Abstract:
Aims: Plumbago indica is a medicinal plant widely grown in the tropics and temperate region to
use in traditional systems of medicine. Different parts of this plant are used to treat rheumatoid
arthritis, dysmenorrhea, cancer, leprosy, syphilis, rheumatism, paralysis, headache, leukoderma,
enlarged glands, scabies, ophthalmia, dyspepsia, haemorrhage, piles, flatulence, loss of appetite
etc. Various kinds of researches were carried out in different countries on propagation and
pharmacology of this medicinal plant. Scientifically proven data were concentrated on this paper to
facilitate reliable convenience data source and encourage further studies.
Methodology: Scientific data published on full papers, abstracts about morphology, growth,
propagation, traditional medicinal uses and pharmacology of P. indica over 70 years (1949-2020)
by researchers in different countries were collected and categorized under suitable topics.
Results: According to literature P. indica leaves, stems, roots contain phytochemical compound
that are responsible for its medicinal properties. Tissue culture of this plant can be uses as effective
propagation method to fulfill the increasing demand of raw materials (dried plant parts) for
medicinal preparations as well as preserve the plant in their natural habitat. Value: P. indica is used to treat vast range of diseases in traditional medicinal systems in different
countries and currently pharmacological experiments are conducting to prove it scientifically.
Plumbagin present in P. indica roots was already identified as a potential anti-cancer agent and
subjected to more research interest. Therefore this review article helps new researchers to get wide
knowledge about the plant and its pharmacology.
