The Scope of Manjistha in Varnya Mahakashaya: A Cosmeceutical Approach to Skin Health and Aesthetic Well Being: A Review Article

Medicinal plants are essential to maintaining a healthy, disease-free human life. The food and lifestyle of the common person have changed drastically in recent years which leads to various diseases formation in human body. According to Ayurveda, a person can only be in excellent health when their three life energies or doshas which make up each person's constitution are properly balanced. Since the early age, human life has a great impact on the external appearance of an individual and skin is the basic element of the external appearance. Beauty is generally dependent on the type and texture of the skin one has. The concept of using herbs for beautification is well defined in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, the skin colour is called Varna and it has a variety of physiological and pathological effects. Varnya on the other hand is a classical term for restoring and maintaining the natural texture and tone of the skin. To maintain the Varna of the skin Acharya Charaka had mentioned a group of ten drugs (Shweta Chandan, Padmak, Nagkesar, Ushir, Manjistha, Sariva, Shweta Durva, Harita Durva, Yashtimadhu, Kshirvidari) called the Varnya Mahakashaya. According to Acharya Charaka the dravyas of Varnya Mahakashaya are tikta madhura rasatmaka, rakta prasadak and kaphapitta shamak. The mechanism of action of the herbs mentioned in Varnya Mahakashaya is maintaining skin colour i.e Varna Vruddhi of twak or rupa prasadan. These drugs are used either internally or externally or in combination in a variety of ways. The pharmacological properties of these herbs show a complexion promoting effect and has the potential to preserve and restore the lost beauty of many people around the world without side effects. Amongst these 10 mentioned drugs Manjistha, Shweta Chandan and Sariva are most widely used drugs. Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia Linn.) commonly known as Indian Madder. The herb has been classified by the Acharya Charaka in Varnya Mahakashaya (for the enhancement of skin complexion), Jwarahara Mahakashaya(anti-pyretic), and Vishaghna Mahakashaya(a detoxifier). Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Manjishtha as Pittasamshamana. Manjistha also stimulates collagen production, promoting skin regeneration and overall skin health. Beyond its dermatological uses, Manjistha plays a significant role in treating free radical-related diseases such as arthritis and cancer, as it exhibits strong antioxidant, of anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory activities. Its roots are a known source anthraquinones, providing further therapeutic benefits such as hepatoprotective and anticancer effects. The phytochemical constituents like anthraquinones, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins etc. were found as a major constituent in this plant. The amazing benefits of Rubia cordifolia to treat a number of diseases, such as acne, enterocolitis, cancer, diabetes, bacterial infection, Alzheimer's, inflammation are described in the literature. The information on synonyms, microscopic and macroscopic, applications, pharmacological activities, and the chemical constituents of Manjishtha is presented in this article.