Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Manjistha

An Ayurvedic root (Rubia cordifolia) traditionally used as a blood purifier for skin complaints. The only human trial measured gut bacteria, not skin, and everything else is laboratory work.

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What the science says

Skin conditions Limited evidence
No randomized trial of manjistha for acne, eczema, pigmentation or any other skin condition is indexed in PubMed. The traditional indication has never been formally tested in people.
Gut microbiota Limited evidence
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study found that manjistha and triphala supplementation shifted the composition of the human gut microbiome. It was a small pilot with microbiome composition as the outcome, and no health endpoint was measured.
Laboratory activity Limited evidence
Reviews of the Rubia genus describe anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of anthraquinones such as rubiadin in cell and animal models. None of this has been shown to occur at doses achievable by taking the herb orally.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo clinical dose is established. Traditional and label doses are 500–1,000 mg of root powder or extract once or twice daily.

SafetyRubia species contain anthraquinones, including lucidin, which has shown genotoxic and carcinogenic potential in laboratory tests; a related species, Rubia tinctorum, was withdrawn from the German market for this reason. Long-term use is not advisable without medical supervision. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter.

With food?Take it with food to reduce stomach upset.

Worth knowingDo not take it continuously — the anthraquinone lucidin in Rubia species has shown genotoxicity in the lab, and a related species was pulled from the German market for it. Reddish urine is expected and harmless.

Frequently asked questions

Does manjistha help acne or skin?

No randomised trial has tested manjistha for acne, eczema, pigmentation or any skin condition, so its traditional use as a skin blood purifier is untested and the evidence is limited.

What does manjistha do in the body?

The only human trial of manjistha, a small pilot combined with triphala, found it shifted gut microbiome composition but measured no health outcome. Manjistha's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have only been seen in cell and animal studies.

Is manjistha safe?

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) contains anthraquinones such as lucidin, which has shown genotoxic potential in lab tests, and a related species was withdrawn from the German market for this reason. Do not take manjistha continuously, and avoid it in pregnancy, breastfeeding and children.

How much manjistha should I take?

Manjistha has no established clinical dose; traditional and label doses are 500–1,000 mg of root powder or extract once or twice daily. Reddish urine while taking manjistha is expected and harmless.

Scientific references

Modulatory Effects of Triphala and Manjistha Dietary Supplementation on Human Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Peterson CT, Pourang A, Dhaliwal S — J Altern Complement Med, 2020
A comprehensive review of Rubia medicinal plants: Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities
Zhang M, Zhang J, Feng F — Ann Pharm Fr, 2026

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