Chitraka
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Chitraka |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Plumbago zeylanica L. |
| Family | Plumbaginaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica Linn.), commonly known as Ceylon leadwort or white leadwort, is a distinguished perennial, sub-scandent shrub belonging to the family Plumbaginaceae, which spans approximately 10 genera and 280 species.[1] Revered for over 3,000 years within traditional Indian (Ayurveda) and Chinese medicine systems, Chitraka historically translates from Sanskrit to "the one which causes discoloration to the skin" due to the intense blistering properties of its fresh root juice.[2]
The plant is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical zones globally. Its roots and root barks serve as a priceless repository for unique bioactive molecules, demonstrating extensive pharmacological applications ranging from anti-inflammatory to anticancer therapeutic actions.
Botanical Profile and Vernacular Names
Vernacular Names
| Language / Medical System | Vernacular Name |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit | Chitraka, Chitramoolam, Agni, Dahana |
| English | Ceylon Leadwort, White Leadwort, Wild Leadwort |
| Hindi | Chita, Chitrak, Chitarak |
| Bengali | Chita, Chitarak |
| Tamil | Chitramoolam, Kodiveli |
| Telugu | Chitramulam |
Morphological Characteristics
Plumbago zeylanica is a perennial shrub with semi-woody stems and numerous rambling branches. Its leaves are simple, alternate, ovate or oblong-ovate, acute, and abruptly narrowed into a short petiole. The flowers are pure white, long, and slender, borne in terminal elongated spikes characterized by a persistent viscid, glandular calyx covered in sticky hairs. The roots are cylindrical, poorly branched, irregularly bent, and display shallow transverse fissures at their bends, featuring a dark brown bark and light yellow interior.
Therapeutic uses
Agnimandhya(loss of appetite), grahani roga, arsha(hemorrhoids),udara shoola(pain in abdomen), gudashotha(swelling on anal region)[3]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Chitraka, Analanama(it has a burning qualities like that of agni), Vyaal(it can tear apart unwanted tisue growth), Agni
Synonyms in bhavaprakasa nighantu
Usana(chitraka has katu(pungent) rasa and goes under katu(pungent)vipaka )[4]
Varieties
- Shweta- plumbago zeylanica
- Rakta- plumbago rosea
- Nila- plumabago capensis
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Pungent (katu) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Hot (ushna) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Pungent (katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha), Sharp (tikshna) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify kapha and vata, increases pitta |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/18 | Deepaniya and Shulaghni yavagu(Gruel for enhancing digestion and colic pain) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/29 | Bhedini yavagu(Gruels for catharsis and flatulence) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(3) | Lekhaniya mahakashaya(emaciating) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(4) | Bhedaniya mahakashaya(breaking mass/solid lesions) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(6) | Deepaniya mahakashaya(Appetisers) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(11) | Truptighna mahakashaya(anti-satiety) |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(12) | Arshoghna mahakashaya(anti-hemorrhoids) |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(45) | Shoolaprashaman mahakashaya(anti-spasmodics) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 6/18 | Abhyantar Krimi Chikitsa(treatment of worm infestation) |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 6/26 | Abhyantar Krimi Chikitsa(treatment of worm infestation) |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/135 | Vaman dravyani(emetic dravya) |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/135 | Vaman dravyani(emetic dravya) |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/142 | Katuskandha(group of pungent drugs) |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/34 | Garbhasya pratimasik karma |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/38 | Sukha prasavarth |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/41 | Prajata stree paricharya |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 1/ 22 | Vamanartha (for emesis) |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/16 | Preparations of Trivrut |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/40 | Preparations of Modaka |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/54 | Trivrittadi Modaka |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/58 | Hemantkalina Trivrut Yoga |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/70 | Madya Yoga |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 9/7 | Tilvaka Yoga |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 9/7 | Tilvaka Sura Yoga |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 12/23 | Churna Yoga |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 12/27 | Modaka Yoga |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/3/3 | In formulation of amalakaayasa brahma rasayana |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/267 | As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/65 | Ingredient in Trayushanaadi ghrita |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/69 | Ingredient of Hingusauvarchaladya ghrita |
| 31 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/71 | Ingredient of Hapushadya ghrita |
| 32 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/80 | Ingredient of Hingvadi churna |
| 33 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/86 | Ingredient of Shatyadi Churna |
| 34 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/144 | Ingredient in Bhallatakadya Ghrita for Kaphaj Gulma(abdominal lump) |
| 35 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/147 | Ingredient in Kshir Shatpal Ghrita |
| 36 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/154 | Ingredient of Danti- Haritaki |
| 37 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/165 | Pathya Diet in Gulma(abdominal lump) |
