# Chitraka Moola

> Chitraka Moola (Plumbago zeylanica) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Same cautions as Chitrak—root is the most potent part. Bioavailability: Root (Moola) of Plumbago zeylanica contains the highest concentration of plumbagin (1.5-3.5%).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Plumbago zeylanica

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Chitraka Moola](/herb/chitraka-moola/) |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (decoction), As component of [Chitrakaharitaki](/herb/chitrakaharitaki/) and Chitrakadi formulations

**Standard Dosage:** 1-2g root powder twice daily; 250-500mg extract capsule; 30-50ml mild decoction. Same cautions as [Chitrak](/herb/chitrak/)—root is the most potent part.

**Bioavailability:** Root (Moola) of Plumbago zeylanica contains the highest concentration of [plumbagin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#plumbagin) (1.5-3.5%). Bioavailability profile identical to [Chitrak](/herb/chitrak/) but with higher active concentration per unit weight. Lipophilic plumbagin is rapidly absorbed; half-life approximately 4-6 hours. Root cortex (outer bark) has the highest plumbagin concentration; stele (inner wood) has lower levels. Precise extraction and dose standardization are even more critical for root-specific preparations.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm milk or ghee to buffer GI irritation; traditional preparations ([Chitrakaharitaki](/herb/chitrakaharitaki/)) after meals

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract standardized to plumbagin 1.5-2.5% (controlled range for safety); purified root extract (post Kshira Paka) with reduced free plumbagin.

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

**Storage:** Airtight, light-protected containers. Cool storage below 25°C. Root material clearly labeled with caution warnings. Keep away from children. Separate from food-grade products.

**Marker Compounds:** Plumbagin, Chitranone, Isoshinanolone, 3,3'-Biplumbagin, Plumbagic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (80:20) of root cortex for maximum plumbagin
- Aqueous decoction for traditional milder preparations
- Ethanol maceration for standardized extracts
- Traditional milk-boiling method (Kshira Paka) for detoxified preparations

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) in classical Chitrakaharitaki Avaleha
- With Shunthi and [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for Agni Deepana
- With Musta for digestive formulations
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immune support with digestive correction

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/chitraka-moola/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.