A Systematic Review on Synonyms and Properties of Citraka (Plumbago zeylanica Linn. and Plumbago rosea Linn.) from Samhitas (Ayurvedic classics) and Nighantus (Ayurvedic drug lexicons)

Abstract

Mankind has from the time immemorial relied on plants and plant products for their health care requirements. As per the recent estimate, nearly 4.4 billion people comprising 80% of world’s total population rely on plants as their primary source for medicine. Citraka commonly known as Agni, a medicinal plant which has been used by the Ayurvedic physicians, for the management of various disease conditions. Ācarya Śāraṅgadhara considered Citraka as, best among the medicines that perform Dīpana-Pācana (Appetizer and Digestive). Root of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. (Śveta Citraka) and Plumbago rosea Linn. (Rakta Citraka) of Plumbaginaceae family are used in Āyurveda as source plants of Citraka. The present review article has been designed to elucidate data on synonyms, properties, actions and various formulations of the drug from various Saṁhitās (Ayurvedic classics) and Nighaṇṭus (Ayurvedic drug lexicons).