| 38 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/29 | Used for making decoction in Kaphaj Prameh(diabetes) |
| 39 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/42 | Ingredient in Madhvasav |
| 40 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/101 | Ingredient in Avaleh |
| 41 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/169 | Ingredient in Strotosuddhikar Ghrita |
| 42 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/20 | Ingredient in Mahapanchagavya Ghrita |
| 43 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/24 | In treatment of Vataj Shvayathu |
| 44 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/29 | Ingredient in Gandiradhyarishta |
| 45 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/30 | Ingredient in Gandiradhyarishta |
| 46 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/34 | Ingredient in Punarnavadhyarishta |
| 47 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/39 | Ingredient in Triphaladhyarishta |
| 48 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/41 | Ingredient in Krishnadi Churna |
| 49 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/44 | Ingredient in Kshar Gudika |
| 50 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/55 | Ingredient in Chitrakadi Ghrita |
| 51 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/57 | Ingredient in Dvitiya Chitrakadi Ghrita |
| 52 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/58 | Ingredient in Chitrak Ghrita |
| 53 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/60 | Ingredient in Jivantyadi Yavagu |
| 54 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/73 | As an Unmardan dravya in Kaphaja Shvayathu(swelling) |
| 55 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/79 | In treatment of plihodara |
| 56 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/80 | In formulation of vidangadi kshara |
| 57 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/84 | In formulation of rohitaka ghrita |
| 58 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/112 | In formulation of panchkola ghrita |
| 59 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/116 | As an ingredient of chitrakadi ghrita |
| 60 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/137 | As an ingredient of nilinadya churna |
| 61 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/147 | Kalka used in udararoga for 1 month |
| 62 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/163 | In formulation of ksharvatika |
| 63 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/40 | As an application of Talia before swedana Kriya, Used for lepa |
| 64 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/62 | As an ingredient of traushnadi churna |
| 65 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/68 | Chiktrakamulanchurna with didhu used in arsha roga |
| 66 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/69 | Chitraka churna is used with madhya |
| 67 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/71 | Citraka churna is to be given with takra |
| 68 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/72 | As an ingredient of takrarishta |
| 69 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/76 | Use dadhi and takra (By application of chitraka kalka in ghata) |
| 70 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/89 | Used in peya, khada yusha, ghrita, siddhant jala |
| 71 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/104 | As an ingredient of pippalyadi ghrita |
| 72 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/105 | Cavya and citraka sidhha ghrit with guda and yavakshara |
| 73 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/107 | As an ingredient of chavyadi ghrita |
| 74 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/110 | As an ingredient of nagaradya ghrita |
| 75 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/122 | Shaka prayoga in arsha roga |
| 76 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/131 | Used in anuvasana basti |
| 77 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/144 | As an ingredient of dantyarishta |
| 78 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/148 | As an ingredient of phalarista |
| 79 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/153 | As an ingredient of dvitiya phalarista |
| 80 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/159 | As an ingredient of kanakarista |
| 81 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/231 | As an ingredient of hriberadi ghrita |
| 82 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/236 | As an ingredient of sunishanak changeri ghrita |
| 83 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/76 | Panchakola sadhit peya and Anna is given in Amaja grahani roga |
| 84 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/82 | As an ingredient of dashmuladya ghrita |
| 85 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/96 | As an ingredient of citrakadhya gutika |
| 86 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/103 | Used in condition of shoola in kaphapittaja grahani |
| 87 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/106 | Agnivruddhiartha and for alleviating kostha gaya kayu in grahaniroga |
| 88 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/112 | Used as ingredient of yavagu |
| 89 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/132 | This drug is used in treatment of pittajagrahani as an ingredient of Bhunimbadhya churna |
| 90 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/142 | Used as peya padartha in Kaphaja grahani |
| 91 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/146 | As an ingredient of madhookasava |
| 92 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/152 | As an ingredient of Duralabhasava(Kaphaja grahani ) |
| 93 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/165 | As an ingredient of Madhvarista |
| 94 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/171 | As an ingredient of Kshara ghrita |
| 95 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/173 | As an ingredient of Pipallimuladhya Kshara |
| 96 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/182 | As an ingredient of Bhunimbadhya Kshara |
| 97 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/186 | Used in preparation of Chaturtha Kshara |
