Barleria prionitis

Barleria prionitis, commonly known as Vajradanti in Ayurveda, is a versatile medicinal shrub prized for its therapeutic properties. Renowned for its significant dental benefits, this plant is extensively used to treat gum diseases, toothaches, and inflammation. Its roots and leaves offer potent bioactive compounds essential in traditional healing.

  • Scientific name: Barleria prionitis
  • Family: Acanthaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Acanthaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Barleria, specifically as the species Barleria prionitis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Acanthaceae WCVP
Genus Barleria WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct tropical regions. In Northeast Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in both Eritrea and Ethiopia. Its presence extends significantly into the Western Indian Ocean islands as well. Specifically, it is documented in the diverse landscapes of Madagascar and Mauritius. Additionally, the species is also recorded in the territory of Réunion.

Region Area Source
Northeast Tropical Africa Eritrea WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Ethiopia WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Mauritius WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Madagascar WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Réunion WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Rodrigues WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Seychelles WCVP
Arabian Peninsula Saudi Arabia WCVP
Arabian Peninsula Yemen WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP

Chemicals

Barleria prionitis has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include barlerin, verbascoside, 6-hydroxy Flavone, TAF, indigo.

Total chemicals
9
Scientific sources
11

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
barlerin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
verbascoside 2 ★☆☆☆☆
6-hydroxy Flavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
TAF 1 ★☆☆☆☆
indigo 1 ★☆☆☆☆
indirubin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isoverbascoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
shanzhiside methyl ester 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tryptanthrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Barleria prionitis has 18 reported activities identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antifertility, Antioxidant, Analgesic.

Total activities
18
Scientific sources
22

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifertility 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiarthritic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihelminthic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Barleria prionitis has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, antioxidant activity, anxiety, cancer.

Total uses
13
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant activity 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anxiety 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gout 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infertility 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kidney diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