Chittiramoolam (Plumbago zeylanica)

Chittiramoolam, chitrak in Hindi, is white leadwort, a scrambling shrub with white flowers whose root is one of Ayurveda’s strongest digestive herbs, as in chitrakadi vati. The root contains plumbagin, which blisters the skin and was historically used to cause abortion. For that reason chitraka is used only after purification and in small doses. Blue plumbago of gardens is a different species, Plumbago auriculata.

Botanical name: Plumbago zeylanica L.
Family: Plumbaginaceae
Tamil: Chittiramoolam
Hindi: Chitrak
Sanskrit: Citraka
Parts used: Root in lists
Habit: Scrambling white-flowered shrub with a skin-blistering root
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Chittiramoolam

It is a straggling, perennial shrub with slender, ribbed stems.

The leaves are oval, thin and pale green.

White, tubular flowers with five spreading petals grow in spikes.

The calyx is covered in sticky glandular hairs that catch small insects and stick to clothes.

The roots are long and reddish-brown, with a sharp, biting taste.

Traditional use of Chittiramoolam

Ayurveda

Chitraka root is used, after purification in lime water, in formulas such as chitrakadi vati for digestion.

Ayurvedic practice

Siddha

Chittiramoolam is used in Siddha preparations, often after purification.

Siddha practice

Folk use

Root paste was applied to warts and corns, relying on its blistering action.

Indian folk practice

Modern notes on Chittiramoolam

Plumbagin is a naphthoquinone that irritates skin and mucous membranes and is toxic in larger doses.

Laboratory studies show many effects of plumbagin, but its toxicity limits medical use.

Raw root pressed on skin causes blisters.

Chittiramoolam safety

Never use chitrak in pregnancy or when trying to conceive, and do not apply the raw root to skin. Use it only in formulas made by a trained practitioner.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows across tropical Africa and Asia in scrub and hedges.

Butterflies visit its white flowers.

Its sticky calyces catch on animals and spread the seeds.

Related plants

Questions about Chittiramoolam

What is chitrak?

Its Hindi name.

Is Chittiramoolam safe in pregnancy?

No.

Why does the root blister skin?

It contains plumbagin.

Is Chittiramoolam the blue garden plumbago?

No. That is Plumbago auriculata.

Why are the flowers sticky?

Their calyces carry glandular hairs.

Can Chittiramoolam be grown in a garden?

Yes, as a hardy shrub, but keep children away from the roots.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.