Ratanjot is the common name of a plant in India, almost certainly in the Boraginaceae family, that has medicinal properties and also yields a red dyestuff that is used in foods, cosmetics etc. The plant is commonly traded in markets through much of India. Arnebia speciosa Aitch. & Hemsl. (syn Arnebia nobilis) is probably the main source of ratanjot, though at least 15 different species share this common name and many of these also have medicinal uses and supply a similar red dye. Onosma hispida Wall. ex G.Don (often wrongly referred to as Onosma echioides) is probably often also used as a source of ratanjot and the following species in Boraginaceae are likely to be also used at times:- Alkanna tinctoria L.; Arnebia benthamii (Wall. ex G.Don) I.M.Johnst.; Arnebia euchroma (Royle) I.M.Johnst.; Arnebia hispidissima (Sieber ex Lehm.) A.DC.; Maharanga emodi (Wall.) DC.; and Onosma hookeri C.B.Clarke[].

Common Name:

General Information

Arnebia benthamii is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of basal leaves and a flowering stem up to 90cm tall from a thick rootstock[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of dyestuff.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to western Nepal.

Habitat

Open slopes and shrubberies; at elevations from 3,000 - 4,300 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a well-drained gritty soil and a sunny position, growing well in the rock garden or on a dry wall[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is considered to be useful in the treatment of diseases of the tongue and throat[, , ].

Other Uses

The thick roots (up to 3cm in diameter) are rich in a purple dye[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 20°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. It is best to harvest the seed when it is slightly under-ripe, since it is quickly dispersed when ripe[].
Cuttings with a heel in the autumn in sand in a cold frame[].
Root cuttings in sand in a frame during the winter[].