Manjishtha is a single-herb formulation prepared from the root extract of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia). Manjishtha decreases melanin production and its deposition in the skin by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, which leads to hyperpigmentation. Manjishtha shows significant anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines. Rubiacordone A (1) and anthraquinone (2), key constituents of Manjishtha, are found to have antimicrobial effects.
Pharmacological Actions
1. Hyperpigmentation
Melanin is synthesized by the enzyme tyrosinase. Pigmentation disorders arise as a result of increased production of melanin by melanocytes and/or elevated transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. By inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, melanin production and its deposition in the skin can be decreased. The tyrosinase enzyme is viewed as an important target for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders. Manjishtha inhibits the tyrosine enzyme.
2. Antimicrobial activity
Manjishtha has been shown to possess strong antibacterial and antifungal activities. Compounds such as rubiacordone A (1) and anthraquinone (2) of Manjishtha were found to have an antimicrobial effect against gram-positive bacteria, namely Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus.
3. Anti-inflammatory activity
Manjishtha shows significant anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines. Anthraquinone, a phenolic compound obtained from Manjishtha, exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity.
4. Antioxidant activity
Rubidianin, an anthraquinone isolated from the extract of Manjishtha, has been demonstrated to prevent lipid peroxidation induced by ferrous sulfate and t-butylhydroperoxide. Thus, Manjishtha possesses significant antioxidant activity.
Indications
- Melasma
- Age spots
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