RUBIA CORDIFOLIA – A REVIEW ON PHARMACONOSY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY

Herbs & its formulations have a long history of use in the treatment of human diseases. Herbal extracts have long been regarded as a source of new and useful pharmaceuticals. According to Cragg’s investigation, approximately 62 % of commercially available drugs have natural product origins. Manjistha, or Rubia Cordifolia to give it its scientific name, is a branched climber with small, greenish white flowers that are arranged in a cluster of round, fleshy, purple fruits. Its roots have a brownish red bark from which a red dye is obtained. This plant grows well in hilly districts, and the root has medicinal values. Manjistha is considered to be one of the most valuable herbs in Ayurveda, the world’s oldest health care system that originated in India. The ancient physician and sage, Charaka has categorized the herb as varnya or that which improves the complexion, jvarahara, or that which reduces fever, and visaghna or that which detoxifies. It is also a well known rasayana – a rejuvenative. Another great sage, Sushruta has mentioned Manjistha as pittasamsamana or that which pacifies the pitta doshas. Acccording to Ayurveda, it is only when the three life energies or doshas, that make up every individual’s constitution, are perfectly balanced can a person enjoy good health. These doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and any imbalance results in ill health. It is imbalances of the Pitta dosha that can be effectively countered by Manjistha.This review is a attempt to unite available information regarding its phytochemistry, traditional uses and biological activities.