| 98 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/189 | Used in preparation of Pancham Kshara |
| 99 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/44 | As an ingredient of Dadimadi Ghrita |
| 100 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/70 | As an ingredient of Navayas Loha |
| 101 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/73 | As an ingredient of Mandur Vataka |
| 102 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/78 | As an ingredient of Suwarna Makshika Yoga |
| 103 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/81 | As an ingredient of Yogaraj |
| 104 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/93 | As an ingredient of Punarnava Mandura |
| 105 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/102 | As an ingredient of Mandura Vataka |
| 106 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/94 | Used in yusha preparation for hikka shvasa |
| 107 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/96 | Used in yusha preparation for hikka shvasa |
| 108 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/101 | Used in yavagu preparation for hikka shvasa |
| 109 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/110 | Kalka is used in hikka shvasa |
| 110 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/142 | As an ingredient of Tejovatyadi ghritA |
| 111 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/36 | Use as an ingredient of pippalyadi ghrita |
| 112 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/39 | Use as an ingredient of triushanadi ghrita |
| 113 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/53 | Use as an ingredient of chitrakadi leha |
| 114 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/57 | Use as an ingredient of Agastya haritaki leha |
| 115 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/77 | Use as an ingredient of peya yoga |
| 116 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/119 | Use as a yoga dravya. |
| 117 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/158 | Use as an ingredient of dwipanchamuladi ghrita |
| 118 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/161 | Use as an ingredient of guduchyadi ghrita |
| 119 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/173 | Use as an ingredient of chitrakadi leha |
| 120 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/178 | Use as an ingredient of jivantyadi leha |
| 121 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/182 | Use as an ingredient of yavagu |
| 122 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/27 | As an ingridient of dipaniya and sangrahi gana |
| 123 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/44 | As an ingredient of chavyadi ghrita |
| 124 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/45 | As a anuvasana dravya |
| 125 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/106 | As a kwath dravya |
| 126 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/113 | As a yoga dravya |
| 127 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/35 | As a pathya ahara in kaphaja chhardi |
| 128 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/126 | As an ingredient of Dantyadi lepa(external application) |
| 129 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/20 | As an ingredient of Dviruttarahingvadi churna |
| 130 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/21 | As an ingredient of Vachadi churna |
| 131 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/24 | Used for udavarta |
| 132 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/65 | As an ingredient of Trutyadi churna |
| 133 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/192 | As an ingredient of Kshara gutika |
| 134 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/195 | As an ingredient of Kalaka churna |
| 135 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/272 | As an ingredient of Mahaneela taila |
| 136 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/287 | Used in Kaphaja swarbheda |
| 137 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/32 | As an ingredient of Urustambha nashak Yoga |
| 138 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/35 | As an ingredient of Murvadi choorna |
| 139 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/37 | As an ingredient of Swarnakshiradi Yoga |
| 140 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/45 | As an ingredient of Saindhavadi Taila |
| 141 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/122 | As an ingredient of Chitrakadi ghrita |
| 142 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/130 | As an ingredient of Triphaladi maha sneha |
| 143 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/167 | As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila |
| 144 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/170 | As an ingredient of Vrushamuladi taila |
| 145 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/152 | As an ingredient of Triphaladi kalka in tridoshaja shola |
| 146 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/55 | As an ingredient of Pippalyadi yoga |
| 147 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/59 | As an ingredient of Guduchyadi taila, used in the treatment of Vataja yoni roga |
| 148. | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/280 | Used in the treatment of Gaurava stanya dosha, as an ingredient of Pippalyadi kwatha |
Dose
- 1-2 gm of the drug in powder form[5]
Important formulation
As per A.P.I.[6]
- Chitrakadi vati
- Chitrakharitaki
- Chitrakadi churna
Current availability
Available India - Karnataka, Kerala , Tamilanadu, Andhra pradesh, Uttar pradesh
Current researches
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic prowess of Plumbago zeylanica is heavily rooted in its secondary metabolite profile, localized primarily within its root system. The primary bioactive constituent is Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), a natural cyclic naphthoquinone structurally similar to Vitamin K.[7]
Other notable phytoconstituents isolated from the roots include:
- Naphthoquinones: 3-chloroplumbagin, 2,3-biplumbagin, chitranone (3,3'-biplumbagin), zeylinone, isozeylinone, droserone, elliptinone, and plumbazeylanone.
