Rubia cordifolia (Manjishtha): A review based upon its Ayurvedic and Medicinal uses

Abstract

Medicinal herbs have a rich history of their utilization for variety of ailments. India is categorized among those countries which have produced vast variety of medicinal plants. India is also called as “Botanical garden of the world”.  Medicinal plants are the source of discovery of new drugs across the world. Most of the drugs available today have some herbal content of plants in them. Rubia Cordifolia (Manjishtha) is a climber herb having small flowers of greenish white colour which are grouped around the purplish fleshy fruits. The roots of Rubia cordifolia imparts red colour from where dye is obtained which is due to the presence of brownish red bark. This plant is mainly cultivated in the hilly areas. Manjishtha has a very significant place in Ayurveda which is one of the most ancient health care systems of the world. Charaka categorized this medicinal herb as varnya (for the enhancement of skin complexion), jvarahara (anti-pyretic), visaghna (a detoxifier) and a rasayana (rejuvenator). While it is categorized as pittasamsamana (one which maintains the pitta dosha of the body i.e. the fire component of the body) by Acharya Sushrut. Manjishtha has potential to pacifiy the pitta dosha. The phytochemical constituents of Rubia Cordifolia (Manjishtha) are associated with wide range of therapeutic properties. In this review, summary of its phytochemistry, its uses in different medicinal systems like Ayurveda and folk system and its scientific therapeutic properties are reported.