Manjishtha
Rubia cordifolia
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.
| Botanical name | Rubia cordifolia |
|---|---|
| Family | Rubiaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2892192 · Wikidata Q3237818 · NCBI Taxonomy 339321 |
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 (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 undergo hydrolysis in the GI tract; aglycones (alizarin, 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 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
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 (blood purification premier combination)
- Khadira (skin disease management)
- Haridra (anti-inflammatory and complexion)
- Neem (antimicrobial skin care)
- Guduchi (immunomodulatory and blood purification)
- Lodhra (astringent and hemostatic)
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.
Randomised controlled trials1
- 2020. Modulatory Effects of Triphala and Manjistha Dietary Supplementation on Human Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot StudyJournal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). PMID 32955913 · doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0148
Other clinical studies and reviews6
- 2026. Unveiling the Modern Therapeutic Properties and Folk Medicinal Riches of Rubia cordifoliaRecent patents on biotechnology. PMID 41992461 · doi:10.2174/0118722083359338250611055647
- 2024. Cytotoxic and Antitumor Agents from Genus RubiaChemistry & biodiversity. PMID 39183172 · doi:10.1002/cbdv.202401498
- 2021. Chemistry, Biosynthesis, Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Rubiadin: A Promising Natural Anthraquinone for New Drug Discovery and DevelopmentDrug design, development and therapy. PMID 34764636 · doi:10.2147/DDDT.S338548
- 2018. Dietary Plants for the Prevention and Management of Kidney Stones: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence and Molecular MechanismsInternational journal of molecular sciences. PMID 29518971 · doi:10.3390/ijms19030765
- 2016. A Review of the Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology of Rubiae Radix et RhizomaMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 27999402 · doi:10.3390/molecules21121747
- 2011. Dermocosmetics for dry skin: a new role for botanical extractsSkin pharmacology and physiology. PMID 21709432 · doi:10.1159/000329214
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