Chitrak
- Botanical Name: Plumbago zeylanica Linn.
- Family: Plumbaginaceae
- Synonyms: Anala, Dahana, Agni, Vahnisajnaka, Jyothi, Sikhi
- Vernacular Name: Commonly known as “Leadwort” or “Ceylon Leadwort.”
- Classification: A perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Plumbaginaceae family.
- Habitat: Native to tropical and subtropical regions, including India, Sri Lanka, and
Southeast Asia. It thrives in rocky terrains, forest edges, and wastelands.
- Morphology: A shrub that grows up to 3-6 feet in height. It has glabrous stems, ovate or
oblong leaves, and white bisexual flowers arranged in terminal and axillary spikes. The roots
are light yellow when fresh and reddish-brown when dried.
- Useful Parts: Roots (primarily), leaves, and flowers.
- Chemical Composition: Contains plumbagin (a yellowish pungent substance), flavonoids,
alkaloids, glycosides, and tannins.
- Pharmacological Action: Known for its digestive, carminative, anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial, and rejuvenative properties. It is used in treating gastrointestinal disorders,
skin diseases, and respiratory issues.
- Formulation: Used in Ayurvedic preparations like Chitrakadi Vati, Chitrak Haritaki
Avaleha, and other digestive tonics.
Rasa: Katu
Guna: Laghu , Ruksha , Tikshan
Virya: Ushna
Vipaka: Katu