Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (30 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus, commonly known as Java tea, is a medicinal plant highly valued for its diverse therapeutic activities. The leaves of this species are frequently utilized in various preparations, including aqueous, methanol, and 50% ethanol extracts. These extracts are rich in bioactive chemicals such as eupatorin, sinensetin, flavonoids, and ursolic acid. Due to these compounds, the plant exhibits significant antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. Consequently, it is often employed in managing health conditions such as gout, inflammation, arthritis, and kidney diseases.
- Synonyms
- Clerodendranthus Spicatus · Clerodendranthus Stamineus · 5 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Distribution
- Northern America
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus is a versatile plant known by many different names across various cultures. It is widely recognized by its charming English common name, Cat's Whiskers, which describes its unique appearance. In different regions, you may also encounter it referred to as Java Tea or Té de Java. Its cultural significance is further highlighted by its local names, such as Koemis koetjing and Kumis Kucing. Regardless of the name used, this plant remains a distinctive and well-known botanical species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus is a botanical subject frequently identified by various scientific synonyms in academic literature. It is widely recognized under the name Becium grandiflorum in several taxonomic records. Furthermore, the plant is often referred to as Clerodendranthus spicatus or Clerodendranthus stamineus depending on the specific classification system used. Other common aliases for this variety include Clerodendrum spicatum and Orthosiphon spiralis. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for accurate identification and research within the field of botany.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus is a unique botanical specimen belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. This variety is a distinguished member of the Lamiaceae family, showcasing characteristics common to many aromatic herbs. While it shares some interesting connections within the broader botanical landscape, it is primarily defined by its placement in the genus Orthosiphon. Interestingly, its classification provides a fascinating point of study when compared to other related groups like the genus Ocimum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Orthosiphon |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus exhibits a broad geographic range that spans across several diverse regions of Asia. Within the temperate zones of China, this variety is commonly found throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories, as well as on the island of Hainan. Its presence extends further into Eastern Asia, specifically documented within the landscapes of Taiwan. Beyond these temperate regions, the plant also thrives in tropical climates, particularly across the Indian Subcontinent in Assam. This wide distribution highlights the adaptable nature of the species across varying Asian ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus is characterized by its distinct shrub-like growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its own structure without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus, commonly known as cat's whiskers, is a highly valued medicinal plant in Southeast Asia that possesses a diverse range of biological activities. Scientific research has confirmed its potent antioxidant properties, which contribute to its traditional use in managing oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. The plant also exhibits significant antihypertensive effects, largely attributed to the synergistic action of its constituent flavonoids. Furthermore, studies highlight its antidiabetic potential through its ability to stimulate insulin secretion and lower blood glucose levels. Beyond these uses, the plant demonstrates effective antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities, making it a promising subject for further pharmacological development.
Compounds
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus is a medicinal herb recognized for its rich profile of bioactive phytochemicals. The plant contains various flavonoids, which contribute to its diverse pharmacological activities and health benefits. Within this chemical composition, specific compounds such as eupatorin and sinensetin have been identified as significant active constituents. Additionally, the plant contains ursolic acid, which is linked to important therapeutic mechanisms. Research also highlights the presence of norstaminol A, further illustrating the complex chemical nature of this species.
Conditions
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus treats diabetes, gout, and various kidney-related dysfunctions according to traditional medicinal uses. The plant's active constituents, such as sinensetin, provide significant anti-inflammatory benefits and help manage conditions like arthritis. Research indicates that the plant's extracts possess antioxidant properties that support its use in treating inflammation. Furthermore, studies demonstrate that the extract exhibits genoprotective potential by modulating damage induced by mutagens. Ultimately, these findings suggest that the plant poses no genotoxic risk and can instead protect against genotoxicity and clastogenicity.
Preparations
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus is prepared as an aqueous extract to investigate its potential for alleviating hyperglycemia and improving lipid profiles in diabetic rats. Research also shows that it is prepared as a methanol extract to evaluate various antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative effects. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a 50% ethanol extract, which has been found to modulate genotoxicity and clastogenicity induced by mitomycin C. Studies further utilize the plant prepared as a 50% methanol extract to analyze the specific concentrations of free amino acids within its leaves. These different preparation methods, including the 50% ethanol extract, allow for the comprehensive pharmacological and chemical profiling of the species.
Parts used
Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus is a medicinal herb where the leaf serves as a critical part for extracting bioactive compounds. Research indicates that the leaves of this species contain valuable constituents like the flavone eupatorin, which demonstrates significant antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties. These leaves are also a rich source of various metabolites, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and a wide range of free amino acids. Detailed chemical analyses have successfully identified specific amino acids like L-glutamic acid and L-aspartic acid within different leaf extracts. Ultimately, the diverse chemical profile found in the leaves underscores the plant's potential importance in anticancer and medicinal research.