Dr. Akhilraj AR, Suchitra N Prabhu, Dr. Priyalatha B and Dr. Vimala KS

Citraka (2 species - Plumbago zeylanica Linn. and Plumbago rosea Linn.) is a medicinal plant used extensively in various Āyurvedic formulations, with great therapeutic significance. Even though it is not placed in the poisonous plant category, Āyurveda - The traditional system of medicine of India advocated śodhana (purification) for this drug. In the present study, the effect of Śodhana (purification) of root of both species of Citraka in lime water (CaCO₃) with special reference to Plumbagin content was analysed using HPTLC. Changes in the physico-chemical parameters, phytochemical analysis and quantification of Plumbagin was observed after śodhana. The Plumbagin content was reduced from 0.026% to 0.009% in Plumbago rosea and from 0.015% to undetectable quantity in Plumbago zeylanica after śodhana .The study establishes the significant role of Śodhana in the phytochemical as well as the toxicological profile of the drug.

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