Rubia cordifolia Linn also called as common Madder or Indian Madder, is a species of flowering plant. Rubia cordifolia is a branched climber with small, greenish white flowers that are arranged in a cluster of round, fleshy, purple fruits. Its roots have a brownish red bark from which a red dye is obtained. This plant grows well in hilly areas, and the root has medicinal values It is an important member of the Rubiaacea family. Dried roots of Rubia cordifolia, is a rich source of anthraquinones responsible for its traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological activities. Today clinical investigations of herbal formulations and their market preparations, both are on demanding because of better safety and efficacy without or minimal side effects. Many studies suggested that Rubia cordifolia has many biological effects such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, hepato-protective, anti-acne, blood purifier activity, astringent, antimicrobial, anti-dysentric, antiseptic, nephron-protective properties. The present article describes a detailed review of literature for this plant species including taxonomy pharmacology and photochemistry in an organized way. This review paper will surely serve as an important source for the future scientific investigations on this plant.