Morphological information

A herb scrambling over bushes by means of its scabrid or minutely aculeate stems, petioles and whorled leaves. Leaves 2-4 inches long, ovate-cordate, acuminate or in some forms. Usually ovate lanceolate with rounded or cordate base with 5-7 principal nerves arbed above, hairy beneath. Petiole 1-3 in aculeate with small hooked prickles. Flowers yellowish white 7 in diameters umbellate on the didynamous. Fruit globose fleshy 12-17 in diameter. The plant is very variable and only the Iocal form is described above.

Flowering                         : June-October

Fruiting                             : October-March

History                             :

Parts                                : Fruits and root.

Status                               : Vulnerable

Phytochemistry

 The roots are reported to contain alizarin and its glucoside [1], 1-hydroxy-2methylanthraquinone, nor-damnacanthal, physcion, '1,4-dihydroxy- 6-methylanthraquinone [2], 1,4 dihydrfbxy- 2 ethy;anthraquinone,1,5 dihydroxy- 2- methylanthraquinone, 3-prenyl-5-methoxyanthraquinone, 1,4 dihyrdroxy-2-methyl-5methoxy-anthraquinone or 4- dihydroxy- 2methyl 8- methoxyanthraqui none, 1, 3 di-methoxy- 2-arboxyanthraquinone [4],  1-hydroxy- 2-methyl- 9, 10-anthraquinone, 1,3 dihyroxy-2 ethoxymethyl- 9,10-anthraquinone, luddin, primevoside, ruberythric acid, 2-methyl-1, 3,6 trihdroxy- 9, 10 anthraquinone, 2-methyl-1.3, 6-  trihydroxy- 9, 10 anthraquinone- 3- 0- (6'-O-acetyl)-α-rhamnosyl (1→2)-β-D-glucoside and 2-methyl- 1,3, 6- trihydroxy- 9, 10-anthraquinone  -3- 0- a-rhamnosy  (1-Q)-D-Dglucoside[5].The whole plant yielded two pentacyclic triterpene named rubicournaric add and rubifolic add which have been identified as 30-hdydroxy-3-β- p- hydroxycoumaryioxy-urs- 2-en- 28oic add and 3β, 30-dihydroxy-urs-20-en 28 oic add, respectively [6]

 

Medicinal

The plant is used in rheumatism, pleurisy and other chest complaints. The root is used as an astringent and tonic, it is also given in urinary troubles. Also useful in eyesores, liver complaints, spleen enlargements, internally to treat menorrhagia and other menstrual complaints. Root decoction is used in paralysis and jaundice. A decoction of leaves and stem is used as vermifuge, crushed leaves are applied for ulcers.

Ayurvedic

It is an ingredient of ayurvedic "Manjisthadi Kwatha" and "Manjisthadi Arka" "'Manjisthadya Ghrita prepared by boiling decoction of Rubia Cordifolia, Pterocarpus santalinus etc with ghee (Clarified butter) is applied externally in ulcers, inflammation and minor skin abrasions. It is also an ingredient of Majun Supad Pak used by females as an aphrodisiac in sluggish uterine muscular action and Leucorrhoea.

Unani

 It forms an important ingredient for the preparation of Hawai+ Ghaikwar.

Traditional

The root extract of 100-150 ml is orally administered in case of irregular menstruation, during child delivery and blood disorders. The paste is applied on wounds and cuts(Project report 2000). Root decoction is used in paralysis and jaundice. A decoction of leaves and stem is used as vermifuge, crushed leaves are applied for ulcers (C.S.).

 

---