Manjishta

Manjishtha takes its Sanskrit name from its deep red root, long prized both as a natural dye and as a medicine. Its botanical name, Rubia cordifolia, means “heart-leaved”, after the shape of its leaves. It grows across the hilly regions of India and other parts of Asia, and its root is the part used. In Ayurveda, it is traditionally described as a raktaprasadana and varnya herb, associated with rakta dhatu and maintaining a normal, healthy complexion, as described in texts such as the Charaka Samhita (Gitika et al., 2021).

In classical terms, Manjishtha is generally described as bitter, astringent and slightly sweet in taste (tikta, kashaya, madhura), heavy and dry in quality (guru, ruksha), hot in potency (ushna virya), and pungent after digestion (katu vipaka). It is traditionally said to pacify pitta and kapha (Gitika et al., 2021).

Manjishtha is known by several names across languages.

• Sanskrit: Manjistha, Manjishtha
• Botanical name: Rubia cordifolia
• English: Indian madder
• Hindi: Manjistha, Majith
• Tamil: Manjitti
• Bengali: Manjistha, Manjith
• Gujarati: Manjitha, Majith
• Marathi: Majith
• Punjabi: Manjistha, Manjit
• Ayurvedic names: Vikasa, Raktangi, Aruna, Yojanavalli
• Common names: Common madder, munjeet, madder root

The root of Manjishtha contains several groups of active compounds. The main ones are listed below.

• Anthraquinones, including purpurin, munjistin, alizarin and rubiadin
•  Iridoid compounds
•  Oleanane-type triterpenoids
•  Bicyclic hexapeptides

The anthraquinones give the root its red colour and have been studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, mainly in laboratory research.

Manjishtha has been studied for several biological activities, although much of the available evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies rather than well-designed human clinical trials. Its reported properties include:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Astringent
• Traditionally described as blood-cleansing (raktaprasadana)

These properties help explain the traditional use of Manjishtha in Ayurvedic skin care and formulations described as supporting blood purification. However, evidence from human studies remains limited, so these properties should not be interpreted as proven therapeutic benefits.

Manjishtha is valued mainly for traditional skin care and raktaprasadana use. The points below explain how it is traditionally thought to help. It is a herb, not a proven treatment for any condition.

Traditionally used to support clear, healthy skin

Manjishtha is a traditionally recognised herb used in Ayurvedic skin care. By supporting raktaprasadana and balancing excess Pitta, it is traditionally believed to help with acne, blemishes and uneven skin tone, and to support a clearer complexion when used as part of a wider routine.

Traditionally used as a blood cleanser

As a classical raktaprasadana herb, Manjishtha is traditionally used to support healthy blood and the body's natural processes. This traditional use is associated with its long history in formulations for skin and inflammatory complaints.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

Manjishtha contains anthraquinones and triterpenoids that show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies. These effects have been investigated mainly in preclinical research, while human evidence remains limited.

May help ease joint discomfort

Because of its anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical studies, Manjishtha is traditionally used to help ease joint stiffness and discomfort. It is used for general joint comfort and is not a treatment for arthritis, which needs medical care.

Traditionally used for menstrual comfort

Manjishtha is traditionally used in women’s health to support menstrual comfort. Anyone with menstrual problems should seek medical advice, and it must be avoided in pregnancy.

Support for comfortable digestion

Manjishtha has an astringent quality that is traditionally used to support digestion and manage occasional loose stools. It is traditionally used for occasional loose motions rather than as a treatment for any bowel disease.

Note: These are traditional uses, not proven treatments. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor or qualified Ayurvedic physician.

While the benefits above explain how Manjishtha is thought to help, the uses below show how it is traditionally used in daily practice.

In skin-care preparations

Manjishtha powder is often mixed with honey, rose water or a carrier oil and applied to the skin as a face pack, traditionally as part of a skin-care routine for acne-prone or dull skin.

As an ingredient in classical formulations

Manjishtha is a common ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations traditionally used for skin care and raktaprasadana, such as Manjishthadi Kwath and Manjishthadi Churna, where it is combined with other herbs.

For general detox support

It is traditionally taken in short courses as part of a seasonal cleansing routine, usually under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician.

As a traditional dye and cosmetic

Historically, the red root was used to dye cloth and as a natural colour in cosmetics, which is part of the herb’s long cultural history.

Manjishtha may not be suitable for everyone, particularly in medicinal amounts, so the following precautions are important.

Pregnancy

Avoid Manjishtha in pregnancy. There is insufficient reliable safety information, so medicinal use should be avoided unless specifically advised by a qualified healthcare professional.

Breastfeeding

Avoid Manjishtha while breastfeeding, as there is no reliable safety information for this period.

