Commonly known as Chitrakmool, it is one of the oldest drugs known to Ayurvedic physicians. It grows as a shrub in the southern parts of India. Roots and leaves have been used historically to treat indigestion, peptic ulcers and piles, anemia and high cholesterol. Chemical constituents are naphthalene derivatives, triterpenes and aminoacids. The medicinal and pharmacological activities are listed below:
•
Antioxidant activity: Plumbagin (naphthalene drerivative), the chief component prevented peroxidation in liver and heart homogenates.
•
Hypolipidemic activity: Plumbagin reduced serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol when administered to hyperlipidemic rabbits.
•
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet activity: In laboratory rats, it caused delay in blood coagulation and platelet adhesion over a 4 week period.
•
Antiinflammatory activity: A phosphate buffered saline extract of the roots of P.zeylanica stabilized red blood cells subjected to both heat- and hypotonic- induced lyses. A biphasic response and a reduction in the enzymatic activities of alkaline and acid phophatases were observed and adenosine triphosphate activity was stimulated in liver homogenates of formaldehyde-induced arthritic rats.
Safety Profile
The LD50 of plumbagin is approximately 10mg/kg body weight in mice and a 50% alcoholic extract of the root or whole plant has an LD50 of 500 mg/kg body weight. Excessive amounts can cause stomach irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, and micturition. In view of the documented abortifacient activity, it should be avoided in all stages of pregnancy.
Herb Drug interactions
Not known. It has documented anticoagulant effects and patients on antiplatelet drugs should use with caution.
