American Journal of Phytomedicine and Clinical Therapeutics www.ajpct.org Review Article Ethnomedical and Pharmacological Potentials of Plumbago zeylanica L- A Review Kumar Ganesan 1 , Sharmila Banu Gani 2 1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, International Medical School, Management and Science University College, Shah Alam- 40100, Selangor, Malaysia 2 Department of Zoology, NKR Government Arts College for Women, Namakkal, Tamilnadu 637 001, India ABSTRACT Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbaginaceae) (PZ) commonly called as Doctorbush is a semi climbing sub shrub used to effective against anaemia, rheumatic pain, dysmenorrhoea, leprosy, ulcers and elimination of intestinal parasites. In Ayurvedic system of medicine, the roots of the plant and its constituents are credited with potential therapeutic properties including cardiotonic, neuroprotective and CNS stimulating properties. The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological actions and toxicity study of Plumbago zeylanica L to explore their therapeutic potential and future research opportunities. All the relevant information of PZ was collected through MEDLINE/PUBMED. The evidence presented in this review has showed that PZ has great potential to be integrated into conventional medical practice for the treatment of various metabolic diseases, hepatotoxic, diabetes, inflammation, cancer and other disease complications. Future research on PZ would provide much knowledge about pharmacological uses and socio-economic impact. Keywords: Plumbago zeylanica, Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Toxicity, Bioactive compounds. INTRODUCTION The usage of medicinal plants is increasing worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 80% of the world’s population currently uses herbal medicines directly as teas, decocts or extracts with easily accessible liquids such as water, milk, or alcohol. 1 In fact, most of the plants produce a various bioactive molecules making them for various types of diseases. The medicinal plants and its active principles have been continued to play a Address for Correspondence Department of Zoology, NKR Government Arts College for Women, Namakkal, Tamilnadu 637 001, India Tel: +919865284914 E-mail: gsharmikumar@ yahoo.co.in