Plumbago Zelyanica Linn. (Chitraka) Under the Lens; A Research Review Study of Overall Plant Toxicity, Phytotoxic Impacts and Ecological Consequences

Background: Chitraka, (Plumbago zeylanica) is a widely used medicinal plant in India, employed in various traditional systems such as Ayurveda. Despite its therapeutically valuable bioactive compounds, the plant is associated with marked toxicity and phytotoxicity in both experimental models and clinical usage. Objectives: To systematically review and synthesize the existing scientific evidence on the overall toxicity and phytotoxicity of Plumbago zeylanica, with a focus on human, animal, and plant models within the Indian context. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using subject specific, multi-disciplinary and electronic databases with official guidelines. Inclusion criteria were original studies, reviews, and case reports published in English up to 2024 dealing with acute, sub-acute, and chronic toxicity, as well as phytotoxicity of Plumbago zeylanica, particularly from Indian mainland. Extraction focused on toxicological endpoints, affected organs, dose-response relationships, and mechanisms.