Family Name: Rubiaceae
Botanical Name(s): Rubia Tinctoria
Popular Name(s): Indian Madder, Manjishtha, Manjit Gandari, Manchatti, Manjishta.
Parts Used: Root and Fruit
Habitat: This is a climbing plant found in the Himalayas and hill stations in India
Description: A very variable, prickly creeper or climber. The leaves are very variable. The flowers are small, white or greenish or in shades of red and yellow, sweet-scented in terminal panicles of cymes; the fruits, globose or slightly 2-lobed, dark-purplish or black, fleshy with 2 small seeds.
Uses: This herb is also used to cleanse and regulate liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The fruit is useful in hepatic obstructions. Root paste removes freckles, and discoloration of the skin. It helps in blood circulation and purification, cancer and diarrhea.