चित्रक

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