Clinacanthus nutans (burm. F.) Lindau: An Useful Medicinal Plant of South-East Asia.

Abstract

The present paper outlines the traditional use, pharmacological and phytochemical aspects of a very popular medicinal plant Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau (Family-Acanthaceae), primarily used in South East Asian countries. Owing to its antiviral properties, the extracts of this plant is used in many hospitals in Thailand for treating herpes simplex virus and herpes zoster virus. The plant has been included in ‘Thai Herbal National Essential Drug List’ and promoted for the treatment of herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and skin pruritis in primary health care programmes. A complete review involving the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties of C. nutans has been made using published papers, databases and books. The plant contains terpenoids, flavonoids, C-glycosyl flavones, sulfur-containing glucosides and glycoglycerolipids which contribute to the pharmacological activities. Pharmacological studies revealed that C. nutans possesses antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Clinical trials of the creams containing extracts of C. nutans in the treatment of Herpes genitalis and Herpes zoster infection showed successful results. Few isolated compounds are reported to possess anti-herpes simplex activity. Acute and subacute toxicity studies revealed C. nutans is non toxic when used at the recommended doses. Further research on this plant is needed to isolate the active components for rationalizing its use in therapy.