Manjishtha
Manjistha (Latin: Rubia cordifolia, English: Indian Madder) is a perennial climbing plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae. In Ayurveda, it is renowned as one of the most potent blood-purifying (Raktashodhaka) and complexion-enhancing (Varnya) herbs, extensively cited across classical Ayurvedic scriptures.[1]
Botanical & Vernacular Names
- Latin Name: Rubia cordifolia
- Family: Rubiaceae
- English Name: Indian Madder
- Sanskrit / Classical Name: Manjistha
Synonyms in Classical Texts
- Synonyms in Charaka Samhita:
- Samanga
- Synonyms in Bhavaprakash Nighantu:[2]
- Vikasa – Spreads over the ground.
- Jingi
- Kalameshika – When completely dried, the root turns black in colour.
- Mandukaparni
- Bhandiri / Bhandi – Spreads extensively on the land.
- Yojanavalli – A long climber that spreads over large distances on the ground.
- Rasayani – Possessing rejuvenating properties.
- Aruna / Kaala
- Raktanga – Fresh root and stem are red in colour.
- Raktayastika – Stem is slender and red in colour.
- Bhanditaki
- Gandiri
- Manjusha
- Vastraranjini – Imparts red colour to cloth, hence traditionally used as a dyeing agent.
Varieties
According to Raja Nighantu, four major varieties of Manjistha are described:[3]
- Cola
- Yojani
- Crounchi
- Simhali
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, the properties (Rasa Panchaka) of Manjistha are summarized below:[1]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Hot (Ushna) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Pungent (Katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Heavy (Guru) |
| 5 | Actions (Karma) | Krumighna (anthelmintic / antimicrobial), Kaphapitta Shamaka (pacifies Kapha and Pitta), Svarya (improves voice), Vrushya (aphrodisiac), Sothaghna (anti-inflammatory / anti-edema), Kushthaghna (cures skin disorders), Pramehaghna (anti-diabetic), Stambhana (astringent / styptic), Artavajanana (emmenagogue / regulates menstruation), Rasayana (rejuvenative), Sonitasthapana (hemostatic / blood restorer) |
References in Charaka Samhita
Manjistha is mentioned across numerous contexts and formulations in the Charaka Samhita:
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charaka Samhita | Activity / Indication / Formulation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9/8 | Complexion-promoting group (Varnya Mahakashaya) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9/16 | Anti-toxic / antidote group (Vishaghna Mahakashaya) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9/39 | Antipyretic / fever-relieving group (Jwarahara Mahakashaya) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Nidana Sthana 4/33 | Describing the colour and characteristics of urine (Mutra) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/144 | Astringent drug group (Kashaya-skandha) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/32 | Treatment of striae gravidarum / pregnancy stretch marks (Kikkisa) |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/258 | Ingredient of Chandanadhya Taila |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/39 | Medicated oil for the treatment of Prameha (diabetes and urinary disorders) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/65 | Ingredient of Mustadi Churna |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/100 | Ingredient of decoction drug (Kwatha Dravya) for Kushtha (skin disorders) |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/120 | Ingredient of Vipadikahara Ghrita and Taila (for cracked heels / dermatoses) |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/83 | External application (Lepa) |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/36 | Ingredient of Kalyanaka Ghrita |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/70 | External application in Vata-Kapha dominant insanity / psychosis (Unmada) |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/44 | Ingredient of Shvadamshtradi Ghrita |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/68 | External application in Pitta-dominant swelling (Shotha) |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/159 | Ingredient of Kanakarishta |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/147 | Ingredient of Madhukasava |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/158 | Ingredient of Moolasava |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/105 | Ingredient of Gauda Arishta |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/145 | Ingredient of Manahshiladi Ghrita |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/76 | External application (Lepa) |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/50 | Ingredient of formulation used in the 6th stage of poisoning management |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/79 | Ingredient of Mahagandhahastinama Agada |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/185 | Management of toxic effects localized in the colon region |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/196 | Treatment of Mandali (viperine) snake bites |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/114 | External application for wound care (Vrana) |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/208 | Ingredient of Khadiradi Gutika |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/234 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of eye disorders (Akshi Roga) |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/238 | Formulation drug used in the treatment of eye disorders (Akshi Roga) |
| 31 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/270 | Formulation drug used in the management of premature greying (Palitya) and alopecia (Khalitya) |
| 32 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/150 | Ingredient of Baladi Taila |
| 33 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/162 | Ingredient of Amritadi Taila |
| 34 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/94 | Ingredient of Madhuparnyadi Taila |
| 35 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/107 | Ingredient of Amritadya Taila |
| 36 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/113 | Ingredient of Mahapadma Taila |
| 37 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/114 | Ingredient of Khuddaka Padmaka Taila |
| 38 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/123 | Ingredient of Pinda Taila |
| 39 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/134 | Medicated formulation drug in Vatarakta |
| 40 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/275 | Management of disorders caused by vitiated breast milk (Stanya Dosha) |
| 41 | Cha.Sa.Siddhi Sthana 3/48 | Ingredient of medicated enema formulation (Basti Dravya) |
| 42 | Cha.Sa.Siddhi Sthana 10/21 | Ingredient of Pitta-pacifying enema (Pitta Dosha Nashaka Basti) |
| 43 | Cha.Sa.Siddhi Sthana 10/43 | Basti formulation in bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) and diabetes/polyuria (Prameha) |
Therapeutic Uses
Manjistha is indicated in classical Ayurvedic literature for the management of the following conditions:[1]
- Yoni Roga (Gynecological and vaginal diseases)
- Akshi Roga (Eye diseases)
- Shleshmaja Shotha (Kapha-dominant swelling / edema)
- Karna Roga (Ear disorders)
- Manjistha Meha (Urinary condition with reddish urine)
- Raktatisara (Bloody diarrhea / dysentery)
- Kushtha (Obstinate skin disorders / psoriasis / eczema)
- Visarpa (Erysipelas / herpes)
- Prameha (Urinary disorders / diabetes mellitus)
- Sarpavisha (Snake venom poisoning)
- Bhagna (Fractures / bone healing)
- Arsha (Hemorrhoids / piles)
- Vyanga (Hyperpigmentation / facial melasma)
Dosage & Administration
- Powder (Churna): 2 – 4 g of the drug.[1]
Important Formulations
- Aravindasava
- Ashvagandharishta
- Usirasava
- Chandanasava
- Brihat Manjisthadi Kwatha
- Manjisthadi Taila
- Khadiradi Gutika
Habitat & Availability
- Status: Available
Current Research
- Phytochemical profile & research database: IMPPAT Phytochemical Profile: Rubia cordifolia
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 3: 52.
- ↑ Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Haritakyadi varga, verse no. 189–190.
- ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narhari. Edition 2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Pippalyadi varga, verse no. 195.