rheumatism. (Roots, leaves and seeds of R. corthfolia, R. tinctorum and allied species are used in amenorrhoea, liver diseases, gall and spleen complaints.) (Mutagenic and carcinogenic aspects of the drug are under investigation.)
It is reported that after oral administration of the root decoction, the urine and bones of the patient show a red tinge.
The roots are rich in anthraquinones and their glycosides (around 20), the
560 Rubia tinctorum Linn.
important ones include purpurin (tnhydroxy anthraquinone), munjistin (xanthopurpurin-2-carboxylic acid); besides xanthopurpurin, peudopurpurin (purpunin-3-carboxylic acid), free alizanin as well as its glucoside.
Whole plant yielded pentacylic tnterpenic acids—rubicoumaric and rubifolic acids.
Antitumour cyclic hexapeptides have been isolated from the root (while lucidin is thought to be carcinogenic).
The root extracts of R. sikkimensis Kurz, known as Naaga-Madder (Nepal eastwards to Assam, Nagaland and Manipur); are very similar to those of R. cord folia.
Dosage Stem—2—4 g. (API, Vol. III.)
Rubia tinctorum Linn.
Family Rubiaceae.
R) Habitat Native to Southern Europe and parts of Asia; also found in
Kashmir.
English Alizari, European Madder.
Action Root—used for menstrual and urinary disorders and liver
diseases.
The root contains anthraquinone and their glycosides, including alizarin, purpurin, purpuroxanthin, pseudop - urpurin, rubiadin, ruberythric acid and lucidin primeveroside. There are indications that lucidin is carcinogenic. All parts of the plant contained an indoid, asperuloside.
Rubus ellipticus Sm.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Punjab to Assam, extending southwards into the Western Ghats and Deccan.
English Gach Strawberry.
Folk Hinsaalu, Anchhu. Gouri-phal (Kashmir), Tolu, Aselu (Nepal).
