for skin health; Arishta after meals; topical application morning and evening

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract (10:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 2% total anthraquinones (as alizarin equivalents). Purpurin-enriched extract for topical skin-brightening products. Manjistharishta with 5-8% self-generated alcohol.

**Shelf Life:** 36 months for root powder; 30 months for capsules/tablets; 5+ years for Arishta; 24 months for topical products; 36 months for Taila

**Storage:** Store in airtight, light-resistant (amber) containers below 25 deg C. Anthraquinones degrade with light exposure. Root powder protected from moisture. Arishta at room temperature in glass containers. Topical products at 15-25 deg C.

**Marker Compounds:** Alizarin, Purpurin, Munjistin, Rubiadin, Rubiadinmethylether, Mollugin, Furanoquinones, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for anthraquinone preservation
- Supercritical CO2 for anthraquinone-enriched extract
- Oil infusion for topical Taila
- Fermentation for Arishta

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Sariva](/herb/sariva/) (blood purification premier combination)
- [Khadira](/herb/khadira/) (skin disease management)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory and complexion)
- [Neem](/herb/neem/) ([antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) skin care)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) ([immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and blood purification)
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (astringent and [hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic))

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/manjishtha/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.