Plumbago zeylanica

Plumbago zeylanica, commonly known as Ceylon Leadwort, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to South Asia. Renowned in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, its roots and leaves possess potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. It is frequently utilized to treat skin ailments, respiratory issues, and various inflammatory conditions through herbal formulations.

  • Scientific name: Plumbago zeylanica
  • Family: Plumbaginaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Plumbago zeylanica, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Caryophyllales. Finally, it is a member of the family Plumbaginaceae and the genus Plumbago.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Plumbaginaceae WCVP
Genus Plumbago WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans several distinct regions across the globe. In Southeastern Europe, its presence can be noted within the country of Italy. Moving toward the Atlantic, it is found in the Macaronesian region, specifically in Cape Verde. The species also extends into West Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the nations of Benin and Burkina. Finally, its distribution continues through West Tropical Africa to include the country of Gambia.

Region Area Source
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP

Chemicals

Plumbago zeylanica has 40 reported phytochemicals identified across 85 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include plumbagin, flavonoids, Plumbagin, 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, phenols.

Total chemicals
40
Scientific sources
85

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
plumbagin 32 ★★★★★
flavonoids 7 ★★★★☆
Plumbagin 4 ★★☆☆☆
5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone 3 ★★☆☆☆
phenols 3 ★★☆☆☆
isoshinanolone 2 ★☆☆☆☆
1,4-naphthoquinone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
4-hydroxybenzaldehyde 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Suberosin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aflatoxin B1 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Plumbago zeylanica has 15 reported activities identified across 33 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic.

Total activities
15
Scientific sources
33

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 6 ★★★☆☆
Antioxidant 6 ★★★☆☆
Hepatoprotective 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Cardiotonic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiatherosclerotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticarcinogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Plumbago zeylanica has 64 reported medicinal uses identified across 81 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, inflammation, skin cancer, E. coli, PCa.

Total uses
64
Scientific sources
81

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 5 ★★★☆☆
inflammation 3 ★★☆☆☆
skin cancer 3 ★★☆☆☆
E. coli 2 ★☆☆☆☆
PCa 2 ★☆☆☆☆
anemia 2 ★☆☆☆☆
arthritis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cardiotonic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
glioma 2 ★☆☆☆☆