# Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/chitraka
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Plumbago zeylanica, White leadwort, Ceylon leadwort, Doctorbush, Wild leadwort, Rakta chitraka, Shweta chitraka, Chitramula, Agni, Vahni, Jyotishmati, Chitramoola

## Overview

Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) is an Ayurvedic herb whose primary bioactive compound, plumbagin (a naphthoquinone), drives its pharmacological activity through pro-oxidant and NF-κB inhibitory mechanisms. Research has explored its digestive, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties, though most evidence remains preclinical or rooted in traditional use.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) demonstrated through radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition (preliminary in vitro evidence)
• Traditional digestive stimulant (agnideepaka) for improving digestive fire (traditional use only)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects (shothahara) as documented in traditional texts (traditional use only)
• Fat [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) support (medohara/lekhana) for weight management (traditional use only)
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties including anti-viral and anti-fungal activities (preliminary in vitro evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Plumbagin, the principal naphthoquinone in Plumbago zeylanica root, inhibits NF-κB signaling by suppressing IκB kinase (IKK) phosphorylation, thereby reducing downstream expression of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. It also generates [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) in a context-dependent manner, acting as a pro-oxidant at higher concentrations while the whole-herb extract demonstrates radical scavenging activity via DPPH and ABTS assays at lower doses. Additionally, plumbagin has been shown to inhibit COX-2 enzyme activity and modulate STAT3 phosphorylation, contributing to its observed anti-inflammatory and preliminary antiproliferative effects in vitro.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence for Chitraka comes from in vitro cell studies and rodent models rather than human clinical trials, representing a significant limitation in the current evidence base. Animal studies using plumbagin at doses of 2–10 mg/kg have demonstrated reductions in paw edema (carrageenan-induced model) of up to 60% and improvements in gastric motility parameters, but direct extrapolation to human dosing is not validated. A small number of Ayurvedic pilot studies involving traditional polyherbal formulations containing Chitraka (e.g., Trikatu) have reported subjective improvements in digestive symptoms, though these lack placebo controls and involve sample sizes typically under 40 participants. No large-scale, double-blind, randomized controlled trials on isolated Chitraka extract exist as of current literature, and all clinical claims must be regarded as preliminary.

## Nutritional Profile

Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) is a medicinal herb rather than a conventional food ingredient, so traditional macronutrient profiling (carbohydrates, fats, protein) is not its primary characterization. However, the following bioactive and phytochemical composition is documented: Primary bioactive compound: Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) — the principal naphthoquinone constituent, concentrated predominantly in the root bark at approximately 0.6–2.0% by dry weight, with some analyses reporting up to 2.85% in dried root material. Secondary naphthoquinones: Chitranone, isoshinanolone, plumbagic acid, and zeylanone are present in smaller quantities (typically <0.3% individually). Alkaloids: Trace alkaloid content reported; exact concentrations not well characterized in standardized studies. Tannins: Present in root and leaf material at approximately 2–5% dry weight, contributing astringent properties. Sterols: Beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol identified in root extracts; concentrations typically in the range of 0.1–0.5% dry weight. Flavonoids: Quercetin and kaempferol derivatives detected in leaf extracts at low concentrations (<0.5% dry weight). Essential minerals (root powder, approximate): Iron ~18–22 mg/100g, Calcium ~120–180 mg/100g, Potassium ~300–450 mg/100g, Magnesium ~80–120 mg/100g — these values are derived from limited elemental analyses and should be considered indicative rather than definitive. Crude fiber: Approximately 8–14% in dried root powder. Moisture content of dried root: 8–12%. Bioavailability notes: Plumbagin exhibits good lipid solubility due to its naphthoquinone structure, facilitating membrane permeability; however, oral bioavailability in humans is not well characterized through clinical pharmacokinetic studies. Traditional Ayurvedic formulations often combine Chitraka with fats or oils (anupana) to enhance absorption of lipophilic constituents. The compound is known to be metabolically active at very low concentrations in vitro (IC50 values in the micromolar range for various bioassays), but human-equivalent therapeutic concentrations have not been established. Data on vitamin content is extremely limited; no significant vitamin concentrations have been documented in peer-reviewed literature for this herb.

