Manjatti is an important medicinal plant classified under the group of Kushtaghna (anti–skin disease) drugs and is considered a boon for those who desire beauty and good health. It is useful for improving complexion and for blood purification. Manjistha is a powerful Ayurvedic herb known for blood purification and skin healing. It helps reduce acne, pigmentation, blemishes, and inflammation while improving skin tone and natural glow. Its antioxidant and antibacterial properties support clear, healthy, and youthful skin. In Ayurveda, Manjatti is known by the names Manjishta, Rakthangi, and Samanga. Its scientific name is Rubia cordifolia, and it belongs to the Rubiaceae plant family. The roots and stems of Manjatti are the medicinally useful parts. A red dye is traditionally prepared from its red-colored roots and stems. Its chemical constituents include anthraquinones, flavonoids, glycosides, and saponins. It also contains a coloring substance called purpurin. Manjatti is a major ingredient in Ayurvedic cosmetic products. It contains components that help remove dark pigmentation and blemishes. It is useful in increasing body strength and in treating diseases such as bleeding disorders (Raktapitta), diabetes, herpes (Visarpa), and urinary stones. Applying Manjatti paste is beneficial in cases of poisonous insect or animal bites. It is also effective in uterine disorders. In skin diseases, physicians prescribe it both for external application and internal consumption. Some Ayurvedic formulations containing Manjatti include: • Manjishtadi Kashayam • Manjishtadi Tailam • Kalyanaka Ghritam • Dhanvantara Tailam • Kumkumadi Tailam • Mahanarayana Tailam Manjatti is a climbing plant with spreading creepers and slender stems. It bears yellow flowers. It grows well in hilly regions and on mountain slopes. It thrives mainly in fertile loamy soil. Since it grows in high-rainfall areas, it requires support for climbing. Seeds and two-node root cuttings are used as planting materials. For large-scale cultivation, seeds are more suitable. Seeds can be collected in December and January and raised in a nursery. Seeds collected from ripe and dried fruits are sown in nursery beds and covered with a thin layer of soil mixed with organic manure. Regular watering is required. After germination, seedlings with two or three leaves are transferred to polybags for further growth. When seeds are sown, about 80–85% germination occurs within 20 days. Rooted seedlings are transplanted to the main field during April and May at a spacing of 60 cm × 75 cm. Since it is a climber, it can be grown as an intercrop along with support plants. After transplanting, farmyard manure and nitrogen fertilizer should be applied as top dressing after 120–130 days. Irrigation should be given as required. The plant begins flowering after one year. It matures during October and November. After collecting seeds for the next crop, the roots are harvested. Thick roots are cut into small pieces and dried in shade. The dried root pieces are packed in sacks and marketed. The market price ranges from ₹225 to ₹250 per kilogram. The demand for dried Manjatti, its powders, and extracts is increasing in both the medicinal and cosmetic markets.
