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Dietary supplement

Chitrak Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Banyan Botanicals

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chitrak is a dietary supplement by Banyan Botanicals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive complaints and poor appetite, skin conditions and wounds (applied to the skin), joint pain and swelling.Based on those ingredients, 1,097 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chitrak. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chitrak by Banyan Botanicals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Chitrak contains one active ingredient: Ceylon leadwort, a botanical traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice. The herb itself is the active component—there are no other inactive fillers or binders listed.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Ceylon Leadwort product and its label doesn't state a use — see Ceylon Leadwort's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold on Ceylon leadwort for asthma is insufficient; we don't have reliable data to say whether it works for that use or others. If you're considering this product for a specific condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the evidence shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Ceylon Leadwort

How safe is it?

Some data gaps
Safety Information · database check
Some gaps

Safety data exists for these ingredients, but with some important gaps.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 0 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Ceylon leadwort contains plumbagin, a compound that can irritate your skin and gut and may become toxic at higher doses. The safety data advises against using this herb during pregnancy—it has traditionally been used to cause abortion.

There also isn't enough safety information to use it while breastfeeding, so it's best avoided then. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, don't use this product without talking to your doctor first.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Ceylon Leadwort

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Ceylon Leadwort.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,098 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take Chitrak, make sure to check any medications metabolized by your liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes—that includes antidepressants, pain relievers, statins, antibiotics, antifungals, and many others. Also double-check if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, immunosuppressants, hormone therapy including birth control, or diabetes medications, as Ceylon leadwort may interfere with all of these.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and some safety-information gaps remain.

Chitrak is a single-ingredient herb with a long history in Ayurvedic medicine, but it carries real interaction risks with common medications because of how it affects your liver's drug-processing enzymes. If you take any prescription drugs—especially blood thinners, diabetes medications, antidepressants, or anything processed by your liver—check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

It's not safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 24, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Chitrak, straight from the product label.

Brand Banyan Botanicals
Barcode (UPC) 618192076231
Net contents 2.95 Ounce(s); 84 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 24, 2024
DSLD ID 305611
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Chitrak by Banyan Botanicals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.25 Teaspoon(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.5 Teaspoon(s)
Servings per container
66
UPC/BARCODE
618192076231
IngredientAmount% DV
Chitrak0.5 Teaspoon(s)--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon with warm water, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Ayurvedic herbs

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Formulation

USDA Organic Certified organic Certified organic by: QAI

See for yourself

Chitrak by Banyan Botanicals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chitrak by Banyan Botanicals

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.25 Teaspoon(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container66 Amounts shown are per serving.

Chitrak

Interacts with
1,097 drugs
0.5 Teaspoon(s) per serving Form: Plumbago zeylanica

Ceylon Leadwort (Plumbago zeylanica) is a plant long used in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems, mainly for digestion, skin problems, an...

Chitrak monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Chitrak by Banyan Botanicals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chitrak?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,097Drugs
1,097 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Chitrak 1,097

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Chitrak with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Chitrak10 drug types · 1,097 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

There is some concern that Ceylon leadwort might potentiate the effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and possibly increase the risk of bleeding. Ceylon leadwort root extract has been shown to decrease platelet adhesion and prolong bleeding in animals. However, this effect has not yet been demonstrated in humans. Until more is known, use cautiously in patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Ceylon leadwort root extract has been shown to both increase and decrease blood glucose levels in animal research. This effect has not yet been demonstrated in humans. Theoretically, Ceylon leadwort might reduce or potentiate the effects of antidiabetes drugs. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Medication dose adjustments may be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Plumbagin, a constituent of Ceylon leadwort, has been shown to inhibit cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) in vitro. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. Theoretically, Ceylon leadwort might increase the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2. Some substrates of CYP1A2 include clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), fluvoxamine (Luvox), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), mexiletine (Mexitil), olanzapine (Zyprexa), pentazocine (Talwin), propranolol (Inderal), tacrine (Cognex), zileuton (Zyflo), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Plumbagin, a constituent of Ceylon leadwort, has been shown to inhibit cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) in vitro. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. Theoretically, Ceylon leadwort might increase the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6. Drugs that are metabolized by CYP2B6 include ketamine (Ketalar), phenobarbital, orphenadrine (Norflex), secobarbital (Seconal), and dexamethasone (Decadron).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Plumbagin, a constituent of Ceylon leadwort, has been shown to inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) in vitro. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. Theoretically, Ceylon leadwort might increase the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9. Drugs that are metabolized by CYP2C9 include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), and S-warfarin (Coumadin).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Plumbagin, a constituent of Ceylon leadwort, has been shown to inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) in vitro. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. Theoretically, Ceylon leadwort might increase the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6. Some drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 include amitriptyline (Elavil), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Plumbagin, a constituent of Ceylon leadwort, has been shown to inhibit cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in vitro. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. Theoretically, Ceylon leadwort might increase the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1. Some drugs metabolized by CYP2E1 include acetaminophen, chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte), ethanol, theophylline, and anesthetics such as enflurane (Ethrane), halothane (Fluothane), isoflurane (Forane), methoxyflurane (Penthrane).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Plumbagin, a constituent of Ceylon leadwort, has been shown to inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in vitro. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. Theoretically, Ceylon leadwort might increase the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), indinavir (Crixivan), sildenafil (Viagra), triazolam (Halcion), and numerous others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Laboratory research suggests that Ceylon leadwort root extract has anti-estrogenic activity. Theoretically, Ceylon leadwort may interfere with hormone therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Plumbagin, a constituent of Ceylon leadwort, has demonstrated immunosuppressant activity in animal research. Theoretically, Ceylon leadwort might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy. Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Chitrak, from the product label.

