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