1. Introduction Plumbago zeylanica L. belonging to the family Plumbaginaceae is an important plant of medicinal value. In the Arabian Peninsula, it is mainly distributed over Oman, Yemen and the Southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. The use of the roots of P. zeylanica for treating skin problems has been recorded by early Muslim physicians. P. zeylanica is greatly valued in Ayurveda for treatment of cough, asthma and gastrointestinal disorders. In Sushrutha Samhitha it has been described as antiseptic