"Chitraka (Plumbago Zeylanica Linn.): Exploring The Realms Of Rasayana (Rejuvenation) Potential Of Ayurveda
Main Article Content
Abstract
The present review explores the possible Rasayana properties of Chitraka, the dried mature root of Plumbago zeylanica Linn., within the framework of Ayurveda. Rasayana chikitsa, an integral component of Ayurvedic medicine, focuses on rejuvenation to achieve optimal physical, mental, and spiritual health. Chitraka, identified as both Kamya Rasayana and Naimittika Rasayana in classical Ayurveda, has been traditionally lauded for its potential in prolonging life and treating specific ailments.
The classical appraisal of Chitraka's Rasayana effect, as per Ashtanga Hridaya, aligns with its historical association with enhancing life span and managing haemorrhoids (Arsas), neurodegenerative diseases (vata vyadhi) and skin diseases (Kushta and switra). Recent research delves into the diverse therapeutic potentials of Chitraka, revealing its anti-hemorrhoidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-microbial, wound-healing, anti-androgenic alopecia, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-tumor effects.
This exploration of Chitraka's multifaceted therapeutic potential bridges ancient wisdom with modern scientific scrutiny, showcasing its relevance in addressing a spectrum of health challenges. The review emphasizes the need for continued research to unlock Chitraka's full potential, contributing to the evolving landscape of holistic health practices and fostering the integration of Ayurvedic principles into mainstream healthcare.
Downloads
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Goyal M. Rasayana in perspective of the present scenario. Ayu. 2018 Apr-Jun;39(2):63-64. doi: 10.4103/ayu.AYU_300_18. PMID: 30783358; PMCID: PMC6369608.
Balasubramani SP, Venkatasubramanian P, Kukkupuni SK, Patwardhan B. Plant-based Rasayana drugs from Ayurveda. Chin J Integr Med. 2011 Feb;17(2):88-94. doi: 10.1007/s11655-011-0659-5. Epub 2011 Mar 9. PMID: 21390573.
Govindarajan R, Vijayakumar M, Pushpangadan P. Antioxidant approach to disease management and the role of 'Rasayana' herbs of Ayurveda. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jun 3;99(2):165-78. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.02.035. Epub 2005 Apr 26. PMID: 15894123.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Vol. Part- I Volume – I. New Delhi: GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AYUSH;
Krishna Chandra Chunekar, Hota NP, Sharma K. Bhāva Prakāśa Kī Vanaspatiyām̐. 1999.
Agro-techniques of selected medicinal plants [Internet]. Vol. vol 1. New Delhi: National Medicinal Plants Board Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India; Available from: https://www.nmpb.nic.in/sites/default/files/publications/Agro_techniques_of_selected_medicinal_plants_Vol-I.pdf
Tripathi Bramanand, editor. Astanga Hridayam, Nirmala HindiCommentory (Uttarsthan Chapter 39), 10th ed. Varanasi:Choukhambha Sanskrit Pratisthan; 1995. p. 1186
Agnivesha; Charaka Samhita sutra sthana chapter 25, Dridhabala with the Ayurveda-Dipika Commentary of Cakrapanidatta and with Vidyotini Hindi Commentary by Pt. Kashinatha, Gangasahaya Pandeya editor Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Reprint – 2010.
Sadananda Sharma. Rasa Tarangini, Kasinath sastri editor. 2 ed. New Delhii: Motilal Banarasidas; 2004. P.753.
Nandi A, Nigar T, Das A, Dey YN. Network pharmacology analysis of Plumbago zeylanica to identify the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms involved in ameliorating hemorrhoids. J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2023 Nov 10:1-15. doi: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2280681. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37948311.
Kumar D, Ganguly K, Hegde HV, Patil PA, Roy S, Kholkute SD. Activity of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. root and Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. bark pastes in acute and chronic paw inflammation in Wistar rat. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Jan;5(1):33-7. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.128853. PMID: 24812473; PMCID: PMC4012359.
Dang GK, Parekar RR, Kamat SK, Scindia AM, Rege NN. Antiinflammatory activity of Phyllanthus emblica, Plumbago zeylanica and Cyperus rotundus in acute models of inflammation. Phytother Res. 2011 Jun;25(6):904-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3345. Epub 2010 Dec 3. PMID: 21132843.
Messeha SS, Zarmouh NO, Mendonca P, Kolta MG, Soliman KFA. The attenuating effects of plumbagin on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in LPS-activated BV-2 microglial cells. J Neuroimmunol. 2017 Dec 15;313:129-137. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2017.09.007. Epub 2017 Sep 20. PMID: 28950995; PMCID: PMC5696062.
Poosarla A, D N R, Athota RR, Sunkara VG. Modulation of T cell proliferation and cytokine response by Plumbagin, extracted from Plumbago zeylanica in collagen induced arthritis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Nov 16;11:114. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-114. PMID: 22085488; PMCID: PMC3248848.
Jetty A, Subhakar C, Rajagopal D, Jetty M, Subramanyam M, Marthanda Murthy M. Antimicrobial activities of neo- and 1-epineo-isoshinanolones from Plumbago zeylanica roots. Pharm Biol. 2010 Sep;48(9):1007-11. doi: 10.3109/13880200903433760. PMID: 20731552.
Reddy JS, Rao PR, Reddy MS. Wound healing effects of Heliotropium indicum, Plumbago zeylanicum and Acalypha indica in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Feb;79(2):249-51. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(01)00388-9. PMID: 11801388.
Yamada N, Miki K, Yamaguchi Y, Takauji Y, Yamakami Y, Hossain MN, Ayusawa D, Fujii M. Extract of Plumbago zeylanica enhances the growth of hair follicle dermal papilla cells with down-regulation of 5α-reductase type II. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Nov;19(11):3083-3090. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13355. Epub 2020 Mar 3. PMID: 32125089.
Tilak JC, Adhikari S, Devasagayam TP. Antioxidant properties of Plumbago zeylanica, an Indian medicinal plant and its active ingredient, plumbagin. Redox Rep. 2004;9(4):219-27. doi: 10.1179/135100004225005976. PMID: 15479566.
Akhilraj AR, Bhat S, Priyalatha B, Vimala KS. Comparative hepatoprotective activity of detoxified roots of Plumbago zeylanica L. and Plumbago rosea L. in Wistar rats. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021 Jul-Sep;12(3):452-457. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.04.002. Epub 2021 Aug 6. PMID: 34366166; PMCID: PMC8377173.
Rajakrishnan R, Lekshmi R, Benil PB, Thomas J, AlFarhan AH, Rakesh V, Khalaf S. Phytochemical evaluation of roots of Plumbago zeylanica L. and assessment of its potential as a nephroprotective agent. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2017 May;24(4):760-766. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.01.001. Epub 2017 Jan 8. PMID: 28490944; PMCID: PMC5415120.
Devi PU, Solomon FE, Sharada AC. In vivo tumor inhibitory and radiosensitizing effects of an Indian medicinal plant, Plumbago rosea on experimental mouse tumors. Indian J Exp Biol. 1994 Aug;32(8):523-8. PMID: 7959931.