Banyan Botanicals

See all Banyan Botanicals products
Name
Banyan Botanicals
City
Albuquerque
State
NM
ZipCode
87113
Web Address
banyanbotanicals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chitrak by Banyan Botanicals: Common Questions

Does Chitrak by Banyan Botanicals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chitrak has a known interaction with 1,097 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chitrak contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Chitrak if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
Not without talking to your doctor first. Ceylon leadwort may increase the effects of blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs, which could raise your bleeding risk—though this hasn't been proven in humans yet. Your prescriber needs to know before you take this.
Is Chitrak safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. It's traditionally been used to cause abortion, so it shouldn't be used during pregnancy. There also isn't enough safety data to use it while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you're in either situation.
What is plumbagin, and why should I care about it?
Plumbagin is the active compound in Ceylon leadwort that gives the herb its effects—but it can irritate your skin and gut, and may be toxic at higher doses. It's also what causes the interactions with your liver's drug-processing enzymes.
Does Chitrak actually work for asthma?
We don't have reliable evidence to say whether it does. The data on its effectiveness for asthma is insufficient, so if you're considering it for that reason, ask your doctor what the evidence shows.
Will Chitrak affect my diabetes or thyroid medications?
It could. Ceylon leadwort may either raise or lower blood sugar levels, which could interfere with diabetes drugs, and it may also weaken immunosuppressants and interfere with hormone therapies. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—they can advise based on your specific medications.
Is there anything in Chitrak besides the herb itself?
No—there are no other inactive ingredients or fillers listed. It's just Ceylon leadwort in the product.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Chitrak label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chitrak's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 10 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Ceylon Leadwort 10 references
  1. Mandavkar, YD, Jalalpure, SS. A comprehensive review on Plumbago zeylanica Linn. African J. Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2011;5(25):2738-2747. DOI
  2. Kumar SS, Shanmugasundaram KR. Amrita Bindu-an antioxidant inducer therapy in asthma children. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2004;90:105-114. PubMed
  3. Sandeep G, Dheeraj A, Sharma NK, Jhade D, Bharti A. Effect of plumbagin free alcohol extract of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. root on reproductive system of female Wistar rats. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2011 Dec;4(12):978-84. PubMed
  4. Vijayakumar R, Senthilvelan M, Ravindran R, Devi RS. Plumbago zeylanica action on blood coagulation profile with and without blood volume reduction. Vascul Pharmacol. 2006 Aug;45(2):86-90. PubMed
  5. Olagunju JA, Jobi AA, Oyedapo OO. An investigation into the biochemical basis of the observed hyperglycaemia in rats treated with ethanol root extract of plumbago zeylanica. Phytother Res. 1999 Jun;13(4):346-8.
  6. Chen A, Zhou X, Tang S, Liu M, Wang X. Evaluation of the inhibition potential of plumbagin against cytochrome P450 using LC-MS/MS and cocktail approach. Sci Rep. 2016 Jun 22;6:28482. PubMed
  7. Sunil C, Duraipandiyan V, Agastian P, Ignacimuthu S. Antidiabetic effect of plumbagin isolated from Plumbago zeylanica L. root and its effect on GLUT4 translocation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2012 Dec;50(12):4356-63. PubMed
  8. Checker R, Sharma D, Sandur SK, Khanam S, Poduval TB. Anti-inflammatory effects of plumbagin are mediated by inhibition of NF-kappaB activation in lymphocytes. Int Immunopharmacol. 2009 Jul;9(7-8):949-58. PubMed
  9. Jia Y, Jing J, Bai Y, Li Z, Liu L, Luo J, Liu M, Chen H. Amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by plumbagin through down-regulation of JAK-STAT and NF-?B signaling pathways. PLoS One. 2011;6(10):e27006. PubMed
  10. Poosarla A, D N R, Athota RR, Sunkara VG. Modulation of T cell proliferation and cytokine response by Plumbagin, extracted from Plumbago zeylanica in collagen induced arthritis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Nov 16;11:114. PubMed

See these in context on the Ceylon Leadwort monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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