Madder

Related Terms

Alizarin Fluorine Blue, alizarin red, alizarin red S (ARS), alizarin S, alizarin sulfonic acid, alizarin yellow GG, alizarine, anthraquine, dyer's madder, faberrote, garance, Krapp, madder, madder plant, robbia, rubia, Rubia tintorum, Rubia tinctorum L., Rubia tinctorum radix.

Background

Alizarin has been used as a staining agent for centuries. Originally alizarin vegetable dye was prepared from the madder plant Rubia tinctorum, but now a synthetic preparation is used that is chemically identical. Madder has been regarded as a mild diuretic.
The Ministry of Health of Russian Federation has approved alizarin as an antiviral preparation for acute and relapsing forms of herpes simplex infection of extragential and genital areas, herpetiform Kaposi's eczema, viral diseases of the oral cavity, herpes zoster and chicken pox in both children and adults.
Currently, there are no well-established therapeutic uses of alizarin. Precautions should be taken while handling this dye due to the lack of safety data.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


The limited available evidence suggests that alizarin may improve various herpes infections. Additional study is needed before a firm conclusion may be made.

 C


The limited available evidence suggests that alizarin may improve various herpes infections. Additional study is needed before a firm conclusion may be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no dose that is proven safe or effective in adults. Madder bark has been prepared by using one teaspoon boiled in a covered container with 3 cups of water for 30 minutes. The liquid is cooled slowly in the closed container and taken cold, 1 to 2 cups per day. For herpes simplex lesions, a 0.2-0.5% ointment has been applied on the skin.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Parts of the chemical structure of alizarin are similar to those in the tetracycline molecule. Therefore, there is a possibility of an additive interaction between alizarin and tetracyclines, such as demeclocycline.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Bardin T, Bucki B, Lansaman J, et al. [Alizarin red staining of articular fluids. Comparison of the results with electron microscopy and clinical data]. Rev.Rhum.Mal Osteoartic. 1987;54(2):149-154.
Blomeke B, Poginsky B, Schmutte C, et al. Formation of genotoxic metabolites from anthraquinone glycosides, present in Rubia tinctorum L. Mutat.Res 1992;265(2):263-272.
Brinkworth RI, Fairlie DP. Hydroxyquinones are competitive non-peptide inhibitors of HIV-1 proteinase. Biochim.Biophys.Acta 11-15-1995;1253(1):5-8.
de Ferreyra EC, Villarruel MC, Bernacchi AS, et al. Prevention of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver necrosis by the chelator alizarin sodium sulfonate. Exp Mol.Pathol. 1992;56(3):197-207.
Derksen GC, Lelyveld GP, van Beek TA, et al. Two validated HPLC methods for the quantification of alizarin and other anthraquinones in Rubia tinctorum cultivars. Phytochem.Anal. 2004;15(6):397-406.
Elbadawi A, Musto LA, Lilien OM. Combined alizarin red-reticulum stain for tissue localization of calcium deposits. Am J Clin.Pathol. 1981;75(3):355-356.
Kawasaki Y, Goda Y, Yoshihira K. The mutagenic constituents of Rubia tinctorum. Chem Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 1992;40(6):1504-1509.
Lorenz D, Lucker PW, Krumbiegel G, et al. Pharmacokinetic studies of alizarin in man. Methods Find.Exp Clin.Pharmacol 1985;7(12):637-643.
Myers HM. Alizarin and tetracycline binding by bone mineral. Am J Phys.Anthropol. 1968;29(2):179-182.
Norton SA. Useful plants of dermatology. IV. Alizarin red and madder. J Am Acad.Dermatol. 1998;39(3):484-485.
Paul H, Reginato AJ, Schumacher, HR. Alizarin red S staining as a screening test to detect calcium compounds in synovial fluid. Arthritis Rheum. 1983;26(2):191-200.
Pharmacological Committee of Ministry of Health of Russian Federation. The Clinical Study of Allizarin. 1998.
Poginsky B, Westendorf J, Blomeke B, et al. Evaluation of DNA-binding activity of hydroxyanthraquinones occurring in Rubia tinctorum L. Carcinogenesis 1991;12(7):1265-1271.
Rubin PL, Bisk F. Comparative efficacy of differing modes of administering alizarin red S in dogs. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1969;28(1):122-125.
Westendorf J, Poginsky B, Marquardt H, et al. The genotoxicity of lucidin, a natural component of Rubia tinctorum L., and lucidinethylether, a component of ethanolic Rubia extracts. Cell Biol Toxicol. 1988;4(2):225-239.