## Dosage & Preparation

Traditional use suggests 500 mg to 1 g of purified root powder daily as a stimulant, with higher doses risking toxicity. No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to absence of human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Plumbagin exhibits significant cytotoxicity at higher concentrations in vitro and has shown hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects in rodent studies at supraphysiological doses, raising caution around concentrated extracts or prolonged high-dose use. Chitraka is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its traditional classification as an abortifacient and evidence of uterotonic activity in animal models. It may potentiate the effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin due to its vitamin K antagonist-like naphthoquinone structure, and concurrent use with cytotoxic chemotherapy agents should be avoided without medical supervision given plumbagin's own cytotoxic properties. Individuals with peptic ulcers, [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) bowel disease, or renal impairment should exercise caution, as the herb's pungent (katu) and hot (ushna) properties may aggravate these conditions.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Plumbago zeylanica or chitraka were found in the available research. Current evidence is limited to preclinical studies showing [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), anti-viral, anti-fungal, and other activities primarily in animal or in vitro models, with no PubMed PMIDs provided for human studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Ayurveda, chitraka has been used for centuries as a vatakaphahara (Vata-Kapha balancing) herb for digestive stimulation, skin diseases, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and rejuvenation (rasayana). The pungent, hot root is considered a key digestive stimulant, with the red variety traditionally viewed as more potent than the white.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginger, Black Pepper, Turmeric, Triphala, Trikatu

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Chitraka and what does it do?

The primary active compound in Chitraka is plumbagin, a 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone found predominantly in the root. It inhibits NF-κB signaling, suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, and exhibits concentration-dependent pro-oxidant activity that underpins its studied antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects.

### Is Chitraka safe to take daily as a supplement?

Daily supplementation with isolated Chitraka or high-dose plumbagin extracts is not well-supported by human safety data, and animal studies have identified hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic risks at elevated doses. Traditional Ayurvedic use typically involves low doses within multi-herb formulations and under practitioner guidance, generally not exceeding 1–3 grams of root powder per day for short periods. Individuals with liver conditions, kidney disease, or those taking blood thinners should consult a physician before use.

### Can Chitraka help with digestion?

In Ayurveda, Chitraka is classified as a dipana (digestive stimulant) and pachana (digestive) herb, traditionally used to enhance gastric fire (agni) and relieve bloating, low appetite, and sluggish digestion. Animal studies have shown that plumbagin can stimulate gastric motility and increase digestive enzyme secretion, but these findings have not been confirmed in rigorous human clinical trials. It is commonly used in traditional formulations like Chitrakadi Vati for this purpose.

### Does Chitraka interact with any medications?

Chitraka's plumbagin has a naphthoquinone structure similar to vitamin K antagonists, which may enhance the effect of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin, potentially increasing bleeding risk. It may also interact with cytotoxic chemotherapy agents due to its own antiproliferative mechanisms, and its influence on CYP450 enzyme pathways in humans has not been fully characterized. Anyone on prescription medications, particularly blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or anti-diabetic drugs, should seek medical advice before using Chitraka supplements.

### Is Chitraka the same as leadwort, and is it toxic?

Yes, Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) is commonly called Ceylon leadwort or white leadwort, and it belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family. Plumbagin, its key compound, is cytotoxic at higher concentrations—in vitro studies show it induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines at micromolar concentrations (IC50 values often ranging 2–10 µM), but this same property raises toxicity concerns with unregulated supplementation. Proper preparation, dose control, and professional guidance are essential to minimize risk.

### What is the difference between Chitraka root and leaf extracts in supplements?

Chitraka root is the traditional form used in Ayurvedic medicine and contains higher concentrations of the active plumbagin compound compared to leaf extracts. Root-based supplements are more commonly recommended in classical texts for digestive support, while leaf extracts may have different phytochemical profiles with less clinical validation. Most commercial supplements standardize to root material for consistency with traditional formulations.

### Who should avoid taking Chitraka supplements?

Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Chitraka due to limited safety data and its traditional use as a digestive stimulant that may affect hormonal balance. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulants should consult a healthcare provider, as preliminary research suggests potential effects on blood properties. People with known hypersensitivity to Plumbaginaceae family plants should also avoid this ingredient.

### How strong is the scientific evidence supporting Chitraka's traditional health claims?

Most evidence for Chitraka's benefits remains limited to in vitro studies and traditional Ayurvedic texts rather than rigorous human clinical trials. While antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities have been demonstrated in laboratory settings, these do not yet translate to confirmed human health outcomes. More peer-reviewed research is needed to validate its traditional uses for digestion and weight management in humans.

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