Plumbago zeylanica (Plumbaginaceae) - Chitraka

Scientific Name: Plumbago zeylanica

Family: Plumbaginaceae

Genus: Plumbago

Related Herbs from the same family:Plumbago indica (also known as Plumbago rosea, Chitraka, Leadwort): A close relative with red flowers, also used extensively in Ayurveda, particularly for digestive issues and as a stimulant. Its properties and uses are very similar to P. zeylanica.Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Blue Leadwort, Plumbago): Often used as an ornamental plant, it shares the family's characteristic growth habit and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.Limonium sinuatum (Statice, Sea Lavender): A common ornamental plant from the same family, known for its papery, colorful calyces. While not a major medicinal herb in India, it shares the family's habitat in often coastal or saline environments.

Scientific Name: Plumbago zeylanica | English: Ceylon Leadwort, White Leadwort, Wild Leadwort | Sanskrit: Chitraka, Agni, Vahni, Deepani | Hindi: Chita, Chitrak, Safed Chita | Tamil: Chittiramulam, Kodiveli | Telugu: Chitramulam, Agnimalu | Kannada: Chitramula, Vahni | Malayalam: Vellakeduveli, Thumba | Bengali: Chita, Safed Chita | Marathi: Chitramula, Chitraka

Medicinal Uses: Digestive Stimulant (Deepani), Carminative, Appetizer, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antirheumatic, Diaphoretic (promotes sweating), Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Abortifacient, Counter-irritant, Caustic (in higher doses).

The potent medicinal actions of Plumbago zeylanica are primarily attributed to a unique and powerful naphthaquinone compound. Its use requires caution and precise knowledge of dosage.

Plumbagin: This is the primary and most active phytochemical. It is a potent compound responsible for the herb's strong therapeutic and toxic effects. Its actions include significant Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, and Analgesic properties. It is a powerful irritant that stimulates digestion and blood flow at low doses but can cause blistering and systemic toxicity at high doses.

Other Bioactive Compounds:

• Sitosterol: A phytosterol with known Anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering potential.

• Vanillic Acid: A phenolic acid with Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

• Coumarins: Compounds that can contribute to the plant's Antimicrobial and Antifungal profile.

• Flavonoids: Contributing to the overall Antioxidant capacity of the plant.

Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses:

Digestive Stimulant & Carminative (for Low Agni, Indigestion, Anorexia)

Formulation: Chitrakadi Vati (Tablet) or root powder.

Preparation & Use: The dried root powder is taken in very small doses (e.g., 125-250 mg) with honey or warm water before meals. It is a key ingredient in the classical Ayurvedic formulation Chitrakadi Vati.

Justification: Plumbagin strongly stimulates the digestive fire (Agni) by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and gastric juices. It helps break down food (Ama) and alleviates bloating and flatulence.

Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic (for Joint Pain, Sciatica, and Inflammation)

Formulation: Medicated oil (Chitraka Mula Taila) or paste for external application.

Preparation & Use: The root is processed into a medicated oil. This oil is applied topically over painful joints or areas affected by sciatica. A paste of the root can also be used as a counter-irritant.

Justification: Plumbagin exhibits strong Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic effects by inhibiting inflammatory pathways. Its counter-irritant property creates a mild, localized irritation, diverting the brain's attention from deeper, more chronic pain.

Diaphoretic & Antipyretic (for Fevers, especially intermittent fevers)

Formulation: Decoction of the root.

Preparation & Use: A very weak decoction of the root is administered to promote sweating and break fevers, particularly those associated with malaria in traditional systems.

Justification: The herb's stimulant properties promote perspiration (Diaphoretic), which helps to cool the body and eliminate toxins, thereby reducing fever.

Counter-irritant & Caustic (for Skin Diseases, Leukoderma, and to stimulate healing)

Formulation: Fresh root paste or medicated oil.

Preparation & Use: A paste of the fresh root is applied cautiously to specific points on the skin to treat vitiligo (leukoderma) and certain chronic skin diseases. It causes a controlled irritation or blistering, which is believed to stimulate repigmentation and healing.

Justification: The powerful irritant property of Plumbagin increases blood flow to the applied area, which may help in mobilizing melanocytes in vitiligo. Its Antimicrobial nature also prevents secondary infection.

Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Plumbago zeylanica is NOT a culinary herb and is highly potent and toxic if used incorrectly. It is used therapeutically in minute, controlled doses and should never be consumed as a regular food, tea, or juice. All preparations must be made under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Digestive Stimulant Powder (Churna)

Purpose: To ignite digestive fire and relieve indigestion.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 100-250 mg (a pinch) of purified Chitraka root powder.

• Mix with one teaspoon of honey or warm water.

• Consume 30 minutes before lunch and dinner.

• Use for only a short period (1-2 weeks) as directed by a practitioner.

Medicated Ghee for Digestion (Chitraka Ghrita)

Purpose: A more balanced and safer preparation for chronic digestive weakness.

Preparation & Use: (Conceptual - to be prepared by an expert)

• The root is processed through multiple cycles of boiling and filtering into a base of ghee.

• This medicated ghee is then administered in small doses.

• The ghee base helps mitigate the harshness of the herb while carrying its therapeutic properties deep into the tissues.

External Pain Relief Oil

Purpose: To alleviate joint pain, arthritis, and muscle aches.

Preparation & Use:

• Warm a small amount of Chitraka Mula Taila (medicated oil).

• Gently massage onto the affected area.

• Ensure the skin is not broken, as it can cause severe irritation. Wash hands thoroughly after use.

Disclaimer: Plumbago zeylanica is a powerful and potentially toxic herb. Its internal use is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to its strong abortifacient properties. It can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, kidney damage, and central nervous system depression in high doses. Self-medication is extremely dangerous. The internal use of this herb must only be undertaken under the strict supervision and prescription of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider. The information provided here is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica - Volume I by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. II) by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

• Bhava Prakasha Nighantu (Classical Ayurvedic Text)

Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Plumbago indica (Chitraka, Raktachitraka)

• Scientific Name: Plumbago indica

• Family: Plumbaginaceae

• Genus: Plumbago

• Similarities: This is the direct red-flowered relative. It contains the same primary active compound, Plumbagin, and shares almost identical medicinal uses as a powerful digestive stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and counter-irritant. In some traditions, the red variety is considered even more potent.

2. Zingiber officinale (Ginger, Sunthi, Adrak)

• Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale

• Family: Zingiberaceae

• Genus: Zingiber

• Similarities: Both are renowned as powerful digestive stimulants (Deepani) and carminatives in Ayurveda. While Ginger uses gingerols/shogaols and is much safer for regular use, it shares the therapeutic goal of kindling Agni (digestive fire) and relieving bloating and indigestion, providing a safer alternative for daily digestive support.

3. Aconitum heterophyllum (Ativisha, Atis)

• Scientific Name: Aconitum heterophyllum

• Family: Ranunculaceae

• Genus: Aconitum

• Similarities: Like Chitraka, Ativisha is a potent herb used in small, controlled doses for digestive disorders, particularly for diarrhea and loss of appetite. Both are considered "hot" in potency, require purification (Shodhana) before use, and are powerful agents that demand respect and expert knowledge for safe application.

4. Ricinus communis (Castor Oil Plant, Eranda)

• Scientific Name: Ricinus communis

• Family: Euphorbiaceae

• Genus: Ricinus

• Similarities: The root of Eranda is used in Ayurveda, similar to Chitraka, for treating rheumatic conditions, inflammation, and pain. Both have purgative properties (though of different intensities) and are processed into medicated oils for external application in arthritis and sciatica.

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