RUBIA CORDIFOLIA LINN: A TRADITIONAL HERB WITH VERSATILE PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL

Dr. Nasreen Aklaque* and Prof. Wajeeha Begum

ABSTRACT

Herbs & its formulations have a long history of use in the treatment of human diseases and its 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. Rubia cordifolia Linn. (family Rubiaceae), commonly known as ‘Indian Madder’ or Majeeth, has been used for a long time in both the Indian and Chinese systems of medicine for treatment of various kinds of diseases. Its root contains a variety of chemical constituents which are medicinally important. Roots are traditionally used as anti-inflammatory, astringent, tonic, antiseptic, deobstruent, emmenogogue and blood purifier. For the last few decades or so, extensive research work has been done to prove its biological activities and the pharmacology of its extracts. The aim of this review is to create a database for further investigations of the discovered phytochemical and pharmacological properties of this plant to promote research. This will help in confirmation of its traditional use along with its value-added utility, eventually leading to higher revenues from the plant.

Keywords: Indian Madder, Majeeth, Rubia cordifolia Linn. & Rubiaceae.