Rhinacanthus nasutus

Rhinacanthus nasutus, commonly known as a significant medicinal herb, holds profound value in traditional healing practices. This plant is prized for its diverse therapeutic properties, often utilized to treat various ailments. Understanding its botanical characteristics and bioactive compounds is essential for exploring its potential in modern pharmacological applications.

  • Scientific name: Rhinacanthus nasutus
  • Family: Acanthaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Rhinacanthus nasutus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is further classified under the order Lamiales. It ultimately falls under the family Acanthaceae and is situated within the genus Rhinacanthus.

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

Common Names

This plant, Rhinacanthus nasutus, is recognized by various regional common names depending on the linguistic and cultural context. In Chinese-speaking regions, it is known as 灵芝草 (zh-hans), 靈芝草 (zh-hant), and 靈芝草 (zh-hk). In the Telugu language, it is referred to as నాగమల్లి (te), while in Thailand, it is commonly called ทองพันชั่ง (th).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 灵芝草 Wikidata
zh-hant 靈芝草 Wikidata
zh-hk 靈芝草 Wikidata
te నాగమల్లి Wikidata
th ทองพันชั่ง Wikidata
vi Kiến cò Wikidata
zh 灵芝草 Wikidata
ml നാഗമുല്ല Wikidata
zh-tw 仙鶴草 Wikidata
zh-cn 白鹤灵芝 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across the globe. In South Tropical Africa, it can be found growing within the borders of Angola. Its presence extends to the Western Indian Ocean, where it is located on the islands of both Mauritius and Réunion. Moving toward Asia, the species is documented in South-Central China. Additionally, the plant is known to inhabit the tropical region of Hainan, China.

Region Area Source
South Tropical Africa Angola WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Mauritius WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Réunion WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China Hainan WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Rhinacanthus nasutus, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, ranging from its underground structures to its visible growth above the soil. The root serves as a vital foundation, often containing concentrated bioactive compounds. Above the ground, the aerial parts encompass the entire visible structure of the plant, including the stems and reproductive organs. Specifically, the leaves are a primary focus of study, as the individual leaf morphology and chemical composition are essential for identifying its therapeutic potential.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
8
Plant Part Sources Confidence
root 4 ★★☆☆☆
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Rhinacanthus nasutus has 46 reported phytochemicals identified across 53 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include rhinacanthin-C, rhinacanthin C, rhinacanthin E, rhinacanthin-D, rhinacanthin-N.

Total chemicals
46
Scientific sources
53

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
rhinacanthin-C 3 ★★☆☆☆
rhinacanthin C 2 ★☆☆☆☆
rhinacanthin E 2 ★☆☆☆☆
rhinacanthin-D 2 ★☆☆☆☆
rhinacanthin-N 2 ★☆☆☆☆
rhinacanthin-Q 2 ★☆☆☆☆
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3,4-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-2H-naphtho[2,3-b]pyran-5,10-dione 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Rhinacanthin-M 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Rhinacanthin-N 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Rhinacanthus nasutus has 8 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antifeedant.

Total activities
8
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antifungal 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifeedant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Rhinacanthus nasutus has 18 reported medicinal uses identified across 23 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, eczema, ringworm, skin diseases, HeLa cells.

Total uses
18
Scientific sources
23

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 3 ★★☆☆☆
eczema 2 ★☆☆☆☆
ringworm 2 ★☆☆☆☆
skin diseases 2 ★☆☆☆☆
HeLa cells 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
colonic neoplasms 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetic complications 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetic nephropathy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fungal infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