BIOPIRACY Imitations Not Innovations - Biopirateria

Biopiracy: Imitations Not Innovations 57
20. RUBIA CORDIFOLIA
Other names: ‘Manjistha’ in Sanskrit, ‘Manjistha’
in Bengali, ‘Manjestha’ in Marathi, ‘Taamaravalli’
‘Chiranji’ in Telugu, ‘Shevelli’ and ‘Manjitti’ in
Tamil, ‘Siomalate’ ‘Siragatti’ in Kannada, ‘Poont’ and
‘Majetti’ in Malayalam, ‘Barheipani’ and ‘Manjistha’
in Oriya.
Description of the plant and location: The plant
is a climber with a long jointed stem and leaves that
look like frogs. It is seen in the evergreen forests of
peninsular India. Its presence is also reported from
Greece, Africa and other Asiatic countries like China, Japan, Afghanistan, Vietnam
and Malasiya.
Part/s used: Roots.
Action and indigenous use of the plant: It is alterative, antiseptic, astringent,
bitter, pigment stimulator. It is used in the diseases of the blood, dysentary, ear
and eye diseases, ulcers, inflammations and swellings, poison cases, leprosy and
other skin diseases, and urinogenital disorders. It clears the voice, improves the
complexion, and cures hepatic obstruction, indigestion, jaundice and paralytic
affections. The root paste is used in the treatment of freckles, external
inflammmations, ulcers and discolouration of the skin.
Modern use in the patent: The USPTO has granted over 100 patents
related to the plant, which include:
US Patent H2, 013: Skin care compositions.
US Patent 6,333,356: Compounds for treating skin conditions.
US Patent 6,284,802: Methods for regulating the condition of mammalian
keratinous tissue.
US Patent 6,264,926: Formulation useful as a natural herbal tooth powder.
US Patent 6,258,344: Skin lightening compositions.
US Patent 6,242,491: Use of creatine or creatine compounds for skin
preservation.