Dyer's madder
Rubia tinctorum
Rubia tinctorum, commonly known as madder, is a traditional plant used primarily for dyeing and textile applications. It has been utilized in various cultures for its natural pigments but no specific traditional medicinal uses have been recorded. Scientific studies indicate diverse pharmacological activities from Rubia plants, though the evidence for Rubia tinctorum specifically is limited. A study noted that chronic use of Rubia tinctorum might induce tumors in mice, suggesting potential toxicity concerns. Another study found that combining Rubia tinctorum with Ascophyllum nodosum, Salix aegyptiaca, and gum arabic improved salt tolerance, while optimizing wool dyeing processes using the plant’s extracts showed good color fastness and UV protection. The fruits of Rubia tinctorum contain varying concentrations of phenolic acids and flavonoids with antioxidant activities. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- This review highlights diverse pharmacological activities from Rubia plants but notes that chronic use of Rubia tinctorum may induce tumors in mice.
- The study found that a synergistic application of Ascophyllum nodosum, Salix aegyptiaca, and gum arabic improved salt tolerance in Rubia tinctorum.
- This study optimised a single-bath ultrasound-assisted wool dyeing process using Rubia tinctorum and Reseda lutea extracts, showing good colour fastness and UV protection.
- The study found diverse concentrations of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the fruits analyzed, with varying antioxidant activities.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dyer's madder?
Dyer's madder (Rubia tinctorum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Dyer's madder?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Dyer's madder; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: This review highlights diverse pharmacological activities from Rubia plants but notes that chronic use of Rubia tinctorum may induce tumors in mice.
How strong is the evidence for Dyer's madder?
The strongest finding for Dyer's madder carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Dyer's madder safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Dyer's madder in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Dyer's madder interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Dyer's madder in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Dyer's madder?
Dyer's madder is also known as: Марена красильная, Garance des teinturiers.
Is Dyer's madder a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Evaluation of Nutraceutical Properties of Fruits Derived from Some Wild-Growing Plant Species (Sambucus nigra L., Rubia tinctorum L., Phytolacca americana L. and Sambucus ebulus L.). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Synergistic ultrasonic dyeing of wool: optimisation of a single-bath process with Rubia and Reseda extracts for eco-friendly textiles. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Synergistic application of Ascophyllum nodosum, Salix aegyptiaca, and gum arabic improves salt tolerance in Rubia tinctorum. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A comprehensive review of Rubia medicinal plants: Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities. literature abstract metadata