Rubia Cordifolia also known as Manjistha (Sanskrit name) or Indian Madder; is a species of flowering plant in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. It has been cultivated for a red pigment derived from roots.
It can grow to 1.5 m in height, evergreen leaves are 5–10 cm long and 2–3 cm broad, produced in whorls of 4-7 starlike around the central stem. It climbs with tiny hooks at the leaves and stems. The flowers are small (3–5 mm across), with five pale yellow petals, in dense racemes, and appear from June to August, followed by small (4–6 mm diameter) red to black berries. The roots can be over 1 m long, up to 12 mm thick and are used in Ayurveda a source of medicine. It prefers loamy soils with a constant level of moisture. Madders are used as food plants for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Hummingbird hawk moth.
The plant's roots contain an anthraquinone called purpurin (1,2,4-Trihydroxyanthraquinone) that gives its red colour as a textile dye It was also used as a colourant, especially for paint, that is referred to as Madder lake.
Manjistha is considered to be one of the best blood-purifying herbs. It is mainly used to break down blockages in the blood flow and remove stagnant blood. Manjistha herb can be used both internally and externally on skin for promoting skin whitening. Applying Manjistha powder along with honey or rose water (at least 2-3 times a week) helps manage acne and pimples by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria due to its antioxidant property. Topical application of Manjistha oil and coconut oil reduces inflammation and skin rashes associated with acne due to its anti-inflammatory property. It is also helpful in keeping the hair shiny and healthy. Rinsing your eyes with Manjistha decoction might help control excessive watery discharge due to its astringent property.
