Plumbago zeylanica Linn. (Sheetraj): A Comprehensive Review of Unani Perspectives, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities

Malik  Kashif; Abdul  Salaam

doi:10.22270/jddt.v16i7.7863

Authors

Malik Kashif Assistant Professor, Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), Mohammadia Tibbia College & Assayer Hospital, Malegaon, Maharashtra, India. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3840-2317
Abdul salaam P.G. Scholar, Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), Government Nizamia Tibbi College, Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3580-0672

Abstract

Background: Plumbago zeylanica Linn. (Sheetraj/Chitrak) is an important medicinal plant of the family Plumbaginaceae and has been widely used in the Unani system of medicine for centuries. It is traditionally prescribed for various dermatological, gastrointestinal, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Objective: To review the classical Unani literature and modern scientific evidence related to the pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic applications of Plumbago zeylanica.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using classical Unani texts and electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Relevant publications up to 2025 were reviewed and analyzed.

Results: Unani literature describes Sheetraj as Garm wa Khushk (Hot and Dry) in the third degree with actions such as anti-inflammatory, digestive, expectorant, diuretic, and nervine stimulant. Phytochemical investigations have identified plumbagin as the principal active constituent along with coumarins, flavonoids, sterols, and other bioactive compounds. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated antimicrobial, wound-healing, antiulcer, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, antifertility, and anticancer activities, supporting many of its traditional uses.

Conclusion: The available evidence validates several classical Unani claims regarding Sheetraj and highlights its significant therapeutic potential. Further clinical studies are required to establish its safety, efficacy, and standardization for evidence-based clinical applications.

Keywords: Plumbago zeylanica, Sheetraj, Chitrak, Unani medicine, plumbagin, phytochemistry, pharmacology.

Keywords:

Plumbago zeylanica, Sheetraj, Unani medicine, pharmacology, herbal medicine

DOI

https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v16i7.7863

Author Biographies

Malik Kashif, Assistant Professor, Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), Mohammadia Tibbia College & Assayer Hospital, Malegaon, Maharashtra, India.

Assistant Professor, Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), Mohammadia Tibbia College & Assayer Hospital, Malegaon, Maharashtra, India.

Abdul salaam, P.G. Scholar, Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), Government Nizamia Tibbi College, Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

P.G. Scholar, Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), Government Nizamia Tibbi College, Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

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