Chitrak
Chitrak
Chitrak, also called DoctorBush or Ceylon, is one of the oldest plants known for its medicinal value and is considered as Rasayana in Ayurveda. It is grown throughout India in the wild or cultivated state due to its health benefits.
Chitrak root is beneficial in managing diabetes. It lowers blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin secretion due to its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. Chitrak also reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and thereby, helps in weight loss. It also aids in reducing anxiety and calming brain activity as it suppresses the central nervous system due to its relaxant properties.
According to Ayurveda, it helps improve the digestive system due to its Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestion) properties. It also helps manage atherosclerosis as it prevents the deposition of fatty substances in arteries and maintains the blood flow in the body.
Chitrak can also be used for external purposes. It helps in managing various skin diseases such as acne, sore, dermatitis due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It also accelerates wound healing owing to its antioxidant properties and helps in the formation of new skin cells.
It is advised not to consume Chitrak during pregnancy as it irritates the uterus and enhances contractions which might lead to miscarriage[3][6][13][14][15].
Chitrak root is beneficial in managing diabetes. It lowers blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin secretion due to its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. Chitrak also reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and thereby, helps in weight loss. It also aids in reducing anxiety and calming brain activity as it suppresses the central nervous system due to its relaxant properties.
According to Ayurveda, it helps improve the digestive system due to its Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestion) properties. It also helps manage atherosclerosis as it prevents the deposition of fatty substances in arteries and maintains the blood flow in the body.
Chitrak can also be used for external purposes. It helps in managing various skin diseases such as acne, sore, dermatitis due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It also accelerates wound healing owing to its antioxidant properties and helps in the formation of new skin cells.
It is advised not to consume Chitrak during pregnancy as it irritates the uterus and enhances contractions which might lead to miscarriage[3][6][13][14][15].
What are the synonyms of Chitrak?
Plumbago zeylanica, Agni, Vahni, Jvalanakhya, Krsanu, Hutasa, Dahana, Hutabhuk, Sikhi, Agiyachit, Agnachit, Chita, Lead war, Chitrakmula, Chira, Chitra, Chitramula, Vahni, Bilichitramoola, Shatranja, Vellakeduveli, Thumpokkoduveli, Chitraka, Chitamula, Chitoparu, Chitramoolam, Kodiveli, Chitramulam, Sheetraj Hindi, Cheetah[1].
What is the source of Chitrak?
Plant Based
Benefits of Chitrak
1. Indigestion
According to Ayurveda, indigestion is termed as Agnimandya that occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Whenever the consumed food is left undigested due to Mand agni (low digestive fire), it results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which causes indigestion. In simple words, we can say that indigestion occurs due to an incomplete process of digestion. Chitrak helps to manage indigestion by digesting the Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) due to it’s Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It even helps to balance the Pitta dosha[12].
2. Piles
Due to today’s sedentary lifestyle, Piles have become a common problem that occurs as a result of chronic constipation. Constipation leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata causes low digestive fire leading to persistent constipation that might result in pain and swelling around the anal region if ignored or left untreated and further lead in the formation of pile mass. Chitrak helps give relief from constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property and also reduces painful Piles due to its pain relieving as well as Vata and Pitta dosha balancing properties[12].
3. Obesity
Obesity is a condition in which indigestion leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of fat. This condition might sometimes even occur due to constipation, which leads to an imbalance of Meda dhatu (abnormality in adipose tissue) resulting in obesity. Chitrak helps to reduce fat accumulation because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property, thereby managing Obesity[12].
4. Sexual weakness
Sexual weakness is the condition in which a person faces either loss of libido (low sexual desire in one or both partners) or early discharge of semen (in case of male partner). This condition usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Chitrak helps to manage Sexual weakness due to it’s Vata balancing and aphrodisiac properties[12].
According to Ayurveda, indigestion is termed as Agnimandya that occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Whenever the consumed food is left undigested due to Mand agni (low digestive fire), it results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which causes indigestion. In simple words, we can say that indigestion occurs due to an incomplete process of digestion. Chitrak helps to manage indigestion by digesting the Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) due to it’s Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It even helps to balance the Pitta dosha[12].
2. Piles
Due to today’s sedentary lifestyle, Piles have become a common problem that occurs as a result of chronic constipation. Constipation leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata causes low digestive fire leading to persistent constipation that might result in pain and swelling around the anal region if ignored or left untreated and further lead in the formation of pile mass. Chitrak helps give relief from constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property and also reduces painful Piles due to its pain relieving as well as Vata and Pitta dosha balancing properties[12].
3. Obesity
Obesity is a condition in which indigestion leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of fat. This condition might sometimes even occur due to constipation, which leads to an imbalance of Meda dhatu (abnormality in adipose tissue) resulting in obesity. Chitrak helps to reduce fat accumulation because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property, thereby managing Obesity[12].
