Botanical name:- Rubia cordifolia
Family:-Rubiaceae
Common names:- Common madder, Indian maddar
Sanskrit name:- Manjishtha (very bright or bright red)
Chemical constituents:-
The roots contain quinones like glycosides including rubiadin, 1-hydroxy, 2-methoxy anthraquinone, 3-dimethoxy 2 carboxy anthraquinone, rubiprasin A, B, C, ruiearbonls, arborane triterpenoids, mangistin, alizarin, garancin, mollugin, furomollugin.
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Manjishtha uses:-
Respiratory system:-
Blessed with powerful anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anti-asthmatic properties, Manjishtha is considered to be a well-known traditional remedy for all sorts of respiratory troubles. It is pivotal in treating the common cold, sore throat, cough and flu symptoms.
It also actively thins and loosens rheum particles within the chest and nasal cavities and hence eases breathing and helps the body to get rid of the mucus. It is also beneficial for treating asthma and other bronchial conditions.
Cardiovascular system:-
Rubia cordifolia’s role in supporting heart health is evidenced by traditional and reported activities which show that it act as a potent blood purifier, antioxidant, diuretic, calcium channel blocker, antiplatelet, anti-diabetic,, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, immune-modulator, etc. Rubia cordifolia known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potent blood purifier activities can play an important role to detoxify ischemia-induced free radical generation.
Diuretic activity of Rubia cordifolia could be an alternative therapy in the management of congestive heart failure (CHF) for rapid mobilization of edema fluid.
Anti-stress, diuretic and vasodilating properties of Manjistha can play an important role in the management of hypertension.
Rubia cordifolia inhibits platelet aggregation induced by PAF (Platelet Activating Factor) potentiates its therapeutic role in coronary artery disease.
Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Manjistha direct its medicinal role in diabetic cardiomyopathy and diabetic macrovascular disease.
Manjishtha for skin:-
Manjishtha is one of the most useful herbs to manage all types of skin disorders, an imbalance of doshas vitiates the blood and impairs its normal functioning. Owing to its blood purifying properties which help in removing toxins from the blood, it helps in treating a host of skin infections as well.
It not only helps in shielding the skin from oxidative radical damage due to the harmful UV rays but also reduces the risks of the various sign of aging like wrinkles, blemishes, spots, fine lines and dark circles.
Manjishtha for diarrhea:-
The potent anti-bacterial and anti-diarrhoeal properties of manjishtha are extensively used for removing bacteria from the intestines that cause diarrhea and other intestinal infections.
Aids in weight loss:-
The abundance of flavonoids and bioactive components in manjishtha root helps the body shed excess weight. Enriched with fiber and essential nutrients, formulations containing manjishtha help satiate sudden hunger pangs and prevents overeating and hence can play a pivotal role in one’s weight loss regimen.
This herb also reduces the accumulation of LDL in the body, thereby improving metabolism and facilitating the body’s maintaining a proper weight.
