English Name: LeadWort
Hindi Name: Chitra, Chira, Chita
Sanskrit Name: Chitraka, Agni, Vahni
Latin Name: Plumbago zeylanica Linn Pennell
A profusely branched perennial shrub with alternate leaves. The plant is available throughout India wildly and is also cultivated in gardens for its brilliant inflorescence. Root and root bark of the plant are used in preparation of various Ayurvedic medicines.
Application
Leadwort is a potent medicinal agent used in the treatment of stubborn chronic rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases and timorous growths. It also finds its use in correcting chronic menstrual disorders, viral warts and chronic diseases of nervous system. Extract of various fraction of Chitrakmool have been identified as anticancer drugs. Root bark is also considered useful in obesity.
Chemical composition
Roots of the plant contain an acrid crystalline principle called plumbagin. Besides, it contains chloroplumbagin, chitranone, plumbagic acid, biplumbagin etc.
Effect on dosha
Pacifies kapha and vata.