4. Sexual weakness
Sexual weakness is the condition in which a person faces either loss of libido (low sexual desire in one or both partners) or early discharge of semen (in case of male partner). This condition usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Chitrak helps to manage Sexual weakness due to it’s Vata balancing and aphrodisiac properties[12].
Precautions when using Chitrak
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
A certain constituent (plumbagin) present in Chitrak might be considered to be toxic if taken in high doses. So it is generally advisable to consult a physician before taking Chitrak[10].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is advisable to avoid Chitrak during pregnancy as increases the uterine contractions and might lead to a miscarriage. So it is generally advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Chitrak during pregnancy[6].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Diarrhea
2. Skin rashes[8]
2. Skin rashes[8]
Recommended Dosage of Chitrak
- Chitrak Powder - 2-3 gm a day or as recommended by a physician.
- Chitrak Syrup - 5-10 ml in divided doses a day or as recommended by a physician[9].
- Chitrak Tablet - 1-2 gm in divided doses a day or as recommended by a physician.
How to use Chitrak
Chitrak tablets/capsules (for ulcers)-
a. Take 2 tablets or capsules of Chitrak orally 3 times a day.
b. Take them after meals with buttermilk or lukewarm water[9].
a. Take 2 tablets or capsules of Chitrak orally 3 times a day.
b. Take them after meals with buttermilk or lukewarm water[9].
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The shelf life of Chitrak powder is 6-12 months and that of capsules or tablets is 2-3 years[9].
Modern Science View
Raw dried Chitrak should be packaged in breathable gunny bags. Care should always be taken to prevent damage from insects, ants or other chemicals. Keep the stored Chitrak away from moisture in the rainy season[9].
Modern Science View
The common names of Plumbago zeylanica are Agni, Vahni, Jvalanakhya, Krsanu, Hutasa, Dahana, Hutabhuk, Sikhi, Agiyachit, Agnachit, Chita, Lead war, Chitrakmula, Chira, Chitra, Chitramula, Vahni, Bilichitramoola, Shatranja, Vellakeduveli, Thumpokkoduveli, Chitraka, Chitamula, Chitoparu, Chitramoolam, Kodiveli, Chitramulam, Sheetraj Hindi, and Cheetah[1].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Chaudhari SS, Chaudhari GS.A Review on Plumbago zeylanica Linn. - A Divine Medicinal Plant.Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res.2015;30(2): 119-127.
- Roy A, Bharadvaja N.A review on multi-purpose medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica and in vitro production of Plumbagin.Scope of phytochemically unexplored medicinal plants.2017;129-139.
- Tyagi R, Menghani E.A Review on Plumbago zeylanica : A compelling herb.International journal of pharma sciences and research.2014;5(04):119-126.
- Falang KD, Uguru MO, Wannang NN, et al.Anti-ulcer activity of Plumbago Zeylanica linn root extract.Scholars Research Library.2012;2(5):563-567.
- Vishnukanta, Rana AC.Plumbago Zeylanica : A Phytopharmacological Review.IJPSR.2011;2(2):247-255.
- Pendulkar SR, Mengi SA. Antihyperlipidemic effect of aqueous extract of Plumbago zeylanica roots in diet-induced hyperlipidemic rat.Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology.2009;47(10): 1004-1010.
- Sand JM,Hafeez BB,Jamal MS, et al.Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), isolated from Plumbago zeylanica, inhibits ultraviolet radiation-induced development of squamous cell carcinomas.Carcinogenesis.2012;33(1):184-190.
- Chetty KM,Sivaji K, Sudarsanam G, et al.Pharmaceutical studies and therapeutic uses of Plumbago zeylanica L. roots (Chitraka,Chitramulamu).Ethnobotanical leaflets.2006;10:294-304.
- Kumar D, Patil PA, Roy S, et al.Comparative toxicity of Plumbago zeylanica L. root petroleum ether,acetone and hydroalcoholic extracts in wistar rats.AYU.2015;36(3):329-334.
- Kodati DR, Goud K, Burra S, et al.Evaluation of wound healing activity ‘of methanolic root extract of Plumbago zeylanica L. in wistar albino rats.Pelagia Research Library.2011;2(3):239-248.
- Chaudhari SS,Chaudhari GS. A Review on Plumbago zeylanica Linn. - A Divine Medicinal Plant.Int. J. Pharm.Sci.Rev. Res.2015;30(2):119-127.
- Schmelzer GH, Gurib-Fakim A, PROTA Foundation.Medicinal Plants. 2008.
- Kumar G, Banu G, Maheswaran R et.al.Effect of Plumbago zeylanica L. on blood glucose and plasma antioxidant status in STZ diabetic rats. Journal of Natural Remedies 2007;7:66-71.
- Sunil C, Duraipandiyan V, Agastian P et.al.Antidiabetic effect of plumbagin isolated from Plumbago zeylanica L. root and its effect on GLUT4 translocation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Food Chem Toxicol.2012 ;50(12):4356-63.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.