Rubia cordifolia, often known as Manjistha or Indian Madder, belongs to the family, Rubiaceae. It is a perennial, prickly climber with a stem, growing up to 12 m long. Leaves are highly variable, ovate to lance shaped occurring in whorls of 4-6. Flowers are fragrant, minute, whitish or greenish yellow in color. Fruit is minute, glabrous, 1-2 seeded, dark purplish or blackish when mature.  Roots are perennial, long, cylindrical, and rusty brown in colour. In Ayurveda, the roots of Manjistha are used as anti-inflammatory, haemostatic, antidysenteric, antipyretic, analgesic and anthelmintic. Manjistha is used for treatment of various skin diseases.  The root of this plant is used internally for management of abnormal uterine bleeding or discharges, internal and external haemorrhage, bronchitis, rheumatism, stones in the kidney and gallbladder, dysentery, higher blood pressure etc. 
 
Ayurvedic significance:
	
Rasa (taste): Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura (Bitter, Astringent, Sweet)
	
Veerya (nature): Ushna (Hot)
	
Vipaka (taste developed through digestion): Katu (Pungent)
	
Guna (qualities): Guru, Ruksha (Heavy, Dry)
	
Doshas (effect on humors): Pacifies Kapha & Pitta