Chitrak

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Chitrak
Latin/Botanical	Plumbago zeylanica L.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone)
• 3,3’-biplumbagin
• Chitranone
• Zeylanone
• Isozeylanone
• Droserone
• Elliptinone
• Beta-sitosterol

How does it work?

• NF-kB inhibition: Plumbagin suppresses NF-kB-regulated transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-6, iNOS).
• Digestive fire enhancement (Deepana-Pachana): Stimulates gastric secretion and enhances digestive enzyme activity through pungent and hot potency.
• Anticancer activity: Anti-proliferative, chemopreventive, radiosensitizing, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic actions via multiple signaling pathways.
• Antioxidant mechanism: Generates phenoxyl radicals upon reaction with hydroxyl, alkyl peroxyl, and glutathiyl radicals, scavenging reactive oxygen species.
• Antimicrobial action: Disrupts microbial cell membranes and inhibits essential enzymes in pathogenic organisms.

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

• Deepana-Pachana (digestive stimulant) activity confirmed by gastric secretion enhancement studies.
• Anti-inflammatory properties validated through NF-kB pathway inhibition research.
• Antimicrobial activity confirmed against multiple bacterial and fungal strains.
• Hepatoprotective effects demonstrated in animal models of liver injury.
• Wound healing properties validated in preclinical models.

What do recent clinical trials show?

• Bhinde SS, Ravi AK, Patgiri BJ and others 2020. Standard operating procedure of Purification of Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica Linn.) along with pharmacognostical and analytical profiles of Plumbagin. Ayu. PMID 34908796 · doi:10.4103/ayu.AYU_299_20
  Established SOPs for traditional Shodhana (purification) of Chitrak root, with analytical profiling confirming plumbagin retention after purification. Purification process reduces toxicity while preserving therapeutic activity.
• Thekkumkara S, Longchar A, Venkidasamy B and others 2025. Different Derivatives of Plumbagin Analogue: Bioavailability and Their Toxicity Studies. Food science & nutrition. PMID 40842665 · doi:10.1002/fsn3.70720
  Investigated plumbagin derivatives to address poor bioavailability due to low solubility and metabolic instability. Novel analogues showed improved pharmacokinetic profiles with reduced toxicity compared to parent compound.

2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Plumbagin is toxic at high doses: causes cytotoxicity, organ toxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity. Clinical use limited by narrow therapeutic window.
• Contraindicated in peptic ulcer disease and ulcerative colitis due to strong Ushna Virya (hot potency). Overuse causes GI irritation, heartburn, and burning sensation.
• Negligible interaction with CYP450 isozymes in polyherbal formulations (Trimada study), suggesting safety in combination preparations at therapeutic doses.

What is it made of?

Key Active Markers

• Plumbagin
• Sitosterol
• Chitranone
• Zeylanone
• Isozeylanone
• Droserone
• Elliptinone
• Beta-

Analytical Methods: HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (root powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (decoction), Chitrakaharitaki Avaleha, Chitrakadi Vati

Standard Dosage: 1-3g root powder twice daily; 250-500mg extract capsule; 50-100ml decoction. CAUTION: Potent herb—do not exceed recommended dose. Contraindicated in pregnancy.

Bioavailability: Plumbagin shows good oral bioavailability (40-55%) with rapid absorption (Tmax 0.5-1h). Highly lipophilic (logP ~3.0)—lipid vehicles significantly enhance absorption. Plumbagin undergoes hepatic metabolism via CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. Narrow therapeutic index: precise dosing critical. Milk and ghee vehicles reduce GI irritation while maintaining absorption. Self-emulsifying formulations can improve bioavailability by 2-3x.

Optimal Timing: Before meals with warm water or buttermilk for digestive stimulation; with ghee or milk to reduce GI irritation; not at bedtime

Standardized Extract: Root extract standardized to plumbagin NLT 1.5% (lower concentrations for safety); total naphthoquinones NLT 2%. Aqueous extract 5:1 for milder preparations.

Shelf Life: 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule)

Storage: Airtight, light-protected containers—plumbagin is photosensitive. Cool, dry conditions below 25°C. Keep away from children. Clearly labeled as potent herb.

Marker Compounds: Plumbagin, 3,3’-Biplumbagin, Chitranone, Droserone, Elliptinone, Beta-sitosterol, Zeylanone

Extraction Methods

• Hydroalcoholic extraction (80:20 ethanol:water) for plumbagin enrichment
• Ethanol extraction (95%) for maximum plumbagin yield
• Aqueous decoction for milder preparations
• Supercritical CO2 for plumbagin-rich fraction
• Soxhlet with chloroform for research-grade plumbagin

Synergistic Combinations

• With Haritaki in Chitrakaharitaki for digestive disorders
• With Pippali for Agni (digestive fire) enhancement
• With Vidanga for Krimi (parasitic infection) management
• With Shunthi for Ama (metabolic toxin) digestion
• With Guduchi for autoimmune modulation