Justicia spicigera
Justicia spicigera, commonly known as Mexican Shrimp Plant, is a vibrant tropical perennial cherished for its striking, shrimp-like bracts. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value, traditionally utilized in various cultures for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating inflammation, digestive issues, and various skin ailments.
- Scientific name: Justicia spicigera
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Acanthaceae and falls under the genus Justicia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Acanthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Justicia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across multiple continents and regions. In Asia, it can be found within the Indian Subcontinent, specifically in Bangladesh. Its distribution extends to the Northwestern Pacific, where it is located in the Mariana Islands. Within North America, the species is present in the Northeastern and Central regions of Mexico. Additionally, its reach includes the Southeastern United States, particularly in Florida.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Northwestern Pacific | Marianas | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Florida | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
Chemicals
Justicia spicigera has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Kaempferitrin, kaempferitrin.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Kaempferitrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferitrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Justicia spicigera has 11 reported activities identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial, Analgesic, Antihemolytic, Antinociceptive.
- Total activities
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihemolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antinociceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Apoptotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytostatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Justicia spicigera has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HeLa cells, Trichinella spiralis, antineoplastic, cancer, edema.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| HeLa cells | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Trichinella spiralis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antineoplastic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| prostate cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tumors | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |