The roots of the Plumbago genus, specifically Plumbago zeylanica and related species, contain natural plumbagin. Because of its possible medicinal benefits, naphthoquinone has been the subject of several studies. Ongoing research aims to better understand the mechanisms underlying the actions of plumbagin, optimize its distribution and formulation, assess its efficacy and safety in clinical trials. Plumbagin is a bioactive compound that has several possible therapeutic uses; however, further studies are required to completely understand its advantages and disadvantages in clinical settings. The roots, leaves, and stem of the plant contain plumbagin, which possesses antimalarial, antiobese, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiulcer, anti- inflammatory, antiox idant, and anticancer properties, and has been traditionally used to treat various disorders, including dysmenorrhea, leprosy, anemia, rheumatic pain, colds, coughs, and arthritis. Plumbagin has low bioavailability owing to its poor solubility, metabolic instability, and efflux by transporters. Although plumbagin has promising therapeutic properties, it is also poisonous, which limits its clinical applications, cytotoxicity, organ toxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity. Plumbagin and its derivatives have high therapeutic potential, particularly in oncology and antibacterial applications. However, issues such as bioavailability and toxicity must be addressed. Advances in drug delivery technologies, chemical changes, and combination therapy are interesting approaches for increasing the therapeutic viability of plumbagin and its derivatives. To completely comprehend their therapeutic potential and guarantee human safety, further clinical investigations are needed.
