Plumbago zeylanica, commonly known as Ceylon leadwort or Chitrak, has a longstanding use in traditional medicine systems, especially Ayurveda, for expelling intestinal parasites such as nematodes and worms. The root is often included in polyherbal formulations for its purported anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) properties. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe its use for “krimi” (worms) and recommend preparations made from its root to clear parasitic infections from the gastrointestinal tract.

Scientific validation for these traditional uses is limited but not completely absent. Some in vitro and animal studies have investigated extracts of Plumbago zeylanica for anthelmintic activity, with a few reports showing moderate efficacy against certain worm species. However, these studies are generally preliminary, use crude extracts, and lack clinical trials in humans. The active compound, plumbagin, has demonstrated some antiparasitic effects in laboratory settings, but its efficacy and safety in human populations remain unestablished.

In summary, the use of Plumbago zeylanica for treating or supporting the body against parasites is supported primarily by traditional medicine systems, with modest experimental evidence that is not yet sufficient for scientific endorsement. Therefore, the justification is considered traditional, with a moderate (2/5) level of evidence.