Arnebia speciosa (syn Arnebia nobilis) is probably the main source of the red dyestuff 'ratanjot', though at least 15 different species share this common name and many of these also supply a similar red dye.

Common Name:

General Information

Arnebia speciosa is a herbaceous perennial plant with unbranched, erect stems arising from a basal leaf cluster; it can grow around 40cm tall, perhaps to 60cm
The plant is harvested from the wild for use as afood-additive, medicine and a dyestuff. It is a major source of the red to purple dyestuff 'ratanjot', much used as a food colouring in India. The plant is imported from Afghanistan and sold in local markets all around India for use as a dye and a medicine[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Asia - western Himalayas from eastern Afghanistan to western Pakistan

Habitat

Open grassy places on hills; at elevations from 2,700 - 3,600 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

A fat-soluble red dyestuff obtained from the root is used as a food colouring[].

Medicinal

The root is considered to be anthelmintic, antipyretic, antiseptic. It is claimed to be useful in treating various diseases of the eye, bronchitis, abdominal pain, itch, etc[].


Shikonin and alkannin are lipophilic red pigments which are known to have been isolated from the roots of various species of the family Boraginaceae. They form the main active constituents of this plant also and are responsible for its colour and therapeutic efficacy. They are reported to have antimicrobial, anticancer, antitumour and wound healing properties[].

Other Uses

A fat-soluble red dyestuff is obtained from the root[]. It is used in cosmetics, as a food colouring etc[].

Propagation

Seed -