Therapeutic Potential of Sheetraj (Plumbago Zeylanica Linn.)-A Potent Drug of Unani Medicine

Dr. Hamiduddin; Sayma bee Nagori; Sultana Anjum; Sabeena Shah; Mohammed Anees

Abstract

Plumbago zeylanica also known as Sheetraj or Chitraka belongs to the family Plumbaginaceae. It is one of the important medicinal plants which is used worldwide due to its therapeutic value. Therefore, this work carried out on Sheetraj has been, gathered, analyzed and reviewed using references from different sources like classical text and indexed journals. The aim of this review is to provide data or comprehensive information related to the chemical composition, pharmacological activities and therapeutic uses of P. zeylanica Linn. To explore its therapeutic potential and future research opportunities. In Unani system of medicine (USM), the roots of Sheetraj are widely used for internal administration and external application to treat many diseases. It contains the most important chemical constituents like Napthoquinones, Coumarins, Terpenes, Sterols, Plumbagic acid glucosides, Vitamin, Sugars etc. Plumbagin is this plant's main chemical component and is what gives it its diverse medicinal effects. It is present in the plant's stem, leaves, and roots. It carries out the actions of Jali (Detergent), Muqarrih (Ulcerative), Mukhrish (Corrosive), Antiallergic, Muhammir (Rubefacient), Mudirr-i-Bawl (Diuretic), Mufarreh (Exhilirant) and Musakkin (Sedative) etc. Traditionally it is used to treat variety of diseases such as Taqashshur al-Jild (Psoriasis), Kharish (Itching), Baras (Leucoderma), Bahaq (Pityriasis), Jarab (Scabies), Amrade-balghami-asbi (Phlegmatic-nervine disease) and acts as Mushtahi (Appetizer), Hazam-Gija (Digestive) etc. The scientifically proven/reported pharmacological activities are Anti-inflammatory, Wound healing activity, Antioxidant activity, Anti-cancer activity, Anti allergic activity mentioned in literatures and many activities need further exploration due to the great therapeutic scope of this drug.