A study of Toxic Effects of chitrak (Plumbago zeylenica Linn)

 Title:-A study of  Toxic Effects of chitrak (Plumbago zeylenica Linn)

          Dr. Chirmalla Sujata S. had submitted her dissertation in 1998 Year, for the P.G. degree M.D. Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology). Her guide was Dr. J. K. Barde & research center was Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune (M.S.) India & submitted to University of Pune.

            Dr. Chirmalla had done an experimental study of Chitrak to see the toxic effect of chitrak by studying LD50 & to observe the side reactions & toxic reactions by using normal chitrak & purified (Suddha) chitrak with their comparative effects.

          The purification (Shuddhi) of chitrak was done by soaking it in lime water overnight. Raw chitrak root skin powder was used to see the toxic effects on albino rats & to estimate LD 50; the data showed that chitrak was non toxic. It had no lethal dose. Its acute toxicity was not seen on animal trial by oral administration. To check the toxicity on local application on skin & tongue, Purified & non purified chitrak root skin was applied on the skin of human volunteers. The data showed that it was highly irritant (100%) & showed burning sensation lasts for 25-30 minutes on taste. This intensity was reduced by purification process (50%).

          The research was concluded as follows- 

When Chitrak root skin powder was used in Albino rats orally ,to estimate LD 50 ,Chitrak was found Non Toxic .

1)    Chitrak was a non toxic drug.

2)    Chitrak used in crude form is safer than plumbagin (The active principle) in isolated form.

3)    The alkaline media (lime water) used with chitrak was found to have positive effects.