Biological Name: Plumbago Rosea, Plumbago indica

Family: Plumbaginaceae

Other Names: Lal chitra, Yerra-chitramulam, Chekkikotuveri, Usana, Chitra, Tambdi Chitraka, Chitraka, Shivappu Chittramulam, Chitrakamerah, Shitrapuni, Chittur-mol, Rosenrothe Bleiwurz, Dentilaire Rose, Rose-colored lead-wort, Kempu Chitramula, Ratnitul, Kin-khenni, Raktochitra, Kodimuli, Rakto-chita, Lalchita, Rakta-shikha, Lal-chitarah, Raktachitraka, Lal-chitarakak.

Additional Info: The herb is specially raised by peoples of India.

Elements Applied: The root is commonly applied in herbal medicine.

Active Components: Root is rich in acrid crystalline component, dubbed plumbagin. This component can be found in any type of plumbago in a relative quantity of 0.91 percent.

Used For: The herb is used to boost metabolic rates, stimulate gastric activity and promote appetite, taken in large quantities it produces a narcotic action. As a topical remedy it is used as a vasicant. It produces a special effect on the womb.

The root is stated to enhance the gastro-intestinal activity and increase appetite. Plumbagin acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system if used in small quantities, but if taken in large quantities it may lead to paralysis and even lethal outcome. Plumbagin also lowers blood pressure.

The element also irritates skin, simultaneously neutralizing bacteria. Taken in small quantities the medicine promotes perspiration, while large amount may lead to fatality due to respiratory failure. It is stated that this effect is produced due to direct action of plumbagin on the muscles.

To produce a rubefacient action, plant’s bruised root is combined with some bland oil and applied in case of buboes, gland enlargement, and rheumatic conditions.

Several varieties of leucoderma can be cured by the plant. It may also be used for other skin conditions and scorpion bites.

Scraped root was once used to provoke abortion, after being introduced to the cervix. It evacuates the fetus either alive or dead.

Root tincture is applied for treating lack of appetite, flatulence, other gastro-intestinal conditions, piles, dyspepsia, leprosy, and secondary syphilis. It is also used to control bleeding after childbirth.

Warning! Exercise care when using the herb. Taken at large doses it may lead to fatality.

Root bark and root are added to caustic pastes and applied to produce a rubefacient effect topically.

Preparation and Intake: Speak with your health-care provider concerning the dosage. Avoid self-treatment.

Safety: Warning! Pregnant women should avoid taking the herb, as it may cause miscarriage.

Used in large quantities, the plant may lead to paralysis and lethal outcome.