चित्रक
FAMILY -Plumbaginaceae
LATIN NAME-Plumbago zeylanica
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) is a medicinal herb belonging to the family Plumbaginaceae. Due to its medicinal properties, it is grown in most parts of India, majorly in West Bengal and the southern regions. It is also distributed worldwide in tropical and subtropical countries.1
The root is the plant part that contains many of its bioactive components responsible for most of its therapeutic properties. Plumbagin, a naphthoquinone, is a major component present in the root, which is responsible for its therapeutic activity.2
पर्याय-अग्नि
Eng. Name -Leadwort
MORPHOLOGY -क्षुप 4 फीट
Chem. Compo -Plumbagine
गुण-लघु, रूक्ष, तीक्ष्ण
रस -कटु
विपाक -कटु
वीर्य-उष्ण
आमयिक प्रयोग- ग्राही, ग्रहणी, मन्दाग्नि, कुष्ठ, शोथ, अर्श, कृमि, कास, वातक फहर, आमवात
प्रयोज्यांग -मूलत्वक
Dose-1-2 gm
विशिष्ट योग- चित्रकादि वटी, चित्रकहरीतकी
Nutritional Value of Chitrak:
Nutritional value Crude extract (mg/grams)
Protein 42
Starch 45
Sugar 55
Lipids 41
Phenol 3
Benefits of Chitrak:
Kidney Disorders and the Benefits of Chitrak:
Chitrak extract has been shown to be effective in reversing kidney damage caused by the drug cisplatin. It has also been found to have protective properties against the nephrotoxic effects of cisplatin.
Cancer Prevention and the Benefits of Chitrak:
Research has shown that Plumbagin, a compound found in Chitrak, has the potential to inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. This makes it a promising candidate for providing therapeutic effects against pancreatic cancer.
Benefits of Chitrak for Heart:
An animal study showed that the root extract of Plumbago zeylanica can help lower the blood cholesterol level and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Plumbagin, a compound found in the plant, can also help prevent the accumulation of cholesterol and LDL in blood vessels and the liver.
Benefits of Chitrak in Wound Healing:
The root extract of Plumbago zeylanica has been found to possess wound healing properties in several preclinical evaluations. This activity is attributed to the presence of phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Additionally, the plant extract's antioxidant nature is also believed to contribute to its wound healing activity.
Benefits of Chitrak in Preventing Liver Damage:
In an animal model, the root extract of Plumbago zeylanica has been shown to have protective benefits against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage.
Chitrak Benefits in Treating Microbial Infections:
A study found that the root extract of Plumbago zeylanica can fight against several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, multi-resistant strains of E. coli and Shigella, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The crude extract of leaves can also prevent the growth of E.coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida.
Chitrak Benefits in Managing Arthritis:
An animal study showed that the root extract of Plumbago zeylanica can reduce the severity of collagen type 2-induced arthritis. Applying the root extract can improve the symptoms of arthritis.
Chitrak Benefits in Birth Control:
Boiled aqueous extract of the root can be used for fertility control. The leaf extract of Plumbago zeylanica can also prevent pregnancy in rabbits. This effect is reversible once the treatment with the extract is stopped.
"How to use Chitrak?"
Chitrak can be applied externally as a paste and can be administered orally as well. There are various marketed dosages available that contain Chitrak.12 Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dosage as per your health condition.
The side effects of Chitrak are as follows:
- Plumbagin, found in the root extract of Plumbago zeylanica, produces abdominal colicky pain and irritation when administered in high doses. Other symptoms include redness and itching of the skin, dilated pupils, myotonia, hypotonia, irregular pulse and respiratory failure.
- Roots or twigs, when applied externally, cause skin redness and blisters.4
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