Question

________ of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. is/are used as official parts for medicinal purpose.

• A. Bark
• B. Roots
• C. Seeds
• D. Flowers

Hint:

Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) is highly celebrated in Ayurveda for its root-derived digestive and stimulating properties, driven by its active compound plumbagin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) contain specialized secondary metabolites concentrated within specific tissues, which are designated as the "official parts" for pharmacological extraction.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Plumbago zeylanica (commonly known as Chitrak or White Leadwort) is an important medicinal herbaceous plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
- The roots (and specifically the root bark) are designated as the primary official part used for medicinal preparations.
- The roots are rich in plumbagin, a yellow-colored bioactive naphtoquinone alkaloid that exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-carcinogenic activities.
- Although other parts of the plant contain trace amounts of the compound, the roots are harvested commercially for processing.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The roots of Plumbago zeylanica are the primary parts used for medicinal purposes.