Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Microbial Potential of Plumbago zeylanica L.: A Review

Abstract

Plumbago zeylanica L. (Pz) is one of the most important medicinal plant belonging to the family Plumbaginaceae. It is a perennial shrub, growing throughout India and most places of Sri Lanka. It contains various bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, naphthoquinones, glycoside, saponins, steroids, tri-terpenoids, coumarins, phenolic compounds etc. Of all the chemical constituents, plumbagin is the principal active compound. Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone-C11H8O3) is primarily present in roots in higher amounts with only about 1% in the whole plant. The literature reveals that the root and root bark have a wider claim in traditional medicines against various diseases as a memory enhancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, wound healing, anti-malarial, anti-infertility, anticancer, blood coagulation, and anti-oxidant activities. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of this plant. Keyword: Plumbago zeylanica; Sheetraj; Chitrak; Anti-inflammatory; Antimicrobial; Traditional uses