Chitraka Moola
Plumbago zeylanica
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%).
| Botanical name | Plumbago zeylanica |
|---|---|
| Family | Plumbaginaceae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Also known as | Chitraka Moola, ChitrakaMoola |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3082282 · Wikidata Q5240308 · NCBI Taxonomy 76149 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | 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 and Chitrakadi formulations
Standard Dosage: 1-2g root powder twice daily; 250-500mg extract capsule; 30-50ml mild decoction. 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%). Bioavailability profile identical to 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) 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, 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
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses1
- 2018. Cytotoxicity of Plant-Mediated Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles: A Systematic ReviewInternational journal of molecular sciences. PMID 29891772 · doi:10.3390/ijms19061725
Other clinical studies and reviews5
- 2026. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Plumbagin: Its Current Applications in Cancer and Neuropsychiatric DisordersCurrent medicinal chemistry. PMID 39851111 · doi:10.2174/0109298673345583241226093530
- 2025. Ameliorative Effect of Herbal Medicine in the Management of HepatotoxicityEndocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets. PMID 39318011 · doi:10.2174/0118715303319815240819053924
- 2024. Concept of dementia (Nisy ā n) in Unani system of medicine and scientific validation of an important Unani pharmacopoeial preparation 'Majoon Vaj' for its management: a reviewJournal of complementary & integrative medicine. PMID 37384842 · doi:10.1515/jcim-2021-0447
- 2020. Anticancer Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Plumbagin: Review of Research AdvancesBioMed research international. PMID 33344645 · doi:10.1155/2020/6940953
- 1982. Research on plants for fertility regulation in IndiaJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 6752588 · doi:10.1016/0378-8741(82)90004-6
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