Madder
Rubia iberica
Other names: Madder
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: (General knowledge) Rubia contains anthraquinones (e.g. alizarin/lucidin); lucidin is genotoxic in vitro, so internal use is discouraged in modern herbalism. Topical use here.
Contraindications: (General knowledge) avoid internal use in pregnancy; once-used kidney-stone preparations now cautioned against due to genotoxicity concerns.
Interactions: Not characterized.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: (General knowledge) avoid internal use.
Evidence level
Reported in folk medicine sources; not clinically validated. Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.
Preparations
topical application · stem sap
Part used: stem sap
Traditional use: stem sap mixed with honey and water, brushed onto the lesion with a goose feather — for satk'bura (childhood pustular skin disease)(Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.)
Proposed mechanism: Rubia contains anthraquinones (alizarin/lucidin); lucidin genotoxic in vitro (internal use discouraged)
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
n/a
Healing traditions
Sources (1)
- Nebieridze, Masalebi 2020, N1