Radix Rubiae
India Madder Root

Source:
The root of Rubia cordifolia L. (Fam. Rubiaceae).

Distribution:
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Shaanxi, Shanxi and Henan; also in Hong Kong.

Harvest & Processing:
Dig out roots in autumn; those collected from mid-August to mid-September are of better quality. Remove shoots and soil; dry roots under the sun. Commonly used in Hong Kong in the form of length-wise cut slices.

Description:
Cylindrical, often curved or twisted; varying in thickness, 10-25cm long, 0.2-1 cm in diameter. Outer surface reddish-brown or brown, marked with fine longitudinal wrinkles and sparse rootlet scars; cortex falls off easily, exposing yellowish-red xylem. Brittle, breaks easily. When broken, surface even; cortex narrow and purplish-red; xylem broad, light yellowish-red, with numerous vessel pores. Odour: faint; taste: slightly bitter.

Indications:
1. Bleeding such as haemoptysis, epistaxis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding
2. Amenorrhoea
3. Arthralgia, post traumatic swelling and pain

Chemical Composition:
Mainly contains anthraquinones such as alizarin and xanthopurpurin.