Introduction:
Manjistha or Manjeeth or Lohitalata or Indian madder is a powerful Indian Ayurvedic herb with historical usage in medicine and skincare. It has found its way as a beauty aid into a few skincare & haircare products. Traditional Chinese & Indian medicine, too, recognized its amazing powers. A herbaceous climber with long, cylindrical roots and red bark. You will find this herb growing in the hilly regions of the subtropical areas of India. Majistha is considered the best blood-purifying agent in Ayurveda.
Interestingly, this herb was also used as a natural dye. The evidence of its use as a colouring agent was seen across the globe in ancient times, including Tutankhamen’s tomb in Egypt. So what is so amazing about Manjishtha that it was, and still is, a trusted ingredient for skincare? What are the magical properties of this powerful ingredient that helped us include it in our frontline skincare indulgence product in Kala Nature?
Referred to as a miracle herb, manjishtha as an ingredient is scientifically tested to have rare properties which help in treatment of acne related skin issues. It’s natural saponin content, help remove impurities from the skin and enhance skin texture and complexion. The herb comes studded with a compound called Alizarin which has antibacterial properties. Topical application of Manjistha combats dry skin, rashes, itchiness and inflammation. It lightens scars and marks and flushes toxins out of the body.
Chemical Constituents of Manjistha
The various chemical constituents present in Manjistha are quinones, iridoids, oleananes triterpenoid, bicyclic hexapeptides & anthraquinones. Some notable anthraquinones are alizarin, purpurin, and rubicordifolin. Apart from various phytochemicals, carbohydrates and amino acids are also present in the roots of Manjistha.
Uses in skincare
Conscious skincare is about awareness, not only in your lifestyle choices but also in the products you buy. As such, manjistha is a natural product, bereft of chemicals. It has a powerful impact on the lymphatic system and is the ideal herb for good skin. Manjistha restores your skin’s natural balance, and nurses your skin back to a radiant glow. Our skincare products combine this powerful anti-ageing agent with other equally effective ingredients to target specific skin issues. As it is packed with antioxidants, manjistha reduces wrinkles and fine lines, giving your skin a youthful bloom. Our Kumkumadi Tailam Serum uses manjistha as a core ingredient to fight blemishes, wrinkles and aid powerful night-time repair.
Manjistha also treats hyper-pigmentation
These are patches of dark skin surrounded by normal and healthy skin. This happens when your skin produces an excess of melanin. Skincare masks with manjistha rejuvenate the skin, keeping it youthful and hydrated.
Powerful Anti-Acne
The anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of Manjistha are beneficial for the skin. Manjistha extract inhibits the acne-causing bacteria and is helpful in managing external inflammations like ulcers and skin conditions. Anthraquinones found in the extract show anti-acne activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Malassezia furfur and Propionibacterium acne.
Studies have shown that Manjistha has powerful anti-inflammatory, antiandrogenic, and antibacterial components that can prevent and treat acne and pimples. Manjistha can be used both internally and externally for the skin. Moreover, Manjistha can be used to keep hair shiny and healthy. It also treats skin allergy.
Eczema & Psoriasis
Manjistha and its oil are the most effective natural remedies when it comes to skin problems & diseases like Eczema. Applying it directly to the affected spots will prevent further infection. Some of the symptoms of Eczema are itchiness, rough skin, inflammation, blisters, and bleeding. Applying Manjistha or its oil on the affected spot will reduce the inflammation and helps to stop bleeding. The antiproliferative activity of Manjistha extract is beneficial for the management of psoriasis. The ethanolic root extract of Manjistha has significant antiproliferative activity.