- Organic Acids & Sterols: Plumbagic acid, sitosterol, lupeol, lupenyl acetate, and hentriacontane.
- Enzymes: Protease and invertase, which support its recognized digestive capabilities.
In contrast to the roots, the aerial components (leaves and stems) contain negligible amounts of plumbagin.
Traditional Ayurvedic Applications
In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, Chitraka is classified as a potent herb that pacifies vitiated Vata and Kapha Doshas while increasing Pitta. It is deeply integrated into classical formulations like Chitrakadi Vati, Chitrakadi Gutika, and Chitrakaharitaki. Traditionally, its medicinal actions are recognized as:
- Deepana & Pachana: Rekindling the digestive fire (Agni) and promoting assimilation, making it highly effective against dyspepsia, indigestion, flatulence, and loss of appetite.
- Arshoghna: Specifically indicated for the treatment of Arsha (hemorrhoids/piles), where internal paste or cold infusions are historically administered to shrink hemorrhoidal masses.[8]
- Shothahara: Reducing inflammation, treating chronic skin disorders (including symptoms allied with leprosy), and managing conditions like nervous palsy, epilepsy, and anemia.
Pharmacological Efficacy & Scientific Evidence
Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Activity
The aqueous and alcoholic root extracts of Chitraka, alongside its chief component plumbagin, exhibit robust antioxidant capacities. Pulse radiolysis studies indicate that plumbagin interacts efficiently with volatile free radicals such as hydroxyl (•OH), alkyl peroxyl, and glutathiyl radicals to yield stable phenoxyl radicals.[9] This mechanism significantly suppresses lipid peroxidation induced by cumene hydroperoxide and peroxynitrite, protecting cell lines from hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidative damage.
Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects
Plumbagin acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory scaffold by modifying cellular redox states. It downregulates key pro-inflammatory targets and interrupts the electron transport chain during oxidative phosphorylation, effectively quelling hyper-inflammatory states in various in vitro and in vivo models. This provides a firm molecular basis for the traditional use of Chitraka in arthritic pain, headaches, and localized body inflammation.
Anticancer and Cytotoxic Potential
Extensive preclinical research highlights Chitraka's efficacy against multiple oncogenic pathways. Bioassay-guided fractionation demonstrates that the dichloromethane fraction of P. zeylanica roots triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death) and arrests the cell cycle at G0/G1 and G2/M phases.[10]
Plumbagin acts as a pro-oxidant in cancer cells, inhibiting multiple molecular hallmarks including protein kinase C epsilon, which blocks tumor growth and invasion in hormone-refractory prostate cancer, hepatoma (HepG2), breast cancer, melanoma, and leukemia.[11] Combined fractions containing plumbagin, cis-isoshinanolone, and 3'-O-β-glucopyranosyl plumbagic acid demonstrate a superior synergistic cytotoxic action compared to single isolated molecules.
Gastrointestinal and Anti-Hemorrhoidal Action
Network pharmacology and in silico docking analyses have uncovered the multi-target mechanisms by which Chitraka treats hemorrhoids (piles). Bioactive root compounds selectively bind to core target proteins including PIK3CA, EGFR, PRKCA, VEGFA, MMP-9, and NOS2. This modulates cell migration, population proliferation, and vascular remodeling, directly suppressing the pathological angiogenesis and abnormal vasodilation that drive hemorrhoidal development.
