Leadwort is a potent medicinal agent used in the treatment of stubborn chronic rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases and tumerous growths as recommended by Ayurveda. It also finds its use in correcting chronic menstrual disorders, viral warts and chronic diseases of nervous system. Extract of various fraction of Chitrakmool have been identified as anticancer drugs. Rootbark is also considered useful in obesity.
Roots of the plant contain an acrid crystalline principle called plumbagin. Besides, it contains chloroplumbagin and biplumbagin.