The Blue Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), a native to South Africa, is named for the traditional belief that it can cure lead poisoning. Indeed, although Blue Plumbago is used and confirmed to cure the land from lead poisoning though phytoremediation, there is not sufficient evidence it can do this in humans. However, one of the key compounds in the Blue Plumbago, plumbagin, has recently drawn interest for its ability to induce ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death dependent on iron, which is a new cancer therapy target.
The Blue Plumbago is a popular plant for the garden, grown in temperate and tropical regions, producing clusters of pretty periwinkle blue flowers year-round on a large mounding bush or climbing habit. Its flowers and leaves are used for producing a yellow, beige and lemon dye for clothes, and the sap of the roots is a grey-blue and has been used for tattoos. The Blue Plumbago also has a number of traditional medicinal uses, such as healing wounds & bones, for dysentery, headaches and to dispel bad dreams. Scientific investigation has found it to antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant and gastroprotective activities.
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*This post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any disease. Always seek medical advice directly through consultation with a health professional.