Chitrakmul or White Leadwort [Bot name – Plumbago zeylanica] plant is said to be growing wild in Bengal, UP, Southern India, Ceylon. Plumbago zeylanica is a perennial under shrub, 1.5–2.0 m tall, with ram-bling branches and its growth occurs during rainy season and ceases in post-flowering stage. Chitrak can be grown as an intercrop with many fruit trees, for example, guava, mango or citrus orchards.
As per Ayurveda, Chitrak is Pungent, Hot, and Dry in Potency and has Vatta/ Kapha pacifying properties. Chitrak is found to be ideal for digestion of heavy foods, toxins and increasing appetising. Ayurveda mentions its properties as removal of toxins from Skin by way of increased sweating & healthy metabolism of unwanted fats. Hence Chitrak supports lean muscles and healthy Intestine functions, to activate weight management. Chitrak is also 
found to be useful during inflammatory stage of Spleen or Liver. 
Chitrak promotes monthly flow of menses when taken in recommended dosage and is better avoided during pregnancy or lactation. Chitrak may be beneficial for Piles and intestinal disturbances where formation of healthy stools is a problem. Chitrak supports healthy Liver cells functions and low bacterial or viral load. Chitrak is also a powerful irritant; in small doses it stimulates sweating & the central nervous system which indirectly helps in extra cellular fat metabolism and weight management.
The main active compound in the plant Chitrak is plumbagin, which has been shown to possess several pharmacological activities including suppressing harmful bacteria load, relief from muscles spasm and digestive actions. Scientific studies on animals of Chitrak extract have shown promising antioxidant activity to protect cellular damage.