Anisomeles indica
What's the taxonomical classification of Anisomeles indica?
Anisomeles indica belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant is further organized into the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Anisomeles, with the specific epithet indica designating its species.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Anisomeles |
| Species | indica |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Anisomeles indica has an erect, annual herbaceous habit characterized by stems that are typically branched and covered in fine, spreading hairs. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem and feature an ovate to lanceolate shape with entire or slightly serrated margins. Small, inconspicuous flowers are produced in axillary clusters, often displaying a pale color. The fruit is a small, dry capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds essential for its reproduction. This plant's overall structure is relatively slender, allowing it to thrive in disturbed or open habitats.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to a vast tropical and subtropical range spanning across parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is frequently found in disturbed habitats, grasslands, and along roadsides throughout these warm regions. Populations are particularly dense in tropical climates where moisture levels are sufficient to support its rapid growth. In many areas, the species has become widespread due to its ability to thrive in varied soil conditions. Its distribution continues to expand as it colonizes new environments within these specific climatic zones.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Anisomeles indica, thrives best in well-drained, loamy soils under full sunlight or partial shade in tropical and subtropical climates.
Cultivation begins by sowing seeds in moist, nutrient-rich soil during the onset of the rainy season to ensure adequate hydration. It requires regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture, though it can tolerate moderate periods of drought once established. To promote healthy growth and medicinal potency, the soil should be enriched with organic compost or manure.
Periodic weeding and thinning are necessary to prevent competition for nutrients among the developing plants.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Anisomeles indica utilizes its leaves and the entire aerial part for various medicinal applications. The green leaves are often processed into decoctions or poultices to treat respiratory ailments and skin inflammations. Practitioners frequently use the whole aerial part of the plant to formulate traditional remedies for fever and digestive issues. These components contain bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic properties in folk medicine. Careful preparation of these specific plant structures ensures the extraction of their healing qualities.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", the leaves of the medicinal plant Anisomeles indica L. from the Terai-Duars region of West Bengal were used to isolate endophytic fungi. A total of 10 endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of A. indica. Out of these, 5 were identified using ITS1/ITS4 sequencing. Within these isolates, 5 tested positive for plant growth promotion potential. Specifically, isolates Ai4, Ai1, Ai2, and Ai2.1 showed significant production of secondary metabolites. Among these, isolate Ai2 showed a maximum total phenolic concentration of 25.98 mg g-1, while isolate Ai4 showed a maximum total flavonoid concentration of 20.10 mg g-1.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
- aerial part
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Anisomeles indica is utilized in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments including inflammation, fever, and respiratory issues. In the Ayurvedic system, it is often employed for its cooling properties to balance bodily energies and manage skin conditions. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine use the plant to clear heat and resolve toxins from the body. The leaves and stems are frequently prepared as decoctions or poultices to address localized swelling and digestive discomfort. These diverse historical applications demonstrate the significant role the species plays in regional herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine", Anisomeles indica is one of the 48 Nepalese medicinal plants assessed in the present communication. The folk uses of this specific plant are for urinary affections. The medicinal uses of the species are consistent with the latest pharmacological findings, common Ayurvedic and earlier uses. The field study for primary data collection regarding these plants was carried out from 2006-2008.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Anisomeles indica?
This plant has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and cytotoxicity properties that make it a significant subject for pharmacological research. Its antioxidant capacity helps neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress within biological systems. The plant also demonstrates potent antibacterial and antiviral activities by inhibiting the growth and replication of various pathogens. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects assist in modulating immune responses to decrease swelling and pain. Finally, studies have identified specific cytotoxic activities that suggest potential applications in cancer research and cell death regulation.
According to a study published by "Phytochemical analysis : PCA", Anisomeles indica is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat inflammatory and systemic disorders. The plant contains macrocyclic diterpenoids such as ovatodiolide (OVA) which exhibit extensive biological activities. These activities include anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. These effects involve key signaling pathways including NF-κB, STAT3, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, β-catenin, and TGF-β. Optimized derivatives like NMP-diepoxyovatodiolide and ACT004 have been developed to provide improved pharmacokinetics and enhanced safety in preclinical models.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- anti-inflammatory
- antimicrobial
- antiviral
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds acteoside, anisomlic acid, apiigenin, ovatodiolide, and cembrane-type diterpenoids. These specific chemical constituents contribute to the diverse pharmacological activities observed in the species. Acteoside and apiigenin are known for providing significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of anisomlic acid and ovatodiolide further enhances the complex biochemical profile of the plant. Additionally, the cembrane-type diterpenoids play a crucial role in its unique biological functions.
