An Overview, Dermatological Uses, Side effects and Risk factors

Family: Rubiaceae
Latin name: Rubia cordifolia
Charaka samhita: वर्ण्य विषघ्न ज्वरहर
Sushruta samhita: पित्त संशमन
English name: Indian Madder
Hindi name: Manjeeth
Taste: Bitter, Astringent, Sweet
Nature: Hot
Parts used: Roots, Stem

Description:
It is a perennial climber that grows up to 1.5 M. It grows in tropical climate.

Phytochemical constituents:
The Ruberythric acid is one of the major constituents of the Rubia cordifolia root and is widely used in the treatment of calcium containing stones in the urinary tract. Alkaloids, Tannins, Flavonoids, Phenols, Anthraquinone, Alizarin, Sterols, Fatty oil, Glucose, Cardiac Glycosides, Lime, Munjistin, Oleanolic acid, Ruberythric Acid, Purpurin, Xanthopurpurin, Pseudopurpurin, Resins, Saponins.

Mode of action: Kapha Pitta shamak
​​Primary Mode of action

• Alexeteric

Secondary Mode of action

• External application is Anti-inflammatory, Anodyne,  Wound healing
• Digestive, Astringent, Antimicrobial, Anthelmintic, Antifungal
• Blood purifier
• Expectorant
• Emmenagogue
• Anti-diabetic, Diuretic
• Analgesic, Antipyretic
• Metabolic tonic, Antioxidant

Therapeutic Benefits: 
Secondary

• High Blood Pressure
• External application in Inflammation, Ulcers and Skin diseases

Tertiary

• Acne, Aphthous ulcers, Oral Herpes, Ringworm
• Psoriasis
• Paralysis
• Bronchitis
• Uterine bleeding, Menstrual disorders, Stranguary
• Bladder stones, Kidney stones, Gall stones
• Diabetes, Cancer

Side effects and Risk factors:

• UNSAFE in Pregnancy and Breast feeding.
• UNSAFE when taken by mouth without proper cautions and dose negligence.  The chemicals in it may cause cancer, seizures, loss of consciousness.
• It can turn urine, saliva, perspiration, tears and breast milk red in colour.

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​    – Dr Malika Ahuja