Rubia cordifolia Linn. 559
Folk Kal-vidhaaraa, Vaakeri (Maharashtra), Vardaar.
Action Roots and twigs—bitter tonic; prescribed in rheumatism, pulmonary complaints, scurvy, diabetes; externally for ulcers and skin diseases. Wood—a decoction is administered after parturition and as a febrifuge. Wood, roots and fruits—poisonous.
The plant is credited with antiseptic and antitubercular properties.
The roots contain beta-D-glucoside of beta- sitosterol, hentriacontane and meso-inositol.
Roylea cinerea (D. Don) Bafflon.
Synonym R. elegans Wall. exBenth.
R. calycina (Roxb.) Briq.
Family Lam iaceae.
Habitat Himalaya from Kashmir to Nepal, at 1,200—3,700 m.
Folk Patkarru; Titpaati, Karanoi, Karui (Kumaon); Kaur, Kauri (Punjab).
Action Leaves a decoction is used as a bitter tonic and febrifuge; also as a tonic in contusions. The leaves contain betulin, beta-sitosterol, beta-amyrin, stigmasterol, cetyl alcohol, glucose, fructose, arabinose and palmitic, stearic, oleic, gallic, oxalic and tartaric acids. The leaves and stems contain the diterpenes, calyenone, precalyone and calyone, and a triterpene, moronic acid. Precalyone exhibited antitumour activity against P-388 lymphocytic leukaemia.
Aerial parts exhibited spasmolytic and CNS-depressant activity.
Rubia cordifolia Linn.
Synonym R. munjesta Roxb.
Family Rubiaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, ascending to an altitude of 3,700 m.
English Indian Madder, Bengal Madder.
Ayurvedic Manjishthaa, Vikasaa, Samangaa, Yoj anavalli, Kaalameshika, Raktaangi, Raktayashtikaa, Arunaa, Gandira, Jingi.
Unani Manjeeth.
Siddha/Tamil Manjitti.
Action Roots and dried stem— blood purifier, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, deobstruent, antidysenteric, antiseptic, alterative.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of the dried stem in blood, skin and urinogenital disorders; dysentery; piles, ulcers, inflammations; erysipelas, skin diseases and
