Manjistha

Rubia cordifolia

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Monographed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) for stem; root monograph not yet in API. Anti-inflammatory: Mollugin suppresses pro-inflammatory mediators including iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner.

Key facts
Botanical name	Rubia cordifolia
Family	Rubiaceae · other entries in this family
Order	Gentianales
Pharmacopoeia status	Monographed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) for stem; root monograph not yet in API. Classified in Charaka Samhita as varnya (complexion enhancer), jvarahara (antipyretic), visaghna (detoxifier), and rasayana (rejuvenator). European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a Community Herbal Monograph on Rubia cordifolia L., radix (2022). No standalone WHO monograph identified. Listed in multiple traditional pharmacopeias across Ayurveda, TCM, and Unani systems.
Taxon identifiers	GBIF 2892192 · Wikidata Q3237818 · NCBI Taxonomy 339321

This entry and manjishtha describe the same drug, Rubia cordifolia, under different names. Both pages are kept because both names are in use; the other is treated as the primary record for citation.

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Manjistha

How does it work?

Anticancer (hexapeptides): Cyclic hexapeptides RA-V and RA-VII inhibit multiple cancer signaling pathways. Mollugin inhibits cell proliferation via suppression of HER2/Akt/SREBP-1c/FAS pathway in breast and ovarian cancer cells.
Anticancer (NF-kB): Mollugin suppresses NF-kB activation, thereby inhibiting HER2 expression in cancer cells.
Anti-inflammatory: Mollugin suppresses pro-inflammatory mediators including iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner.
Antioxidant: Anthraquinones with hydroxyl substitutions modulate antioxidant activity through radical stabilization and metal chelation.
Neuroprotective: Purpurin exhibits neuroprotection through antioxidant mechanisms and DNA intercalation properties.
Antimicrobial: Structure-activity relationships of anthraquinones reveal antibacterial properties linked to hydroxyl group positioning.
Gut microbiota modulation: Prebiotic-like effects demonstrated in human clinical trial via 16S rRNA profiling.
Key active constituents: Alizarin, munjistin, rubiadin, purpurin, mollugin, cyclic hexapeptides (RA-V, RA-VII), and xanthopurpurin.

What do recent clinical trials show?

Wen M, Chen Q, Chen W and others 2022. A comprehensive review of Rubia cordifolia L.: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and clinical applications. Frontiers in pharmacology. PMID 36160419 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.965390
Identified over 100 compounds including anthraquinones, naphthoquinones, bicyclic hexapeptides, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides. Established multiple pharmacological activities: neuroprotective, anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunosuppressive.
Peterson CT, Pourang A, Dhaliwal S and others 2020. Modulatory Effects of Triphala and Manjistha Dietary Supplementation on Human Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). PMID 32955913 · doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0148
4-week RCT with 2000 mg/day Manjistha showed modulatory effects on gut microbiota composition evaluated through 16S rRNA profiling, suggesting prebiotic-like activity.
Balachandran P, Ibrahim MA, Zhang J and others 2021. Crosstalk of Cancer Signaling Pathways by Cyclic Hexapeptides and Anthraquinones from Rubia cordifolia. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 33572569 · doi:10.3390/molecules26030735
Cyclic hexapeptides (RA-V, RA-VII) showed potent anticancer activity through inhibition of multiple cancer signaling pathways. Anthraquinones play a supporting but lesser role compared to cyclic hexapeptides in anticancer potential.
Lian C, Liu X, Guo K and others 2024. Dynamic analysis of growth characteristics, secondary metabolites accumulation, and an in-depth understanding of anthraquinones biosynthesis in Rubia cordifolia Linn. Frontiers in plant science. PMID 39840364 · doi:10.3389/fpls.2024.1504863
Elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of anthraquinones in R. cordifolia, identifying 28 distinct anthraquinones including alizarin, munjistin, rubiadin, purpurin, and xanthopurpurin, with structure-activity relationships for hydroxyl substitutions.
Mustafa AM, Sayed GA, Hatem S and others 2025. Therapeutic potential of purpurin, a natural anthraquinone dye, in neuroprotection and neurological disorders. Inflammopharmacology. PMID 41045341 · doi:10.1007/s10787-025-01977-7
Purpurin from Rubia cordifolia demonstrated neuroprotective potential for neurological disorders through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

Limited clinical safety data; few pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies in humans available.
Ethanol extract toxicity study: harmful effects on liver observed at doses of 100-1000 mg/kg body weight in rats. LD50 higher than 1000 mg/kg.
Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation unless prescribed by healthcare professional.
May interact with anticoagulant medications, increasing bleeding risk.
May discolor urine, perspiration, tears, and breast milk (harmless but notable).
Use with caution in individuals with kidney disorders.
Common side effects: mild gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions (rash/itching), nausea in some cases.
Hypersensitivity to Rubia cordifolia or its components is a contraindication.
Human toxic dose not yet established from animal studies; clinical trials needed.

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, Topical cream/serum, Arishta (fermented), Face mask powder

Standard Dosage: 3-6 g root powder per day; 500-1000 mg standardized extract daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; topical as directed

Bioavailability: Same pharmacokinetic profile as Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia). Anthraquinone glycosides undergo colonic hydrolysis for absorption. Bioavailability of alizarin approximately 25-35%. Enhanced by lipid co-administration. Topical anthraquinone penetration is effective through stratum corneum.

Optimal Timing: Morning on empty stomach for internal blood purification; topical application at night for skin repair and depigmentation (avoid sun exposure after topical anthraquinone application)

Standardized Extract: Root extract standardized to minimum 2% total anthraquinones. Cyclodextrin-complexed extract for cosmetic applications with improved stability. Nano-emulsion concentrate (5% anthraquinones) for serum formulations. Liposomal alizarin for targeted skin delivery.

Shelf Life: 36 months for root powder; 24 months for capsules/tablets; 18-24 months for topical creams/serums; 5+ years for Arishta

Storage: Amber containers essential due to photosensitivity of anthraquinones. Store below 25 deg C. Topical products in airless pump packaging to minimize oxidation. All forms protected from light and moisture.

Marker Compounds: Alizarin, Purpurin, Munjistin, Rubiadin, Xanthopurpurin, Mollugin, Rubimaillin

Extraction Methods

Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
Aqueous decoction
Cold maceration
Supercritical CO2 extraction
Ultrasound-assisted extraction for improved yield
Microencapsulation of extract for cosmetic applications

Synergistic Combinations

Kumkuma/Saffron (premium skin radiance formula)
Chandana (cooling and complexion)
Ushira (blood cooling and skin purification)
Anantamul/Sariva (lymphatic and blood cleansing)
Haridra + Chandana (Varnya combination for skin glow)

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.

Cite this page. Age Ayurveda. “Manjistha.” Age Ayurveda Nighantu. Last reviewed 18 September 2026. https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/manjishtha/
Machine-readable source: Markdown. Reviewed 2026-09-18.

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