Plumbago Indica -Medicinal Plant

It is an evergreen shrub with loose growth habit, and can grow up to 1.5 m tall. Simple, ovate-shaped, alternately arranged along the stem. Inflorescence in terminal spike form, bright red colour. The genus epithet 'Plumbago' is derived from the Latin "plumbum" meaning "lead" (the metallic element).

The root is used extensively in India and China to treat contusion of extremities, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and dysmenorrhea. The roots contain an alkaloid called plumbagin. It is responsible for various therapeutic properties like antioxidant, antimalarial, antibiotic, antifertility, anticancer, and cardiotonic