Bleeding risk and surgery

Manjishtha may affect blood clotting, based on findings from experimental research (Tripathi et al., 1993). Use caution if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, and inform your doctor before any planned surgery.

Diabetes

Preclinical studies have investigated glucose-related effects, but clinically significant reductions in blood glucose in humans remain limited. If you have diabetes or take medicines for it, consult your doctor before use, particularly if taking it regularly or in medicinal amounts.

Kidney disease

If you have kidney disease, consult your doctor before using Manjishtha, as there is limited safety information for people with kidney disease.

Long-term use

Avoid long-term, high-dose use. Some anthraquinones found in madder species have shown genotoxic or carcinogenic effects in laboratory and animal studies, although these findings cannot be directly applied to Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) in humans. The related species Rubia tinctorum has been classified by IARC as not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (IARC, 2002). Long-term medicinal use should therefore be undertaken only under qualified professional guidance.

Manjishtha comes in several forms, for internal and external use. The main ones are below.

Powder

Stir the powder into warm water, honey or herbal tea and take it after food. For the skin, mix the powder with water, yoghurt or a carrier oil to make a paste and apply it to the skin as directed.

Tablets

Swallow the tablets with water after food. Tablets suit people who do not like the taste of the powder.

Capsules

Take the capsules with water. Follow the amount on the label or the advice of your Ayurvedic physician.

Tincture

Add a few drops of the tincture to water or herbal tea, as directed on the label. A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract and is usually taken in small amounts as directed.

Herbs Traditionally Used With Manjishtha

In Ayurvedic practice, Manjishtha is often combined with other cleansing and skin herbs. Some traditional pairings are shown below.

The amounts below are general guides. The right amount depends on the person and the reason for use, so follow your Ayurvedic physician’s advice.

Powder

About 1 to 3 g per day (roughly a quarter to half a teaspoon), taken in divided doses with warm water or honey after meals.

Tablet or capsule

As directed on the product label or by your physician, as the strength can vary between products.

Decoction

About 20 to 50 ml of the prepared decoction, once or twice a day.

Children and older adults

Use lower amounts, and only on the advice of an Ayurvedic physician.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Manjishtha during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Manjishtha may cause side effects in some people, particularly with large doses or prolonged use.

Allergic reactions

Some people may develop a skin rash, itching or hives. If this happens, stop using it and consult a doctor.

Digestive upset

Large doses may cause nausea, loose motions or an upset stomach. Reducing or stopping use may help these symptoms settle.

Reddish colour in urine

The natural red pigment in Manjishtha may give the urine a reddish or orange tint. This can occur with its use, but any unexplained change in urine colour should be discussed with a doctor.

Increased bleeding tendency

Because experimental evidence suggests that Manjishtha may affect blood clotting, it could potentially add to the effect of blood thinners and increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.

Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding

There is no safety information for these periods, so it should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Specific drug interactions with Manjishtha have not been well established in humans. However, laboratory and preclinical studies suggest that some compounds in Rubia cordifolia may affect platelet aggregation and drug-metabolising enzymes, so caution is appropriate with certain medicines (Chen et al., 2022).

Blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines

Manjishtha has shown antiplatelet effects in preclinical studies (Tripathi et al., 1993) and could theoretically increase the effect of medicines that reduce blood clotting. If you take medicines such as warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel, consult your doctor before using Manjishtha regularly.

Diabetes medicines

Manjishtha has been studied for effects on blood sugar, but a clinically significant interaction with diabetes medicines has not been established in humans. If you have diabetes or take medicines to lower blood sugar, consult your doctor before regular medicinal use.

Hormonal medicines

There is not enough human evidence to confirm that Manjishtha affects hormonal medicines or hormonal contraceptives. If you take hormonal treatment, inform your doctor before using Manjishtha regularly.

Medicines processed by the liver

A compound called mollugin, found in Rubia cordifolia, has inhibited the CYP1A2 enzyme in laboratory studies (Kim et al., 2013), suggesting a potential effect on how some medicines are metabolised. However, this has not established a clinically relevant interaction in humans. Consult your doctor if you take medicines with a narrow safety margin or medicines known to be affected by CYP1A2.

Diuretics

A specific interaction between Manjishtha and diuretics has not been established. Because evidence on herb-drug interactions is limited, tell your doctor if you take water tablets and are considering regular medicinal use of Manjishtha.

Storage of Manjishtha

Store Manjishtha in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children. Check the pack for the best-before date and discard it if it smells unusual or changes colour.

• Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) is a classical Ayurvedic herb valued mainly for traditional skin-care and raktaprasadana uses.
• It is taken as a powder, tablet, capsule or decoction, and is also applied to the skin.
• It may affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels, although evidence for clinically significant effects in humans is limited.
• It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and long-term, high-dose use should be avoided unless advised by a qualified professional.
• Use it in short courses and, ideally, under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician.