Plumbago zeylanica, also known as Chitraka, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of skin disease and digestive ailments. Modern research reveals the herb’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer properties with possible mechanisms of action.

Chitraka: Unveiling the Healing Potential of Plumbago zeylanica

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Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Dive into the comprehensive benefits, traditional uses, and scientific research behind this powerful Ayurvedic herb."


Plumbago zeylanica Linn, commonly known as Chitraka, holds a revered position in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda. This herb, found across the globe, has been traditionally used to address a wide array of health conditions. Its significance stems from its rich phytochemistry, boasting compounds with diverse therapeutic properties.

Traditional medicine recognizes the profound medicinal and pharmacological potential of plants. Plumbago zeylanica is one such plant, valued for its diverse applications in treating human ailments. This review aims to consolidate up-to-date information on Plumbago zeylanica, highlighting its phytochemistry, scientifically documented pharmacological activities, and traditional uses.

Chitraka has been recognized in traditional medicine for treating various diseases, using its roots in paste and powder forms. The plant mainly contains naphthoquinones and steroidal compounds, offering anti-fungal, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory benefits, alongside potential in managing heart and liver diseases, fever, diabetes, and kidney ailments.

Traditional Uses and Modern Science: Exploring Chitraka's Benefits

Plumbago zeylanica, also known as Chitraka, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of skin disease and digestive ailments. Modern research reveals the herb’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer properties with possible mechanisms of action.

Plumbago zeylanica has a wide spectrum of traditional uses which include remedy for diarrhea, inflammation, fever, nervous palsy, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, irritable bowel disease, epilepsy, amenorrhea and anemia. The roots of the plant are particularly valued for their laxative, expectorant, astringent, and abortifacient properties.

Modern science has begun to validate many of these traditional applications, focusing on the plant's key chemical constituents. Here’s a breakdown of some key areas of research:

  • Antimicrobial Activity: Studies reveal that extracts from Plumbago zeylanica exhibit significant antibacterial activity against a range of pathogens, including those resistant to multiple drugs. This suggests its potential in combating skin infections and other bacterial ailments.
  • Anticancer Potential: Research indicates that plumbagin, a key compound in Plumbago zeylanica, can inhibit the growth and spread of various cancer cells. Its mechanism of action involves inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and disrupting key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression.
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects: Plumbago zeylanica extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in several studies. These effects are linked to the plant's ability to suppress the activation of inflammatory pathways, offering potential relief from inflammatory conditions.
  • Immunomodulatory Properties: Plumbago zeylanica has shown promise as an immunomodulatory agent, influencing the activity of immune cells and cytokine production. This suggests its potential in managing immune-related disorders.
  • Wound Healing: Traditional healers have long used Plumbago zeylanica for wound healing. Research supports this application, demonstrating that extracts from the plant can promote faster wound closure and tissue regeneration.
It’s important to note that while these findings are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to establish safe and effective dosages for various applications. However, these studies provide a scientific basis for many of the traditional uses of Plumbago zeylanica.

The Future of Chitraka: Research and Responsible Use

Plumbago zeylanica presents a fascinating intersection of traditional knowledge and modern scientific inquiry. Its rich history of use in Ayurveda, combined with emerging research on its diverse pharmacological activities, highlights its potential as a valuable therapeutic agent.

The studies reviewed suggest that Plumbago zeylanica possess immunostimulatory, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic properties. Moreover, it can be used to treat bacterial and fungal infections, malaria and cancer. From the review, it is evident that this plant acts as a very good anticancer drug. However, it’s crucial to approach this herb with respect. While research is promising, more clinical studies are needed to fully explore its benefits and ensure its safe and effective use.

Before using Plumbago zeylanica, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications, it's vital to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner, or an Ayurvedic specialist. This ensures responsible and informed use of this potent herb.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5897/ajpp11.739, Alternate LINK

Title: A Comprehensive Review On Plumbago Zeylanica Linn

Subject: Pharmaceutical Science

Journal: African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Publisher: Academic Journals

Authors: Yuvaraj D. Mandavkar

Published: 2011-12-30

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is Chitraka, and why is it important?

Chitraka, also known as Plumbago zeylanica, is an Ayurvedic herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It's valued for its wide array of health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Its significance comes from its diverse therapeutic properties supported by both traditional knowledge and modern scientific studies. This plant is utilized to address various health issues in traditional medicine systems.

2

What are the main health benefits associated with Chitraka?

The key benefits of Chitraka encompass several areas. Its traditional uses involve treating diarrhea, inflammation, fever, and skin diseases. Modern science has validated many of these applications, showing antimicrobial activity, anticancer potential, anti-inflammatory effects, immunomodulatory properties, and wound-healing capabilities. For instance, plumbagin, a key compound in Plumbago zeylanica, has shown the ability to inhibit the growth of various cancer cells, indicating its potential in cancer treatment.

3

What are the key compounds found in Plumbago zeylanica, and what do they do?

Plumbago zeylanica, specifically the roots of the plant, contains naphthoquinones and steroidal compounds. These compounds are responsible for several therapeutic effects. They offer anti-fungal, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory benefits. They may also help in managing heart and liver diseases, fever, diabetes, and kidney ailments. Furthermore, the roots possess laxative, expectorant, astringent, and abortifacient properties. These compounds play a critical role in the plant's pharmacological actions.

4

How does modern science validate the traditional uses of Chitraka?

The scientific research validates the traditional uses of Chitraka through several studies. For example, research shows that extracts from Plumbago zeylanica exhibit significant antibacterial activity against drug-resistant pathogens. Studies also indicate plumbagin, a key compound, can inhibit the growth and spread of various cancer cells. Furthermore, Plumbago zeylanica extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the activation of inflammatory pathways, supporting its potential use in treating inflammatory conditions.

5

What should people keep in mind regarding the future and use of Chitraka?

While Plumbago zeylanica shows great promise, it's important to approach its use responsibly. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and establish safe and effective dosages. Currently, the traditional applications and emerging scientific findings highlight the potential of Chitraka as a valuable therapeutic agent. This includes its use in combating infections, managing cancer, treating inflammation, and promoting wound healing. Future studies will refine its applications, but the current data supports its continued study and responsible use.

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