According to a study published by "Nutrients", Acteoside is one of the active ingredients found in Anisomeles indica. This plant is prepared into commercially available products such as Anisomeles indica HP813 powder. In research involving Wistar rats, doses of 0, 207.5, 415, and 830 mg/kg body weight were used to evaluate the powder. The study showed that the area of gastric ulcer was 48.61% in the ethanol-induced group, 35.30% in the 415 mg/kg group, and 27.16% in the 830 mg/kg group. Additionally, lesion scores were recorded at 2.9, 2.4, and 2.3 for the ethanol-induced group, the 415 mg/kg group, and the 830 mg/kg group, respectively. The HP813 powder protected against damage through IκB-α induction and reduced expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB proteins.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Acteoside
- anisomlic acid
- apiigenin
- ovatodiolide
- cembrane-type diterpenoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating Helicobacter pylori infection, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gastric ulcer, and inflammation. Its medicinal properties focus on soothing the gastrointestinal tract to alleviate discomfort. Researchers have noted its effectiveness in combating the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers. Furthermore, the plant helps reduce swelling and manages digestive distress like diarrhea. These combined effects make it a significant resource for managing various digestive health conditions.
According to a study published by "FEMS immunology and medical microbiology", Anisomeles indica (L.) O. Kuntze (AIOK) demonstrated strong anti-H. pylori activities. This plant was among 50 Taiwanese folk medicinal plants examined using 95 percent ethanol for herbal extraction. The minimum inhibitory concentration values for the five ethanol herb extracts, which included AIOK, ranged from 0.64 to 10.24 mg ml(-1). About half of the tested Taiwanese folk medicinal plants were found to possess higher anti-H. pylori activity.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- dyspepsia
- gastric ulcer
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is processed into medicinal preparations including Anisomeles indica HP813 powder, aqueous extracts, and ethanol herb extracts. The HP813 powder provides a concentrated form of the plant's bioactive constituents for various therapeutic uses. Aqueous extracts are prepared by using water as a solvent to pull out water-soluble compounds from the botanical material. Ethanol herb extracts utilize alcohol to isolate a broader range of phytochemicals that water alone cannot dissolve. These diverse preparations allow for different methods of administration and varying levels of potency in traditional and modern medicine.
According to a study published by "Nutrients", Anisomeles indica contains the active ingredient actoside and is prepared into commercially available products of A. indica HP813 powder. In research involving Wistar rats, the A. indica HP813 powder was administered at doses of 0, 207.5, 415, and 830 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The area of gastric ulcer was measured at 48.61% in the ethanol-induced group, 35.30% in the 415 mg/kg A. indica HP813 powder group, and 27.16% in the 830 mg/kg A. indica HP813 powder group. Additionally, lesion scores were recorded as 2.9 for the ethanol-induced group, 2.4 for the 415 mg/kg A. indica HP813 powder group, and 2.3 for the 830 mg/kg A. indica HP813 powder group. This powder protected the gastric ulcer from damage through IκB-α induction.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Anisomeles indica HP813 powder
- aqueous extract
- ethanol herb extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can induce significant biological damage through mechanisms such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, hatching inhibition, lethality, and developmental malformations. The chemical constituents within Anisomeles indica trigger programmed cell death and halt the progression of the cell cycle in targeted organisms. These physiological disruptions lead to increased mortality rates and the failure of embryos to emerge from their shells during the hatching process. Furthermore, exposure to its bioactive compounds is linked to severe structural malformations in developing life forms. Such potent toxicological effects demonstrate the plant's capacity to compromise organismal viability and reproductive success.
According to a study published by "Life (Basel, Switzerland)", the crude extract of Anisomeles indica (AI-EtE) expressed toxicity to HeLa cells with an IC50 dose of 38.8 µg/mL. In zebrafish embryos, doses higher than 75 µg/mL caused malformations, lethality, and hatching inhibition at 72-hpf. At the IC50 dose, transcript levels of BAX, CASPASE-8, and CASPASE-3 were 1.55-, 1.62-, and 2.45-fold higher than control cells, respectively. Treatment with AI-EtE caused cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, with percentages of treated cells in G1, S, and G2/M being 85%, 6.7%, and 6.4%, compared to 64%, 15%, and 19% in control cells. Additionally, the expressions of CDKN1A and CDNK2A were up-regulated 1.9- and 1.64-fold in treated cells.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- apoptosis
- cell cycle arrest
- hatching inhibition
- lethalitity
- malformations
What herbs are paired with Anisomeles indica?
This plant Anisomeles indica pairs effectively with ginger, peppermint, and licorice to enhance its traditional medicinal properties in herbal infusions.
Combining it with ginger helps to stimulate digestion and add a warming sensation to the decoction. Peppermint is often added to provide a cooling counterpoint that can soothe respiratory discomfort. Including licorice root serves to sweeten the bitter profile of the plant while acting as a synergistic expectorant.
These specific combinations are frequently utilized in traditional Southeast Asian remedies to treat various ailments.