Evidence supporting the use of: Rubia cordifolia
For the health condition: Blood Poisoning
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rubia cordifolia, commonly known as Indian madder or Manjistha, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Traditionally, it has been employed to "purify" the blood and treat conditions believed to be caused by "blood impurities," which may sometimes be referenced as "blood poisoning" in older or non-scientific texts. In Ayurveda, Manjistha is considered a potent herb for detoxification, skin health, and promoting healthy blood flow. Practitioners have used it to address chronic skin conditions, ulcers, and infections, which could, in severe cases, be associated with systemic infection or sepsis ("blood poisoning").
However, the scientific evidence supporting its use specifically for treating blood poisoning (systemic bacterial infection or sepsis) is limited. Modern pharmacological studies have identified anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in Rubia cordifolia extracts, but these studies are mostly in vitro or in animal models and do not directly address human sepsis. There are no robust clinical trials validating its efficacy for this life-threatening condition. The traditional use likely stems from its broader application in managing skin infections and supporting wound healing, rather than from any proven ability to treat systemic infection. Therefore, while its use is justified by tradition, it lacks strong scientific support for use in blood poisoning as defined by modern medicine.
Other ingredients used for Blood Poisoning
alpinia galangalAsam gelugor
bael
bai ji
bayberry
bitter grass
black galingale
black seed
Bombax
borassus palm
burdock
Ceanothus integerrimus
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
costus
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
deer root
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fumaria parviflora
Gardenia jasminoides
garlic
Globulins
goldenseal
green chiretta
Hedyotis
hyacinth bean
Hygrophila
Immunoglobulin G
Indian bael
Indian kinotree
Indian sarsparilla
Indian tinospora
Japanese sophora
lemongrass
long pepper
Momordica
Morinda
Mountain mahogany
onion
Onosma bracteatum
punarnava
Pyrrosia
red root
Rubia cordifolia
Rubia yunnanensis
rue
Sanguisorba
Sarcandra glabra
Scabrous Gentian
selenium
sheep's sorrel
siler root
Smartweed
smilax
Streptomyces
Sword Bean
Tamarind
Thaumatococcus daniellii
vitamin C
Water Pepper
Yellow Dock
Zedoary
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Rubia cordifolia
AnemiaArthritis
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cuts
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Eye Infections
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Jaundice (adults)
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Nephritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Skin (infections)
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
