Anisomeles malabarica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across different regions of South Asia and the Indian Ocean. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Its presence also extends into the Western Indian Ocean, where it inhabits various island territories. Specifically, this medicinal species is documented in both Mauritius and Réunion. Consequently, its range covers diverse tropical environments across these two major geographical zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Anisomeles malabarica is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons within its natural habitat. In terms of its structural growth habit and ecological positioning, the plant functions as a chamaephyte, maintaining its buds at or just above the soil surface, which influences its survival strategy and interaction with its environment.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Anisomeles malabarica is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. It is a terrestrial plant that grows independently, showing no parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, the plant is self-supporting rather than being a vine or liana, and its height varies significantly, ranging from a minimum of 0 m to a maximum of 2 m, with an average plant height of approximately 1 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height mean:

1 m

Plant height min:

0 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Anisomeles malabarica is characterized by complex metabolic processes that support its growth in diverse tropical environments, primarily focused on efficient nutrient uptake and secondary metabolite production. Regarding its relationship with soil nutrients, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationship with rhizobia typically found in leguminous species, meaning it does not possess the biological machinery to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form (trait_1: Nitrogen fixer; trait_2: Nitrogen_fix_1: no). Instead, it relies on the absorption of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system to satisfy its nitrogen requirements for protein synthesis and enzymatic functions. Its physiological activity is further defined by its ability to synthesize various bioactive compounds, including terpenoids and phenolic derivatives, which serve as chemical defense mechanisms against herbivory and environmental stressors. The plant's metabolic rate and transpiration processes are closely regulated by its leaf morphology and stomatal conductance, allowing it to maintain homeostatic balance during varying levels of humidity and sunlight intensity.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Anisomeles malabarica has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Malaria journal
2. Experimental parasitology

Chemicals

Anisomeles malabarica has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ANISOMELIC ACID, Citral, EO, OVATODIOLIDE, betulinic acid.

ANISOMELIC ACID

1. Dr. Duke

Citral

1. Dr. Duke

EO

1. Dr. Duke

OVATODIOLIDE

1. Dr. Duke

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Anisomeles malabarica has 62 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include ACE-Inhibitor, Allergenic, Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antiallergenic.

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antiallergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiallergic

1. Dr. Duke

Antianaphylactic

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations

Anisomeles malabarica has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Leaf-EAE, acetone leaf extracts, methanol leaf extracts.

Leaf-eae

1. Malaria journal

Acetone leaf extracts

1. Experimental parasitology

Methanol leaf extracts

1. Experimental parasitology