Rubiae radix et rhizoma

World Health Organization (WHO)

Extracts of Rubiae tinctorum radix have traditionally been used as treatment for a variety of diseases. Regulatory action has been taken because insufficient evidence has been gathered about its efficacy. Lucidin (1,2- dihydroxyanthraquinone), a component of Rubia tinctorum, has been shown in animal experiments to induce both benign and malignant tumours in the gastric and intestinal mucosa. Lucidin is positive for the Ames test indicating possible genotoxicity.