Metabolic and Retinopathy Protection
Network pharmacology and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate Chitraka’s utility in managing chronic diabetic complications. Root extracts effectively interfere with pathways governing diabetic retinopathy (DR). Plumbagin counters chronic retinal inflammation and intercepts angiogenesis pathways mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2).[12] Furthermore, its active components align with the PI3K-AKT signaling cascade and EGFR tyrosine kinase networks, offering a strategic multi-target approach to prevent abnormal microvascular growth in the retina.
Safety, Toxicity, and Processing
Despite its profound therapeutic advantages, Chitraka is classified as a toxic plant in its raw, unprocessed state due to its highly caustic nature. Crude administration of high doses induces acute gastric irritation, severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, gastrointestinal ulceration, painful micturition, and acts as a dangerous abortifacient.
Consequently, traditional medicine systems mandate a strict Shodhana (purification process) before clinical formulation. This typically involves cutting the roots into small pieces and soaking them in lime water (calcium hydroxide) for a specific duration, which chemically modulates and reduces the toxic over-concentration of plumbagin to safe, therapeutic thresholds.
Conclusion
Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) represents a highly potent therapeutic agent backed by millennia of traditional practice and substantial modern scientific validation. Its core bioactive naphthoquinone, plumbagin, acts via complex redox-balancing, anti-angiogenic, and apoptotic pathways to address oncology, chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and vascular diseases like hemorrhoids. Continued research and human clinical trials are imperative to safely translate these preclinical findings into standardized modern therapeutics.
References
- ↑ Mandavkar, Y. D. (2011). "A comprehensive review on Plumbago zeylanica Linn". African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 5 (5): 1–10. doi:10.5897/ajpp11.739.
- ↑ Chetty, K. M. "Pharmaceutical Studies and Therapeutic Uses of Plumbago Zeylanica L. Roots (Chitraka, Chitramulamu)". OpenSIUC: 1–10.
- ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health nd Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 1 :20
- ↑ Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, haritakyadi varga, verse no.-70
- ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health nd Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 1 :20
- ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health nd Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 1 :20
- ↑ Petrocelli, G.; Marrazzo, P.; Bonsi, L.; Facchin, F.; Alviano, F.; Canaider, S. (2023). "Plumbagin, a Natural Compound with Several Biological Effects and Anti-Inflammatory Properties". Life. 13 (6): 1303. doi:10.3390/life13061303.
- ↑ Nandi, A.; Nigar, T.; Das, A.; Dey, Y. N. (2023). "Network pharmacology analysis of Plumbago zeylanica to identify the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms involved in ameliorating hemorrhoids". Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics. 43 (1): 161–175. doi:10.1080/07391102.2023.2280681.
- ↑ Tilak, J. C.; Adhikari, S.; Devasagayam, T. P. A. (2004). "Antioxidant properties of Plumbago zeylanica, an Indian medicinal plant and its active ingredient, plumbagin". Redox Report. 9 (4): 219–227. doi:10.1179/135100004225005976.
- ↑ Thiruchenduran, M. "Synergistic anticancer effect of combined use of (plumbagin, cis-Isoshinanolone, 3'-O-β-glucopyranosyl plumbagic acid) isolated from Plumbago zeylanica, induces cell death through apoptosis in human HepG2 cancer cells". bioRxiv: 1–15.
- ↑ Yin, Z.; Zhang, J.; Chen, L.; Guo, Q.; Yang, B.; Zhang, W.; Kang, W. (2020). "Anticancer Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Plumbagin: Review of Research Advances". BioMed Research International. 2020: 1–15. doi:10.1155/2020/6940953.
- ↑ Sahu, N.; Tyagi, R.; Kumar, N.; Mujeeb, M.; Akhtar, A.; Alam, P.; Madan, S. (2024). "Forecasting the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Plumbago zeylanica and Solanum xanthocarpum in Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment". Biology. 13 (9): 732. doi:10.3390/biology13090732.