Exploring Plumbago Zeylanica Linn’s Anticancer Potential: In Vitro Phytochemical Analysis

Abstract

Background: Plumbago zeylanicum, commonly known as `Chitramula’ and `Chitrak’ and belonging to the family Plumbaginaceae, is a rambling perennial under shrub grown in most parts of India. The present work deals with the pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical studies on the roots of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. Objectives: This study aimed to look at the preliminary phytochemical screening and pharmacognostic characteristics of P. zeylanicum roots. Material and Methods: Macroscopy, microscopy, phytochemical screening, physicochemical parameters, and the production of thin-layer chromatograms were used to evaluate the pharmacognostic properties of the Plumbago zeylanicum root. Results: Macroscopic examination revealed brown roots with an unpleasant flavor. Transverse cuts displayed visible features like medullary rays, arteries, secondary xylem, and starch grains. Powder microscopy further revealed secondary xylem elements, trichomes, fibers, and starch grains. Physicochemical properties of Plumbago zeylanicum were determined, including thin-layer chromatography fingerprinting, ash levels, extractive values, and fluorescence analysis, indicating diverse phytoconstituents in the root extract. Conclusion: The extracts contain steroids, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and carbohydrates, suggesting potential medicinal applications. The method is a superior alternative to time-consuming and complex steam distillation-based isolation techniques.

Keywords

• antineoplastic agents
• drug discovery
• in vitro techniques
• phytochemicals
• plant extracts